Denise Marie Dziura
October 3, 2026
Denise Marie Dziura, 68, of Andersonville passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
Born Dec. 15, 1957, in Lakehurst, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Charles and Josephine Dziura, who preceded her in death.
Denise was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norris. She found great joy in the simple things in life, especially reading, gardening, spending time with her beloved cats and enjoying occasional visits to the famous Big Ed’s Pizza. During her years living in Key West, Florida, she worked as a chef, and her love of cooking remained a cherished part of her life.
Denise had a warm and welcoming spirit and made friends easily wherever she went. She was naturally social, enjoyed the company of others and had a way of making people feel at home. Above all, she possessed a pure and genuinely good soul — a rare and beautiful quality that those who knew and loved her will always remember.
She will be greatly missed by her siblings, Dotty Hotin and husband, Dan, of Manchester, New Hampshire, Diane Humphrey and husband, Doug, of Andersonville, Cathy Morin and husband, Rick, of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Chuck Dziura and wife, Debbie, of Penacook, New Hampshire; special friends, Heather, Sherri, Jimmy and Sally; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends whom she loved dearly.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
Family and friends gathered at New Home Baptist Church in Andersonville for a funeral honoring Denise at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, with the Rev. Brian Riggs officiating.
In honor of Denise and her love for animals, memorial donations may be made to the Norris Animal Shelter at 865-494-7645 or to a local animal shelter of the donor’s choice.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Dziura family.
holleygamble.com.
Betty Sue Liles Braden
October 1, 2026
Betty Sue Liles Braden, 72, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Diversicare of Oak Ridge.
Betty was born June 16, 1954, in Loudon, Tennessee, to Sanders Liles Jr. and Ivarine Scarbrough Liles.
She is survived by her husband, G.L. Braden; sons, Lee Braden and Kevin Braden and wife, Nicole; daughter, Stephanie Slayback and husband, Richard; grandchildren, Shelby Shirley and husband, Dillion, and Chelsea Braden; great-grandchildren, Sutton and Suede Shirley; brother, Gary Liles; and sister, Sandra Liles Fine.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family encourages friends to share memories of Betty and personal condolences through her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Oak Ridge is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
Louisa Jane Lowe
September 30, 2026
Louisa Jane Lowe, a beloved member of the Norma community, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
Born Nov. 15, 1936, Louisa was the cherished daughter of Finley Carroll and Vianna Massengale. Her life was a testament to the love and kindness she freely shared with everyone she met.
Louisa was a woman of many talents and interests, known for her warm spirit and generous heart. She dedicated more than 30 years to teaching children’s Sunday school at Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church, a role that allowed her to touch the lives of countless young souls. Her dedication and passion for nurturing the next generation were evident in every lesson she taught.
A gifted quilter and crocheter, Louisa spent many joyful hours creating beautiful works of art with her hands. Her creations were not just items of beauty but were filled with the love and warmth she extended to all aspects of her life. Family and friends were often the grateful recipients of her lovingly crafted pieces, which will continue to serve as cherished reminders of her skill and affection.
Louisa shared a special bond with her husband, Hubert, with whom she enjoyed countless adventures. Together, they delighted in trips to Dollywood and cherished the peacefulness of excursion train rides. These experiences were not just about the destinations, but the precious time spent together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Known for her open heart and welcoming nature, Louisa never met a stranger. Her genuine love for people was evident in her everyday interactions, and she had a special ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Louisa Jane Lowe’s legacy is one of love, compassion and unwavering faith. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Louisa was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Lowe; daughter, Debra Lowe; and sister, Lucille German.
She is survived by her daughters, Diane Lowe Sherman and husband, Max, and Patricia Lowe Adkins; brothers, Steve Carroll and wife, Linda, and Clarence Carroll; grandchildren, Paul Sherman and wife, Karen, and Jennifer Sherman Betts and husband, Eston; and five great-grandchildren, Ethan Sherman, Ava Sherman, Isla Sherman, Nolan Betts and Remington Betts.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral service followed at 7 p.m.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at Smoky Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Foundation in Louisa’s honor.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. holleygamble.com.
James William ‘J.W.’ Smith Jr.
