December 31, 2002

Cecil E. Crawford

   Cecil E. "Topper" Crawford, 62, 734 S. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, died Friday, December 27, 2002, at his residence following a lengthy illness.
   Mr. Crawford was a native of Carter County, having lived most of his life in New York and returning to Elizabethton in 1996. He was a son of Freddie B. Taylor Crawford, of the home, and the late Cecil E. Crawford Jr., and was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lelia Mae Bradford and Linda Sue Wright.
   Mr. Crawford attended Brown's Chapel AME Zion Church.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother, include a daughter, Elonda Godbold, Brooklyn, N.Y.; a son, Barry Cecil Godbold, Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sisters, Joan Dixon and Patricia Gray, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.,. Elaine Crawford, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Theresa Crawford, Elizabethton; two brothers, Shelby Crawford, Johnson City, and Michael Crawford, Elizabethton; two aunts, Mae Woods, East Orange, N.J., and Delores Murphy, Johnson City; one uncle, Arlie Crawford, of California; three brothers-in-law, Robert Gray, Lester Wright and Eugene Dixon; and two sisters-in-law, Diane Crawford and Elizabeth Crawford. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy
  
   CRAWFORD -- Funeral services for Cecil E. "Topper" Crawford, 62, 734 S. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, who died Friday, December 27, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with the Rev. Joseph Holifield officiating. Interment will follow in the Dogwood Section of Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence at any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@hathawaypercy.com. These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Rickey L. Davis

   Rickey Lynn Davis, 47, 103 Paddle Creek Road, Johnson City, died Sunday, December 29, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center.
   He was a native of Unicoi County and had lived most of his life in Washington County. He was a son of Lawrence and Peggy Woodby Davis, both of Unicoi.
   Mr. Davis graduated from Happy Valley High School in 1973.
   He was retired from the State of Tennessee Dept. of Transportation after 26 years of service. Mr Davis attended Maranatha Tabernacle and Simerly Creek True Holiness churches.
   Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his wife, Kathy Holtsclaw Davis; daughter, Angela Davis Clawson, Hampton; son, Scotty Davis, Johnson City; two brothers, Rep. David Davis, Johnson City, and Brian Davis, Nashville; two grandsons, Christopher Clawson and Dallas Clawson, both of Hampton.
   Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   DAVIS -- The funeral service for Rickey Lynn Davis, 47, 103 Paddle Creek Road, Johnson City, who died Sunday, December 29, 2002 will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2003 in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Pastor E.L. Wheeler and Junior McKinney will officiate. Burial will follow in the Holtsclaw Family Cemetery, Hampton. Active pallbearers will be Warren Davis, Chris Clawson, Roman Holtsclaw, Hillard Hicks, Gary Holtsclaw, Ronnie Shelton, Jim Blackburn, and Charlie Peters. Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Herman, Heath Herman, Bryan McAllister, Brandon Walker, Alex Goodman, Nick Estep, the Johnson family, Robin Barnett, Bobby Mottern, Steve Holtsclaw, and Jimmy Holtsclaw. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2002 and other times at the home, 103 Paddle Creek Road. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.

Beatrice Estep

   Mrs. Beatrice H. Hopson Estep, 90, 720 Sugar Hollow Road, Elizabethton, died Monday, December 30, 2002 at Pine Ridge Health Care following a brief illness.
   A native and lifelong resident of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Ellen Arnett Hopson. She was a member of Keenburg Freewill Baptist Church and the D.V.A. #17. She was a homemaker.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Estep, February 18, 1977; one son, William "Bill" Estep, December 29, 2000; three brothers, and four sisters.
   Survivors include two daughters; Clara Sue Oliver, Elizabethton; and Vivian Ann Carr, Watauga; one brother, Raymond Hopson, Wichita, Kan.; six sisters, Kathryn Potter Hardin, Elizabethton; Martha Campbell, Beulah Campbell, Pearl Markland, and Betty Jean Potter, all of Roan Mountain; and Gertrude Morrell, Bluff City. Seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy.
  
   ESTEP -- The funeral service for Mrs. Beatrice H. Hopson Estep, 90, 720 Sugar Hollow Road, Elizabethton, who died Monday, December 30, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2003 in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with Rev. Wallace Amos, Rev. Mark Street and Rev. Steve Burleson, ministers, officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Keenburg Freewill Baptist Church choir. Graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2003 in the Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be grandsons and husband of granddaughter. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Campbell, Jerry Perry, Dr. Stephen May and the staff of Pine Ridge Health Care. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday or at the residence of either daughter at any time. To those who desire, memorials may be made to the Carter County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 776, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Everyone will meet at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@hathawaypercy.com. These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Frances Diane Smith

  SMITH -- Funeral services for Frances Diane Smith, 51, 110 Nannie Smith Road, Hampton, who died Sunday, December 29, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2003 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mike Hyder and Rev. James Archer officiating. Graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2003 in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Rev. Ronnie Campbell, Tracie Proffitt, Tracie Shelton, and Kathy Hyder, pianist, will provide the music. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will be Pat Smith, Mike Nash, Karl Kapoor, Dennis Folsom, Billy Smith, Rick Smith, Randy Bitner and Dean Burrow. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of the Pinecrest Veterinary Clinic, friends and employees of Cable's Restaurant, her church family, Lynn Brown, and Dr. Anand B. Karnad. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Laura Perry. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Thursday to go to the cemetery. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Smith family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Randall Townson

   Randall Townson, 28, 115 Townson Road, Roan Mountain, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at his residence.
   Mr. Townson was a native of Carter County and a son of Randy Brownlow Townson and Patricia Mae Guinn Townson, both of Roan Mountain.
   Mr. Townson attended Cloudland High School where he was an outstanding football player. He was an auto body repairman and attended Sunset Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jake and Francis Townson and Jack and Etta Guinn.
   Survivors, in addition to his parents, include a brother and sister-in-law, Troy and Beth McLaughlin, Roan Mountain, and a niece, Morgan Blake McLaughlin. Several uncles, aunts and cousins also survive.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
  
   TOWNSON -- Funeral services for Randall Townson, 28, 115 Townson Road, Roan Mountain, who died Wednesday, December 25, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary Whitehead officiating. Music will be provided by the Sunset Free Will Baptist Church Choir. Graveside services and interment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, in the Townson Family Cemetery. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, will be Carl Calhoun, Robert Banner, Jonathan Townson, J.L. Potter, Danny Carrier and Sam Potter. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Woodby, Leslie Head, Ralph Potter, Danny Clark, George White, Barney Brown, Johnny Singleton, Chris Hensley, Austin Thomas and Sammy Ford. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of his father, Randy Townson, 115 Townson Road, Roan Mountain. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday. Condolences to the Townson Family may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

December 30, 2002

Joyce Brownfield

   Mrs. Joyce Brownfield, 61, 701 Willow Springs Road, Elizabethton, died Saturday, December 28, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Brownfield was a native of Coleman, Ala. and was the daughter of Lena Holcombe Stanford of Brilliant, Ala. and the late Elmer Carl Standford. She was of the Baptist faith and was a homemaker.
   Survivors, in addition to her mother, include two daughters and one son-in-law, Joyce Marie Fortenberry of Elizabethton and Lenna and Darin Heater of Hobart, Ind.; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Charles Jr. and Andrea Fortenberry, of Elizabethton, and Carl Henry Fortenberry of Johnson City; three sisters and two brothers; several step brothers and several step sisters; eight grandchildren, Mark, Lindsey, Christina, Telsa, Ashlee, Jennifer, Jacqueline and Billy Joe. Several nieces and nephews and adopted sons and daughters also survive.
   Final disposition for Mrs. Brownfield will be conducted at a later date in Indiana. Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.

Cecil E. Crawford

   Cecil E. "Topper" Crawford, 62, 734 S. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, died Friday, December 27, 2002, at his residence following a lengthy illness.
   Mr. Crawford was a native of Carter County, having lived most of his life in New York and returning to Elizabethton in 1996. He was a son of Freddie B. Taylor Crawford, of the home, and the late Cecil E. Crawford Jr. and was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lelia Mae Bradford and Linda Sue Wright.
   Mr. Crawford attended Brown's Chapel AME Zion Church.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother, include a daughter, Elonda Godbold, Brooklyn, N.Y.; a son, Barry Cecil Godbold, Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sisters, Joan Dixon and Patricia Gray, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.,. Elaine Crawford, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Theresa Crawford, Elizabethton; two brothers, Shelby Crawford, Johnson City, and Michael Crawford, Elizabethton; two aunts, Mae Woods, East Orange, N.J., and Delores Murphy, Johnson City; one uncle, Arlie Crawford, of California; three brothers-in-law, Robert Gray, Lester Wright and Eugene Dixon; and a sister-in-law, Diane Crawford. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy
  
   CRAWFORD -- Funeral services for Cecil E. "Topper" Crawford, 62, 734 S. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, who died Friday, December 27, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with the Rev. Joseph Holifield officiating. Interment will follow in the Dogwood Section of Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. Friends may call at the residence at any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family at condolences@hathawaypercy.com. These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Francis D. Smith

   Francis Diane Smith, 51, 110 Nannie Smith Road, Hampton, died Sunday, December 29, 2002 at her residence.
   A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late Dan and Mary Folsom Perry. She was an employee of the Pincrest Veterinary Clinic. She was a 1969 graduate of Elizabethton High School. Mrs. Smith was a member of Hampton First Baptist Church.
   She was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Perry, in 1968.
   Survivors include her husband, Mitchell L. Smith; a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Craig and Billie Jo Smith, Hampton; a daughter and son-in-law, Monica and J. Douglas Calhoun, Hampton; two sisters, Linda Burrow and Windy Perry, both of Elizabethton; a brother, Dan Perry, Johnson City, and three grandchildren.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

December 29, 2002

Pairlee W. Bowers

   Pairlee Williams Bowers, 79, formerly of 202 Donna Avenue, Elizabethton, died Thursday, December 26, 2002, at Life Care Center of Elizabethton following an extended illness.
   Mrs. Bowers was a native of Newland, N.C., and the daughter of the late James and Bertha Worley Monroe. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harrell Bowers, and by two sisters and a brother.
   Mrs. Bowers was a retired employee of North American Rayon Corporation.
   Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Bernie and Jeff Feathers, Elizabethton, and Virginia and Gaither Bynum, Sioux Falls, S.D.; a foster son, Joe Lloyd Williams, Elizabethton; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three brothers, John McGuire, of North Carolina, Willard McGuire, Springfield, Md., and Kenneth McGuire, of Ohio; and a special friend, Gilbert Hardin, Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   BOWERS -- Funeral services for Pairlee Williams Bowers, 79, formerly of 202 Donna Avenue, Elizabethton, who died Thursday, December 26, 2002, will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 29, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home with the Rev. Clate Briggs officiating. Music will be under the direction of Brandon Waycaster. Graveside services and interment will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 30, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Gilbert Hardin, Jeff Feathers and Gaither Bynum. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home chapel at 10:15 a.m. Monday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of a daughter, Bernie Feathers, 819 N. Roan Street, Elizabethton, at any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Ethelene J. Clawson

