James, known by most as “Papa,” was a Knoxville native. He was a proud member of Open Door Church. He grew up throughout the city of Knoxville. He attended Beardsley and Vine Jr High, and then he later attended both Rule and Austin High. He also attended Knoxville College where he played basketball. He lived through the Jim Crow era, participated in peaceful protests during the civil rights movement and later served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. These experiences taught him to have a love for ALL people from every age, race, and social class. He loved making people laugh. He could light up a crowd with an animated story or a dance. He was always stressing the importance of exercise for both physical and emotional health. He would bike almost everywhere he went, and he practiced yoga well into his sixties. He was a man of peace, and he lived his life trying to bring some kind of peace and joy to others. James departed this life on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cassie McGhee; father, Alvin McKenzie, Sr.; brothers: Henry Allen and Donald Williams; sister, Barbara Billingsley; sister-in-law, Yolanda McKinzie; and daughter, LaRhonda McKenzie. He leaves to cherish his memory a wife, Yolanda McKenzie; children: James McKenzie Jr., Symira (Darium) Milton, Kenya McKenzie, Cassie McKenzie, and Admiral Robinson; siblings: Alvin (Mattie) McKenzie, Paul McKinzie, Deborah (Louis) McKnight and Judy Day; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include special friends: Ronnie Davis, Jimmy Duncan, Larry, Alvin (Tammy) Johnson and Pastor Steve Simpson. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 3-4 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Steve Simpson officiating. The final resting place will on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 2 PM on East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, East Gov. John Sevier Highway, with full military honors. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Elizabeth Perry Jones was born April 23, 1924 in Marion Junction, (Dallas County), Alabama.  She was the eighth child born to Reverend Willie Elijah Perry and Laura Bell Goldsby-Perry. She departed this life on March 29, 2019 at Park West Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jasmine Elizabeth Jones; and siblings: Albert Lee (Pete) Perry, Mary Francis Harold, Joe Henry Perry, Willie Mae Perry-Williams, Robert Perry, Isaiah Perry, William Perry, Rosa Mae Perry, Mattie Perry-Sanders, and Johnnie Benjamin Perry. Mother Jones was employed at the University of Tennessee’s Faculty Club and retired after 20 years of service. Her memories will be cherished by her children: Lovelace, Rosa and Jacqueline Jones; grandchildren: Tina, Davett and Djuansay Jones;  great-grandchildren: Jeffery Conwell, Elisha (Carlos) Vonner [of Reno, NV], Ilyana Snipes and Jeremiah Conwell; sister, Laura B. (Sherrill) Colston [of Buffalo, NY]; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and devoted family and friends:  James (Cynthia) Smith, James (Bobby) Evans, Charlotte Taylor, Dr. Harold (Betty) Middlebrook and Reverend John (Diane) Jordan. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 9, 2019 from 11 AM to 12 PM at Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, 1117 Beaman Lake Road, where Rev. Gene Thomas is the Pastor. The Celebration of Life Service will follow with Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook officiating. The final resting place will be at Berry Highland South Memorial Gardens.

Moshanda Renee Ash-McNair retired her earthly wings on March 28, 2019. At 45, this angel took up a higher calling and finished her time here on earth. Those she’ll always love but watch from afar are her 5 heartbeats, her children: Jack Bolden, Maurice Ash, Jalisa (Jennifer) Ash, Travon Ash and JaQuasia McNair; her parents: Bertha (Jerome) Ash-Tate and Melvin Yarbrough; grandmothers: Irene Ash (maternal) and Ethel Campbell (paternal); siblings: Rodney Ash, Precious Ash, LaTashia Foster, Karen Thompson, T’Anndra Yarbrough and Melvin Yarbrough II; grandchildren: Jai’Zya Bolden, Maurice Ash Jr., Nah’Lea Ash, Cali Nolan and Ja’Miaz MoShan; and a long loving list of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends. Moshanda is resting at Unity Mortuary and will lie in repose on Thursday afternoon. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 1-2 PM at First AME Zion Church, 1900 McCalla Avenue, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Rev. Michael McNair officiating.

Benjamin Frank Coleman, age 93, was born on July 12, 1925 to the late Eddie and Mattie B. Coleman of Tigall, Georgia. He entered into eternal rest on March 3, 2019 at Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center. Benjamin retired from Kern’s Bakery with thirty-two years of service. He was a member of Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Mattie B Coleman; devoted wife, Eddie B. Coleman; brothers: Robert, Paul, Nathaniel, Don, John and Clemon Coleman; sister, Carrie Mae Coleman; daughter, Freida Ann Vinson; grandson, Orlando Deray Bennett. He will be forever missed by his devoted daughters: Charlene Vinson, Victoria (Cliff) Starnes, Deriesa and Connie Coleman; devoted niece, Pamela Anthony; grandchildren: Keywonder Vinson, Keandrea Carter, Teenara Drew, Bando Vinson, Quawndell Drew and Montess Burt; sisters-in-law: Betty Appling, Alma Johnson [of Eufaula, AL] and Annie Keith [of Bartow, FL]; 14 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special friend: Willie Mae Eleby; very special thanks to all the staff at Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 12-1 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Rev. Mitchelyn Thompson officiating. The final resting place will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.