Mary Ann Tharpe

Mary Ann (Needham) Tharpe died peacefully at her home in Fountain City, a suburb of Knoxville, Tenn., on July 30, 2020. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease eight years ago, but did not suffer. She was able to remain in her home of 60+ years during that time thanks to the loving care of her niece, Robin Delph, Miranda Corum and her daughter LaKaya, and Teresa Kay Collins, who became her full time caregiver and companion four years ago. Teresa and her family adopted Mary Ann as one of their own and included her in their many gatherings. In April 2019, she was able to visit her daughter’s new home near Greenville, S.C., and play with her grand cat, Leo. Born on her family’s farm on July 6, 1931, in Maynardville, Tenn., Mary Ann attended Horace Maynard High School. She married her high-school sweetheart William Gene Tharpe on June 1, 1955, and they were able to celebrate 49 years of marriage before his death on his 77th birthday on July 20, 2006. Mary Ann cared for him throughout his battle with vascular dementia and no doubt has received a few extra jewels in her Heavenly crown because of that devotion. Following high school, Mary Ann worked at the Standard Knitting Mill until the birth of her only child, who she named Bunny because of her fondness for the rabbits raised on farm when she was a child. She and Gene were married for 13 years before becoming parents, believing they would not be able to have children. In fact, when Mary Ann complained of certain symptoms, Gene told her she was “just going through the change.” The doctor clarified that indeed, “your lives are about to change!” Mary Ann will be remembered for her sense of humor, especially her drawn-out punch lines because she always got tickled at herself. She loved country music, especially Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, and her rendition of “Blue Moon of Kentucky” always concluded with a lovely yodel. She also loved football, had a great throwing arm, and probably could have helped coach the Tennessee Vols out of their slumps. She is survived by her daughter, Bunny Tharpe, of Mauldin, S.C., nieces Jay Lynn (McHaffie) Fosha of Sacramento, Calif., Sherry (Needham) Bryant of Knoxville, Tenn., Kenneth Needham of Knoxville, Janice (Needham) Tindell of Knoxville; Robin (Tharpe) Delph of Knoxville; Brad Tharpe of Claremont, Calif., Brock Tharpe of Powell, Tenn., Derick Tharpe of Maynardville, Tenn., Cecily (Tharpe) Perry of Hepler, Kansas, Lindlae (Tharpe) Parish of Edgewater, Fla., Kenneth Needham of Knoxville, Janice (Needham) Tindell of Knoxville, and several great nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Loved ones who met Jesus face to face before her include her parents, Gertrude (Cox) Needham and Robert Needham of Maynardville, brothers Earl Needham of Knoxville and Glen Needham of Maynardville, sisters Dorothy (Needham) Scott of Sacramento, Calif., and Peggy (Needham) Arms of Maynardville, and nephew Charles Hugh (Chuck) Tharpe of Powell, Tenn. Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, August 1, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home in Fountain City. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 2, at 11 a.m. at Butcher Cemetery, Butcher Hollow Road, Maynardville, Tenn., 37807. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or an animal rescue/shelter of your choosing. “Lord, help us all to get right. Amen.” This was Mary Ann’s frequent prayer. Although simple, it is a wonderful expression of the Gospel and she is dancing on the streets of gold because of her faith in it.

Obituary

Oralia De Leon Briano

Oralia De Leon Briano – age 63 of Strawberry Plains, went to be with the Lord Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by her family. She enjoyed walking, cooking, working in her garden and walking with her dog. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ana Lopez and Arnulfo De Leon; brother, Jose Luis De Leon.

She is survived by her husband, Ruben Briano; children, Dalila Leek (Josh), Ruben Briano (Emily), Cindy Briano (Tanh); grandchildren, Alexia Leek, Jacob Cao, Catherine Davenport, Sophia Briano, Ana Lucia Cao; three sisters and six brothers, many nieces and nephews.