September 28, 2026
James William “J.W.” Smith Jr., 83, passed away Sept. 28, 2026. Born June 6, 1943, in Knoxville to James William Smith Sr. and Juanita Webb Smith, J.W. was beloved by family and friends around the world.
As a toddler, J.W.’s grandparents would take him for evening car rides to lull him to sleep. Instead of getting drowsy, J.W. would stand on the front seat, prop his hands on the dashboard and watch to see what was around the next bend or over the next hill. This curiosity set the course for J.W.’s life. His desire to discover what lay ahead took him to some of the Americas’ greatest adventure destinations.
J.W. began his outdoor career as a wildlife enforcement officer for the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission in Wartburg. On one occasion, J.W. tracked an out-of-season hunter. As the hunter walked past, J.W. flicked a Zippo lighter. The startled hunter threw up his arms and exclaimed, “Lord, don’t shoot me!”
J.W. later moved to Alaska, where he served as a fish and wildlife officer and trooper with the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
During his service, he helped investigate one of the largest illegal hunting cases in the department’s history and coordinated enforcement activities between Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory.
He later became a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage, Alaska.
He attended federal law enforcement academies in Washington, D.C., and Glynco, Georgia, where he earned an expert marksmanship designation.
Although the Secret Service attempted to recruit him, J.W. declined. He eventually left law enforcement to become co-owner and manager of an Alaska fishing and hunting lodge, followed by an Alaska wilderness fishing campout operation.
He later entered the outfitting business, becoming a partner in Rod & Gun Resources, where he booked and escorted hunting and fishing trips throughout North, Central and South America.
His outdoor adventures were featured in numerous books, sporting magazine articles and three nationally syndicated outdoor television shows.
One of the great perks of outfitting was the opportunity to take exploratory trips. J.W. explored remote rivers in Alaska, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia, often accompanied by guides who spoke no English.
During one adventure, he became stranded on an island off the coast of Mexico. Fortunately, his guide could climb trees to gather coconuts while J.W. caught fish for them to eat.
While exploring tarpon fishing opportunities in Honduras, J.W. met a local game warden who had no shoes. Before leaving, J.W. gave the man his sandals.
In Guyana, J.W. and his guide were recruited by local law enforcement officers to play the roles of drug smugglers during a training exercise. J.W. hid bags of sugar aboard their boat and sped away. When officers caught them, they were unable to find the hidden sugar.
In Alaska, J.W. explored countless rivers, hiked many miles, survived two small-plane crashes and encountered numerous grizzly and brown bears.
J.W. lived life on his own terms. His generosity with his time, his adventurous spirit and his determination defined him.
He and his wife, Dawn, shared 38 years of marriage filled with adventures. Together, they traveled to destinations near and far, meeting strangers who often became lifelong friends.
He’s off on his next great adventure, scouting the best fishing holes in heaven.
This caring and loving man is preceded in death by his father, James William Smith Sr.; and his brother, Richard Smith.
He is survived by the love of his life (as he was hers) Dawn Smith; mother, Juanita Webb Smith; son, Steven Smith and his wife, Linda; daughter, Crystal and her husband, Jeff; granddaughter, Kayla; brother, David Smith and his wife, Vicki; nephews, Dave and Mike; nieces, Windy, Kari and Treva; sister-in-law, Betty; niece, Kiesha, and her husband, Brian Dalton; and other family members, Jimmy and Melanie Cox, Mark and Jill Gilliand, Sarah and Sean Sweeney, Spenser Gilliand, Ben and Leann Gilliand, Lilly Gilliand, Tristan and Mercedes Livingston, Trinity, Tegan and Tayzlee Livingston, Curtis and Laura Hamlin, and Ailyn Hamlin.
The family will receive friends from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Doe Valley Farm, 313 Stage Coach Loop, Mountain City, Tennessee.
JoAnn M. Kopp
September 26, 2026
JoAnn M. Kopp, 84, of Lakewood, New Mexico, passed away peacefully Friday, June 26, 2026.
Born July 28, 1941, in Strykersville, New York, JoAnn was the beloved child of Walter and Geraldine Kopp. Throughout her life, JoAnn was known for her infectious smile, fun-loving attitude and devotion to God.
