Elizabethton Star Online Edition

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Velma Hancock Cannon, 78, Elizabethton, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. A native of Washington County, she was a daughter of the late Cleon and Martha Stevens Hancock. Mrs. Cannon had lived most of her life in Elizabethton. She was retired as Cafeteria Manager at Hampton Elementary School and was a member of the Tacoma Church of God, Johnson City. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Edward Cannon, June 5, 1982, and a sister, Margie Hancock.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and David Linebaugh, Elizabethton; two grandchildren, Lakken Ashley Linebaugh and Makenzie Elizabeth Linebaugh; and a brother, Arvin Hancock of Oregon. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Graveside services for Mrs. Cannon will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, November 20, at Monte Vista Memorial Park with Pastor Ken Bewley officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday. Condolences to the Cannon family may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Abe F. Hart Jr.

Abe F. Hart Jr., 87, of Watauga, died Thursday, November 12, 2009, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Born June 8, 1922, he was a fifth generation Carter County native, and was a son of the late Abe F. Hart Sr. and Julie Pearl Persinger Hart. He was a descendant of Leonard Hart, who was an early pioneer of the Turkeytown community. Mr. Hart was a 1940 graduate of Elizabethton High School and a December 1948 graduate of the College of Agriculture - University of Tennessee with a major in Agronomy. On October 16, 1939, he joined Company “A”, 117 Infantry 30th Division, Tennessee National Guard, was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 16, 1940, and was a World War II veteran. He worked at Y-12, Oak Ridge, Tenn., during the development of the atomic bomb, and was retired from the Soil Conservation Service of The United States Department of Agriculture. Prior to returning to Carter County, he had lived in Donelson, Tenn., for 32 years during which he served as an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 260 for 27 years, earned the Wood Badge Award, and was honored with the Boy Scouts of America Hermitage District’s Long Rifle Award. As a blood donor, he had given 19 pints of blood to the Nashville Red Cross Chapter. Mr. Hart was a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society of America, Friends of the Library (Carter County), the Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy, Friends of Roan Mountain, Watauga Association of Genealogists, Alliance of Continuing Learning at East Tennessee State University, Carter County History Book Committee which assembled for publication: “Carter County, Tennessee And It’s People — 1896 to 1993,” and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was a member of Andrew Price Memorial United Methodist Church, Donelson, Tenn., but attended First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton, Tenn. On January 1860, Mr. Hart’s great-grandfather, George Persinger, purchased 140 acres from Harrison Hendrix (a grandson of Leonard Hart). Mr. Hart had acquired 79 acres of the original purchase; living on this acreage gave him a feeling of peace and contentment that he did not have anywhere else. He was blessed by receiving many good deeds from his neighbors, including Mr. and Mrs. Danny Sams, Loretta and David Guy, Ab and Florence Harrison, Ronnie Malone and Eugene and Hester Murphy. He was preceded in death by sisters, Ruby Hart Medford and Lois Hart Ellis, and by brothers, Harmon, Ross and Kenneth Hart. The family is very thankful for the care and caring from the doctors and staff at Sycamore Shoals Hospital, and the home health care nurses and therapists from Amedisys, Elizabethton Office. A special thanks to Tracie, Wendy, Dina and Charles.

Mr. Hart was married on December 22, 1945 and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Ruth Almond Hart; two sons, David L. Hart of Foley, Ala., and Steven A. Hart and his wife Cindy Lee Hart of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; one granddaughter, Madison LeeAnne Hart of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; and a brother, Howard T. Hart of Jacksonville, Fla. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mr. Hart had donated his body to the Quillen School of Medicine for medical research. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, 201 North Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Friends may call at the residence. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 325 East E Street, Elizabethton, Tenn. Pastor Lauri Jo Cranford will be presiding, and the family thanks her and the church family for their support. Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171.

Dewey Whitehead

MEADOWVIEW, Va. — Dewey “Shorty” Whitehead, 95, passed away Monday, November 16, 2009, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born June 21, 1914 in Carter County, Tenn., and was a son of the late Lloyd and Loretta “Hettie” Ward Whitehead. Mr. Whitehead was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cleatis Mitchell Whitehead, and a grandson, Kenneth Roger Whitehead.

