Michael Eugene Crosby, 51, departed this life on January 30, 2018. He was a lifelong resident of South Knoxville and worked at KFC, Chapman Highway. He is preceded in death by mother, Patricia Bolden Crosby; father, Haston Crosby; biological father, Cecil Woodard; sister, Cecilia Crosby; and niece, Shakeita Crosby. He is survived by his sons, Quentin and Timothy; devoted sister, Angie Crosby (Bill Lewis); brother, Douglas Crosby, Sr.; nephews, Curtis, Sam, Jr. and Douglas, Jr.; nieces, Sammeshia and Candace (Daniel); a host of other family to include the Boldens and Woodards and many friends to include the Smith family and Montgomery Village community. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 5 PM to 6 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with Words of Comfort to follow by Pastor Victor E. King, Sr.

Nannie “Nancy” Florence Walker went Home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 29, 2018. She was born on April 12, 1942 to the late Dabner and Lillie Mae (Duff) Ellington in Glasgow, KY. Nancy was a loving mother and grandmother who stood as surrogate mother and grandmother to many. She was a loving sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. Nancy was preceded in death by children: Roger McDowell II and Sherri Bell; two brothers: EJ Ellington and Charles Ellington; and three sisters: Ola Mae Ellington, Mildred Williams and Margalene “Margie” Burton. Nancy leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Vanessa Franklin (Sacramento, CA, Vincent Bell (Sacramento, CA), Vivian Bell (Oliverhurst, CA), Valentino Bell (Santa Maria, CA), Cassandra McDowell (David Sleet, Jr.)(Knoxville, TN), Roger McDowell III (Knoxville, TN), Carmelita “Eboni” Jenkins (Knoxville, TN); two sisters: Anna Lois Greer (Louisville, KY) and Hattie Jones (Edmonton, KY); 34 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 5 PM to 5:30 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Cynthia Russel officiating.

Willie Jo Allen-Mason departed this life on January 19, 2018 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was born on March 14, 1952 to the late James and Nella Ruth Brown. She leaves to cherish her memories her four children: Angela Nance, Anthony Nance, Shannon Thomas and Demetrius Smith; ten grandchildren, including immediate grandchildren, Brittany Nance, Chantel Braxton, Dominic Smith; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of loving relatives and friends. The family would like to especially thank Bernice Watson, Mini Thomas and Miss Mildred for their love and support. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Bethel AME Church, 2460 Parkview Avenue, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 7:00 PM. Arrangements made with integrity by Unity Mortuary. Mrs. Allen’s guestbook can be signed on-line at www.unitymortuary.com and www.legacy.com.

Robert Lee Edwards Jr. departed this life on January 18, 2018, surrounded by love and support. He is preceded in death by his loving father, Robert Lee Edwards Sr. He is survived by his loving mother, Sarah J. Edwards; the apples of his eye: Travis Henry, Brenda (Shannon) Riley, Shawanna (Edwin) Hayward, LaTisha (Stephen) Lundy, Shenaya (George) Shannon, Kasara (Charles) Carter, Robert Edwards III, Ashleigh Edwards and Caleb Edwards; a bountiful blessing of 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandson; siblings: Glaydean, Mitchelyn, Efrem, Toni and Malcolm; a host of nieces, nephews, and special companion Sherry Miller. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2018 with the Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12 PM at Mother Love Baptist Church, 3919 Wrights Ferry Rd, Louisville, with Pastor Loren Harris as pastor & eulogist and Pastor Dexter Mims officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Reginald S. Jones II, age 37 of Knoxville, departed this life on January 18, 2018 at Physicians Regional Medical Center. Mr. Jones was returned to Miami, Florida for funeralization.

