Evelyn McCune Cason
January 11, 2025
Evelyn McCune Cason, 85, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.
The family will receive friends Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton, with the funeral to follow at 6 p.m. The Rev. Jason Stokes will officiate.
An interment service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Providence First Baptist Church cCemetery in Williamson, Georgia.
Mrs. Cason was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Atlanta to Edward Earl McCune Sr. and Anne Kenney McCune. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Rochelle McCune Hooks, and her brother, Edward Earl McCune Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Dennis Lamar Cason; stepmother, Evelyn Livingston McCune; sister-in-law, Debbie McCune Powell of McDonough, Georgia; stepson, Steve Cason of Knoxville, Tennessee; stepdaughter, Tammy Osborn (Jim) of Blaine, Washington; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five nieces and nephews; 14 great-nieces and nephews; and two great-great-nieces.
Mrs. Cason graduated from Reinhardt College and worked for 23 years at the Baptist Bookstore in Atlanta. She began attending sign-language classes at Cruselle-Freeman Church of the Deaf in 1964. Eighteen years later, she met her husband at the church and moved to Clinton. She worked at the Clinton Christian Bookstore for 18 years until her retirement in 2001.
She was the church photographer and a Sunday school teacher for many years at New Salem Baptist Church. Mrs. Cason dedicated her life to helping others in need. She was an avid photographer and loved teaching children. She deeply loved her family and friends and lived a life of service to others.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Barbara Noe Fagan
January 9, 2025
Barbara Noe Fagan, 87, of Clinton passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2025, after a journey with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Despite her illness, Barbara maintained her angelic sweetness, kindness and grace until the end.
Barbara was born on Dec. 27, 1937, in Harlan, Kentucky, to Carl and Ruth Noe. Her family later moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1953. She attended the University of Alabama, majoring in music. While there, she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and performed in several musicals that showcased her beautiful voice.
While attending the University of Alabama, Barbara was introduced to Fred Fagan of Clinton, Tennessee, who was stationed by the Air Force in Mobile, Alabama. Music may have been her passion, but the man in uniform captured her heart, and the couple married in 1955.
Over the next several years Barbara gave birth to five children, whom she absolutely cherished. In 1968, she began working for South Central Bell, retiring early in 1992 to focus on her dream job: being the doting Grandma Barbara to her own beautiful grandchildren. She also became a childcare provider for several families in Clinton and Knoxville. She was back loving her babies, which brought her so much joy. This was such a blessing for Barbara and the 20 or so children she poured her love into.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ruth Noe, and by Fred Fagan, the father of her children.
She is survived by her brother, Carl Noe of California, who was her only sibling; She is also survived by all five of her children: her precious son Freddy Fagan of Clinton, Joe Fagan (Meggie) of Florida, Angela Poole (Steven) of South Carolina, Donna Parke (Chuck) of Andersonville, and John Fagan (Kellie) of Clinton; Barbara is also survived by all nine of her grandchildren: Katie, Murray, Bekah, Daniel, Hannah, Gwyneth, Andrew, Noah and Cole; and Barbara’s five great-grandchildren are: Harper, Riley, Jordan, Landry, and Charlie.
Barbara was a volunteer for Contact, a suicide-prevention hotline, and was a member of the Pioneers Club. She also enjoyed many years of Jazzercise with her two closest friends, Marian Hendren and Henrietta Pittman.
A receiving of friends will be held at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. Chaplain Ben Neal will officiate.
The family would like to thank the staff of Norris Health and Rehab for the loving care and professionalism they always exhibited with their mother. They would also like to thank the kind and caring specialists from UT Hospice for improving Barbara’s level of comfort during the final months of her life, and for helping her family prepare for her passing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at give.michaeljfox.org.
holleygamble.com
Emmit Carroll
January 9, 2025
Emmit Carroll, 65, of Clinton passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
He was the son of the late Elsie and Ruby Lowe Carroll.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Carroll, and sisters Janice Daugherty, Tina Carroll, Loma Carroll and Annie Phillips.
He is survived by his brothers James, Homer and Herbert; sister Brenda; and several nieces and nephews.
Emmit worked for several years at the Anderson County Courthouse and Hoskins Drug Store.
He will be missed by his coworkers and the friends he made at Hoskins Drug Store.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Emmit Carroll.
Ann Hicks Patton
January 9, 2025
Ann Hicks Patton, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated professional, passed away peacefully at 92 at Morning Pointe of Powell. Her life was a rich tapestry of personal and professional milestones that spanned decades, impacting everyone she met.