   Ethelene Joines Clawson, 60, 183 Lacey Hollow Road, Elizabethton, died Thursday, December 26, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center following an extended illness.
   Mrs. Clawson was a native of Carter County and the daughter of the late Warnie and Ruby Irick Joines.
   Mrs. Clawson was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church and was a former employee of Carter County Memorial Hospital as a CNA.
   Survivors include her husband, D.L. Clawson, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Faye and Steve Carr, Elizabethton; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Jim and Diane Clawson and David C. Clawson, all of Elizabethton, and Samuel L. Clawson, Johnson City; and a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Clinton Sams, Decatur, Ala. Four grandchildren, a great-grandson and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   CLAWSON -- Funeral services for Ethelene Joines Clawson, 60, 183 Lacey Hollow Road, Elizabethton, who died Thursday, December 26, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, December 29, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronald Stevens officiating. Interment will follow at Rittertown Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence, 183 Lacey Hollow Road, Elizabethton, at any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Cecil E. Crawford

   Cecil E. "Topper" Crawford, 62, 734 S. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, died Friday, December 27, 2002, at his residence following a lengthy illness.
   Mr. Crawford was a native of Carter County, having lived most of his life in New York and returning to Elizabethton in 1996. He was a son of Freddie B. Taylor Crawford, of the home, and the late Cecil E. Crawford Jr. and was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lelia Mae Bradford and Linda Sue Wright.
   Mr. Crawford attended Brown's Chapel AME Zion Church.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother, include a daughter, Elonda Godbold, Brooklyn, N.Y.; a son, Barry Cecil Godbold, Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sisters, Joan Dixon and Patricia Gray, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.,. Elaine Crawford, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Theresa Crawford, Elizabethton; two brothers, Shelby Crawford, Johnson City, and Michael Crawford, Elizabethton; two aunts, Mae Woods, East Orange, N.J., and Delores Murphy, Johnson City; one uncle, Arlie Crawford, of California; three brothers-in-law, Robert Gray, Lester Wright and Eugene Dixon; and a sister-in-law, Diane Crawford. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy
  
   CRAWFORD -- Funeral services for Cecil E. "Topper" Crawford, 62, 734 S. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, who died Friday, December 27, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with the Rev. Joseph Holifield officiating. Interment will follow in the Dogwood Section of Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. Friends may call at the residence at any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family at condolences@hathawaypercy.com. These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Eula M. Estep

   Mrs. Eula Martha Estep, 83, 322 West Doe Avenue, Elizabethton, died Thursday, December 26, 2002, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
   Mrs. Estep was a native of Carter County and a daughter of the late Sherman and Pearl Asher Estep. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, John Estep and Walter Estep, and a sister, Eller Estep.
   Mrs. Estep was a textile worker and was a Free Will Baptist.
   Survivors include a daughter, Linda Estep, Charlotte, N.C., and two sisters, Ethel Bowers and Vena Good, both of Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
  
   ESTEP -- Graveside services for Mrs. Eula Martha Estep, 83, 322 West Doe Avenue, Elizabethton, who died Thursday, December 26, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 29, in the Richardson Cemetery with the Rev. Elmer Carter officiating. Interment will follow the service. Pallbearers will be nephews. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Estep Family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Earl R. Fitzpatrick

   MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Earl Ray Fitzpatrick, 64, died Monday, December 23, 2002, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.
   Mr. Fitzpatrick was a native of San Diego, Calif., and the son of Gloris Carrigan Fitzpatrick, Orlando, Fla., and the late John D. Fitzpatrick.
   Mr. Fitzpatrick worked as a Civil Engineer for the State of New York.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Galina N. Fitzpatrick; three daughters, Kimberli Fitzpatrick and her husband, Eric Crum, Elizabethton, Tenn., and Aksana Fitzpatrick and Alesia Fitzpatrick, both of Elizaville, N.Y.; and a sister, Sharron Fitzpatrick, New York, N.Y.
   A memorial service will be held at a later date.
   Grand Strand Funeral Home and Crematory of Myrtle Beach, S.C., (843) 650-3028, will be in charge of arrangements.

Irene M. Hyder

   Mrs. Irene Mary Hyder, 92, 710 2nd Street, Elizabethton (Courtyard Apartments), died Friday, December 27, 2002, at Life Care Center of Elizabethton.
   Mrs. Hyder was a native of Washington County and a daughter of the late Thomas and Eliza Sams Loudy. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rhudy R. Hyder, and by a brother and a sister.
   Mrs. Hyder had lived most of her life in Carter County. She was a member of Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church.
   Survivors include two daughters, Mildred Jones, LaFollette, and Pearl Fleagle, Bradford, Ohio, and two sons, Joe Shumate, Carson, Iowa, and Vernon Shumate, Cleveland, Ohio. Ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren also survive.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
  
   HYDER -- Funeral services for Mrs. Irene Mary Hyder, 92, 710 2nd Street, Elizabethton (Courtyard Apartments), who died Friday, December 27, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Sunday, December 29, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Randy Johnson officiating. Graveside services and interment will be at 1 p.m. Monday, December 30, in the National Cemetery, Mountain Home. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m. Monday, will be Sam Harrison, Carl Roberson, Ikis Nave, Jim Honeycutt, Jay Kyte and Rusty Pippin. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m. Monday to go to the cemetery. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Hyder Family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Regina T. Little

   Regina "Jean" Tolley Little, 69, 1253 Milligan Highway, Johnson City, died Friday, December 27, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center.
   Mrs. Little was a native of Relief, N.C., but had lived in Johnson City most of her life. She was a daughter of the late Fred and Hassie Horton Tolley and was also preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Little, a brother, Michael Tolley, and a sister, Dorothy Musick.
   Mrs. Little was a member of North Street Church of Jesus Christ.
   Survivors include three brothers, Bud Tolley, Johnson City, David Tolley, Glover, S.C., and George K. Tolley, Mountain City; two sisters, Mildred Whitson, Unicoi, and Linda K. Light, Johnson City; three stepdaughters, Bessie Ruth Carver, Debra Ann Troxwell and Norma Jean Little, all of Johnson City. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-1521, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   LITTLE -- Funeral services for Regina "Jean" Tolley Little, 69, 1253 Milligan Highway, Johnson City, who died Friday, December 27, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, December 30, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel with the Rev. Mary Deal, the Rev. Bill Pruitt and the Rev. Wayne Pruitt officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, at Washington County Memory Gardens. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and proceed to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.

Violet R. Logsdon

   Violet Rainbolt Logsdon, 65, 102 Franklin Place, Apt. #4, Elizabethton, died Saturday, December 28, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Logsdon was a native of Carter County and the daughter of the late William Byrd and Annie McNeil Rainbolt. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Edward Truman Logsdon, two sisters, Novella Rainbolt and Nina Lee White, and a granddaughter, Nicole Fallyn Brown.
   Mrs. Logsdon was a member of Little Milligan Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
   Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jackie and Troy Mayton, Victoria, Va., Cathy and Joe Brown, Baltimore, Md., and Patrice Moody Oliver, Elizabethton; a son, Leland Moody, Elizabethton; three brothers, Harold Rainbolt and Robert "Tub" Rainbolt, both of Hampton, and Ken Rainbolt, Elizabethton; three sisters, Elsie Rainbolt, Hampton, Inez Bussey, Glen Burnie, Md., and Betty Logsdon, Chester, Va.; four grandchildren, Ricky Chad Oliver, Sean Moody and Zandalee Moody, all of Elizabethton, and Tyler Mayton, Victoria, Va.; several nieces and nephews; and two former husbands, D.L. Moody, Elizabethton, and Bill Cohen, Baltimore, Md.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   LOGSDON -- Memorial services for Violet Rainbolt Logsdon, 65, 102 Franklin Place, Apt. #4, Elizabethton, who died Saturday, December 28, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, December 30, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronnie Campbell officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Rev. Ronnie Campbell. Graveside services and inurnment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, at Butler Memorial Cemetery. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Mrs. Logsdon to the Neonatal Intensive Care, c/o Harbor Hospital, 3001 Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225 or to Cerebral Palsy of East Tennessee, P.O. Box 5125 EKS, 339A East Main Street,, Johnson City, TN 37601. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra K. Perry

   Sandra K. Perry, 49, 526 Sabine Street, Elizabethton, died Friday, December 27, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Perry was a native of Carter County and the daughter of Agnes Pate Price, Elizabethton, and the late Ralph E. Vance.
   Mrs. Perry was of the Presbyterian faith. She was employed in the Human Resources Department at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN.
   Survivors, in addition to her mother, include her husband, Raymond Perry, of the home; a son, Chris Perry, Johnson City; two sisters, Sharon Williams, Elizabethton, and Debra Vance, Jacksonville, Fla.; her stepfather, J.L. Price, Elizabethton; and two nieces, Abigail Bowers, Elizabethton, and Rebecca Clark, Winter Springs, Fla.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   PERRY -- Memorial services for Sandra K. Perry, 49, 526 Sabine Street, Elizabethton, who died Friday, December 27, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, December 30, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home with the Rev. Margaret Zeller officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of Peace or at the residence, 526 Sabine Street, Elizabethton, at any time. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Mrs. Perry to the American Diabetes Association, Tennessee Affiliate, 4205 Hillsboro Avenue, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37215. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy L. Ward

   Dorothy Louise Ward, 70, died Thursday, December 26, 2002, in Woodenville, Wash., following a brief illness.
   Ms. Ward was a native of Little Milligan and had lived in Mesa, Ariz., for 25 years. She was the daughter of the late Clayton and Elizabeth Rainbow Ward and was also preceded in death by two children, Camille and Cathy Raines, twin brothers, Frank and Tom Ward, one infant brother and two infant sisters.
   Ms. Ward was a retired nurse's aide.
   Survivors include three daughters, Sherri Hoppel, Woodenville, Wash., and Donna June and Debbie Arroux, both of Mesa, Ariz.; a son, Lloyd Raines, of North Carolina; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Beatrice Whaley, Butler, Ruby Elliott, Marjorie Pearson and Judy Mick, all of Elizabethton; and three brothers, Ira Ward and Carroll Ward, both of Elizabethton, and Edward Ward, Gulfport, Miss. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
   Courtesy of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick

December 27, 2002

George Blevins

   George Blevins, 77, 1205 Siam Road, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following an extended illness.
   He was a native of Carter County, and the son of the late James Frank and Sally Massingill Blevins. He was a member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church. He was a retired employee of General Shale Products.
   He was preceded in death by two sisters, Julie Campbell and Fronie Bowers; two brothers, Abb Blevins, and Charles Blevins, and an infant daughter.
   Survivors include his wife, Jewell Carr Blevins, of the home; one daughter, Mona Richardson, Johnson City; one son, Christopher Blevins, Elizabethton; three grandchildren, Kristy Houghton, Elizabethton; Jason and Becky Blevins, Carbondale, Ill.; two great grandchildren, Justin Houghton, and Katie Houghton, both of Elizabethton; one sister and brother-in-law, Hattie and J.D. Carr, New Ellenton, S.C.; three brothers and five sisters-in-law, Arthur and Helen Blevins, Reece and Charlotte Blevins, James and Janet Blevins, Evelyn Blevins, and Ada Blevins, all of Elizabethton.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   BLEVINS -- The funeral service for George Blevins, 77, 1205 Siam Road, Elizabethton, who died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at Tetrick Fu8neral Home with Rev. Bobby Stout and Mr. Ernie Depew, minister, officiating. The graveside service and interment will be held Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. at Morrell Cemetery, Bluff City. Active pallbearers will be Kenneth Carr, Kim Perry, Jimmy Caldwell, Charles Nave, Danny Blevins, and Benny Hicks. Honorary pallbearers will be Jay Odom, Laton Miller, W.J. Carr, Rex Caldwell, Bud Smith, and Dr. Robert Schubert. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:45 a.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at Tetrick Funeral Home, or friends may also call at the residence, 1205 Siam Road, Elizabethton, any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bounce Carter

   Bounce Carter, 89, formerly of 1027 Walker Street, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002, in Ivy Hall Nursing Home, following a brief illness.
   A native of Carter County, he was the son of the late Frank and Lucy Estep Carter. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Charlotte Jackson and Zelma Crawford, and three brothers, Ray Carter, Bronson Carter and Bruce E., Carter, Sr.
   Mr. Carter was a member of the First Christian Church, Elizabethton. He retired as a captain of the Elizabethton Fire Department, where he served as city fire inspector. He was a former part-time employee of Tetrick Funeral Home and Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. Mr. Carter was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II, where he served in grave registration. He was the recipient of three purple hearts. He was a member of Dashiell Masonic Lodge No. 238 F&AM, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, the York Rite Bodies, Jericho Shrine Temple, and a member of the Legion of Honor.
   Survivors include his wife, Margaret Nave Carter, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Kenny and Tammy Carter, Elizabethton; two sisters, Nell Gagliano, New Orleans, La., and Ruth Howell, Johnson City; two brothers, George Carter, Elizabethton, and Bob Carter, Johnson City; and several nieces and nephews.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, 423-542-2232, is in charge of arrangements. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   CARTER -- Funeral services for Bounce Carter, 89, formerly of 1027 Walker Street, Elizabethton, who died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, with Dr. Don Marshall, minister, officiating. Music will be under the direction of Janet Stuart. The Masonic service will be conducted by Dashiell Masonic Lodge No. 238 F&AM, following the funeral service. Graveside service and interment will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2002, in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Randy Jones, Joe Alexander, David Shields, Tim Broyles, David Pinkard, Andy Grindstaff, John Holsclaw, Steve Carter, Dan Laws, III, and Leonard February. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of First Christian Church, members of Dashiell Masonic Lodge No. 238 F&AM, and members of the Jericho Shrine Temple. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002, prior to the service, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, or at the residence of his son, Kenny Carter, 601 Maryetta Drive, at any time. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Jericho Temple, P.O. Box 5548, Kingsport, TN 37663, or the First Christian Church Reachout Program, 513 Hattie Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Words of sympathy to the family may be sent via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, 423-542-2232, is in charge of arrangements. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.

Robert J. Duszak

   SFC Robert J. "Bob" Duszak, Ret. U.S. Army, 51, 803 Connelly Road, Pickens, S.C., and also of 151 Marion Branch Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 at his residence unexpectedly, of an apparent heart attack.
   A native of Portland, Conn., he was the son of Dorothy Duszak, Portland, Conn. and the late Stanley Duszak. He was a senior system analyst with AIMCO. Mr. Duszak was retired from the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Carol McKinney Duszak, of the home; two sons, Matthew Duszak, Alexandria, Va.; Timothy Duszak, Culpepper, Va.; one brother, Stanley Duszak, Cromwell, Conn.; one grandson, Nicholas Duszak, Alexandria, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Grindstaff, Elizabethton; Debbie Radford, Elizabethton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Erby and Mrs. Louise McKinney, Elizabethton; two special nieces, Michelle Radford, Elizabethton; Crystal Grindstaff Maness, Kingsport; two special nephews, Chad Grindstaff, Elizabethton; and Scotty Radford, Elizabethton. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   DUSZAK -- The funeral service for SFC Robert J. "Bob" Duszak, Ret. U.S. Army, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel of Peace with a U.S. Army Chaplain officiating. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. Active pallbearers will be military pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Radford, Harold Montgomery, Lane Ward, and Michael Maness. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel of Peace, or friends may call the residence, 151 Marion Branch Road, Elizabethton, anytime. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Mr. Duszak to Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred W. Fletcher

   Mrs. Mildred "Millie" Ann Waits Fletcher, 60, 324 Swimming Pool Road, Hampton, died Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at her residence following a sudden illness.
   A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Dale H. and Christine McClain Waits. She was a graduate of Hampton High School. She was retired from Atwood Mobile Products in Rockford, Ill. and was of the Christian faith.
   Survivors include her husband, John C. Fletcher, of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Belinda Ann and "Phil" Bailey, Machesney Park, Ill.; one son, Mark A. Fletcher, Machesney Park, Ill.; a granddaughter, Megan Ann Bailey, Machesney Park, Ill., and a grandson, Jonathon Dean Bailey, Machesney Park, Ill.
   These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy.
  
   FLETCHER -- Mrs. Mildred "Millie" Ann Waits Fletcher, loving wife, mom, mammaw and friend, was born November 28, 1942 at the home of her parents, the late Dale and Christine (McClain) Waits and passed away in her sleep on the morning of December 24, 2002 in this same home. She married John Fletcher in June, 1960, and they moved to Rockford, Ill. They both worked and raised their two children there. She worked for 30 years at Atwood Mobile Products before retiring to care for her mother. She moved back to Tennessee according to her mother's wishes. After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease, her mother, Christine, passed away in July, 2001. Mildred continued to care for her family. She will be forever missed and loved by her husband, John (J.C.) Fletcher, of Hampton; her son, Mark Fletcher, of Machesney Park, Ill., and daughter Belinda A. (Fletcher) Bailey and son-in-law, Phil Bailey; granddaughter, Megan Ann Bailey, and grandson, Jonathon Dean Bailey. She will be remembered as a loving, selfless, strong-willed and non-judgmental woman who always placed her love of her family above any of her own desires. As her family, we thank her for all she did. We also want to thank all the special friends that helped her during her times of need. We thank you for being there for all of us left behind. God's peace to all who knew and loved Mildred Ann.
   The funeral service for Mrs. Mildred "Millie" Ann Waits Fletcher will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2002 in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home, with Mr. Dwayne Calhoun, minister, officiating. Music will be under the direction of Jimmy and Teresa Ealey.
   The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday or at the residence, 324 Swimming Pool Road, Hampton, at any time.
   The inurnment service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2002 in the Happy Valley Memorial Park. Everyone will meet at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@hathawaypercy.com. These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Maxine Mericantante

   Maxine Mericantante, 83, died Tuesday, December 24, 2002, in Benson, Ariz.
   Mrs. Mericantante was preceded in death by a son, Thomas L. Mericantante, who died in South Vietnam in 1968.
   Survivors include a son, Jan M. Tyler, Watauga, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
   No services are planned.
   Courtesy of Memorial Funeral Chapel.
  
Tempie Miller

   Tempie Marie "Grannie Miller" Miller, 94, 442 Tollett Street, Hampton, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002, at her residence following a brief illness.
   A native of Newland, N.C., she had lived in Hampton most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Grover and Bertha McKinney. She was a member of Union Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam J. Miller; four sons, Robert Reece (Cotton) Miller, Ed Miller, William Mack Miller, Roby Allen Miller; one daughter, Ruth Ann (Crick) Miller Williams; five brothers, Carmie McKinney, Cephes McKinney, Fred McKinney, Bill McKinney, and Earnest McKinney, and three sisters, Nettie McKinney Benfield, Nelly McKinney, and Ruby McKinney Banner.
   Survivors include a daughter, Ruby Miller Farmer, Hampton; a son, Jim Miller, Taylorsville, N.C.; three special nieces, Frances Burgin, Virginia Bivings, Gloria Banner, all of Morganton, N.C.; 28 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren, and two great great great grandchildren.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   MILLER -- The graveside service for Tempie Marie "Grannie Miller" Miller, 94, 442 Tollett Street, Hampton, who died Wednesday, December 25, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2002 at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Mr. Dwayne Calhoun, minister, officiating. Active pallbearers will be Jamie Williams, Greg Miller, Randall Vines, Scott Jornigan, James Ritchie, Roy Miller, Al Sturgeon, and Doug Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Miller and Judge Miller. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 1:55 p.m. Sunday. Friends may call at Tetrick Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2002, or call the residence, 442 Tollett Street, Hampton, any time. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Carter County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 682, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Frances E. Perry

   Frances Floyie Eggers Perry, 86, Glenstone Nursing Home, Boone, N.C., formerly of Mountain City, died Tuesday, December 24, 2002, at a nursing home following an extended illness.
   Mrs. Perry was a native of Avery County, N.C. She was the daughter of the late Conley William and Lottie Davis Eggers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odell Perry, who died in 1989, and by a daughter, Trula Lee Taylor, in 1970, and a grandson, Steven Perry, in 2002.
   She was a member of Zionville Baptist Church.
   Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Geraldine and Blaine Thomas, Patterson, N.C.; Charlotte and Danny Arnold, Mountain City, and Freda and Joe Saunders, Newland, N.C.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Ruth Perry, Elizabethton; Leonard and Joan Perry, all of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Wayne and Kim Perry, Salisbury, N.C.; two sisters, Maymie Maupin, Johnson City, Tenn., and Gladys Ragan, Calif.; one brother, Jessie Eggers, Edgefield, S.C.; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
   Hux-Lipford Funeral Home, 300 W. Main Street, Mountain City, 423-727-9221, is in charge of arrangements. www.funeralplans.com/hux-lipford.
  