Steven Earl Miracle

Steven Earl Miracle-age 64 of Maynardville passed away suddenly Saturday afternoon, November 9, 2024, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was a retired truck driver with ABF Freight Line and was a member of the Teamsters Union. He was a loving husband, son, father, brother and uncle. He loved his animals especially the squirrels and chipmunks. Preceded in death by son, Steven Miracle, Jr., father, Eugene Miracle, sisters, Angie Miracle and Paula Killion; nephew, Dustin Wilson.

Rozella Wallace

Rozella Wallace-age 75 of Luttrell passed away Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Willow Ridge Center. She was a member of the Lighthouse Church of God. She loved to sing in church, gardening and being outdoors. Preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Zettie Harless; brother, Don Harless.

Frank Floyd Thomas

Frank Thomas, 80, of Maynardville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, peacefully at his home where he was lovingly cared for by his devoted granddaughter who was by his side, Millie Thomas,

A gifted photographer whose lens captured countless precious moments throughout his life, Mr. Thomas had an extraordinary ability to preserve memories for family, friends, and his community. His professional career spanned over four decades as a skilled baker, and he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Emily Link

Emily Link

Maynardville, TN - Emily Q Link, 86, went to be with her heavenly father on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Born January 04, 1938 in Spartanburg, SC, Ms Link the daughter of the late Clyde W. Quinn and Janie Maude Lee Quinn. She graduated from Spartanburg High School and was a member of First Baptist Church Of Maynardville.

Joseph Heck

Joseph Heck-age 60 of Maynardville passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home. He loved to restore classic cars, loved NASCAR and loved his family and grandkids. Preceded in death by parents, Francis and Camilla Heck; grandparents; stepson, Joseph Ellis.

Survived by wife, Carolyn Rice; son, Joseph Heck; sister, Ruthann Little; brothers, Thomas Heck, Shawn Heck, Stuart Heck; 14 grandkids; stepdaughters, Clorissa Ellis, Casey Winfield-Smith; Special fur babies.

William Carl "Bill" Gray

William Carl “Bill” Gray – age 62 of Maynardville, went home to be with his Heavenly Father 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 5th 2024. He was a member of Hickory Valley Baptist Church. Graduate of Horace Maynard High School class of 1980. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Carl Gray and June Ruth Smith Gray; sisters, Dana Smith, Judy Sexton; brothers-in-law, Steven Sexton, Bob Sexton, Tim Houston; father-in-law, Fred Hackney; nephew, Jason Houston.

Ambria Davis

Ambria Lee Davis-age 45 of Sharps Chapel went home to be with the Lord, Friday morning, November 1, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Taylor’s Grove Missionary Baptist Church and was a graduate of Karns High School, Knoxville, Class of 1998.

Survivors, mother, Vivian Ann Wright of Sharps Chapel. Four nieces, one nephew, three great-nephews. Several aunts, uncles and other relatives. Fur babies: two cats, one dog, two sheep and one donkey.

Shannon Lamb

Shannon Lamb – age 51 of Knoxville passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at U. T. Medical Center. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dollie and Guy Cooper; father, Freddie Carmen; mother, Judy Sorrells; aunts, Brenda Bowling, JoAnn Dobbins, Joyce Brewer; uncles, Nathan Cooper, Gary Cooper; brothers, Darrell Cooper, Little Gary Sorrells; sister, Judy Sisson, cousins, Benny Cooper, Judy Ann Mebine, Denita Gilliam, Dollie K Muncy, Heather Rios.

ida Bell Savage

Ida Bell Savage-age 81 of Luttrell passed away Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was a member of First Apostolic Church, Knoxville. Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd Savage; parents, Major Lester and Edith (Davis) Jones; grandsons, Clayton Lloyd Miller and Steven Smyser; son-in-law, C. J. Miller; two sisters and three brothers.

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger-age 80 of Luttrell passed away Friday morning, November 1, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Willow Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Luttrell. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd Wolfenbarger; parents, Charlie and Bertha Thomas; siblings, Ed, Bill, Earl, Georgia and Blanche.