Born Sept. 23, 1932, in Clinton, Tennessee, Ann was raised by her father, George Hicks. As a young girl, her adventurous spirit and resilience shone brightly when she traveled alone by train to spend the summers in Detroit with her mother, Helen Hood.
Ann graduated from Clinton High School and pursued higher education at Tennessee Wesleyan College, earning an associate degree in general arts. She was a member of Sigma Iota Chi and was chosen as the Phi Sigma Nu fraternity’s Sweetheart.
Her career began in Oak Ridge at Oak Ridge Associated Universities, where she held various roles over 42 years, eventually becoming the corporate secretary of the ORAU Board of Directors. During her time there, she developed lifelong friendships, including with members of the “Clinton carpool,” a group of coworkers who commuted together for more than 30 years.
Ann’s personal life was equally fulfilling. In 1955, she married Harry Patton. Their love story led to 62 years of marriage, two children, and five cherished grandchildren. Together they built a life of love and service to Clinton, being actively engaged in the community and their church, St. Mark UMC.
Ann was a woman of warmth, intelligence, and humor, whose life was defined by her devotion to her family, her career, and her community. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Patton; her parents, George Hicks and Helen Swaggerty Matsche; and her brother, David Hood. She is survived by her children, Jenny Stripling (Mel) of Chattanooga and Gene Patton (Mandy) of Knoxville; her five grandchildren, Molly Patton Hill (Trevor), Beth Ann Stripling, Riley Patton, Wes Stripling (Jenna), and Rhett Patton; her brother, Bob Hood (Ruby) of Roanoke, Virginia; and many others who considered her a “bonus mom.”
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Morning Pointe of Powell for their care and support over the past four years.
Visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A celebration of Ann’s life took place Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, and was officiated by the Rev. Dave Grant. The interment followed at Sunset Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 252 N. Main St., Clinton, TN 37716.
Rest in peace, Ann. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
holleygamble.com.
Edna Ruth Fox Worthington
January 8, 2025
Edna “Ruth” Fox Worthington, 100, passed away on Jan. 8, 2025. She was born on April 15, 1924, at Leinart’s Station (Dutch Valley), Tennessee. She was the eighth of 10 children born to Joseph Benjamin Fox and Mima Hoskins Fox. After graduation from Oliver Springs High School in 1942, she attended Draughn’s Business School until she was recruited by Tennessee Eastman to work with Clinton Engineer Works on the Manhattan Project in January 1944.
From late 1944 until 1947 she was office manager of Fox Bus Line. In 1966, after staying at home for 19 years to raise her two sons, she started a 43-year career with Anderson County Accounts and Budget Office, retiring in 2009 at the age of 85.
On Oct. 19, 1946, she married the love of her life, James Dennie Worthington, who passed away Sept. 27, 2021, just 23 days shy of their 75th anniversary.
She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church since moving to Clinton in 1946.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mima Fox, husband, James Dennie Worthington, son, Kenneth R .Worthington, brothers, Lawrence, Clarence, Eugene, Charles, Robert, Lester, and Alvin Fox; sisters, Myra Hackworth, and Mattie Stringfield.
She is survived by: Son and Daughter-in-law: David A. and Anne E. Worthington, Clinton; Daughter-in-law: Ann Marie Worthington, Hendersonville, TN; Grandchildren: Dennie A. Worthington, Clinton, Brandi (Kip) Lowe, South Riding, VA, Kelly (Brian) Stentz, Gallatin, TN, Amy (Matt) Brown, Seneca, SC; Great Grandchildren: Madison and Jordan Lowe, Reagan and Logan Riley Sister-in-laws: Mickey Fox; Irene Fox.
Special family and friends: Rebecca Dodson, who has always treated her as if she were her own mother, Linda Ferris, Jeannie and John Mullins, Sue and Ron Coffee, Wilma Justice, Kathy Hackworth, Ronnie Worthington, Mary Magill, Tom Wheeler, Al Coleman, Jean Cheely, and former daughter-in-law, Penchan Anderton.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Vicki Violette of First Baptist Church, Clinton, for her dedication and spiritual support, and CNS Cares for their excellent caregivers and compassionate care.
Graveside services were held at Anderson Memorial Gardens on Monday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Ruth Worthington Church Beautification Fund.
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Worthington family.
Aaron G. Harber
January 7, 2025
Aaron G. Harber, 89, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family.
Aaron was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton and a past president of the Clinton Optimist Club.