Survivors include his children, Patsy McVey and husband Dan of Meadowview, Judy Davis of Abingdon, Don Whitehead and wife Wilma of Abingdon, Ruby Diane Whitehead of Meadowview, Scotty Whitehead and wife Peggy of Abingdon, Dewey Kenneth Whitehead and wife Katherine of Abingdon and Brenda Alexander and husband June of Abingdon; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Linda Hughes of Hampton, Tenn., and Georgia Darnell of Kingsport, Tenn., as well as several other family members and friends.

A graveside service for Mr. Whitehead will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens on Lee Highway in Abingdon with Rev. Roger O’Quinn officiating. Interment will follow. Active pallbearers will be Raymond Warren, Glenn Mitchell, Justin Whitehead, Michael Whitehead, Daniel Whitehead and Ricky McVey. Honorary pallbearers will be friends and neighbors. Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. Farris Funeral Service, East Main Street, Abingdon, Va., (276) 623-2700, is serving the Whitehead family.

Kelly C. Yates

Kelly Charles Yates, 73, Elizabethton, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Ira and Thelma Caraway Yates. Mr. Yates was a 1976 graduate of East Tennessee State University and was employed for 27 years with the Tennessee Technology Center. He served as Director from 1985 until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Elizabethton and the Willing Workers Sunday School Class. He also was a former Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon and Youth Sponsor. Mr. Yates played in a bluegrass band. He was a former Scout Master with Troop 327 for 10 years. He was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Carmen Marvel Yates; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Lisa Yates and Greg and Judy Yates, all of Elizabethton; three grandchildren, Jessica Lee Yates, Leo Yates and Jessica Baird; his mother-in-law, Monette Marvel; several nieces and nephews, including a special niece and nephew, Jeno and Todd Marvel; and his brother-in-law and wife, Russell and Shari Marvel.

Graveside services for Mr. Yates will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 19, in the Granny Caraway Cemetery, Elk Park, N.C., with Mr. Wayne Mottern and Dr. Don Marshall officiating. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, will be Burl Mast, Gary Simerly, David Mills, James Hunt, James Culbert, Harold Morrell, Donnie Morgan and Todd Marvel. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Tadlock, Dick Phillips, Don Woods, Ron Mottern and the men of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class of First Christian Church. Friends may call at the residence or pay their respects at the funeral home Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 12:45 p.m. Thursday to go to the cemetery. Condolences to the Yates family may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Blonnie H. Myers

Mrs. Blonnie Hyder Myers, 92, Elizabethton, passed away Monday, November 16, 2009, at Hermitage Health Center. A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late Charles Hampton and Etta Nave Hyder. Mrs. Myers was a 1935 graduate of Elizabethton High School where she was a member of the Betsy Flashers Basketball Team. In her earlier years she was active in the PTA. She was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rubin Myers, January 7, 1964, and by six brothers and seven sisters.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Robert Bradley and Myrna and Kyle Hart, all of Elizabethton; a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Rick and Pam Myers, Woodland Hills, Calif.; three grandchildren, Michael Hart and his wife Evelyn, Watauga, Tamara Hart Jameson and her husband Michael Jameson, Nashville, and Daniel Bradley, Johnson City; and five great-grandchildren, David Hart, Jewelia Hart, William Kyle Jameson, Jonathan Jameson and Josh Leonard. Several special nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Myers will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Richard Estep officiating. Graveside services and interment will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 19, in the Caldwell Springs Cemetery. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Thursday, will be Daniel Bradley, Michael Hart, David Hart, Josh Leonard, David Rock and Richard Myers. Honorary pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews. The family would like to express a special “thank you” to the staff and employees of Hermitage Health Center for all their love and care for our mother. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Robert Bradley, 1662 Highway 91, Elizabethton. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Thursday. Condolences to the Myers family may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Doris K. Clark