Gladys Wallace Henderson, age 90, departed this life on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Westmoreland Health and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness. She was born on April 22, 1927, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Raymond and Mary Henderson, Sr. She graduated from Austin High School in 1945 and began working in Central Supply at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital. After 45 years, she retired as supervisor. Gladys was a lifelong member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents: Raymond and Mary Henderson; granddaughter: Desiree Armstrong; sisters: Della Walker and Mary Eldridge; brothers: Raymond Henderson, Jr., Roy Henderson, Charles Henderson, Theodore Henderson; brothers-in-law, Carter Eldridge and Ernest Conway; nieces: Shirley Walker Kimber and Zena Goins; nephew, Thomas Frank Conway. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving and devoted daughter: Geraldine (David) Armstrong; granddaughters: Dr. Nota (John) Hunter of Houston, TX and Shana Armstrong of Washington, DC; great-granddaughter: Madison Hunter; sister: Elizabeth Conway of Detroit, MI; sister-in-law: Earlene Henderson of Topeka, KS; special friends, Helen Hodges, Pat Cox; and a host of relatives and friends. Many thanks to the staff at Westmoreland Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hall 100. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12 PM on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1601 Dandridge Ave, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12 PM, with Minister Janice Y. Crawford officiating. The final resting place will follow at New Gray Cemetery. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Mary Magnolia Cash-Mattress was born December 12, 1927 in Knoxville, TN. She departed this life on January 16, 2018 at Holston Rehabilitation Center. She went to join her heavenly Father while sleeping peacefully. She was educated in the Knoxville City School System, finishing at Austin High School, Class of 1947. Mary was a member of VFW and the Elks. She was aosl a long-term President of the Austin-Homes Community. A woman who wore many, many hats. Most of all, the absolute core of her family and faith member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Frances Jackson-Cash; father, Charles Houston Cash; husband, James Mattress, Sr.; sons, James Jr., Steven Sr., and Robert L. Mattress; and granddaughter, Sheila L. Mattress. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughters, Vera and Mary Mattress; sons, Leon and Robert (Chiquila) Mattress; sisters-in-law, Frances (Erskin) Spears and Doris Mattress of Cincinnati, OH, and Willie Mae Cash of Knoxville; devoted daughter-in-law, Patricia; grandchildren, Senika, Shakara, Nikitia, Steven Jr., Sylvena, Franchaska, Sade, Lamel and Justin; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:00 PM on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1601 Dandridge Ave, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 6:00 PM. The final resting place will be on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 11:30 AM at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike. A white dove release will conclude the services.

James Stanley Skaggs was born on June 28, 1963. He peacefully departed this life on January 13, 2018. James was truly a joy to be around. He possessed an infectious smile and personality that lit up any atmosphere he was in and around. One of his popular sayings was “You so sweet.” His presence will truly be missed, as he was a blessing to those he came into contact with. He was preceded in death by his father, Lee F. Skaggs. He leaves to cherish his memories his mother: Eula M. Skaggs; his siblings: Lee F. Skaggs, Jr., Linda (Jones) Mynatt and Michael A. Skaggs; nieces and nephews: Kristin S. (David) White, Vernon Keith (Katie) Mynatt, Jr., William E. Mynatt, Anthony (Lee Ann) Skaggs and Matthew Skaggs; aunts: Ann Sargent and Mattie B. Wade; one uncle: Eugene Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Howard & Darlene Pegues, Mrs. Carla Payne, Smoky Mountain Hospice and Compassionate Care for all of their love, support and services. The family will receive friends from 11 AM-12 PM on Monday, February 12, 2018 in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow, with Pastor Jeremy Weaver officiating. The final resting place will be at Berry Highland Memorial Gardens, 5315 Kingston Pike, following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Timothy Dewayne Littlejohn, age 47 of Knoxville, departed this life suddenly on January 12, 2018. He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Littlejohn; and brother, Vaughn “L.J.” Littlejohn. He leaves to cherish his memories his three sons, Rashannad Burton, Issac and Timothy Littlejohn; mother, Jacqueline Littlejohn; brother, William Littlejohn; sister, Connie Littlejohn; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and devoted friend, Timothy Tillery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-6:30 PM on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Unity Mortuary, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 6:30 PM, with Rev. William Riddle officiating.

Frederick D. Jackson, Sr., age 90 of Knoxville, passed away at his home on Sunday morning, January 7, 2018. He was born November 19, 1927, in Knoxville, to Edgar and Geraldine Rhoan Jackson. Mr. Jackson, a faithful member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church, was President of the Senior (JOY Club) Ministry and an active member of Sunday Church School and the Trustee Ministry. He also sang in the Male Chorus and participated in the Men’s Ministry and Tuesday night Bible study class until his health no longer allowed his active participation. Mr. Jackson, a dedicated and respected servant of God, was the Church Treasurer for thirty-one years. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mattie Odessa Jackson; second wife, Edith Elizabeth Byrd Jackson; and brothers: Dr. Tillman V. Jackson and Edgar T. Jackson. Among those left to cherish his memory are two sons: Ronald Lewis and Frederick (Terressa) Douglas, Jr.; three grandsons: Frederick III, Robert Thomas and Charles A., all of Knoxville; one sister: Doretha Mungen of Tallahassee, FL; one brother: Rev. Kenneth C. (Beulah) Jackson of Silver Spring, MD; and a host of loving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and caregivers. The family will receive friends from 2 PM to 3 PM on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church, 520 College Street, Knoxville, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3 PM, with Rev. Michel S. E. Caldwell officiating. The final resting place will be on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike. A white dove release will conclude the services.