   PERRY -- Graveside services for Mrs. Frances Floyie Eggers Perry, 86, Glenstone Nursing Home, Boone, N.C., who passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2002, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2002 from the Zionville Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Paul Dula officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Burial will be in the Zionville Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of Watauga, Boone, N.C. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at hux-lipford@funeral-plans.com. Hux-Lipford Funeral Home, 300 W. Main Street, Mountain City, 423-727-9221, is in charge of arrangements. www.funeralplans.com/hux-lipford

Randall Townson

   Randall Townson, 28, 115 Townson Road, Roan Mountain, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at his residence.
   A native of Carter County, he was a son of Randy Brownlow Townson and Patricia Mae Guinn Townson, both of Roan Mountain. He attended Cloudland High School where he was an outstanding football player. Mr. Townson was an auto body repairman. He attended Sunset Freewill Baptist Church.
   He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jake and Francis Townson and Jack and Etta Guinn.
   Survivors, in addition to his parents, include a brother, Troy McLaughlin, Roan Mountain; one niece, Morgan Blake McLaughlin; several uncles, aunts and cousins.
   Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

December 26, 2002

William J. Adkins

  William Junior Adkins, 65, 934 German Street, Lenoir, N.C. died Tuesday, December 24, 2002 in the Caldwell Memorial Hospital.
A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late William McKinley and Winnie Pauline Matherly Adkins. He had lived in Lenoir for the past 18 years. He was an electrician. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Adkins, and two sisters, Helen Cain and Irene Pate.
  Survivors include his companion, Nyoka Carmony; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Dexter and Lora Adkins, Elizabethton; Eddie Adkins, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Brian and Angela Adkins, Roan Mountain; one daughter, Angie Adkins, Mountain City; two step-daughters, Carmella Headrick, Hickory, N.C., and Vanessa Eggers, Lenoir, N.C.; one step-son, John Gray, Lenoir, N.C.; two brothers, Jimmy Adkins, Elizabethton, and Roy Adkins, Mountain City; two sisters, Georgia Adkins, Roan Mountain, and Willa Mae Cecil, Elizabethton; fourteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   ADKINS -- Funeral services for William Junior Adkins, 65, 934 German Street, Lenoir, N.C., who died Tuesday, December 24, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Richard Thomas officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 in the Grindstaff Cemetery. Lora Adkins and Amy Moore will provide the music. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Friday, will be John Michael Gray, Johnny Hicks, Dustin Simerly, Billy Bowers, Tony Moffitt, Dean Grindstaff, Mark Headrick and David Carden. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of a son and daughter-in-law, Dexter and Lora Adkins, 713 Blevins Avenue, Elizabethton. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Friday to go to the cemetery. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Adkins family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

George Blevins

   Mr. George Blevins, 77, 1205 Siam Road, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital.
   Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.

Dana Carter

   Mr. Dana Clarence "Bounce" Carter, 89, formerly of 1027 Walker Street, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 in the Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
   Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date. Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.

William H. Clark

   CLARK -- Funeral services for William Hensley Clark, 79, 126 Zeke Tolley Road, Hampton, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Terry Jones and Rev. L.D. Berry officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 in the Oak Hill Church Cemetery. Music will be provided by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ray. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday will be Charles Ingram, Landon Lingerfelt, Byrl Clark, Jason Honeycutt, Kelley Honeycutt, Robert Clark, Jerome Street and Zeke Tolley, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Ikie Tolley, Wade Tolley, Cecil Honeycutt, and members of Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Clark family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Robert J. Duszak

   SFC Robert J. "Bob" Duszak, Ret. U.S. Army, 51, 803 Connelly Road, Pickens, S.C., and also of 151 Marion Branch Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 at his residence unexpectedly, of an apparent heart attack.
   A native of Portland, Conn., he was the son of Dorothy Duszak, Portland, Conn. and the late Stanley Duszak. He was a senior system analyst with AIMCO. Mr. Duszak was retired from the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Carol McKinney Duszak, of the home; two sons, Matthew Duszak, Alexandria, Va.; Timothy Duszak, Culpepper, Va.; one brother, Stanley Duszak, Cromwell, Conn.; one grandson, Nicholas Duszak, Alexandria, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Grindstaff, Elizabethton; Debbie Radford, Elizabethton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Erby and Mrs. Louise McKinney, Elizabethton; two special nieces, Michelle Radford, Elizabethton; Crystal Grindstaff Maness, Kingsport; two special nephews, Chad Grindstaff, Elizabethton; and Scotty Radford, Elizabethton. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   DUSZAK -- The funeral service for SFC Robert J. "Bob" Duszak, Ret. U.S. Army, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel of Peace with a U.S. Army Chaplain officiating. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. Active pallbearers will be military pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Radford, Harold Montgomery, Lane Ward, and Michael Maness. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel of Peace, or friends may call the residence, 151 Marion Branch Road, Elizabethton, anytime. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Mr. Duszak to Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Fletcher

  Mrs. Mildred Ann Waits Fletcher, 60, 324 Swimming Pool Road, Hampton, died Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at her residence.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later. These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy.

Ava Lones

  Mrs. Ava Marie Frazier Lones, 44, 2413 Stone Drive, Johnson City, died Monday, December 23, 2002 at the Johnson City Medical Center.
Mrs. Lones was a native of Carter County and daughter of Mildred E. Greene and step-father, Roy L. Greene, Jonesborough. She was a member of Cherokee Mountain Baptist Church. Mrs. Lones was formerly employed by Southeast Industries and El Chico Mexican Restaurant.
Survivors include three sisters, Teresa Gail Lones, Vickie Lee Dixon, both of Johnson City, and Millie Duncan, Jonesborough. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
  Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, Jonesborough, is in charge of arrangements.

LONES -- Funeral services for Mrs. Ava Marie Frazier Lones will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Wilson and Kenneth Whaley officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday prior to the service. Interment services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at the Cherokee Mountain Cemetery. Pallbearers will be friends and family. Condolences may be made to the Lones family at www.dillow-taylor.com. Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, Jonesborough, is in charge of arrangements.

Ida Reece

  Ida Reece, 102, of 100 Grandview Road, Johnson City, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at her residence following an extended illness.
A native of Ashe County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late William and Clara Martin Snyder.
  She was preceded in death by her hsuband, Isaac Newton Reece, September 2, 1965; three sisters and three brothers. Ms. Reece was a homemaker and a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Carrie Lee Gourley, Johnson City. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
  Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.

REECE -- The funeral service for Ida Reece, 102, of 100 Grandview Road, Johnson City, who died Wednesday, December 25, 2002, will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Thacker officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Weathers, John Wilson, Ivan Lilly, Glen Isaacs, Bob Grant, Jim Baker, and Rev. Palmer Jones. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service, in the funeral home chapel. Words of sympathy to the family may be sent via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Sadie H. Vance

  Mrs. Sadie Hyder Vance, 88, 1318 Garden Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in the Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
  A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late James and Rhoda Sims Hyder. She was retired from the Coning Department of North American Rayon Corporation. Mrs. Vance was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Creed Vance; a daughter, Juanita Vance; four sisters, Myrtle Braswell, Bonnie Bowers, Ruby Smith, and Lucy Stewart, and two brothers, Edward '"'Slick'"' Hyder and Clyde Hyder.
  Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Vance, Elizabethton; a son, Albert "Pete" Vance, 137 Dan Bowers Road, Elizabethton; a sister, Darlene Smith, Elizabethton; four grandchildren, Vicky Webb, Tony Vance, Tim Pierce and Kathy Benfield; eight great grandchildren, Moranda Pierce, Jessica Pierce, Rozalyn Kline, Heather Kropp, Natasha Benfield, Harley Benfield, Toni Vance and Savana Kay Vance; three great great grandchildren, Matthew Kropp, Emily Grindstaff, and Haley Presnell. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

  Mrs. Sadie Hyder Vance, 88, 1318 Garden Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in the Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late James and Rhoda Sims Hyder. She was retired from the Coning Department of North American Rayon Corporation. Mrs. Vance was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
  She was preceded in death by her husband, Creed Vance; a daughter, Juanita Vance; four sisters, Myrtle Braswell, Bonnie Bowers, Ruby Smith, and Lucy Stewart, and two brothers, Edward "Slick" Hyder and Clyde Hyder.
   Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Vance, Elizabethton; a son, Albert "Pete" Vance, 137 Dan Bowers Road, Elizabethton; a sister, Darlene Smith, Elizabethton; four grandchildren, Vicky Webb, Tony Vance, Tim Pierce and Kathy Benfield; eight great grandchildren, Moranda Pierce, Jessica Pierce, Rozalyn Kline, Heather Kropp, Natasha Benfield, Harley Benfield, Toni Vance and Savana Kay Vance; three great great grandchildren, Matthew Kropp, Emily Grindstaff, and Haley Presnell. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

 

December 24, 2002

William H. Clark

   William Hensley Clark, 79, 126 Zeke Tolley Road, Hampton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
   A native of Unicoi County, he was a son of the late William and Mollie Tolley Clark. He had lived most of his life in Carter County. He was a retired employee of Inland Container Corporation. Mr. Clark was a veteran of World War II. He attended the Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church.
   Mr. Clark was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.
   Survivors include his wife, Maude Arnett Clark; one daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Frank Bowers, Hampton; and one grandson, Joshua Bowers, Hampton. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
  
   CLARK -- Funeral services for William Hensley Clark, 79, 126 Zeke Tolley Road, Hampton, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Terry Jones and Rev. L.D. Berry officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 in the Oak Hill Church Cemetery. Music will be provided by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ray. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday will be Charles Ingram, Landon Lingerfelt, Byrl Clark, Jason Honeycutt, Kelley Honeycutt, Robert Clark, Jerome Street and Zeke Tolley, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Ikie Tolley, Wade Tolley, Cecil Honeycutt, and members of Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Clark family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Lura H. Gano

   Lura Haynes "Maggie" Wylie Gano, 806 Kentucky Street, Johnson City, died Sunday, December 22, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Gano was a native of Virginia, but had lived most of her life in Johnson City. She was the daughter of the late W.P. and Lucinda Mullins Haynes and was also preceded in death by her husbands, Bernie Wylie and Charles Gano; three brothers, Percy Haynes, Bill Haynes and Dick Haynes; and a sister, Elsie Hughes.
   Mrs. Gano was a homemaker.
   Survivors include a son, Paul Wylie; two daughters, Jean Humphreys and Helen Wylie; a sister, Lorraine Webster; and 12 grandchildren, Sandra Reed, Junior Carver, Benny Carver, Roger Carver, Terry Carver, Paula Calloway, Vickie Harrison, Sean Wylie, Skylar Wylie, Thomas Humphreys, Buddy Humphreys and Larry Humphreys. Twenty-three great and great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   GANO -- A private memorial service for Lura Haynes "Maggie" Wylie Gano, 806 Kentucky Street, Johnson City, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Box 318, Memphis, TN 38101. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family at condolences-jc@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements for Mrs. Gano have been made through Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City.