She graduated from Rushford Central School and Houghton College and went on to work as a math teacher with the Pioneer Central School District in Arcade, New York. She continued her teaching career at TMI Academy in Sweetwater, Tennessee, and then at Anderson County High School in Norris, Tennessee. At the time of her retirement, she was assistant principal at the Anderson County Career and Technical Center.
After retiring from teaching, JoAnn traveled the western United States in her RV, often boondocking in Bureau of Land Management areas. Her adventures included horseback riding on the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast, hiking among the giant sequoias, relaxing in natural hot springs, studying the stars at an observatory in Oregon and waking up to a herd of elk outside her RV.
She also enjoyed discovering her talents in needlework, painting and woodworking. She found great joy in her daily devotional and touched the lives of many through her evangelism.
JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Jill Seward (Troy) Anderson; son, Caleb Scroback; brother, Dan (Kay) Kopp; sister, Karen (Randy) Kopp Lawrence; daughter-in-law, Beth Seward; and grandchildren, Will, Samantha and Louis.
She was preceded in death by her son, Todd Seward; and daughter, Amber Scroback Blockley.
A graveside memorial will be held at Hardy’s Corners Cemetery in Rushford, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries or by simply performing a random act of kindness for a total stranger, as JoAnn would have done.
Benny Joe Jennings
September 23, 2026
Benny Joe Jennings, 84, of Caryville passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
While his family grieves his absence, they take immense comfort in knowing that Benny, who was legally blind for many years, has finally received his perfect sight and is now looking upon the face of Jesus. He had suffered for many years with diabetes, strokes and Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Lake City on Aug. 30, 1942, he was the beloved son of Kenneth and Nevaline (Vowell) Jennings. Benny was saved during a revival at age 15 and was a lifelong member of Pine Hill Baptist Church. He was a 1960 graduate of Lake City High School.
Benny was a man who deeply loved his country. He had the rare distinction of serving honorably in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. His military service shaped his strong character, discipline and dedication to helping others — traits that stayed with him throughout his life.
He married Helen Anita Lewis on May 20, 1963.
Benny joined the U.S. Navy in 1960 and served for 7½ years as a mail clerk. His assignments included the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Orange, Texas; Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, where he served aboard the USS Mattaponi; Naval Air Station Norfolk in Virginia, where he served aboard the USS Shasta; and Naval Air Station Glynco in Brunswick, Georgia.
He brought his young family back home to Tennessee after leaving the Navy in 1968. He sold insurance for Home Beneficial and worked at Modine Manufacturing and Y-12, but he still felt the need to serve his country.
Benny joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971. While serving as a supply sergeant, he was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina; Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan; Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina; and Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia.
He retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant in 1984 after more than 20 years of military service. He moved back home to Tennessee and attended auto mechanic school because of his love for working on vehicles. He also worked part time as a mail carrier and later took a job with Boeing in Oak Ridge before his eyesight forced him to retire.
Benny had a lifelong passion for racing and working on vehicles. He also enjoyed mowing and woodworking and was always tinkering with something.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Nevaline Jennings; sister, Ruth Jennings; niece, Lee Ann Hendren; father- and mother-in-law, David and Hattie Lewis; brothers-in-law and their wives, Bobby and Faye Lewis and Mike and Geraldine Lewis; sister-in-law, Diana Lewis; nieces, Patsy Curl and Missy Brooks; and nephew, Robby Lewis.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Helen Lewis Jennings; daughters, Anita Sharp and husband, Nick, Debbie Wilson, and JoLana Carpenter and husband, Mitch.
As the father of three daughters, he was their first hero and taught them about duty, honor, courage and patriotic pride. He provided a unique childhood for his military brats by giving them the opportunity to experience different parts of the country and world.
He was thrilled to be Papaw to seven grandsons and two granddaughters: Joey Clevenstine; Justin Clevenstine and wife, Madison; Tyler Sharp and wife, Natasha; Shane Bullock and wife, Taylor; Andy Sharp and wife, Whitney; Chelsea Taylor and husband, Eric; Jeremy Wilson and wife, Cheyene; Kalli Sharp; and Trent Bullock.