Doris Kyte Clark, 72, 119 Cobb Creek Road, Butler, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2009, at Johnson County Community Hospital. A native of Johnson County, she was a daughter of the late J.D. and Hazel Stalcup Kyte. Mrs. Clark was a former employee of the Timberland Shoe Company. Her hobbies were gardening, quilting and cooking. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her husband, Roy Clark; a daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Paul Finch, Foley, Ala.; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Roy “Henry” and Nancy Clark, Sullivan, Mo., Clarence “Bo” Clark and Davey Dugger, both of Butler, and Billy Gene and Linda Dugger, Mountain City; seven grandchildren, Rhenda Kelly and her husband Tyson, Cristy Taylor and her husband Eddie, Charley Leonard and her husband Adam, Matt Clark, Jason Clark, Jody Dugger and Julie Townsend and her husband Junior; five great-grandchildren, Kolby Clark, Brayden Taylor, Dylan Kelly, Makenzie Kelly and Chandler Townsend; five sisters and four brothers-in-law, Audrey Bea and Paul Lowe, Shelby and Terry Potter and Ruby Anderson, all of Butler, Pat and Ira Triplett, Newport News, Va., and Lanie and Kenneth Parton, Cosby, Tenn.; and a brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Carolyn Kyte, Butler. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Graveside services for Mrs. Clark will be conducted at noon Wednesday, November 18, in the Clark Family Cemetery, Butler, with the Rev. Kreg Smith officiating. Interment will follow the service. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the cemetery at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday, will be Tyson Kelly, Eddie Taylor, Adam Leonard, Paul Finch, Jason Clark and Matt Clark. The family would like to express a special “thank you” to the Johnson County Rescue Squad and her family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday. Condolences to the Clark family may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Ercelle W. Chambers

“Love, that’s what it’s all about” Ercelle Wallace Chambers, 85, of Rogersville, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, November 16, 2009, at Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Chambers was a member of Siam Baptist Church in Elizabethton. She was a homemaker and a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harrison and Hassie Street Wallace.

Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Archie Keith Chambers, of the home; two daughters, Lana Chambers McDonald of Ft. Mill, S.C., and Iley Chambers Harris and husband Rick of Rogersville; grandchildren, Kimberly Taylor Bost and husband Mike of Ft. Mill, S.C., Whitney Harris Tilson and husband Mike of Telford, Tenn., and Kevin Harris and wife Rebekah of Piney Flats; and two great-granddaughters, Quinn and Nora Bost of Ft. Mill, S.C. The family wants to express a special thank you to the staff of Greeneville Fresenius Dialysis, nurses of Hometown Health Care, staff of G Wing 3rd Floor Wilcox Hall at Wellmont Holston Valley and special friends, Roy and Geneva Crownover.

A graveside service for Mrs. Chambers will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Highland Cemetery with Rev. John Parrott Jr. officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations in memory of Ercelle: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), c/o Nishal Desai, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851, or the National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee, 4450 Walker Boulevard, Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37917-1523. Colboch-Price Funeral Home in Rogersville is serving the Chambers family.

Gwendolyn S. Pitts

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — Gwendolyn Shull Pitts, 84, passed away due to a stroke on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, in Rancho Mirage. She was born on October 19, 1925, near Elizabethton, Tenn., to Edgar Lawson Shull and Rosalie Lackey Shull. “Dib” (a childhood nickname that stuck) graduated with honors from Elizabethton High School in 1943. While in high school she was a drum majorette in the EHS Marching Band and was also a cheerleader, while maintaining an excellent scholastic record. After high school, she attended Steed Business College and for many years she worked in the Accounting Department at Bemberg and later work at North American Rayon Corporation and East Tennessee State University. Dib was married to J.G. “Bud” Pitts on February 16, 1961. Bud passed away in 1994. In 2007, she moved (with her beloved Boston terrier, “Buddy”) to California to live with her brother and his wife. Mrs. Pitts was a member of First Methodist Church from childhood and sang in the choir for 40 plus years. During this time she trained under Rhea Hunter in Johnson City and became an excellent soloist. In addition to her choir duties, she sang solos for many weddings and funerals.