Dora M. Garland

   Mrs. Dora Mable Garland, 73, 116 Honeycutt Road, Unicoi, died Monday, December 23, 2002 at her residence.
   Mrs. Garland was a Mitchell County, North Carolina native having lived most of her life in Unicoi County. She was a daughter of the late Walter and Loye Devault Bennett. Mrs. Garland was a homemaker. She attended Buffalo Valley Freewill Baptist Church.
   Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Willie Bennett and two sisters, Eileen Carver and Blanche Broyles.
   Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Michael G. and Penny Garland, Unicoi; three daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis and Martin Laws, Limestone; Hope and Roger Banner, Unicoi; Holly and Larry Gregg, Afton; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene and Jean Bennett, Westminster, S.C.; Jim and Judy Bennett, Charlotte, N.C.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Estaleen and Charles Burkett, Unicoi; Linda and Roscoe Townsend, Banner Elk, N.C.; Betty and Reese Street, Sebring, Fla.; five grandchildren and one step grandson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   GARLAND -- Funeral services for Mrs. Dora Mable Garland, 73, 116 Honeycutt Road, Unicoi, who died Monday, December 23, 2002 will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 from the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Travis Garland, Reverend Steve Bennett, and Reverend Dennis Poe will officiate. Music will be provided by members of Buffalo Valley Freewill Baptist Church and Inez Chandler. Graveside services and interment will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2002 in Washington County Memory Gardens, Johnson City. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers and are requested to assemble at the funeral home by 7:30 p.m. Friday and at the cemetery by 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Family, ministers and friends may gather at the cemetery by 9:50 a.m. Saturday. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and other times at the residence of a daughter, Mrs. Roger (Hope) Banner, 109 Honeycutt Road, Unicoi. Unicoi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Grindstaff

   James Vincent "Benny" Grindstaff, 77, of Bristol, Tenn. died at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 22, 2002 at his residence following a lengthy illness.
   Born in Worth, W. Va. on July 12, 1925, a son of the late Charles McKinley and Hattie Maybelle Hall Grindstaff, he has resided in this area since 1970.
   Mr. Grindstaff was a retired U.S. Navy veteran, having served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. He retired following 30 years of service.
   Mr. Grindstaff was former co-owner of Ideal Pest Control and had been employed at North Electric, Terminex, and Orkin. He was a member of of the Veterans of Foreign War. Mr. Grindstaff played semi-professional baseball with the Bluefield Orioles. He was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church.
   Mr. Grindstaff is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Jean Grindstaff.
   Survivors include four sons and two daughters-in-law, Richard and JoAnn Grindstaff, Chesapeake, Va.; William David Grindstaff, Virginia Beach, Va.; Mark and Patricia Grindstaff, Bristol, Tenn., and Frank Grindstaff and Jeff Cox of Kingsport, Tenn.; one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Bob Crowder, Manassas Park, Va.; one brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Ellen Grindstaff, Bristol, Tenn.; one sister, Louise Grindstaff, Simi Valley, Calif.; five grandchildren, Alexis and Donnie James, Demitris "Mimi" Grindstaff, Eric Crowder, Jennifer Grindstaff, and Stephanie Grindstaff; and special friends, Bonnie and Greg and Billy Shook. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust Street, Bristol, TN 37620 is in charge of arrangements.
  
   GRINDSTAFF -- The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Wellmont Hospice House and Darlene Gibson. A funeral mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at St. Anne's Catholic Church. The Rev. Timothy Keeney will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum Chapel at Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richard Grindstaff, David Grindstaff, Frank Grindstaff, Mark Grindstaff, Bobby Crowder and Eric Crowder. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Shook, Bob Jones, Dr. Richard W. Foster, Jeff Cox and John Witt. Military honors will be accorded by the Patton-Crosswhite Post #6975 VFW. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620, The American Cancer Society, Wesley Plaza, Suite 4, Johnson City, TN 37601 or St. Anne's Catholic Church, 350 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, Va. 24201. E-mail condolences may be sent to www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends at the church from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2002 and at other hours at the residence of a son, Mark Grindstaff, 145 Maxwell Drive, Bristol TN 376290. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ava Lones

   Mrs. Ava Marie Frazier Lones, 44, 2413 Stone Drive, Johnson City, died Monday, December 23, 2002 at the Johnson City Medical Center.
   Mrs. Lones was a native of Carter County and daughter of William L. Frazier and Mildred E. Greene Frazier, Jonesborough. She was a member of Cherokee Mountain Baptist Church. Mrs. Lones was formerly employed by Southeast Industries and El Chico Mexican Restaurant.
   Survivors include three sisters, Teresa Gail Lones, Vickie Lee Dixon, both of Johnson City, and Millie Duncan, Jonesborough. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, Jonesborough, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   LONES -- Funeral services for Mrs. Ava Marie Frazier Lones will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Wilson and Kenneth Whaley officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday prior to the service. Interment services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2002 at the Cherokee Mountain Cemetery. Pallbearers will be friends and family. Condolences may be made to the Lones family at www.dillow-taylor.com. Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, Jonesborough, is in charge of arrangements.

Sadie H. Vance

   Mrs. Sadie Hyder Vance, 88, 1318 Garden Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in the Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
   A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late James and Rhoda Sims Hyder. She was retired from the Coning Department of North American Rayon Corporation. Mrs. Vance was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Creed Vance; a daughter, Juanita Vance; four sisters, Myrtle Braswell, Bonnie Bowers, Ruby Smith, and Lucy Stewart, and two brothers, Edward "Slick" Hyder and Clyde Hyder.
   Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Vance, Elizabethton; a son, Albert "Pete" Vance, 137 Dan Bowers Road, Elizabethton; a sister, Darlene Smith, Elizabethton; four grandchildren, Vicky Webb, Tony Vance, Tim Pierce and Kathy Benfield; eight great grandchildren, Moranda Pierce, Jessica Pierce, Rozalyn Kline, Heather Kropp, Natasha Benfield, Harley Benfield, Toni Vance and Savana Kay Vance; three great great grandchildren, Matthew Kropp, Emily Grindstaff, and Haley Presnell. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
  
   VANCE -- Funeral services for Mrs. Sadie Hyder Vance, 88, 1318 Garden Road, Elizabethton, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2002 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Stephen Witt officiating. Interment will follow in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Mr. Brian Wilson will provide the music. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff and employees of Ivy Hall Nursing Home, members of the Carter County Rescue Squad, S.J. Myers, and Ray Tipton. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of her daughter, Joyce Vance, Airport Apartments, Mark 2, Elizabethton. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Vance family at mfc@chartertn.net. To those who prefer, memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Vance to the Carter County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 776, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

December 23, 2002

William H. Clark

   William Hensley Clark, 78, 126 Zeke Tolley Road, Hampton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
   Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Bernice Gentry

   Mrs. Bernice Lillian Hodges Gentry, 84, Granite Falls, North Carolina, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in the Gateway Nursing Center, Granite Falls.
   A native of Watauga County, N.C., she was a daughter of the late William and Donna Greene Hodges. She had lived a number of years in Butler, Tenn. before moving to N.C.
   She was a retired Nurse's Aide with Valdese General Hospital. Mrs. Gentry was a former member of the Cobbs Creek Baptist Church, Butler, and was presently a member of the Baton Baptist Church, Granite Falls, N.C..
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry B. Gentry; one daughter, Elizabeth Geraldine Morrison; three brothers and two sisters.
   Survivors include two daughters, Lola Monahan, of the home, and Harriet Fisher, Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, Herbert Hodges, Swansboro, N.C., and Tommy Hodges, Tucson, Az.; three sisters, Marlene Barnes and Mildred McGloughlin, both of Granite Falls, and Mabel Berry, Boone, N.C.
   Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home, Lenoir, N.C. is in charge of arrangements. Courtesy of Memorial Funeral Chapel.
  
   GENTRY -- Funeral services for Bernice Lillian Hodges Gentry, 84, Granite Falls, N.C., who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2002 in the Baton Baptist Church, Granite Falls, N.C. with the Rev. Roger Parker and Rev. Howard Barnes officiating. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Butler Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Baton Baptist Church. Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home, Lenoir, N.C. is in charge of arrangements. Courtesy of Memorial Funeral Chapel.

Daniel W. Lipps

   Daniel Webster Lipps, 94, formerly of 610 Race Street, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 at Pine Ridge Care Center.
   A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Isaac and Della Elliott Lipps. Mr. Lipps attended New Liberty Free Will Baptist Church and retired from North American Rayon Corporation.
   He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Taylor Lipps; daughter, Shirley Williams; step-daughter, Ruth Grindstaff; three brothers and three sisters.
   Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Thelma Green, Elizabethton; Della and Frank Mullins, Elizabethton; one step-son and daughter-in-law, Lloyd B. and Shirley Estep, Sr.; a step-daughter and son-in-law, Eula and Leroy Sickles, Ark.; several grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great step grandchildren; two sisters, Bernelda Peters and Ann Buchanan, both of Elizabethton; special friends, Ed Crum, Wayne Winters, and Eugene Bowers, all of Elizabethton; and a special niece and her husband, Paul and Geraldine Pierce, Elizabethton. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   LIPPS -- The funeral service for Daniel Webster Lipps, 94, formerly of 610 Race Street, Elizabethton, who died Sunday, December 22, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2002 in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Grindstaff and Rev. Ray Colbaugh, officiating. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2002 in the Ensor Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Kenneth Colbaugh, Mack Smith, Shona Lowe, Don Hardin, Clayton Woodby, and Jimmy Buckles. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult Sunday School Class of New Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, George Wilson, Lawrence Keener, and Gene Bowers. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are requested to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2002 in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, or other times at the residence of a daughter, Thelma Green, 610 Race Street, Elizabethton, at any time. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers can make donations to the Carter County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 776, Elizabethton, TN 37644, or to your favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@Tetrickfuneralhome.com

Sadie H. Vance

   Mrs. Sadie Hyder Vance, 88, 1318 Garden Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 22, 2002 in the Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
   Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

December 22, 2002

Walter R. Childress

   Walter Ricky Childress, 52, of Bristol, Tenn., died on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002 at Holston Valley Medical Center.
   Mr. Childress was the son of the late Walter and Daisy Childress.
   He was employed by the Tennessee Valley Police. His favorite thing to do was spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren. Mr. Childress was of the Church of God faith and was a United States Marine Corps veteran, serving in the Vietnam War.
   Survivors include his wife, Sheila A. Vance Childress, a son and daughter-in-law, Eddie D. and Patsy Presnell Childress, one grandaughter, Chelsea Childress, one grandson, Nathaniel Childress, one brother, Randy Childress, two nephews, Michael Childress and Miles Vance, four nieces, Amber and Kayla Childress, Laura Vance and Madilyn Feathers, his father-in-law, Bill Vance, two brothers-in-law, Ken Vance and Mark Vance, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tracy and Jason Feathers, a special aunt and uncle, Bob and Ina Tudors, and numerous relatives from Ladds Switch, Tenn.
   Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust Street, Bristol, Tenn., 423-968-2111, is in charge of the arrangements.
  