He was the proud great-grandfather of 15 great-grandchildren: Ella Hembree, Carter Taylor, Emorie DeMarcus, Hadley Wilson, Addison Sharp, Haiden Wilson, Averie Taylor, Peyton Sharp, Kinsley Sharp, Tyson Sharp, Campbell Wilson, Harrison Sharp, Poppy Clevenstine, Kyzer Bullock and Cosette Clevenstine. The family is also expecting Sharp twins in April 2027.
He is also survived by sisters, Carolyn Hendren and husband, Robert, and Vicki Massey and husband, Richard; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.
Benny also leaves behind the service members he worked alongside who became as much a part of his family as those related by blood, especially Jim Young. Their fierce loyalty, shared laughter and unwavering support for one another created a lifelong bond that time and distance could never diminish.
The family received friends at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, with the funeral following at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Tom Aiken officiating.
Benny’s graveside service was held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Leach Cemetery, where his seven grandsons served as pallbearers. Full military honors were presented by the Campbell County Honor Guard.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Geraldine Wilkerson
September 20, 2026
Geraldine Wilkerson, 82, of Andersonville, passed away peacefully at the University of Tennessee Medical Center at 1:42 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, Curtis, and their four children.
Geraldine was a born-again child of God and a faithful and dedicated member of New Lone Mountain Baptist Church in Andersonville, where she proudly served alongside her husband as a deacon’s wife. She loved the Lord and lived her life as a beautiful reflection of her faith.
Above all, Geraldine was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was her life, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her large family and many loved ones. She shared an especially close bond with her grandchildren, who often joked with one another about which of them was her favorite. The truth was, Geraldine had a special way of making each one feel like her favorite. Her grandchildren loved her deeply, and the precious memories they shared with her will remain in their hearts forever.
Geraldine also treasured the cards she received from family and friends, carefully preserving them in a special album as cherished reminders of the many people who loved and touched her life.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Bonnie Bell; grandchildren, Joshua Wilkerson and Contessa Wilkerson; brother, Leo Bell; and sisters, Betty Jean Bailey, Patricia Childress, Mary Lene Chapman and Loretta Crowe.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Curtis Wilkerson; children, Gary Wilkerson and wife, Debbie, Dwayne Wilkerson and wife, Judy, Melissa Bean and husband, Freddie, and Anthony Wilkerson and wife, Hope; grandchildren, Dustin Bean, Heather Wilkerson, Chelsea Brown, Michael Wilkerson, Jacob Wilkerson, Nikki Cates, Kenzie Wilkerson, Khloe Wilkerson and Maebree Wilkerson; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel, with the Rev. Freddie Bean and the Rev. Mark Dison officiating.
Geraldine’s graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Anderson Memorial Gardens. Her sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Geraldine Wilkerson. holleygamble.com
Bobby Joe White
September 18, 2026
Bobby Joe White, 78, of Dutch Valley passed away at his home Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
He attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church and enjoyed all sports, especially dirt-track racing. His number was 38, and he was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame at Wartburg Speedway.
Bobby Joe was an excellent brick mason for more than 50 years and was the owner and operator of White Brothers Masonry. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Helen White; and brothers, Ray White, Ronnie White, Carl White and James Allen White.
Bobby Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hattie Jackson White; daughter, Melissa Douglas and husband, Joe; grandchildren, Lerissa Douglas, Skyer (Chastity Vickery) Douglas, and Lexie Clawson and husband, Skyler; great-grandchildren, Stella and Hudson Douglas; sister, Mary Jane Burress and husband, Dennis; brothers, Tony White and wife, Shirley, and Freddy White and wife, Donna; first cousins, Freda Rose and husband, Ricky, and Geraldine White and husband, Jerry; best friend, Eddie Leroy Lowe; friends and longtime employees, Scott Jackson, Frank Silcox and Brian Cannon; and many other friends and family members.
Cremation was chosen, with a private burial.
To leave a note for Bobby Joe’s family or share a memory, visit the online guest book at Jackson Funeral Services (jacksonfuneralservices.com).