Survivors include her brother, David Otis Shull and wife Dorothy of Palm Desert, Calif.; a brother-in-law, Joseph Donehew of Eustis, Fla.; a niece, Lisa Bowling; five nephews, John L. Shull, James Donehew, Robert Donehew, David Shull and Jonathan Shull; as well as several grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; and “Buddy.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry, First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to the Carter County Humane Society (The Animal Shelter), P.O. Box 134, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Smart Cremation, Rancho Mirage, Calif., (760) 202-1694, is in charge.

Sandra J. Pendleton

Sandra “Sandy” Jewell Pendleton, 74, Johnson City, passed peacefully from this world on Sunday morning, November 15, 2009, to join her beloved late husband, William Swanson Pendleton, in Heaven. Mrs. Pendleton had resided in Johnson City, Tenn., for the past 32 years and was a native of Princeton, W.Va. Mrs. Pendleton was an antique dealer and was the owner of Country House Antiques. She was an avid sports fan and a passionate animal lover. She was a member of the Humane Society of America and received the Woman/Boy Award from the Johnson City Boys and Girls Club for her many years of service as a coach. She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie Clark Jewell and Tyler R. Jewell, also of Princeton, W.Va.

Survivors include two daughters, Lynn Jewell Richardson and husband, Dean L. Batchelder Jr., of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Terri Pendleton Lewis and husband, Robert G. Lewis of Knoxville, Tenn.; and three sons, Tyler Pendleton and wife, Stephanie Pendleton, of Columbus, Ohio, Robert Tyler Pendleton, SSG, U.S. Army, currently serving in Iraq, and wife, Amanda Pendleton, and William Swanson Pendleton, GySgt., U.S. Marines, currently serving in Okinawa, Japan, and wife, Misayo Pendleton. Other survivors include grandchildren, Hana Shea Lewis, Knoxville, Keely Richardson Goodwin and husband, Nathan Goodwin, of Johnson City, Cory Richardson of Elizabethton, Matthew Batchelder of Elizabethton, Candice and Cody Pendleton of Cincinnati, Ohio, Haley, Katie and Chance Pendleton of Johnson City, and Liah and Toah Pendleton of Okinawa, Japan. She also leaves behind a much-loved sister-in-law and her husband, Dr. Nancy Pendleton Law and Dr. William Law, of Knoxville; and her devoted dog, Snooks.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Home, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City. Visitation will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7 p.m. A graveside service be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 20, at Highland Memorial Park, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171, is serving the Pendleton family.

Shirley P. Morgan

Mrs. Shirley Price Morgan, 70, Gap Creek Road, Elizabethton, went home to be with her Lord, Sunday, November 15, 2009, at the Christian Care Center, Johnson City. A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Herman G. and Hattie Edens Price. Mrs. Morgan was a homemaker and a member of Freedom Road Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James D. Potter, an infant son, and a great-granddaughter, Addison Mae Nichols.

Survivors include her husband, Ken Morgan, of the home; two sons, Col. Norman Potter, U.S. Air Force, Brentwood, Tenn., and Tim Potter, Elizabethton; a daughter, Donna Potter Reeves, Stockbridge, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sue Blythe, Dandridge, Tenn., and Lisa Padgett, Elizabethton; and five brothers, Manuel Price, Louie Price, Larry Price, Jerry Price and Tony Price, all of Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The funeral service for Mrs. Morgan will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with Rev. Mack Arnold Jr. officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be grandsons. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17. To those who desire, memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our Web site at www.hathawaypercy.com. Arrangements for the Morgan family have been entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Thelma S. Bowman

