Betty Jo Harris Wayland
October 23, 2026
Betty Jo Harris Wayland, born July 20, 1944, passed away peacefully Oct. 23, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, laughter and countless lives made better simply because she was part of them.
A graduate of Lone Jack High School in Pineville, Kentucky, Betty also attended Berea College in Kentucky. She dedicated 32 years of service to Norris Middle School, retiring in 2008.
While her official title was school secretary, that title could never fully capture the role she played in the lives of the students, families and staff who came through the school’s doors. To generations of children throughout Anderson County, she was affectionately known as “Mama Wayland” or “Betts” — a trusted confidante, a source of comfort and a surrogate mother to so many.
Betty was warm, nurturing and generous with her love, but she also believed in respect, accountability and doing what was right. She had a way of making people feel cared for while making it perfectly clear that foolishness would not be tolerated. Her advice was second to none, and those fortunate enough to know her trusted her wisdom, honesty and unwavering good judgment.
She was also a master of grace under pressure. No matter how chaotic the day became, Betty could be counted on to meet it with composure, kindness and her unmistakable sense of humor.
Even if the school were on fire and an angry parent were standing at the counter, she could still answer the telephone with her signature greeting: “We’re having a great day at Norris Middle School. How can I help you?”
That was Betty — steady, gracious and determined to meet every person with kindness, no matter the circumstances.
Her love for the children she cared for extended far beyond the school office. There was rarely a choir or band concert, theater production, football game or other event that Betty missed. She showed up, cheered loudly and made sure the people she loved knew someone was in their corner. Her presence was a reminder that being there for someone is one of the most meaningful ways to show love.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Andersonville, Betty cherished her faith and church community. She was also a devoted member of Clinch Valley Chapter No. 369 of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served multiple terms as worthy matron.
Perhaps Betty’s greatest gift was her ability to make people feel welcome, valued and loved. Her genuine smile could put others at ease, and she was known for giving what many would call the best hug in the county.
She treated everyone with dignity and respect, never looking down on another person or making anyone feel less worthy. She saw people as equals and welcomed them without judgment. Whether she had known someone for decades or had just met them, she had a remarkable way of making them feel as though they belonged.
Betty’s influence cannot be measured in years of service or titles held. It lives on in the former students, the people who carry her advice with them, the families who felt welcomed by her and the countless individuals who were reminded through her kindness that they mattered.
The world was a little warmer, a little kinder and a lot more welcoming because Betty Wayland was in it.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, William Frazier Wayland; parents, Joe Carson Harris and Rose Garland; brother, Ray Harris; and sister, Sissy Chadwell.
She is survived by her daughter, Lori Wayland; sister, Shirley Crigger; great-niece, Angel Bush; daughter by heart, Melissa Wayland; granddaughter by heart, Bailee Wayland; great-grandson by heart, Jameson Wayland; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Betty will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the many generations of children who were fortunate enough to know her as “Mama Wayland.” Her legacy is one of unconditional kindness, quiet strength, unwavering grace and a love that made room for everyone.
She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a community forever changed by her presence and countless people who will carry her love with them for the rest of their lives.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. An Order of the Eastern Star funeral ceremony will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a traditional funeral officiated by the Rev. David Seiber.
Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Wayland family.
holleygamble.com
David Allen Sexton
October 20, 2026
David Allen Sexton, lovingly known as “Doc,” lived his life on his own terms and to the fullest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Junior and Susie; sisters, Bernadine and Rachel; and nieces, Rachel Kay and Sabrina.
David leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory. Siblings, Anthony Sexton, Jerry Sexton (Deborah), Judy Sexton, Betty Phillips (Cline), Elizabeth Sexton and Marshall Kidd, Joe Sexton (Lance), and Valerie Sexton; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other beloved family members and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.
David was a professional brick mason who took great pride in his work. He found joy in playing his guitar and singing the songs he wrote. He loved the outdoors and spending time in the woods, where he could enjoy the peace and freedom that nature brought him.
David had a special gift for making people feel welcome. He never met a stranger, and his loving, kindhearted nature made it easy for people to connect with him. He was a natural jokester who could find humor in almost anything, bringing laughter and lightheartedness to those around him.
His personality, stories, music and unmistakable spirit made him one of a kind. To honor David’s memory, take time to enjoy the things you love, just as he did. David will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.
The family received friends from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. A funeral followed at 7 p.m.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Tommy Edwin Moles
October 16, 2026
Tommy Edwin Moles, 88, of Andersonville passed away peacefully Oct. 16, 2026. He was a longtime member of Lone Mountain Baptist Church.
