Doris Lovell Dunn
October 24, 2024
On the morning of Oct. 24, 2024, our Mum, Gram, and Great-Gram, Doris Lovell Dunn, passed away in her sleep at the age of 94. We celebrate her long life and the love she had for the beauty found in nature, music, learning, words, the Gospel, and most of all, her family.
When we remember her, we think of her as a teacher, grammarian, and lover of opera, classical, and jazz music (she even met Miles Davis and Chuck Mangione). She was a beatnik and artist, a rebel before her time. She continued going to school in secret even when she was forbidden to go and went on to complete her GED later in life. She was a cartographer and won multiple awards from the Bureau of the Census for drawing beautiful and precise maps. Her art included a variety of media, from painting watercolors to sewing dresses for Ms. Gay Knoxville to cooking culinary delights such as beef tongue sandwich and beef steak and kidney pie.
She passed on many traditions to her own family, including the Lovell Christmas toast, the Lovell family initiation ritual, and daily Jeopardy viewings.
Doris May Lovell was born on May 10, 1930 in Rochester, New York. She was the first child of the Lovell family born on this side of the Atlantic Ocean after her father, mother, and four older siblings emigrated to the United States from England.
In the following years, she was joined by three younger siblings. Doris married George Woittiez, with whom she had four children: Geoffrey (Candy), Cynthia (Robert), Timothy (Stacey), and Janice (Scott). In 1965, she married Lindsay Dougal and had another child, Elizabeth (Kevin). She married once more in the 1990s to Ted Dunn.
Over the years, she welcomed five grandchildren: Jeremy (Angela), Jonathan (Holly), Victoria (Brian), Ryan (Rachel), and Belle. Five great-grandchildren have since been born: Cooper, Ansley, Keegan, Mason, and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her children Timothy and Cynthia, and by five siblings: Frank, Reginald, Leonard, Gwendoline, and Geoffrey. She is survived by her siblings Grace and Joyce.
Doris’s legacy includes her family and friends, whom she loved dearly, such as faithful companions Lorri Johnson and Katie Musgrave. She loved well and was so well-loved in return.
Growing up during the Great Depression, Doris learned the value of frugality, and living through World War II taught her the values of unity and patriotism.
Doris supported racial equality by standing up to discrimination in the housing market, and went against the grain when it came to childrearing, giving birth without anesthesia and opting to breastfeed her children even when it was out of fashion to do so.
As a parent, she instilled a love of reading in her children by reading to them nearly every night. Doris impressed the importance of family, duty, grammar, manners, etiquette and appreciation for the arts on each of her loved ones. Her love of teaching and mentoring even extended into her death with her decision to donate her body to scientific research. She didn’t know a stranger; there was no such thing as a “quick” errand, as she would start spontaneous conversations with anybody and everybody at the store. This attitude extended to her goodbyes as she always insisted on waving goodbye from her porch.
Doris worked in many roles throughout her life, including as a hospital intake staff member, Census interviewer, painter, choral soloist, volunteer with the Contact suicide prevention hotline, and a seamstress who spent countless hours sewing Easter dresses for her daughters. Additionally, she was an actress who played in Norris Little Theater productions such as “Inherit the Wind” and “Blithe Spirit.” In fact, she may have missed her calling as an actress, as she’d bring the house down in comedies, and even acted in a movie called “Laughing at the Moon” — check out her IMDb page!
Doris found great comfort and joy in sharing the story of how she became a Christian, and she was a beloved member of three churches over a period of 50 years. She often sought to encourage young believers with anecdotes and Bible passages that were near and dear to her heart. Furthermore, she prayed unceasingly for her loved ones and made it clear how important they were to her.
Join us for a celebration of her life to be held on Nov. 23, 2024, at Norris First Baptist Church, 149 W. Norris Road, Norris, with a receiving of friends at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at donate.imaginationlibrary.com.
Rema Jeffers Dabney
October 24, 2024
Rema Jeffers Dabney, loving wife and mother, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at the age of 92.
She was born in Scott County, Tennessee, in 1932 to Eddie and Mae Jeffers. Rema loved her church, where she was a member for 60 years. She worked for 30 years with the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment, serving in Oneida, Clinton and Knoxville, and retired as regional clerical supervisor.