   CHILDRESS -- Funeral services for Walter Ricky Childress, 52, Bristol, Tenn., who went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with his son, Eddie D. Childress and James Norris officiating. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Military Honors will be presented by the VFW Patton-Crosswhite Post #6975. Pallbearers include TVA Honor Guard - Lieut. Fred Lockett, Sgt. Jeff Reynolds, Officers Steve Kelly, Steve Wade, Jeff Johnson, Tom Cornett, James Vaughn and Tim Gilley. His police cruiser will be driven in the funeral procession by TVA Officers Shannon Cash and Sara Gibino. Honorary pallbearers include Charles Smith, Ralph Majors, Ken Long, Merrell Graham, Tony Hardin, Johnny Morrow, Carmen Morrow, Sara Gibino, Shannon Cash, Bill Whitaker and all other employees of TVA, employees of Sullivan County EMS and Holston Valley Medical Center ER, Floyd "Dock" Callahan and Bob Markwalter. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust Street, Bristol, Tenn., 423-968-2111, is in charge of the arrangements.

Donora D. Hughes

   Mrs. Donora D. Hughes, 91, 301 Watauga Avenue, Elizabethton, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, in the Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
   A native of Unicoi County, Mrs. Hughes was a daughter of the late David William and Maude Buchanan Davis. She was preceded in death by her husband, T.T. Hughes, by a son, Norman Dean Hughes, Aug. 29, 1951, by a sister; and by a brother. She had lived a number of years in Elizabethton.
   Mrs. Hughes was a member of First Baptist Church of Elizabethton.
   Survivors include one son, Donald Gene Hughes, Greeneville; three sisters, Bessie Vest, Kingsport, Lillie Belle Foxx, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Myrtle Gentry, Elizabethton; one brother, Major (Ret.) Joseph L. Davis, Fayetteville, N.C.; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends, George Hoopes and Stan Lutz, both of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
  
   HUGHES -- Graveside services for Mrs. Donora D. Hughes, 91, 301 Watauga Avenue, Elizabethton, who died Thursday, will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday in Happy Valley Memorial Park with the Rev. James C. Murray officiating. Burial will follow the service. For those who prefer, memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Hughes to the donor's favorite charity. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 2:55 p.m. Sunday. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Hughes family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Herman W. Pritchard

   Herman William Pritchard, 69, 1002 Walker Street, Elizabethton, died unexpectedly Thursday, December 19, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center.
   Mr. Pritchard was a native of Carter County and the son of the late John and Bessie Hurley Pritchard. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Hazel Shelton, Lottie Richardson, and Reatha Stout and by one brother, Omer Pritchard.
   He was a member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church and attended Zion Baptist Church. He was a 32nd Degree mason and was a member of the Watauga Lodge, No. 622 F&AM. Mr. Pritchard was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in the Korean War. He also was retired from the Army National Guard, having served with the Tennessee Army National Guard 776th Maintenance Co. and served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield Gulf War.
   Survivors include his wife, Joann Pritchard, of the home, two sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Carolyn Pritchard, and Mike and Carol Pritchard, all of Elizabethton, one grandson, Tyler Pritchard, Elizabethton, three granddaughters, Alisha Pritchard, Taylor Pritchard, and Rikki Pritchard, all of Elizabethton, one great-granddaughter, McKinley Pritchard, Elizabethton, one sister, Myrtle Nickels, Johnson City, and several nieces and nephews.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, 423-542-2232, is in charge of the arrangements. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   PRITCHARD -- Funeral services for Herman William Pritchard, 69, 1002 Walker Street, Elizabethton, who died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, with the Revs. C.W. Snodgrass and Larry Shorter officiating. Music will be under the direction of Sharon Edwards, soloist, and Patsy Hubbard, organist. The graveside service and interment will be held Monday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Military honors to be accorded by Captain Lynn H. Folsom VFW Post 2166. Active pallbearers will be Jim Gouge, Larry McKinney, Teddy Greenwell, Ray Loveless, Tim Edwards, Junior Guess and Willie Campbell. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Tennessee Army National Guard 776th Maintenance Co. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Monday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Tetrick Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace, or friends may call at the residence, 1002 Walker Street, Elizabethton, any time. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, 423-542-2232, is in charge of the arrangements. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick

December 20, 2002

Eugene E. Dempsey

   Eugene E. "Gene" Dempsey, 93, died at 6:08 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at his home on Mountain View Road, Bluff City.
   He was a lifelong resident of Bluff City and the son of the late George and Addie Arrants Dempsey. He was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Bluff City, where he served as a deacon and a member of the Personnel Committee until his illness. He was formerly a member of First Baptist Church in Bluff City for 68 years, serving many years as a deacon and property chairman. He was also church treasurer for many years.
   He was a former employee of North American Rayon, Elizabethton, where he worked as supervisor for 45 years. He was a 59-year member of the Zollicoffer Free Masonry Lodge #444 and was an officer in the Morning View Cemetery Association.
   He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ersie Lane Dempsey.
   Survivors include his wife, Laverne Odum Crosswhite Dempsey; one stepdaughter, Linda Graybeal, Goldsboro, N.C.; one stepson, Larry Crosswhite, Oakwood, Ga.; one sister, Ruth Brown, Bristol; one brother, Hal Dempsey, Baton Rouge, La.; one step granddaughter, and two step grandsons. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust Street, Briston, Tenn., is in charge of arrangements.
  
   DEMPSEY -- Funeral services for Eugene E. "Gene" Dempsey, 93, Mountain View Road, Bluff City, who died Wednesday, December 18, 2002, will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church, Bluff City, on Saturday, December 21, 2002 with Rev. Scott Watson officiating. The church will be open at 10 a.m. for those desiring to come early. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol. Pallbearers include Howard Francis, Gary Wilkinson, Robert Blevins, James Jackson, Darryl Chambers, and John Goodman. Honorary pallbearers include Ron Leonard, Kevin Nichols, Rick Poe, Mike Dobbins, Robert Thomas, Fred McGrew, Randall Sargent, Dr. Cecil Collins, Sr., Dr. Mark Overbay, Jimmy Harkleroad, John Beach, Howard Cross, Jimmy Denton, and the Fellowship Baptist Church Men's Sunday School Class. Online condolences may be sent to www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Building Fund, 3557 Highway 390 Bluff City, or to Wellmont Hospice House at 280 Steele's Road, Bristol. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cecil E. Holtsclaw

   Cecil Eugene Holtsclaw, 51, of Roan Mountain, died suddenly Monday, December 16, 2002.
   Mr. Holtsclaw was a native of Carter County and had lived there most of his life. He was a son of Beecher Holtsclaw and the late Edith Holtsclaw.
   Mr. Holtsclaw was a General Contractor and owner of Holtsclaw Builders since 1978. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain.
   Survivors, in addition to his father, include his wife of 20 years, Margaret, daughter Elizabeth, son Beecher, all of Roan Mountain; and son Christopher Holtsclaw, London, Ky.; three sisters, Delores Jarrett, Roan Mountain, Claire Malito, Lake Worth, Fla., and Lori Benfield, Roan Mountain; and two brothers, J.L. Holtsclaw, Quinlin, Texas, and Dennis Holtsclaw, Wesley Chapel, Fla.
   A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 21, at First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain. To those who desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.
   Arrangements by Mountain Empire Cremation, Elizabethton.

Bruce Shipley

   SHIPLEY -- The memorial service for R. Bruce Shipley, 89, 2101 Christian Lane, Apt. 706, Johnson City, who died Sunday, December 8, 2002, will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 22, at Appalachian Village Chapel at Sherwood with Dr. Delno Brown officiating and Mr. Carl Hoffman giving the eulogy. Music will be under the direction of Louise Nave Smith with special music by Mr. Shipley's nieces, Jenny Swann, flutist, and Karen Swann, pianist. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Milligan College, P.O. Box 500, Milligan College, TN 37682 or to the charity of your choice. Courtesy of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City.

Joe Sorrell, Jr.

   D. Joe Sorrell, Jr., 40, of Elizabethton, died of complications from leukemia on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
   He was born in Bristol, Tenn., and was valedictorian of the 1980 graduating class of John S. Battle High School. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Massengill Scholarship. He attended Virginia Tech and earned an associate degree in chemical engineering from Northeast State Technical Community College. He was a member of Chestnut Flats Primitive Baptist Church, Kingsport.
   Survivors include his soul mate, Penny Keefer Sorrell; a daughter, Kaitlyn Callista Sorrell, 4, of the home; two sons, Dustin Towers Sorrell, 15 months, of the home, and Ryan Paul Creason, 13, of Johnson City; his mother, Linda Baker and her husband, Tommy, Bristol, Va.; his father, Daniel Sorrell, Bristol, Va.; Paula Sorrell, Kingsport; two brothers, Stephen Alex Sorrell and his wife, Jill, and their children, of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Tommy Baker, Bristol, Va.; his maternal grandparents, David and Marie Wilson, Bristol; Violet Keefer and family, Elizabethton.
   He was preceded in death by grandparents, Woody and Frances Sorrell and Charlie and Rose Baker; father-in-law, John F. Keefer, and Tulva Arnold.
   Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, P.O. Box 3090, Bristol, Tenn./Va. is in charge of arrangements.
  