Tommy proudly served his country in both the U.S. Air Force and the Navy Reserve. He served four years in the Air Force as an airman first class, working as a mechanic in Reno, Nevada, and Okinawa, Japan. He later joined the Navy Reserve, where he served for more than 20 years as a member of the Seabees Naval Construction Battalion. His service included being called to active duty in Saudi Arabia during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
In addition to his military service, Tommy worked as a butcher for East Tennessee Packing House and as a sheet-metal worker. He spent most of his civilian career at Y-12 in Oak Ridge, where he eventually retired.
Tommy was a devoted family man and a proud patriot who deeply loved his family and his country. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. Intelligent and wise, he was always reading about and observing the world around him. He knew something about just about everything — and he was never short on opinions! His heart, however, was even bigger than his opinions, and he was generous to those he loved.
Tommy enjoyed family gatherings, shooting and working at the sawmill with his boys, collecting antiques, visiting with friends, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and watching the sunset from the glider in his front yard. Above all, Tommy leaves behind a lasting testimony of faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ollie Moles; sisters, Betty Reagan, Thelma Hickman, Lois Phillips and Carrie Humphrey; and son, Adam Moles.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle Moles; sister, Marie Cole; brother, Ralph Moles (Nellie); sons, Tommy Moles (Traci), Eddie Moles (Robin), Jason Moles (Stephanie), Matt Moles (Lisa) and Josh Moles (Jade); grandchildren, JR Moles, Brittany Moles, Whittany Youtsey, Caleb Jacks, Josh Moles, Mikayla Moles, Jordan Phillips, Sadie Moles and Jesse Clowers; six precious great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Ben Atchley Veterans’ Home and the UT Hospice nursing team for the compassionate care they provided to Tommy and his family. The family is especially grateful to Christina of Ben Atchley Veterans’ Home and Katrina of UT Hospice, who consistently went above and beyond in providing care and support. May God bless each of you tenfold for your kindness.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Emory Valley Baptist Church. The funeral will follow, with the Rev. Doug Fielden and Matt Moles officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Betty L. Davis Shorter
October 16, 2026
Betty L. Davis Shorter, 100, of Clinton went to her heavenly home with Jesus on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
She was born May 16, 1926, in her grandmother’s home on Hinds Creek Road in Heiskell. She was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church in Clinton and a devout Christian.
Betty attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, before marrying William C. “Bill” Shorter on Oct. 19, 1946.
She worked for Stone & Webster Engineering during the Manhattan Engineer District era and later spent more than 30 years working for the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge before retiring.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bill Shorter; parents, Owen and Lucy Davis; daughter, Linda McKamey; son-in-law, Daniel McBee; grandson, Danny Chad Crowey; and sister, Wanda Disney.
She is survived by her daughters, Diane Skeens and husband, Stephen, of Andersonville, and Teresa McBee of Norris; son-in-law, Robert McKamey of Clinton; grandchildren, Bryan Walker and wife, Sue, of Clinton, Robert Walker of Clinton, Donna Abel and husband, Sean, of Cordova, Tennessee, Julie Byrd and Ronnie Clowers of Rocky Top, Chad Crowley and wife, Heather, of Clinton, and Kristi Anderson and husband, Joshua, of Clinton; stepgrandson, Scott McBee and wife, Jennifer, of Knoxville; great-grandchildren, Alexis Seiber, Zachary Walker, TJ Seals, Caleb Walker, Ian Abel, Jackson Malady, Aiden Walker, Asher Anderson, Carly McBee and Stefan Crowley; stepgreat-grandchildren, Shanna Jarnigan, Katelyn McBee, Jackson McBee and Greyson McBee; and great-great-grandchildren, Easton Seiber, RayLee Seiber and Zykeius Brooms.
She is also survived by her sisters, Pat Jones of Southlake, Texas, and Doris Miller of Seymour, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Jim Disney of Knoxville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family extends a special thank-you to the employees at Meadow View Assisted Living for the kindness and compassionate care they provided Betty during the 15 months she lived there.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. Pastor David Seiber officiated.
Interment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
Martha Bonn Davis Stringfield
October 10, 2026
Martha Bonn Davis Stringfield, a member of Deep Springs Baptist Church and a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home Oct. 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born Feb. 12, 1939, Martha lived a life filled with love, strength and devotion to her family. She was a woman whose love knew no bounds, whose heart was always open and whose presence brought comfort to those fortunate enough to know her. She was the kind of woman who would do anything for the people she loved, always willing to listen, offer encouragement and give of herself without hesitation.