He founded a girls’ softball league in South Clinton, served as a girls’ softball coach, and was an ASA umpire for 15 years. He also served in the Army National Guard for several years.
Born March 8, 1935, in Pennington Gap, Virginia, he was the son of the late John G. Harber Sr. and Elma Orr Harber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Anne Orr Harber; brothers Paul Ray Harber, John G. Harber, and Glenn Harber; and sister Vesta Beth Foust.
Aaron is survived by his son, Michael Barber Harber of Clinton; daughters Debroah Daoud of Clinton and Donna Antalak (Bob); brother Roy Lee Harber of Claxton; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Jones Mortuary Chapel. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., and was officiated by Dr. Danny Chisholm.
The graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is serving the family of Aaron G. Harber.
Jack Hill
January 4, 2025
At the young-in-heart age of 81, Jack Hill went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 4, 2025.
Known to many as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately called Papaw Jack and Papa Jack, he was a strong Christian man who loved the Lord and his family very much
A lifelong hard worker, Jack’s life was filled with adventure. As a prayer warrior, he never missed an opportunity to pray for others, even during his dialysis treatments. Despite the pain, he chose to spend time with the Lord in prayer for others.
Jack was a bold and courageous Christian, not afraid to tell people that they needed to be saved, and that they needed to be in church.
Always praising the Lord and thanking Him for all his personal blessings, he lived by grace, walked in peace, and loved to laugh and make other people laugh.
He passed in the loving comfort of his home. Mercy, grace, peace and love surrounded him as he went home to be with the Lord. He looked forward to and prayed ahead for the time we all will be together in Heaven. We will miss him very much until then.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Hill; his son, James Hill; his grandsons, Sean and Chandler Hill; his granddaughter, Autumn Hill; and his brother, Wayne Hill and wife, Vicky. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Hill, and his sister, Jan Cox.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., and was officiated by Robbie Leach. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org.
holleygamble.com.
Esther Lee Brewer Sewell
January 3, 2025
Esther Lee Brewer Sewell died peacefully in her sleep Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, from heart complications.
Esther was born Aug. 12, 1954, in Oak Ridge to Betty and Jim Brewer. She enjoyed celebrating her birthday throughout the entire month of August.
She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1972. During high school, she dated and later married Frank Sewell. They had one daughter, Rachael.
Esther loved music, especially the blues, and enjoyed attending blues festivals across the country. Two of her favorite festivals were Springing the Blues in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas. She was particularly fond of Tab Benoit and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Esther had too many jobs to list during her lifetime, but her favorite occupation was farming.
Later in life, she married Roger Peterson, a lifelong friend who grew up on the same street. She and Roger were active members of East Tennessee FARM (Farmers Association for Retail Marketing). Esther was enthusiastic about selling her produce at weekly farmers markets. She even created business cards that read simply: “Excellent Esther.” She served on the FARM board and contributed in many ways to the organization.
At their home, Esther and Roger cultivated fruits, vegetables and berries. They kept bees, chickens, and guineas, and raised loving farm dogs — often taking in strays. Their home was known as a welcoming place, especially in the summer, to relax at their pool.
Her friend Greg Bailey once said, “She was a fine and generous woman and a good lifelong friend.”
Esther loved the outdoors and especially loved to go camping. She made many trips to the mountains and local state parks, enjoying the beauty of each park and meeting new friends along the way. She also served as a leader in local Girl Scout troops.
Esther had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was an excellent cook and used her freshly grown produce to create delicious meals. Esther had an amazingly uncanny lucky streak. She often won concert tickets, prizes, drawings and raffles. She was the person you wanted to play the lottery with.
She started a “Ladies Who Lunch” group that would meet about once a month. Not just for ladies, everyone was welcome. She worked hard to coordinate schedules so they could all connect with one another. Her friend Sandy Glazier said of her, “She had that unique ability to gather people.”
She was an avid reader and was a regular patron at the Oak Ridge Public Library, often simultaneously reading three or four books. She read widely and within many genres, but especially loved humor and satire, a skill in which she herself was well accomplished. Her many witticisms will be greatly missed.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn Jablonski; brother, Steve Summers; and many cousins, in-laws and “out-laws.”
She is survived by her husband, Roger Peterson; his sons, Justin Peterson (Michelle) and Sam Peterson (Renee); her daughter, Rachael, and grandson, Moses; her brother, Danny Brewer (Janine); nephews, nieces, and a host of friends that she loved and treasured.
Truly, she was a remarkable force of nature.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity Esther would have approved of.