Judy Ann Bailey

Judy A. Bailey-age 79 of Luttrell, died peacefully Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the home of her niece and caregiver, Michelle Strunk. She was a 25-year employee of Flowers by Bob. Preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bailey; her parents, Fred and Mettie Dukes; sisters, Ilah Washam, Reba Herron, Nalda Slaughter; brothers, Ted Dukes, Roy Dukes.

Dorothy Louise Cummings

Dorothy Louise Cummings born on April 16, 1939, a resident of the Karns Community in Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, Otha Taylor Stoffel and Matilda Jane Stoffel. Dorothy worked at and retired from Robert Shaw. She was married to Lionel “Jack” Cummings for 38 years. Dorothy loved her family and was always there for them. She was a devoted Christian and grandmother to numerous grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr-age 76 of Tater Valley in Washburn passed away surrounded by his family Monday, October 28, 2024, after a long illness, we believe to be ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Roy was a lifelong member of Mount Eager Baptist Church in Hogskin. Roy was a long-time employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City where he made many lifelong friendships. He loved his job and their monthly breakfast gatherings and reunions. Roy finished his work career with the Grainger County Highway Department where he forged many more lasting friendships.

Berneice "Bea" Larmer Lee

Berneice (Bea) Larmer Lee-age 88 of Washburn passed away Friday morning, October 25, 2024 at The Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. Bea was a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist Church and a retired employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City. Preceded in death by husband, Delmer Gail Lee; parents, Oak and Carrie (Nicley) Larmer.

Survivors include many cousins with a host of friends and other relatives.

Angela Newman

Angela Dawn Newman - age 59 of Luttrell, passed away October 12, 2024. She loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed any time spent with her grandkids. Angela enjoyed being out at the lake fishing and spending time with her dog, Beauty. She will be greatly missed by many.

Larry Eugene Miller

Larry Eugene Miller, age 67 of Halls, TN, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Sacred Ground Hospice House after fighting a battle with cancer. He was born July 2, 1957 in Knoxville, TN to Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael. He was a Halls High school graduate class of 1975. He worked most of his life, in jobs ranging from Mynatt Brothers to Cooks and Pioneer Pest Control.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael, and Caitlynn Carmichael.

Melissa Michelle Schubert

Melissa Michelle Schubert-age 54 of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at U. T. Medical Center unexpectedly after she lost her battle with cancer. She loved the Lord and had accepted Jesus as her savior. She was a very hard worker and loved being creative. She enjoyed painting, drawing and decorating. She was a free spirit and loved her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She has been rejoined with her son, Michael Conatser who passed away in 2022 and her baby brother, Michael.

Sandra Ann Muncey

Sandra Ann (Brown) Muncey-age 62 of Maynardville passed away Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024 at Willow Ridge. Preceded in death by her mother, Juanita (Asbury) Brown; father, Wayne Brown; brother, Tony Brown; sister, Mary Brown.

She is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Muncey of Mississippi, Jessica Nicley of Maynardville, Bridget Muncey of Maynardville; grandchildren, Christian Fox of Mississippi, Emily Erwin and Ashley Erwin of Chattanooga; brother, Donnie Brown of Maynardville and several nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and many friends.

Carlos Anton Dew

Carlos Anton Dew-age 51 passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Carlos loved spending time with his family and friends but loved most his two sons, Matthew and AJ. He was a voracious reader and always will be an Eagles fan. Preceded in death by his father, Larry Dew; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dew.

Left to mourn his passing, his mother, Dinah Dew; sons, Matthew and AJ; brother, Matthew McMillan; close relatives, Cathy Nowak, Jodi Moore, Melissa King; close friend, Dylan Squires.

Ricky Lynn Fife

Ricky Lynn Fife-age 65 of Tazewell passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation. Preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Billie Marian (King) Fife.

Left to mourn his passing, granddaughter, Christine Charlene Poole.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.