Thelma Shanks Bowman, 86, 200 West F Street, Unit #9, Elizabethton, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, November 15, 2009, at her residence. A native of Greene County, Tenn., she had been a resident of Elizabethton since 1954 and was a daughter of the late Elbert Ruble and Letha O’Dell Williams Shanks. Mrs. Bowman was passionate in sharing her love for Jesus Christ and was a long-standing member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she had served as church secretary during Sanders Willson’s pastorate. She was a lifelong Republican and very active in local, state and national politics She once ran for the state senate. Thelma had five brothers who absolutely adored their only sister. Their memories of growing up on their farm in Chucky, Tenn., sound idyllic. Thelma cherished her grandchildren, and her granddaughter, Brittany Smith, was a special comfort to her in her last days with us. She was active in her support of the American Cancer Society and Veteran Affairs. Her favorite hobby was riding her Tennessee walking horse “Living Color” in competition, in which she won many honors. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Hoyle E. Bowman; an infant son, Randall Bowman; an infant granddaughter, Elizabeth Morgan Smith; two brothers, Andy and his wife Anna Marie Shanks and Wayne Shanks; and a sister-in-law, Gladys Shanks.

Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Carolyn and Bob Thomas, of the home, Suzanne and David Chambers, Orlando, Fla., and Barbara Smith, Elizabethton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Ed and Pam Bowman, Waskom, Texas, and John and Karen Bowman, Zebulon, N.C.; 13 grandchildren, Whitfield Thomas, Colin Thomas, Joshua Bowman, Michael Bowman, Beau Bowman, Colby Chambers, Darrin Chambers, Katie Chambers, Landon Chambers, Brittany Smith, Clayton Smith, Jacob Bowman and Benjamin Bowman; four great-grandchildren, Alanna Bowman, Bella Bowman, Hunter Bowman and Hoyle Bowman IV; three brothers, Glen Shanks and wife June, Johnson City, Carroll Shanks and wife Adair, Nashville, Tenn., and Don Shanks and wife Betty, Pfafftown, N.C.; and a sister-in-law, Sherrie Shanks, Knoxville, Tenn. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The memorial service for Mrs. Bowman will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Elizabethton, with Rev. Dwight Basham officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence anytime. The graveside service and inurnment will follow the memorial service at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens in Johnson City. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the American Cancer Society, c/o Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or Memorial Presbyterian Church, 100 East F Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Condolences may be sent to the family electronically by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax to (423) 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Bowman family. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917. Office: (423) 542-2232.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Callie Tester

Mrs. Callie Tester, 93, 664 Tank Hill Road, Piney Flats, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2009, at NHC HealthCare. A native of Johnson City, she had lived most of her life in Piney Flats and was the daughter of the late Lula King. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Tester Sr.; a son, Ralph Tester; a grandson, Doug Tester; and a great-granddaughter, Tabatha Tester. Mrs. Tester was a homemaker and of the Freewill Baptist faith.

Survivors include four sons, James Tester and his wife Mary of Johnson City, Bobby Tester and his wife Elizabeth of Milwaukee, Wis., Teddy Tester Jr. and his wife Peggy of Piney Flats and Luther Tester of Bluff City; two daughters, Irene Roark of Bristol and Phyllis Mottern of Erwin; 20 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Mrs. Tester will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, November 16, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel with Rev. Edward Davis officiating. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, in the Shell Cemetery, Piney Flats. Active pallbearers will selected from grandchildren and friends. The minister, family and friends are requested to meet at Morris-Baker by 9:15 a.m. Tuesday to go in procession. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, prior to the service, and other times at the residence of her son, Teddy Tester, 637 Tank Hill Road, Piney Flats. Memories and condolences may be sent to the Tester family via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-1521, is serving the Tester family.

Jalta Wood

Mrs. Jalta “J.J.” Wood, 59, of Jonesborough, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Meade, W.Va., she was the daughter of Viola Mae Ledford of Erwin, Tenn., and the late Orval Harmon. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved to take pictures and travel. Mrs. Wood was very involved in the Relay of Life and she enjoyed oil painting and water colors. She was of the Christian faith. Mrs. Wood served her country in the U.S. Army and worked at Wal-Mart for 11 years.

