OBITUARIES
Cleveland and Athens, TN Obituaries
Local obituaries for families in Cleveland and Athens, TN along with the entire East Tennessee area
Gary Carter
Mar 19, 2026
Gary Tyrone Carter age 65 of Athens, Tennessee passed Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Gary was the son of the late Dorothy Smith and Austine Carter, and his aunt Pearly Mae Smith of Athens, TN.
He is survived by life partner Carolyn 'Sissy' Jones of Athens, TN his son Anfeny Carter of Youngstown, Ohio, and special...
Clara Swafford
Mar 16, 2026
Ms. Clara Reid Swafford, age 85 was welcomed into her eternal home, in the comfort of her home in Cleveland, TN., Monday, March 16, 2026.
Clara was born June 6, 1940 to the union of the late Charlie Marion and Conas A.M. Bryant, in Decatur (Meigs County), TN. Clara attended Booker T. Washington High School in Chattanooga, TN., and was a...
Shirley Jean Welch
Mar 15, 2026
Shirley Jean Welch age 91 of Athens, Tn passed Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Athens Regional Medical facility. She was a member of Kingdom Hall on Congress Parkway in Athens, Tn., and spent many years after working in the work force being a caregiver to the elderly.
She is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Mildred Stewart, children, David...
Lisa Parks
Mar 5, 2026
MS. LISA PARKS ASHLEY, age 59 of Cleveland, Tennessee transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
She was a graduate of Cleveland High School, class of 1985 and a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. As her health would allow her she worked in various capacities from babysitting to at home health care of others.
Lisa...
Booker Woods
Mar 1, 2026
Booker Taliaferro. Woods
October 1, 1938 – March 1, 2026
Booker T. Woods, 87, of Georgetown, Tennessee, passed away on March 1, 2026.
Born on October 1, 1938, to William and Mattie B. Woods, Booker T. was raised in Georgetown, where he built lifelong friendships and deep community ties. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School Chattanooga, TN in 1958.
Booker T. built...
Paulette Lewis
Feb 28, 2026
Paulette “Polly” Perkins Lewis was a bright light to all who knew her, from the day she was born on November 6, 1947, in Hillsboro, AL, until her death on February 28, 2026. She was the second born of seven children and the daughter of Kathylean Cowley Perkins (later McDonald) and Raymond Perkins.
Shortly after her birth, at 6 weeks old,...
Annissa Brabson
Feb 13, 2026
Annissa Chervonne Brabson age 50 passed Friday, February 13, 2026 at her home in Athens, TN.
She was a graduate of McMinn County High School and worked as a receptionist for a local hotel and in the fast food services industry. Annissa had an associate degree from Virginia College. She was a diligently worker in her church, the Athens Church of...
Jo Ann Sanders
Feb 6, 2026
JoAnn Sanders, age 88, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, received her heavenly crown on February 6th, peacefully at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family. In her final days, she gave praise and thanks to the Lord, eagerly awaiting His comforting presence to ease her earthly ailments.
JoAnn was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was...
Rev. James W. Parris
Feb 4, 2026
Reverend James William Parris December 19, 1942 - February 4, 2026
Reverend James William Parris, 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Greenwood, South Carolina on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his family and devoted wife of 58 years, Linda Carol Westfield Parris.
Born in Charleston, Tennessee, he was the son of the late...
Doris Mayes
Jan 28, 2026
Doris Evelyn King Mayes, age 85 a resident of Riceville Tn. died peacefully among her children at her daughter's home in Cleveland TN January 28, 2026. She was a devoted loving mother. She attended J. L. Cook High School in Athens Tn. She was a member of Household of Faith C.O.G.I.C. In Cleveland Tn. She was a true home maker....
Douglas Taylor
Jan 22, 2026
Douglas Theodor Taylor, of Cleveland Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the age of 67. Doug was born in South Hampton, New York on Long Island to Hoyt and Helga Taylor. He spent his childhood and formative years as a military dependent growing up on U.S. Air Force base in France, Germany and the U.S. He enlisted...
Webster McDermott
Jan 21, 2026
Webster “Buck” Lavon McDermott, age 69, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Turkey Creek Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Known to family and friends simply as Uncle Buck, he will forever be remembered as everyone’s “Favorite Uncle.” His dedication and loyalty to his family were unmatched, and he was especially adored by the younger generation for his...
Effie King
Jan 15, 2026
Effie Louise McDermott King, 11/27/1952 - 1/15/2026 - born to the late James and Emma Sue McDermott entered the heavenly gates the morning of 1/15/2026 at her home as her parents, siblings, and other loved ones welcomed her in.
Effie grew up in Athens, TN, attending the McMinn County school system. She gave herself to God at an early age at...
Jason Alston
Jan 13, 2026
Jason Lamar Alston of Etowah Tennessee passed on January 13th, 2026. He was kind, caring, and full of love .He truly enjoyed being around people and had a way of making anyone feel welcome -whether you were family, a close friend, a co-worker, or even a familiar face at the store. He loved music, sports, grilling, and cooking, and he always...
Thomas Franklin Brown
Jan 12, 2026
Thomas Franklin Brown age 82 passed Monday, January 12, 2026 in a local Cleveland, TN hospital.
He was a life long resident of Bradley county.
He was a member of the Second Street Church of Christ in Cleveland, TN., and worked over twenty-six years as a custodian for Bradley County Schools.
He is preceded in death by his parents James Brown, and Margaret...
Kenneth Jackson
Jan 12, 2026
Kenneth M. Jackson Sr. “Fuz” 81 of Etowah, Tn. Passed away peacefully Monday Jan 12 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born to the late Fred and Georgia Jackson. He graduated from J. L. Cook Highschool. He retired from the U.S. Army as an E5 Staff Sergeant. He was loved by many and his culinary skills were divine.
In addition to...
Elaine Contreras Smith
Dec 31, 2025
Elaine Contreras Smith, age 58, passed Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in a Knoxville hospital. Survivors and arrangements to be announced .
Nancy Pierce
Dec 29, 2025
Nancy Burnette Sharp Pierce
Sunrise: February 24, 1952 Sunset: December 29, 2025
This is a story about the most beautiful mama in the world (we may be biased, but that is OK). Nancy entered this world on Sunday, February 24, 1952, and she shouted her way into glory on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Nancy was a beautiful woman of God who would open...
Anna Sullivan
Dec 20, 2025
Anna Louise "Keta" Sullivan
Anna Louise "Keta" Sullivan, born in Athens, Tennessee, was the beloved daughter of the late Harvey and Jesse Mae White. She treasured her early childhood, filled with fond memories of fishing and spending meaningful time with her family. Anna's spiritual journey began at AOH Church of God, where her faith took root and became a guiding force...
Alphonso Martin
Dec 17, 2025
Alphonso Martin, born June 5, 1962, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late Raymond and Roberta Martin, passed away leaving a lasting legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to his family and community. Alphonso attended Bradley High School from 1979 to 1981, where he graduated at the top of his class and earned numerous athletic honors. He later honorably served four...
