Cornelia Fisher, a long-time resident of Knoxville, has been welcomed into the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ on January 31, 2019. Ms. Fisher was born in Huntsville, Alabama on June 30, 1935. She was the third daughter of the late Willie Mae Langford Fisher and Alexander Fisher. She is preceded in death by her parents and three sisters:  Hattie Fisher, Queen Esther Fisher Duncan, and Selestine Fisher Atkins. Before the family moved to Knoxville, they briefly lived in Chattanooga, Spring City, and Dayton, Tennessee. She attended Knoxville City Schools and graduated from Austin High School in 1954. Ms. Fisher was employed by the Knox County School System, working in Early Childhood Education. In more recent years, she worked as a Foster Grandparent at the Boys and Girls Club. A long-time member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church, she was an active participant in Missionary Circle 9, the Senior Usher Board, the Joy Club Seniors, and the Red Hat Club. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Tyrone Woodard of Knoxville; two granddaughters, Traci and Alicia Stewart; seven great-grandchildren: Derrick, De Aris and Deidre Stinson, Ashely Stewart, ReeShawn and Aliah Willis (all of Knoxville), and Ceondra Porter (of Aurora, CO); five great-great grandchildren: Rajon, Ramir, BraNiya, DeAris Jr., and Raelynn; three devoted nieces, Deborah (Edwin) McCleary of Oak Ridge, Lisa Dixon of Knoxville, and Kimberly Lisenby of Woodbridge, VA; nephew, Charles David (Roxanne) Duncan of Fort Washington, MD; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. The family will receive friends at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 11 AM to 12 PM with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Michel S.E. Caldwell officiating. The final resting place will be at the Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services. The family will assemble at the church on the day of services.

Donna Jean Wilson Griffin, affectionately known as “Pie,” was called home by God on Monday, January 21, 2019. She was born in Kentucky, but resided in Knoxville, Tennessee. Donna loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Greater Warner A.M.E. Zion Church. She is preceded in death by her parents: Jesse Wilson Sr. and Sharon Anne Scudder Wilson; maternal grandparents: Harold K. Scudder and Jean Scudder; and brothers: Jesse Wilson, Jr., and Marcus L. Wilson. She leaves to mourn her passing her devoted and loving husband of 35 years, Cebra Griffin, Sr.; sons: DeWayne Love, Darrius Griffin, Cebra (Kaia) Griffin, Jr.; brothers: Harold Wilson and Malcom Wilson; grandchildren: Kyiala Love, Dameya, Da’Kari, and Cebria La’Donna Griffin; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 2:00-2:30 PM at First AME Zion Church, 1900 McCalla Ave, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Rev. Dr. Cleo Brooks officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.

Travis Henry Wooley, Jr passed from this life and into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 14, 2019 at the age of 84. Travis was born August 12, 1934 in Arkadelphia (Colony), AL. Travis was the son of Travis Henry and Alma Cora Wooley. Travis retired from Rohm and Haas (now Dow Chemical).  He started his career with them in Knoxville then moved to Houston, TX to continue his employment and retired from this company.  After retirement, he decided to move back to his beloved Knoxville. Although Travis considered Knoxville, TN his home, he loved Houston and considered it his second home. Travis lived life to the fullest and was always looking forward to his next adventure. For many years Travis was a member of Daysprings Baptist Church in Knoxville, where he took much enjoyment and pride in being the church’s bell ringer for their Sunday services. He was preceded in death by his parents: Travis & Alma Cora Wooley; and siblings:  Christal, Erria, Sadie, Lester, Octerius, Chester, Nathaniel, Essic, and Cleveland. He leaves to cherish his memories his sons: David (Sylvia) Byars & Dwayne (Pamela) Wooley; grandchildren: Devondria Wooley, Natasha (Abdaq Kayd) Byars, Desiree’ (Arturo) Zuñiga, Brianna Byars, Jordan, Jessica & Jason Wooley; great-grandchildren:  Audianna, Kennedy, Eleña & Maxemilio; sisters: Agnes Vaughn & Gladys (Russell) Layne;  Niece:  Bobbie Bridges;  a host of great-nieces, nephews & cousins; extended friends & loved ones; and his caregiver, Shirley Sullivan, who cared for him for the last five years of his life. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Dayspring Baptist Church, 923 W. Oldham Ave, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM.

Beulah Mitchell was born on October 22, 1938 to Ophelia C. Sarden in Lake Providence, Louisiana. At the age of 80, she departed this life on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Ft. Sanders Regional Hospital. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ophelia C. Sarden; brother, Elijah Sarden; son, Curtis G. Ezell; and father of her children, Lawrence E. Mitchell, Sr. She leaves to honor her memory her children: Lawrence E. Mitchell, Jr., Joy Mitchell-Byrd, Lee V. Mitchell and Misty L. Mitchell; nine grandchildren: Antonio C. (Christy) Upton, Pierre (Kaylee) Mitchell, Jakolby Stigall, Samuel Byrd III (Pariz) Salehe, Jashara Mitchell, Niyah Byrd (David) Palacios, Kaleb Mitchell, Samahd (Byrd) Salehe and Joyah Byrd; seven great-grandchildren: Greyson Upton, Kai Mitchell, Jamyra Chesney, Jenia Mitchell, Ace Mitchell, Shylynn Upton and Alinah Palacios; cousins: Eddye Mae Bee, Willie (Beatrice) Moore III, Kimberly (John) Chandler, and Roi (Tonya) Ligon; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and longtime friend, Charlotte Brabson. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 12-1 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Christopher Battle officiating and Rev. Renee Kessler as eulogist. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.

Minister Eric Tyrone Penson Sr., age 51, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 11, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Knoxville, TN, originally from Los Angeles, California. Eric was a Minister at Walking by Faith Ministries. His passion was in ministry, spending time with his family, devoted best friend/brother-in-law Minister Ricky Gregory and his football team East Tennessee Knights. Eric is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Maxwell; grandparents: Madeline Franklin, Beatrice Penson and Leroy Penson, Sr.; and uncle, Richard Franklin III. He is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Katherine Marie Penson; children: California, Candance Penson, Eric T. (Ebonisha) Penson Jr., Kasasha (Anthony) Bolden, Keont’e Gregory Sr., and Celica Gregory; honorary sons: Steven Hines and DeAngelo Tucker; father, Leroy (Wendy) Penson Jr.; siblings: California, Leroy (Betty) Penson III, Mark Penson, Sharon Penson, Darryl Penson, Jeffery Penson, Avis Hodge, Randy Dupree and Shemia Dupree; grandchildren: Ja’Cion, Ja’Ciyah, Coby, Keont’e Jr., Kain, Kason, William, Amarie, Jacie; loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and host of family and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 12-1 PM at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Cecil Avenue, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Darryl Lindsey officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.