Survivors include her husband of 30 years of marriage, Kermit Wood of Jonesborough; daughters, Melitha Kim Cathey and husband Marc of Pinnacle, N.C., Leona Todd and husband Anthony of Erwin, Tenn., and Lahoma Hayner and husband Peter of Limestone, Tenn.; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Vivian Ruth Wood of Piney Flats, Tenn.; sisters, Ruth and Marion Ellis of Elizabethton, Glenna Brooks of Erwin and Violet and Rob Doolittie of West Virginia; and brothers, Charlie Harmon and his fiancée Carol of Johnson City, Tenn., and Frank and Carolyn Harmon of Boise, Idaho. Mrs. Wood is also survived by eight grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and all her special friends at Wal-Mart.

A graveside service for Mrs. Wood will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Roger Haley officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, prior to going in procession to the cemetery, and at other times at the residence of Lahoma Hayner. Pallbearers will be chosen from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Suite 102, Johnson City, TN 37601. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or faxed to (423) 610-7177. Arrangements for the Wood family are in the special care of Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171.

Peggy A. Payne

Peggy A. Payne, 65, Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, November 15, 2009, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital following an extended illness. A native of Dallas, Texas, she had lived in Carter County most all of her life and was a daughter of the late Manley and Eliza Jane Guy Cowan. Mrs. Payne was a homemaker who was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Payne was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Townsend.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years of marriage, Bynam Payne; a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Michelle Payne, and a granddaughter, Amber Payne, all of Elizabethton; her very special nieces and nephew, Janie Townsend, Brenda Townsend and Johnny Townsend, all of Elizabethton; a very special great-niece, April Townsend, Elizabethton; and a sister, Glenna Greenwell, Mountain City. Other nieces and nephews also survive.

The funeral service for Mrs. Payne will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 16, in the Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel of Peace with Mr. Ted Thomas, minister, officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral chapel from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Monday, prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence at other times. The graveside service and interment will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Everyone is welcome to meet the family at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Johnny Townsend, Kirk Davis, Waco Campbell, Kirk Hughes, Eddie Morton and Buddy Watson. Honorary pallbearers will be Melvin Weaver, Dr. Jonathan Bremer and Ronnie Hanes. The Payne family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of the Cancer Treatment Center of Johnson City Medical Center, especially Amanda and April, and the third floor staff of Sycamore Shoals Hospital for the loving care given to Mrs. Payne during her time of illness. Condolences may be sent to the family electronically by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax to (423) 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Payne family. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917. Office: (423) 542-2232.

Ruby Baird

Ms. Ruby Baird, 83, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, November 15, 2009. Ruby was a loving mother and grandmother. A native of Dickerson County, Va., she was a daughter of Susan Jane Hayes Phillips Holloway, Johnson City, and the late William Ruel Phillips. Ms. Baird was of the Baptist faith. She was a homemaker and enjoyed reading books. In addition to her father, Ms. Baird was preceded in death by her husband, Ronda Edward Baird; a son, Patrick Baird; a sister, Mildred Louise Phillips; and a grandson, Patrick Baird Jr.

Survivors, in addition to her mother, include three children and their spouses, Ronnie and Wanda Baird, Elizabethton, Patricia and Rick Kyte, Roan Mountain, and Sue and Roger Whitson, Elizabethton; a daughter-in-law, Henrietta Baird; two brothers, Troy Phillips and Dean Phillips and wife Ruth, all of Johnson City; a very special loving sister, Naomi Jean Baird, Johnson City; three half sisters, Mary Ann Kearney, Kingsport, Polly Gentry and Becky Berry, both of Erwin; a half brother, Johnny Holloway, Hampton; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The funeral service for Ms. Baird will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, November 16, in the Tetrick Funeral Home Riverside Chapel with Pastor Bobby Burrow and Rev. Ken Hauser officiating. Music will under the direction of Chris Mathes. The family will receive friends in the funeral chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence at other times. The graveside service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Everyone is welcome to meet the family at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Chris Mathes, Cody Baird, Jerry Campbell, Bobby Townsend, Eddie Baird, Darrell Greer and Billy Moretz. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Steinback and Mikey Wilson. The family would like to give special thanks to Amedisys Hospice, Kay Thomas and Shannon Guinn for the loving care given to their mother. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the American Cancer Society, c/o Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Condolences may be sent to the family electronically by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax to (423) 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Baird family. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917. Office: (423) 542-2232.