   SORRELL -- Funeral services for D. Joe Sorrell, 40, of Elizabethton, who died Tuesday, December 17, 2002, will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2002 in the chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home with Elder Lewis Baker, Elder John Bowlin, and Elder Harold Shaw officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The committal service and burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 2002 in Miller Cemetery on Reedy Creek Road. Pallbearers will be Tommy R. Baker, Carl Dickenson, Brett Kilgore, Bart Kilgore, Larry McMurray and Jesse Pitcock. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Boothe, Marty Keefer, Frank Osborne, Terry Rutherford, Floyd Sullins, Jr., and Dr. Adetla Kassim. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences and memories may be sent via e-mail to condolences@oakley-cook.com. Oakley Cook Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Robert W. Williams

   Robert "Buddy" Wayne Williams, 15, 261 Lynn Road, Johnson City, died Thursday, December 19, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
   He was a lifelong resident of Johnson City and son of Rhonda Carol Bailey, Johnson City, and Robert McKinley Williams, Johnson City.
   Mr. Williams was a freshman at Happy Valley High School and had worked at Food Lion in Boones Creek. He was a member of Boone Trail Baptist Church.
   Survivors, in addition to his mother and father, include two brothers, Ritchie Smithpeters and Joshua Williams, both of Johnson City; one sister, Cassey Williams, Johnson City; his step-mother, Brenda Williams, Johnson City; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bailey, and his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Coppage. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.
   Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2002 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   WILLIAMS -- The funeral service for Robert "Buddy" Wayne Williams, 15, 261 Lynn Road, Johnson City, who died Thursday, December 19, 2002 will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 2002 in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Mr. Scott Marshall will officiate. Committal services and burial will follow in the Monte Vista Burial Park. Pallbearers will be Mike Smith, Robert Coppage, Danny Bailey, Mike Killian, Eddie Mullins, Mike Crowder, and Reece Bailey. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

December 19, 2002

Nella M. Grindstaff

   Mrs. Nella Mae Grindstaff, 61, 711 West H Street, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, December 18, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Grindstaff was a native of Carter County and was the daughter of the late Vurner Ray and Beulah Ivalee Dugger Burchett. She was a member of Sinking Creek Baptist Church and was an employee of Mapes Piano String Company.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Grindstaff.
   Survivors include one daughter, Pamela Moffett, Elizabethton; one grandson, Brandon Arney, Elizabethton; four sisters, Faye Campbell, Johnson City; Betty Dugger and Dora Lee Trivette, both of Butler, and Teresa Chambers, Elizabethton; five brothers, Roy Burchett, Elizabethton; Herman Burchett and Earl Burchett, both of Butler; Ricky Burchett, Johnson City, and Dean Burchett, Hampton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   GRINDSTAFF -- Funeral services for Mrs. Nella Mae Grindstaff, 61, 711 West H Street, Elizabethton, who died Wednesday, December 18, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2002 in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home with Rev. Reece Harris officiating. Music will be under the direction of The Sounds of Victory. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2002 in the Elk Mills Baptist Church Cemetery, Butler. Active pallbearers will be Mike Sellers, Bryon Yontz, Charlie Harris, Brian Dugger, Jerry Grindstaff, Danny Burchett, Bill Burchett, and Ricky Burchett, Jr. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday prior to the funeral service in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, or you may call at the home of a sister, Mrs. Faye Campbell, 2294 Dave Buck Road, Johnson City, at any time. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the Elk Mills Baptist Church Cemetery, Butler, Saturday at 9:55 a.m. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail address, condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leata Piercy

   Mrs. Leata Glee White Piercy, 88, 2937 Zane Whitson Drive, Unicoi, died Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at her residence.
   Mrs. Piercy was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a daughter of the late Labe E. and Mary Smith White. She attended East Tennessee State College. Mrs. Piercy retired from the Unicoi County School System, where she was employed for several years. She was a member of Unicoi United Methodist Church and the Unicoi United Methodist Women. Mrs. Piercy was an active member of the Erwin/Unicoi Order of the Eastern Star No. 276, having held many offices over the years.
   Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Sol White, Tom White, Opal White, Russell White, and Check White, and one sister, Pearl Irene White.
   Survivors include her husband, John C. Piercy; two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Bill Wilson, Johnson City; Libby Laurice and Richard Marcus, Kingsport; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Joel C. and Mrs. Shirley Piercy, Johnson City; Douglas D. and Robbie Piercy, Erwin; seven grandchildren, Kim Fortner, Tami Snow, Teresa Piercy, Lora Piercy, Lisa Mellard, John Piercy, Nicky Killen; seven great grandchildren, Melanie Dodd, Erin Fortner, Caitlin Fortner, Anthony Lyninger, Cole Killen, Lauren Killen, Jacob Piercy; and a very dear friend, Ruth Osborne. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Unicoi Funeral Home, Unicoi, 743-1381, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   PIERCY -- Funeral services for Mrs. Leata Glee White Piercy, 88, 2937 Zane Whitson Drive, Unicoi, who died Wednesday, December 18, 2002, will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2002 from the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. The service will be officiated by Reverend Bob Tripp. Violinist, Erin Fortner, great granddaughter, will provide special music for the service. Graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2002 in Jones Cemetery, Unicoi. Sons-in-law, Richard Marcus and Bill Wilson, and grandsons-in-law, Stan Fortner, Brad Killen, and Doug Mellard will serve as active pallbearers. Members of Unicoi United Methodist Women and members of the Erwin/Unicoi Order of Eastern Star No. 276 will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would also like to thank Brenda Luttrell and Rita Lusk for their loving care. All pallbearers are requested to assemble at the funeral home by 7:30 p.m. Friday and at the cemetery by 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Family, minister, and friends may gather at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m. Saturday. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and other times at the residence, 2937 Zane Whitson Drive, Unicoi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, North East Tenn. Chapter, 207 N. Boone Street, Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604.

Robert H. Sparks Sr.

   Robert Howard Sparks Sr., 92, 2306 Abbott Drive, Johnson City, died Wednesday, December 18, 2002, at Johnson City Medical Center.
   Mr. Sparks was a native of Mitchell County, N.C., and had lived most of his life in Carter County and Washington County, Tenn. He was a son of the late Chester and Grace Gouge Sparks and was also preceded in death by three brothers, George Sparks, Lawrence Sparks and Roy Sparks, and two sisters, Daisy Hartsell and Pansy Hall.
   Mr. Sparks was a retired supervisor from North American Rayon Corporation. He was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church and a member of Unicoi Masonic Lodge #681.
   Survivors include his wife, Rilda Freeman Sparks; a son, Robert Howard Sparks Jr., of the home; and two daughters, June Gauger, Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Sue Gaslin, Titusville, Fla. Three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-1521, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   SPARKS -- Funeral services for Robert Howard Sparks Sr., 92, 2306 Abbott Drive, Johnson City, who died Wednesday, December 18, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, December 20, at Morris-Baker North Chapel with the Rev. Gary Thacker officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday. Committal services and interment will follow the funeral service at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.

December 18, 2002

Judith H. Powers

   Judith "Judy" Elaine Hodges Powers, 55, 272 Sinking Creek Road, Johnson City, died Monday, December 16, 2002, at her residence following a lengthy illness.
   Mrs. Powers was a native of Carter County and had lived in Washington and Michigan before returning to this area in 1984. She was a daughter of the late Albert Lee Hodges and Doris Adkins Hodges and was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert E. "Nick" Hodges.
   Mrs. Powers had worked for Colonial Hills Nursing Home. She was a member of King Springs Church of Christ.
   Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Powers Carney, Knoxville, and Brenda Powers Winters, Erwin; a son, Randy Powers, Johnson City; a sister, Trudy Hodges, Johnson City; and three brothers, Roger Hodges, Don Hodges and Terry Hodges, all of Johnson City. Four grandchildren, one step-grandchild and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-1521, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   POWERS -- Funeral services for Judith "Judy" Elaine Hodges Powers, 55, 272 Sinking Creek Road, Johnson City, who died Monday, December 16, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, in the Morris-Baker North Chapel with Mr. Ernie Depew officiating. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 19, at Monte Vista Burial Park. Those attending are invited to meet at the funeral home by 9:40 a.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Randy Powers, Terry Carney, Mike Grindstaff, Don Hodges, Roger Hodges and John Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Karnad, Dr. Rolen and the Deacons of King Springs Church of Christ. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday. For those who prefer, the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Suite 102, Johnson City, TN 37601. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.

December 17, 2002

Oakley T. Fleming

   Mrs. Oakley Tribble Fleming, 89, 708 Wells Street, Elizabethton, died Monday, December 16, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center.
   A native of Princeton, West. Va., she was a daughter of the late Nathaniel and Alice B. Brooks Tribble. She had lived a number of years in Elizabethton. She was a retired LPN with the Beaunit Fibers Corporation.
   Mrs. Fleming was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton for over 50 years.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Fleming; a grandson, three brothers and five sisters.
   Survivors include a daughter, Rosemary Carole Stout, Elizabethton; a son, William Fleming, Elizabethton; one adopted daughter, Phyllis Walker, Central Community; one brother, James Donald Tribble, Elizabethton; eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
  
   FLEMING -- Funeral services for Mrs. Oakley Tribble Fleming, 89, 708 Wells Street, Elizabethton, who died Monday, December 16, 2002, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2002 in the Southwestern Baptist Church, Johnson City, with the Rev. John Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons and friends attending the service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2002 in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of the daughter, Rosemary Carole Stout, 703 Wells Street, Elizabethton. The body will be moved to the church one hour before the services. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Everett H. Reeser

   Everett H. Reeser, 86, 127 Green Valley Lane, Elizabethton, died Monday, December 16, 2002, at Hermitage Health Center following a brief illness.
   Mr. Reeser was a native of Greene County and had resided in Carter County for the last 60 years. He was the son of the late Herman and Iva Hensley Reeser and was also preceded in death by a sister, Jody Reeser, and two brothers, Paul Reeser and Claude Reeser, who died September 25, 2002.
   Mr. Reeser was retired from the Charles Swatzell Construction Company as a carpenter. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and past member of Doe River Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee, Deacon and Treasurer for several years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
   Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Elwanda Norris Reeser, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Cecil Eggers, Elizabethton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph and Jacquelyn Reeser, Lakeland, Fla., and Floyd and Joy Reeser, Elizabethton; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mauvileen and Hubert Orfield, Elizabethton, and Kathleen Honeycutt, Greeneville; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Reeser, Johnson City; four grandchildren and their spouses, Travis and Patti Eggers, Eric and Penny Eggers, Ingrid and Shannon Deloach and Clinton Reeser, all of Elizabethton; and four great-grandchildren, Cody, McKinze, Lexi and Bailee Eggers, all of Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   These services entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. www.Funeral-Plans.com/Hathaway-Percy
  
   REESER -- Funeral services for Everett H. Reeser, 86, 127 Green Valley Lane, Elizabethton, who died Monday, December 16, 2002, will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Owens officiating. Music will be under the direction of Gordon Kyte, soloist. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Friends may also call at the residence, 127 Green Valley Lane, Elizabethton, at any time. To those who desire, memorials may be made to the Grace Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1114 Broad Street Ext., Elizabethton, TN 37643. Everyone will meet at the cemetery at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@hathawaypecy.com

Ruth C. Tupper

   Mrs. Ruth Crumley Tupper, 88, formerly of 1003 Buffalo Street, Johnson City, and 833 W. Maple Street, Apt. 2, Johnson City, died Saturday, December 14, 2002, at Asbury Center following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Tupper was a native of Johnson City where she had lived most of her life. She was a daughter of the late Charles Grover "Cy" and Edith Tilson Crumley and was also preceded in death by her husband, Deane R. Tupper, in 1973, a brother, James "Jim" Crumley, and a sister, Mildred Crumley Jackson.
   Mrs. Tupper was a retired clerk from South Roan Pharmacy and was formerly employed with Service Dry Cleaners. She was a 1933 graduate of Science Hill High School and a member of Central Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Margaret McNees Sunday School Class and the Senior Adults of the church.
   Survivors include a daughter, Jennie Miller Mathews, Defiance, Ohio; three grandsons, Jim Shipp, Cincinnati, Ohio, Douglas Mathews and Sidney Mathews, both of Waterford, Mich.; and a granddaughter, Teresa Shipp, Jasper, Ga. Two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters also survive.
   Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 928-6111, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   TUPPER -- Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Crumley Tupper, 88, formerly of 1003 Buffalo Street, Johnson City, and 833 W. Maple Street, Apt. 2, Johnson City, who died Saturday, December 14, 2002, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Dr. Ronald F. Murray and the Rev. R. Willard Warfield officiating. Pallbearers will be employees of Tweetsie Railroad. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m. Wednesday. There will be no formal visitation, however, those wishing to register their presence may do so at the funeral home Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Wednesday until 12 noon. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Washington County Animal Shelter, 525 Sells Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37604 or to the Central Baptist Church Building Fund, 300 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. Condolences for the family may be made at www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.
  