Rema enjoyed reading, flowers, puzzles, walking, and caring for her family.
Known for her kindness and gentle nature, she was a living example of God’s discipleship through her love and dedication to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her recent years, she was admired for her strength and continued goodwill toward others.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, O.L. Dabney; sisters Reba Duncan and Christine Dabney; and brothers Clarence Jeffers, Clifton Jeffers, and Ralph Jeffers.
Left to cherish her loving memory are her children, Karen Cooper (Gary), Marie Deen (Ross), and Stephen Dabney; brothers Curtis Jeffers (Jeri), Gene Jeffers (Peggy), and Kermit Jeffers (Donna); grandsons John Cooper (Bahar) and Greg Cooper (Danielle); granddaughter Emma Dabney; and great-grandchildren Nataleigh, Carleigh, Isaac, Savannah, Luke, Ryan, and Sidnee. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Joe Dabney, and special friends Dixie Billings, Jerry Cloyd, Betty Smith, Peggy Burton, Angie Page, and Juanita Smith, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
The family received friends on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Clinton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral followed and was officiated by Dr. Danny Chisholm. Family and friends travelled to Grandview Memorial Garden for Rema’s interment.
Pallbearers were Gary Cooper, Ross Deen, Greg Cooper, Mark Dabney, Kermit Jeffers, and David Duncan. Honorary pallbearers were John Cooper and Joe Dabney.
holleygamble.com
Rebecca Abigail Longmire Williams
October 23, 2024
Rebecca Abigail Longmire Williams, of Clinton, Tennessee, much loved mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 23, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
She lived life joyfully, filling it for 92 years with family, faith, friends and selfless service.
Becky was born October 15, 1932, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Charles and Rose Longmire of Andersonville, Tennessee. One of 10 children and the last surviving sibling, she grew up on the family dairy farm in Andersonville. After Norris High School, she earned a degree in Library Sciences at East Tennessee State University, graduating magna cum laude. She was a sister of Kappa Delta sorority and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
After graduation Becky began a long and extraordinarily influential career as a librarian in Anderson County Schools, Clinton City Schools, and Clinton Public Library. She loved books, loved to read, and took great pleasure in sharing this love with children. At Clinton Public Library the children’s library is dedicated to “Miss Becky’s Children” in honor of her many years serving the young, molding her community’s future through the life skill of reading.Becky was not just a librarian but an educator in the truest sense. Children were drawn to her as someone they could turn to for help with any school challenge; and she was frequently seen at a library table helping those who came.
Responding to a special request by the school system, she jumped at the opportunity to establish and direct the first library at Clinton’s Green McAdoo School, while serving concurrently as Clinton Elementary School librarian.
In the early 1960s, pursuing a master’s degree in library sciences at the University of Tennessee, she became aware of a new federal program that would aid many disadvantaged children all over Anderson County - the Head Start program. This became her course of study and dissertation. Becky made the connections and did the work which brought Head Start to Anderson County; and it still goes strong today.
In 1955, Becky married the late Allan Lee Williams and they made Clinton, Tennessee, their forever home. She was active in both church and community - a dedicated member of Memorial United Methodist Church at Clinton for 69 years. At Memorial she served on many boards and committees. Because she treasured children, she taught Sunday School and was a Methodist Youth Fellowship leader.
Becky was a project director of the Clinton pilot for the Tennessee Historical Society’s Tennessee Homecoming ’86 which among other things produced the book “Clinton - An Identity Rediscovered.” She subsequently represented Clinton on the Tennessee 200 Bicentennial Celebration Committee. She was also a longtime member of Wednesday Club in Clinton.
Becky loved abundantly and was loved in return. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters Ruth, Elizabeth, Bobbie, Mary, and Nancy; brothers Mayo, Hubert, Hobart, and David; in-laws Lee Basel Williams and wife Katherine, and Sheriff Kenneth Caldwell and wife Dottie.