Martha shared 68 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Jack Stringfield, building a lifetime of memories, love and family together. Her greatest treasures in life were her family and the special bonds she shared with each of them.
Martha’s strength was something truly special. Even through life’s hardest seasons, her love for her family never wavered. She taught those around her the importance of family, the value of kindness and the beauty of loving others wholeheartedly.
Her legacy is measured not in years alone, but in the generations she helped shape, the lives she touched and the love she leaves behind.
Martha’s earthly journey has come to an end, but the love she planted in the hearts of her family will never fade. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, strength and devotion that will continue to shine for years to come.
Those Who Preceded Her in Death
In addition to her husband, Jack Stringfield, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Mary Herrell; sisters, Hazel Ruble and Una Lunsford; and brothers, Louis Davis and Wayne Davis.
Those Left to Cherish Her Memory
She leaves behind her loving brothers, Raymond (Betsy) Davis and Jimmy Davis; her sister, Betty Jean Davis; and her sister-in-law, Juanita Davis.
Her loving daughters, Glenna (Doug) Engle, Mitzi (Robert Jr.) Walker, and Joyce (Rocky) Brown, will forever hold their mother close in their hearts.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, April (Marty) Harbin, Jackie (Tim) Pyle, Bridget (Randy) Jones, and Tyler Walker, Rocky Brown Jr. along with her beloved great-grandchildren, Kelsea (Seth) Hatmaker, Drake (Kenadi) Pyle, Khloe (Nick) Moog, Caden Pyle, Chase Harbin, and Khloe Wilkerson.
Each of them carries a piece of her heart, her wisdom and the unconditional love she gave so freely.
Though Martha may no longer be by their sides, she will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
Her love will continue through every generation, and her memory will always be a blessing to the family she cherished so dearly.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Martha Bonn Stringfield.
Jeffrey Lynn Stratton
October 9, 2026
Jeffrey Lynn Stratton, 65, of Knoxville passed away Oct. 9, 2026.
Jeff lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute. He had a heart of gold and loved motorcycles and guns.
He never met a stranger and always had a story to tell.
Jeff was especially proud of his three sons, whom he loved abundantly.
He is survived by his sons, Dustin Stratton (Sara), Christopher Monday and Bradley Monday; grandchildren, Austin Monday, Warren Stratton and Avril Stratton; sisters, Kimberly Ferrell (Donnie) and Kathy Stratton; brother, Bobby Joe Goode Jr.; longtime companion, Joy Teems; and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thank-you to Joy Teems for always being there for Jeff.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff Stratton and Mildred Whaley Stratton; and grandparents, Andrew and Grace Whaley.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Stratton family.
Gordon Wayne Cagle Jr.
October 4, 2026
With great sadness and much love, the Cagle family announces the passing of Gordon Wayne Cagle Jr. of Clinton on Oct. 4, 2026. He was 83.
Gordon will be deeply missed by his brother Roy Cagle; son, Dawson Wayne Cagle; daughter, Davilyn Cagle Huffaker, and her husband, Michael James Huffaker; granddaughter, Eiley Jane Huffaker; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Berry Cagle; brother, James Harvey Cagle; and parents, Gordon Wayne Cagle Sr. and Mildred Dawson Cagle.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at First Baptist Church in Clinton. A funeral followed at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Terry Baker officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Ouachita Cemetery in Donaldson, Arkansas, where Gordon will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Carolyn.
Funeral arrangements and remembrances are being handled by Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton (www.holleygamble.com) and Smith Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas (www.smithfamilycares.com).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take a walk in the woods and think of Gordon on his eternal hunt for wildflowers, waterfalls and more firewood.
Memorial donations also may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.
Viola Rebecca Parker Adams
October 4, 2026
Viola Rebecca Parker Adams, 97, of Claxton passed away Oct. 4, 2026.
She was born Nov. 19, 1928, in Damascus, Virginia. Viola was an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan and a talented quilter. She was a member of South Clinton Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 11 siblings.
She is survived by her husband of 79 years, George “Bill” Adams; son, Bill Adams (Sandy) of Clinton; daughters, Suzanne Lynch (Jim) of Strawberry Plains, Connie Chase (Harry) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Becky Ward (Scott) of Dalton, Georgia; grandchildren, Mark Browning (Heidy), Sarah Browning, Robin Adams, Jared Adams, Harrison Chase, Colin Chase (Alyssa), Nathan Ward (Lindsay), Michael Ward (Krystina) and Rachel Carlson (Zach); four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Claxton Volunteer Fire Department.