December 16, 2002

Estella P. Bartlett

   Estella P. Bartlett, 98, 177 Laurel Road, Elizabethton, died Saturday, December 14, 2002, at her residence.
   Mrs. Bartlett was a native of Roscoe, Pa., and had lived in Elizabethton since 1999. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Jane Moore Parkins and was the last of 17 children. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Leigh D. Bartlett, and a son, Vernon Bartlett.
   Mrs. Bartlett was a member of Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church in Cattaraugus, N.Y., for 63 years. She was a retired Doctor's Assistant.
   Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Leonard Houghton, Elizabethton, and a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Bartlett. Fourteen grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   BARTLETT -- Graveside services for Estella P. Bartlett, 98, 177 Laurel Road, Elizabethton, who died Saturday, December 14, 2002, will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, December 16, at Wilson Cemetery with the Rev. Ed Wheeler and the Rev. Walker Robinson officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Everyone will meet at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Monday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Friends may also call at the residence of a daughter, Betty Houghton, 177 Laurel Road, Elizabethton, at any time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Bartlett to Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church, 111 South Street, Cattaraugus, N.Y. 14719; to the Wilson Cemetery Association, c/o Leonard Lewis, 122 Bernie Lewis Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or to your favorite charity. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Christine W. Blevins

   Mrs. Christine White Blevins, 55, 136 Ivory Blevins Road, Unicoi, died Saturday, December 14, 2002 in the Unicoi Memorial Hospital.
   Mrs. Blevins was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a daughter of James E. White, Unicoi, and the late Ruby Iris Hensley White. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Blevins was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Johnson City.
   Survivors, in addition to her father, include three daughters, Heather Blevins Lingerfelt, Johnson City; Tracy Blevins Hoilman, Unicoi, and Abbigail D. Blevins, of the home; three brothers, Leon Edward White, Erwin; Dennis White, Altus, OK; Daniel A. White, Unicoi; two sons-in-law, Tim Lingerfelt and Timothy Hoilman; two sisters-in-law, Pam White and Chom White; six grandchildren, Jerissa Rice, JoEllen Rice, Megan Hoilman, Christopher Hoilman, Devin Lingerfelt, and Amber Lingerfelt. Two nieces and one nephew also survive.
   Unicoi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
  
   BLEVINS -- Funeral services for Mrs. Christine White Blevins, 55, 136 Ivory Blevins Road, Unicoi, who died Saturday, December 14, 2002, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2002 from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 211 Mayflower Road, Johnson City. Bishop Robert Hood will officiate. Music will be provided by Wennie Elrod and Susan Creek. Interment will follow in Monte Vista Burial Park, Johnson City. Tim Lingerfelt, Daniel White, Charles Blevins, Timothy Hoilman, Bobby Erwin, and Charles Porter will serve as pallbearers and are requested to assemble at the church by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Unicoi Funeral Home and other times at 139 Ivory Blevins Road, Unicoi.
   Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is in charge of arrangements.

Mrytle M. Blevins

   Mrs. Myrtle M. Blevins, 87, 206 Sandmine Road, Elizabethton, died Sunday, December 15, 2002 in the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness.
   Mrs. Blevins was a native and lifelong resident of Carter County and was the daughter of the late Alex and Bessie Birchfield Carrier. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church but attended Harvest Baptist Church. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley Robert Blevins, on May 16, 1984; a son, Robert Steve Blevins; two sisters, Grace Greenwell and Mattie Lovelace, and five brothers, Orner Carrier, Tom Carrier, Albert Carrier, Clinton Carrier, and Rev. Bill Carrier.
   Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Elizabeth Patrick, Elizabethton; Hassie and Frank Eads, Bluff City, and Judy and Melvin "Joe" Post, Elizabethton; six sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Brenda Blevins, Ike and Connie Blevins, Lee and Carolyn Blevins, Roy and Marie Blevins, Mac and Doris Blevins, all of Elizabethton, and Phil and Kathy Blevins, Jonesborough; five sisters, Violet Bowers, Ruth Reece, Ester Stout, and Goldie Clemons, all of Elizabethton, and Mary Broyles, Fla.; seventeen grandchildren, Paula Hurt, Bristol; Dennis Blevins, Libby Addington, Laura Blevins, Brandon Blevins, Charlie Blevins, Julie Blevins, Robbie Blevins, Diana Blevins, and Travis Blevins, all of Elizabethton; Cena Howerton, of Rutledge; Erin Patrick, Knoxville; Lindsey Eads and Makayla Eads, both of Bluff City; Melissa Hathaway, Michelle Hathaway, and Joshua Hathaway, all of Jonesborough; six great grandchildren, Logan Hurt, Bristol; Katie Cooter, Abbie Addington, and Caleb Blevins, all of Elizabethton; Seth Howerton and Cara Howerton, both of Rutledge. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick.
  
   BLEVINS -- Funeral services for Mrs. Myrtle M. Blevins, 87, 206 Sandmine Road, Elizabethton, who died Sunday, December 15, 2002, will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2002 in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home with Rev. Dale Greenwell and Rev. James Murray officiating. Music will be under the direction of Ray Don Markland. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2002 in the Emmert Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Joshua Hathaway, Travis Blevins, Brandon Blevins, Brady Howerton, Charlie Blevins, and David Gouge. Honorary pallbearers will be Robbie Blevins, Dennis Blevins, Frank Eads, Melvin "Joe" Post, Steven Addington, and James Hurt. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral service in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, or you may call at the residence, 206 Sandmine Road, Elizabethton, or the home of any of her children, at any time. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail address, condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William J. Jones

   Mr. William J. "Bill" Jones, Sr., 88, 1700 Jackson Love Highway, Erwin, died Saturday, December 14, 2002 in Knoxville.
   Mr. Jones was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Jones was a retired self-employed wholesaler. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
   Survivors include his wife, Mary E. Jones; one son, William J. "Bill" Jones, Jr., Bradenton, Fla.; one brother, Jay Willis, Erwin; one grandson, Paul J. Jones, Louisville, Tenn.; one granddaughter, Mary Gail Manes, Actworth, Ga.; one great grandson, Sean Manes, Actworth, Ga.; a daughter-in-law, Janice Jones; a sister-in-law, Edna Willis; a granddaughter-in-law, Janet Jones; and a grandson-in-law, David Manes.
   Ledford Funeral Home, Erwin, 743-1380, is in charge of arrangements.
  
   JONES -- Funeral services for Mr. William J. "Bill" Jones, Sr., 88, 1700 Jackson Love Highway, Erwin, who died Saturday, December 14, 2002, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2002 from the Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Tim Bennett and Reverend Jim Murray will officiate. Music will be provided by Gary Amos, Jim and Pat Long, and Inez Chandler. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Memory Gardens, Johnson City. Raymond Dugger, Phil Harding, Sam Sproles, Dick Bradford, Roland Banks, and Robert Paul Farnor will serve as active pallbearers. Gary Phillips, Gene Wilson, Gene Ramsey, Leonard Bowman, and the Men's Bible Class of Calvary Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. All pallbearers are requested to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
   Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is in charge of arrangements.

December 15, 2002

Estella P. Bartlett

   Estella P. Bartlett, 98, 177 Laurel Road, Elizabethton, died Saturday, December 14, 2002, at her residence.
   Mrs. Bartlett was a native of Roscoe, Pa., and had lived in Elizabethton since 1999. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Jane Moore Parkins and was the last of 17 children. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Leigh D. Bartlett, and a son, Vernon Bartlett.
   Mrs. Bartlett was a member of Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church in Cattaraugus, N.Y., for 63 years. She was a retired Doctor's Assistant.
   Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Leonard Houghton, Elizabethton, and a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Bartlett. Fourteen grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
   Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 North Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick
  
   BARTLETT -- Graveside services for Estella P. Bartlett, 98, 177 Laurel Road, Elizabethton, who died Saturday, December 14, 2002, will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, December 16, at Wilson Cemetery with the Rev. Ed Wheeler and the Rev. Walker Robinson officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Everyone will meet at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Monday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Friends may also call at the residence of a daughter, Betty Houghton, 177 Laurel Road, Elizabethton, at any time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Bartlett to Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church, 111 South Street, Cattaraugus, N.Y. 14719; to the Wilson Cemetery Association, c/o Leonard Lewis, 122 Bernie Lewis Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or to your favorite charity. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family via e-mail address condolences@tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Adrian J. Good

   BELLEVUE, Ohio -- Adrian J. Good, formerly of Lyme Township, Huron County, Ohio, died Thursday, December 12, 2002, at Countryside Care Center, Fremont, Ohio.
   Mr. Good was a native of Lyme Township and a son of the late Adrian Earl and Ruth Suzanne Mitchell Good.
   Mr. Good had graduated from Thompson High School, Bellevue, in 1942; Heidleberg College, Tiffin, in 1948; Case Western, Cleveland, with a Master of Science, in 1960; and from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Doctor in Jurisprudence, in 1975.
   He had served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a Tech Sgt. He flew 68 Missions in the South Pacific as a radioman/belly gunner and received an Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater with four Bronze Stars and a Philippine Liberation Star.
   Mr. Good had been a patent attorney, retiring from Great Lakes Carbon in Elizabethton, Tenn. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, American Bar Association, American Chemical Society, MENSA, and had been the past District Lt. Governor of Kiwanis.
   Survivors include a son, Terrance Good, Telford, Tenn.; two daughters, Adrianne Hughes, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Linda Good, Austin, Texas; a granddaughter, Megan Hughes, Fort Wayne, Ind.; a sister, Mrs. Don (Jean) Behm, Republic; a brother, Edwin "Ted" Good, Burgoon; and a special friend, Ruth Rawls.
   Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 27, at Auxter Funeral Home, 1105 Castalia Street, St. Rt. 269 North, Bellevue, Ohio. Interment will be at Strongs Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the donor's choice.
   Auxter Funeral Home, Bellevue, Ohio, (419) 484-7400, is in charge of arrangements.