Robert Alonzo Washington, age 66, of Knoxville, departed this life on Monday, July 31, 2017 at his residence. He was born on June 1, 1951 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was a member of the Knoxville College Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He was also a member of Great Light #300 PHA Masonic Lodge. He is preceded in death by his mother, Bernetta Frazier; his foster parents, Hermine and Thaddeus Waiters; and brother, Melvin Washington. He leaves in this life his wife of soon-to-be 42 years, Sandra Ward Washington; their two daughters, Courtney E. Washington and Cristen W. (Carlton) Battle; grandsons, Ryan and Reece; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Bonham; three sisters, Marie, Bernetta and Debra; two brothers, James and Bernard; and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and all who knew him as “the Stiltman.” The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, with the funeral to follow, with Rev. Leroy Franklin officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

James R. (Ronnie) Gilbreath went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday July 19, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis R. Gilbreath, Jr., and Climrose Franklin Gilbreath; and his brother, Lewis R. Gilbreath, III. Ronnie had a great sense of humor and could always be counted on for a good laugh. He was known for his cooking and auto body repair skills, and family and friends raved over his delicious fried chicken and bar-b-que ribs. He loved music and was very knowledgeable about musical artists and their recordings. Ronnie was well loved by many and will be greatly missed. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted fiancé and caregiver Kathy Gordon; daughter, Krystal Gainey; son, Chris Gainey; sister, Patricia G. Smith; brother, Michael E. (Retha) Gilbreath; aunt, Wanda Jean (James) Parton; many loving and devoted nieces and nephews to include Sharee, DeWayne, Selena, Michael Jr., Candice, Michelle, Tron and Tawana; loving cousins to include Juney, Butch, Spanky, Bonnie, Patrick, Rochelle and Tasha; a host of great nieces and nephews, other cousins and many friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with the Homegoing Service to follow in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with Rev. James Billings officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the homegoing service. Services will conclude with a white dove release. The family will assemble at 3104 Vera Street, Knoxville. A special thanks to the Reid, Billings, Cunningham, Gainey and Stephenson families, as well as Covenant Hospice Care for their loving care and support.

Mattie M. Davis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Fort Sanders Medical Center. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 12:00 PM at Good Samaritan Church, 2572 East Magnolia Avenue. Arrangements made with integrity by Unity Mortuary. Mrs. Davis’s guestbook can be signed online at www.unitymortuary.com and www.legacy.com.

Master Darshawn Martez Witt, Jr. “Stink”, age 7, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 16, 2017. Darshawn was born July 28, 2009 to Sabrina Chandler and Darshawn Witt, Sr. He attended Spring Hill Elementary School, where he strived to become an honor roll student, and HE DID IT! He was loving, caring and determined. He had a smile that brightened up the room and made everyone laugh. “Stink” loved playing PlayStation, making friendly bets and dancing at all of the kid birthday parties. He was a very competitive boy who loved NBA player Stephen Curry. Darshawn was special and definitely one-of-a-kind. He leaves behind his mother, Sabrina Chandler; father, Darshawn Witt, Sr. (Aminah Kea); godparents, William Gillette & LaShaundra Lenoir; siblings, Rakeem, J’Shawna, Darshawna, Marshawn, Ra’Nique Witt and Kamonie Hurt; devoted grandmothers, Edwina Porter Chandler & Sherri Farmer; grandfathers, Anthony (Geno) Mitchell, Charles Chandler and Sam Martin; a host of aunts, uncles, and numerous caring cousins, the Austin Homes Community and a lot more. Seven years on this earth and he touched so many hearts! Darshawn will never be forgotten and will truly be missed! The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 from 5:00- 6:30 pm at Overcoming Believers Church, with the Homegoing Services to follow with Pastor Daryl Arnold officiating and eulogist. The family will assemble at 4201 Alma Avenue at 4:00 pm. The final resting place will be at New Gray Cemetery on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 10:00 am.

Mary Joyce Lovely, age 64, of Knoxville, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab. She was preceded in death by her son, Baron Lovely, and father, Howard Lovely. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Mamie Davis; son, Charles Davis; seven grandchildren; sisters, Harriet, Francine, Jeannie and Landy; brother, Howard “Junior” Lovely; nieces, nephews, devoted aunt Margaret Lovely, other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 17, 2017 from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow, in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary.

Mary Lee Thompson , age 67, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Preceded in death by parents, Ruby and Ralph Howard. Left to cherish her memory: devoted children, daughter, Karen Thompson; son, Carl Thompson; grandchildren, Tiara Thompson and Tory Moran; great-grandchild, London Moran; 4 sisters, Deborah Flood, Sharon Ammons, Lisa Whitted and LaTonya Minor; 3 brothers, Billy, Chris and Jeffrey Howard. Family will receive friends on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 PM with funeral services to follow in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue. Interment to follow at Mount Olive Cemetery on Maryville Pike. Service to conclude with blanket presentation and full dove release.