Obituaries

Martha Elsie Rains Burke, age 80, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025 at her home. She was born February 28, 1944 in Whitley County, KY, to the late George Anderson (Exie) Rains and Dessie Thelma (Barton) Rains. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Leslie Burke Jr.; son, Curtis Lee Burke; her sister, Ruth Louise Rains; and brother, Curtis Leon (Sonny) Rains. She is survived by her son, Billy Burke of Williamsburg, KY; granddaughter, Kacie Hersey (Nathaniel) of Williamsburg, KY; great-grandson, Olson Hersey of Williamsburg, KY; sister, Carrie Strunk of Williamsburg, KY; sister-in-law, Linnea Rains of Emlyn, KY; three nieces, Karen Schoonover...

Margaret Lee Helvey of Williamsburg, KY, gently passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 following a brief illness. She was born on January 30, 1957 in Springfield, MO, to the late Dr. O.J. and Marjorie Lee Wells Helvey. Margaret was a graduate of Williamsburg High School and Cumberland College. Following a brief stint as a teacher, she transitioned to a long and successful career in Kentucky State Government. Following her retirement, she moved back to Williamsburg to be closer to her family and friends. Margaret was a lifelong reader, who also enjoyed watching television shows from the 1950s and 60s, and loved spending time with her grandchildren, who meant the world to...

Dewey Edward Brown, left this life to be with the Lord on Friday, February 28, 2025, he was 94 years and 7 months old. He was born on July 31, 1930 to Rev. Andy and Sarah Brown of the upper Briar Creek Community in Williamsburg, KY. Many great things will be said of Dewey Brown, but the most important being that he truly exemplified the beauty of a simple human heart, his kindness will not be forgotten, and will be remembered for generations to come. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Darlene Lawson, Audella Johnson, and Beulah Smith; three brothers, John Brown, Bill Brown, and Don Brown. He spent his life...

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of June Wynn being 70 years, 8 months, and 5 days of age. A life beautifully lived and a heart generously shared. Born Mary June Wynn on June 24, 1954, in Harlan, KY, June was a beacon of light and positivity to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her spirit, akin to her birth month, was warm, radiant, and ever renewing. June resided in Williamsburg, Kentucky. June was a devoted mother to her sons, Marty Robert Wynn of Williamsburg, KY and Johnny Darrell Wynn of Williamsburg, KY; and a beloved sister, to Wanda Peace and husband Bruce of...

Gail Triplett, age 77 of Corbin, Ky. formerly of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025 at The Heritage Nursing Home in Corbin, Ky. She was born September 1, 1947 in Corbin, Ky. to the late William and Wilma Allen Triplett. She is survived by her cousins, Carole Davidson and Carmon Blaine Davidson of Corbin, Ky; and host of friends to mourn her passing. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 4, at Ellison Funeral Home with Rev. Jerome Cox officiating. Interment will be in Whitley Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 1:00 pm until the funeral hour Tuesday, March 4, at the funeral home. Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com. Ellison...

Charles “Chuck” Eugene Catron, born on October 23rd, 1941, lived a remarkable life filled with love, dedication, and unwavering faith. Charles was a beacon in his community, known for his warm heart, steadfast character, and the joy he found in his faith. He was a devoted member of Cooks Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge 502 F&AM, where his commitment and service were an inspiration to many. Charles was a beloved resident of Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he spent his years creating memories and touching lives in ways that will never be forgotten. Charles’ life was marked by the deep love he held for his family. He leaves behind his devoted wife,...

Sherry Monhollen, an empathetic soul, a dedicated partner, and an adorably funny individual, was born on June 8, 1964, in Barbourville, KY. She passed away on February 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and resilience. Sherry was an integral part of the Williamsburg community where she resided, known by many for her radiant smile that could light up any room. Sherry dedicated over 30 years of her life to D&D Auto Repair, working alongside her beloved husband Darryl Monhollen and their son, Darryl Wayne. Her dedication was not just limited to her professional life; it was the core of her essence. She was a woman of substance who believed in...

Douglas MacArthur Kersey, 79, was born on October 7, 1945, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and died on February 23, 2025. Douglas was a father to his sons, Jeffer Badalow (Donna) of Harrison Township, Michigan, Kevin Kersey of Georgia, and Douglas Carmack Kersey of Ashland, Kentucky; and grandfather, to Jason Badalow; and great-grandfather to Mason and Gracie Badalow. He was the son of Carmack and Lida Kersey; and the husband, of Sandra Kersey and Sharon Bledsoe, the mother of Kevin Kersey who all preceded him in death. He also leaves behind Roberta Howard, the mother of Douglas Carmack Kersey. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all those who loved...

Phillip Howard Taylor, 87, of Sharpsburg, Kentucky left us peacefully on February 21, 2025 surrounded by family and entered the kingdom of heaven to be with his Lord and savior. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, Phil will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to his family, his love for music and his lighthearted sense of humor. Born on October 15, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan he was the second of three children to Howard and Virginia Taylor and brother to Richard and Judy. On June 17, 1961 he married the love of his life, Claudette, and remained married for 63 amazing years. They continued to live in the suburbs...

Dana Jennings Blankenship, age 69, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at his home. He was born August 10, 1955, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was a United States Navy veteran. Dana is preceded in death by his mother, Vera Ann (Baird) Blankenship and father, Cannie Blankenship. He is survived by his daughters, Kea Blankenship and Chris Morgan, and Sarah Blankenship; grandchildren, Brianah Schmidt, and Mayce Lay; brother, David Blankenship and wife Regina; nephew, Ryan Blankenship and wife Beth; great-nephew, Max Blankenship; and a host of friends and family to mourn his passing. Graveside service will be at 12:30 pm on Friday, February 28, in the East Tennessee State Veterans...