Left to cherish her memory are daughter, Melissa Ann Snead (Richard) of Clinton; son, Charles Allan Williams (Yvonne) of St. Simons Island, Georgia; grandchildren Richard S. Snead (Adrienne) of Columbus, Ohio, Laura Snead of Clinton, and Abigail Williams of Kennesaw, Georgia; and great-grandsons Richard W. and Campbell S. Snead of Columbus.
She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Mary Helen Longmire and Mary Ann Longmire of Andersonville; cousin Dr. Mark Caldwell (Suzanne) of Clinton; nephew Robert Longmire (Jill) of Andersonville; many other nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friend Felicia Reynolds of Clinton.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you for the loving care Miss Becky received from the staff at Canterfield of Oak Ridge and also caregiver Vicky Donald.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton, with a funeral to follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is handling the arrangements. holleygamble.com
Mary Alice Seeber
October 23, 2024
Mary Alice Seeber, 81, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Oct. 23, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, following a period of declining health.
Mary Alice retired from Methodist Medical Center. She was a loving daughter, wonderful cook, loved to sing at church, working in her flower garden, and was a Tennessee Vols fan.
Born Dec. 29, 1942, in Clinton, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Oliver Brown and Ella Marie Sweet Brown. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie Haney, and by her second family, Earl and Minnie Kelly and their family.
She is survived by her sister, Faye Davis of Clinton, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many special friends, including close friend Carolyn Smith.
The Seeber family would like to extend their gratitude to Covenant Hospice and staff for their love and care shown to Mary Alice, as well as to Mona McCarter for her support.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at Anderson Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Brent Stewart officiating. Jones Mortuary of Clinton is serving the family.
Mary Alice Seeber
October 23, 2024
Mary Alice Seeber, 81, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Oct. 23, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, following a period of declining health.
Mary Alice retired from Methodist Medical Center. She was a loving daughter and a wonderful cook, loved to sing at church and work in her flower garden, and was a Tennessee Vols fan.
Born Dec. 29, 1942, in Clinton, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Oliver Brown and Ella Marie Sweet Brown.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie Haney, and by her second family, Earl and Minnie Kelly and their family.
She is survived by her sister, Faye Davis of Clinton, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many special friends, including close friend Carolyn Smith.
The Seeber family would like to extend their gratitude to Covenant Hospice and staff for their love and care shown to Mary Alice, as well as to Mona McCarter for her support.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at Anderson Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Brent Stewart officiating.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is serving the family.
Rebecca Abigail Longmire Williams
October 23, 2024
Rebecca Abigail Longmire Williams of Clinton, Tennessee, much-loved mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 23, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
She lived life joyfully, filling it for 92 years with family, faith, friends and selfless service.
Becky was born Oct. 15, 1932, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Charles and Rose Longmire of Andersonville, Tennessee.
One of 10 children and the last surviving sibling, she grew up on the family dairy farm in Andersonville.
After graduating from Norris High School, she earned a degree in library sciences at East Tennessee State University, graduating magna cum laude.
She was a sister of Kappa Delta sorority, and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
After graduation Becky began a long and extraordinarily influential career as a librarian in Anderson County Schools, Clinton City Schools, and the Clinton Public Library.
She loved books, loved to read, and took great pleasure in sharing this love with children.
At Clinton Public Library, the children’s library is dedicated to “Miss Becky’s Children” in honor of her many years serving the young, molding her community’s future through the life skill of reading.
Becky was not just a librarian but an educator in the truest sense.
Children were drawn to her as someone they could turn to for help with any school challenge, and she was frequently seen at a library table helping those who came there.
Responding to a special request by the school system, she jumped at the opportunity to establish and direct the first library at Clinton’s Green McAdoo School, while serving concurrently as the Clinton Elementary School librarian.
In the early 1960s, pursuing a master’s degree in library sciences at the University of Tennessee, she became aware of a new federal program that would aid many disadvantaged children all over Anderson County, the Head Start program.
This became her course of study and thesis. Becky made the connections and did the work that brought Head Start to Anderson County, and it still goes strong today.
In 1955, Becky married Allan Lee Williams, and they made Clinton their forever home.
She was active in both church and community, and a dedicated member of Memorial United Methodist Church at Clinton for 69 years.