Sandra J. Pendleton

Sandra “Sandy” Jewell Pendleton, 74, Johnson City, passed peacefully from this world on Sunday morning, November 15, 2009, to join her beloved late husband, William Swanson Pendleton, in Heaven. Mrs. Pendleton had resided in Johnson City, Tenn., for the past 32 years and was a native of Princeton, W.Va. Mrs. Pendleton was an antique dealer and was the owner of County House Antiques. She was an avid sports fan and a passionate animal lover. She was a member of the Humane Society of America and received the Woman/Boy Award from the Johnson City Boys and Girls Club for her many years of service as a coach. She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie Clark Jewell and Tyler R. Jewell, also of Princeton, W.Va.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Ronnie Sanders

Ronnie Sanders, 40, of 109 Massey Street, Elizabethton, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, at his residence following a brief illness. He was a native of Sullivan County and a son of Ruth Sanders, of the home and the late Herbert Sanders. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Sanders. He was a graduate of Elizabethton High School and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors in addition to his mother include two sons, David Sanders and Clay Sanders, both of Elizabethton; one daughter, Keely Sanders, Elizabethton; three sisters, Jewel Childers and her husband, Mike, Elizabethton, Norma Hedin and her husband Eric, Grand Prairie, Texas, and Diane McGarity and her husband, Dave, Arlington, Texas. Several nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and an uncle also survive.

The funeral service for Ronnie Sanders will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home, with the Rev. Chris Hughes and the Rev. Ron Owens officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. Monday prior to the service. Friends may call at the residence anytime. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Vaughn Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our Web site at www.hathawaypercy.com. Arrangements for the Sanders family have been entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.

Spc. Fred Z. Greene

Spc. Fred Z. Greene, age 29, of Mountain City, who was currently stationed at Fort Hood Army Base, Texas, lost his life tragically on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, from injuries sustained at the U.S. Army base in Fort Hood, Texas. Fred was a member of Bakers Gap Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading and playing Dungeons and Dragons video games. Fred had earned the rank of Specialist E-4 while in the United States Army. His Military Occupational Specialty was a Combat Engineer. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Floyd and Phyllis Stanton, Heaton; and one brother, Seth Dean Greene.

Survivors include his wonderful and loving wife, Cristie Wilson Greene; two beautiful daughters, Haley and Allison Greene; his brother, Shane Greene, of Mountain City; his parents, Robert and Karen Heaton Nourse; and his cousin, Jessie Ray Heaton, who was like a brother to him, all of Johnson City; his paternal grandparents, Howard and Judy Nourse, Grand Rapids, Mich; four aunts, Daphne Greene and husband, Arthur, Kathy Heaton, Samantha Heaton and her partner, Dr. Mary Ellen Cox, all of Johnson City; Gail Hamby and husband, Oscar, of Kenton, Ohio; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Edith Wilson of Mountain City; and all of his military comrades.

A private funeral service for Spc. Fred Greene will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, from the Charles B. Hux Memorial Chapel of the Hux-Lipford-Teague Funeral Home with Chaplain Major David Oberdieck to officiate. A public visitation will be held from 4–8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, following the private funeral service in the Charles B. Hux Memorial Chapel of the Hux-Lipford-Teague Funeral Home. Full military honors will be conducted at the public graveside service, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Bakers Gap Baptist Church Cemetery. The funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. the morning of the graveside service. Those wishing to follow are asked to assemble at the funeral home beginning at 8 a.m. Active pallbearers will be provided by the United States Army. Honorary pallbearers will be the Johnson County Honor Guard, Jessie Heaton, Sean Bergeron, Nathaniel Wilson, Mitch Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Justin Cornett, Eddie Dyson, Jason Stanton, Everette Cornett, David Taylor, and Kevin Curd. The family will also receive friends and/or condolences at Fred’s parents’ residence from 1–5 p.m. (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) at 115 Harber Lane, Johnson City, TN 37601. Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family and viewed through our Web site at www.huxlipfordteaguefh.com. Hux-Lipford-Teague Funeral Home and Cremation Services is proud and honored to serve the family of Specialist Fred Greene.

