All Obituaries

Anna Rhea Branson, of Morristown, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at her residence. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church. She was a loving, mother and grandmother who loved to cook, and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ulysses Anderson “Jack” Branson; son, James Anderson “Jimmy” Branson; and several brothers and sister. She is survived by her son, Johnny Branson; daughter-in-law, Brenda Branson...

Timothy W. Johnson, age 46, of Rutledge, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Vanderbilt Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Addilyn Johnson; mother and step father, Glenda “Faye” and Robert Tolliver; brother, Thomas (Sheena) Johnson; niece, McKenzie Johnson; and nephew, Caden Johnson. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Monday, November 30th at New Life Baptist Church in Bean Station. Funeral...

Lillian C. Eckenrod, age 82, of Bean Station, passed away Friday, November 20, 2020 at her residence surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Beloved Mama, Nanny, wife, sister, and friend, she was born and raised in Bainbridge, Georgia where Lillian married Ronnie Eckenrod. Together for sixty two years, until his passing in December 2019, she has now joined her husband and son in Heaven. Lillian had an unwavering faith and if she was not talking...

Tammy Jo Minkler, age 60, of Rutledge, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Ridgeview Terrace nursing Home in Rutledge. She was a member of Cool Branch Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and loved animals, especially horses. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Minkler; and mother, Pauline Yount. She is survived by her daughters, Farrah (Justin) Calloway and Tiffany Minkler; father, Eugene Yount; granddaughter, Montana Pauline Calloway; brothers, Tim...

Misty Dawn Purkey, age 42, of Bean Station, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at her residence. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Jarnigan. She is survived by her husband, Roger Purkey; daughters, Sarah Jane Purkey and Isabelle Lee Purkey; mother, Brenda Sue Jarnigan; sister, Terri Shelnut; grandmother, Faye Shelnut; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Family and friends will meet at 11 a.m. Friday, November 27th at Kirkpatrick Cemetery for graveside services...

James D. “Jimmy” Rickard, Jr., age 72, of Morristown, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Talbott First Church of God and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Jimmy was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle and will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Frances Rickard. He is survived by his son, Todd Rickard; daughter, Crystal Russell; grandchildren,...

Reba Cate, age 94, of Morristown, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Jefferson Park Nursing Home in Dandridge. Family and friends will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 25th at Central Baptist Church Cemetery for graveside services with Dr. Joe Hamlet officiating. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.  

Leon E. Elkins, age 86, of Morristown, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. Leon was a member of Spruce Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Rosella Elkins; parents, Bleve and Hester Elkins; sister, Janice Day; and brother, Arnold Buddy Elkins. He is survived by his son, Rick (Ramona) Elkins; grandsons, and their families that he adored, Lee (Rachel) Elkins and Lucas (Rachael) Elkins; He...

Tracy Rogers, 59, of Talbott, Tennessee, passed away on November 21, at UT medical center after a short but hard battle. He was born June 20, 1961 to Carolyn (James) Moore and Tifford Rogers. He was saved at Sartain Springs Missionary Baptist Church as a young boy and was a member at Browns Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and he is now rejoicing with his lord and his savior. He loved his wife of 35 years, Debbie Rogers, but had a special love for his ‘little rats’ granddaughters...

Mildred “Ruby” Nicely, age 68, of Morristown, departed this life on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. She was a member of Friendly View Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth D. Carpenter; daughter, Leona Michelle Nicely; parents, Velta and Freda Carpenter; brothers, Buster, Fred, Reford, Homer, and Idol Carpenter; and sisters, Bonnie Coffey and Sue Seals. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Leon Nicely; daughter,...