At Memorial, she served on many boards and committees.
Because she treasured children, she taught Sunday School and was a Methodist Youth Fellowship leader.
Becky was a project director of the Clinton pilot for the Tennessee Historical Society’s Tennessee Homecoming ’86, which, among other things, produced the book “Clinton – An Identity Rediscovered.”
She subsequently represented Clinton on the Tennessee 200 Bicentennial Celebration Committee.
She was also a longtime member of Wednesday Club in Clinton.
Becky loved abundantly and was loved in return.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters Ruth, Elizabeth, Bobbie, Mary, and Nancy; brothers Mayo, Hubert, Hobart, and David; in-laws Lee Basel Williams and wife Katherine, and Sheriff Kenneth Caldwell and wife Dottie.
Left to cherish her memory are daughter, Melissa Ann Snead (Richard) of Clinton; son, Charles Allan Williams (Yvonne) of St. Simons Island, Georgia; grandchildren Richard S. Snead (Adrienne) of Columbus, Ohio, Laura Snead of Clinton, and Abigail Williams of Kennesaw, Georgia; and great-grandsons Richard W. and Campbell S. Snead of Columbus.
She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Mary Helen Longmire and Mary Ann Longmire of Andersonville; cousin Dr. Mark Caldwell (Suzanne) of Clinton; nephew Robert Longmire (Jill) of Andersonville; many other nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friend Felicia Reynolds of Clinton.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you for the loving care Miss Becky received from the staff at Canterfield of Oak Ridge and also caregiver Vicky Donald.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton, with a funeral to follow at 12:30 p.m.
Burial will immediately follow at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is handling the arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Terry Lee Crawford
October 19, 2024
Terry Lee Crawford, 67, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Oct. 19, 2024. He was born Feb. 20, 1957, in Knoxville to the late Homer and Ethel Crawford. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Crawford Ray, and niece, Leah Ray.
Terry lived much of his life in Clinton. He graduated from Clinton Senior High School in 1975 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a focus on marketing, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
He spent over 20 years as a market development manager for Ace Hardware Corporation, where he helped many realize their dreams of owning or expanding their own businesses.
An avid motorcyclist, Terry was a founding member of Volunteer Road Riders and enjoyed many weekends riding motorcycles, trying new restaurants, and sharing adventures with a wonderful group of friends.
He is survived by his wife, Tracey; stepsons, Dakota Tinsley and Dustin Tinsley; granddaughter, Alexis Seiber; and three great-grandchildren.
Terry requested his ashes be spread at a location that held a very special place in his heart. There will be a private service at a later date.
Those who feel compelled to honor Terry’s memory are encouraged to donate to an organization that supports individuals facing depression or other mental health challenges, or better yet, reach out to someone you know that is suffering. Forgive them, ask for their forgiveness. Tell them you love them. Let them know they matter.
www.holleygamble.com
Terry Lee Crawford
October 19, 2024
Terry Lee Crawford, 67, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Oct. 19, 2024. He was born Feb. 20, 1957, in Knoxville to Homer and Ethel Crawford. He was preceded in death by parents, his sister, Brenda Crawford Ray, and his niece, Leah Ray.
Terry lived much of his life in Clinton. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1975 and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in business administration, with a focus on marketing, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
He spent more than 20 years as a market development manager for Ace Hardware Corp., where he helped many realize their dreams of owning or expanding their own businesses.
An avid motorcyclist, Terry was a founding member of Volunteer Road Riders, and enjoyed many weekends riding motorcycles, trying new restaurants, and sharing adventures with a wonderful group of friends.
He is survived by his wife, Tracey; stepsons, Dakota Tinsley and Dustin Tinsley; granddaughter, Alexis Seiber; and three great-grandchildren.
Terry requested that his ashes be spread at a location that held a very special place in his heart. There will be a private service at a later date.
Those who feel compelled to honor Terry’s memory are encouraged to donate to an organization that supports individuals facing depression or other mental health challenges, or better yet, reach out to someone you know who is suffering. Forgive them, ask for their forgiveness. Tell them you love them. Let them know they matter.
holleygamble.com