William Deloach

William “Bill” Deloach, 57, Ridgeville, S.C., formerly of Elizabethton, passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, in the Trident Hospital, Summerville, S.C. He was a Carter County native. Bill was a 1971 graduate of Elizabethton High School. He had lived in South Carolina for the past 18 years. He was a carpenter. He was preceded in death by his father, William H. “Bud” Deloach, and a brother, Henry Deloach. Bill was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Elizabethton.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy Walsh Deloach; a son and daughter-in-law, William Edward and Lydia Deloach, Elizabethton; a daughter, Kelly Chapman, Elizabethton; a step-daughter, Lise King and her husband Jeb, Ridgeville, S.C.; his mother, Marie Holden Deloach, Elizabethton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, JoAnn and Roger Odom and Teresa and R.L. Hambrick, all of Elizabethton; seven grandchildren, Timothy Chapman, Ariel Chapman, William Edward Deloach, Jr., Kylie Mae Deloach, Katelin walsh, Jason King and Joshua King; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Katrina Carroll and Selena Dykes.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Monday in Memorial Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Nick Bradshaw officiating. Interment will follow in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Music will be provided by Carol Bowers, organist. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Friends may also call at the residence of his mother, Marie Deloach, 1119 Bluefield Ave., Elizabethton. Condolences may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Zula Carter

Zula “Ookie” Carter, age 89, 1680 Highway 19E, Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, from Life Care Center of Elizabethton following a brief illness. Mrs. Carter was a Carter County native and a daughter of the late Cana and Rena Shipley Carr. She was a member of Bunker Hill Christian Church. Mrs. Carter was a homemaker who loved flowers, going fishing, quilting, working in the garden and canning her produce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eulace Carter, Sr. in 1991; a son, Tony Carter; two brothers, Herman Carr and Ray Carr; five sisters, Gladys Ward, Edith Richards, Grace Smith, Hazel Lyons, and Beulah Buckles; granddaughter, Terry Morris Massengill; grandson, Russell Travis Carter; and great-granddaughter, McKenzie Grace Williams.

Mrs. Carter’s survivors include her daughter Mrs. Jimmy (Faye) Morris, Bluff City; four sons and daughters-in-law, Ray “Mike” and Glenda Carter, Ted and Marcella Carter, Eulace “Dick”, Jr. and Mary Sue Carter, Carson and Beverly Carter, all of Elizabethton; six grandchildren, Angie Lowe, Rachael Carter Williams and husband, Travis, Jason Carter and wife, Susan, Tina Adams and husband, Larry, Penny Carter, Melissa Carter; 10 great-grandchildren, Christopher Massengill, Ryan Lowe and wife, Jamie, Blake Lowe, Quinton Lowe, Hannah Williams, Carter Williams, Eric Carter, Evan Carter, Daniel Adams, Preston Carter; and three great-great-grandchildren, Paxton Lowe, Gunner Lowe and Luke Carter; one brother, J.C. Carr; and five sisters, Evelyn McDuffie, Ann Dula, Ollie Bradley, all of Elizabethton, Lucille Brooks, Bristol, and Wanda Minton, Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The funeral service for Mrs. Carter will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in the Tetrick Funeral Home Riverside Chapel, with Mr. Ernie Depew and Mr. Brad Perry officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday in the chapel prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence of her son, (Ray “Mike” Carter, 1512 Highway 19E, Elizabethton) at other times. The graveside service and interment will be at will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to meet the family at 9:50 a.m. Monday at the cemetery for the graveside service. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons, great-grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Bunker Hill Christian Church and her friends and neighbors. A special “thank you” is extended from the family to the Life Care Center CNAs of North Hall, the dining room staff and the therapy staff. Condolences may be sent to the family electronically by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax to 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the family. Obituary line: 543-4917. Office: 542-2232.