Obituaries

Jerry Patrick Ballard, born December 17th, 1961 in Camp Lejeune, NC, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who had a heart as big as the outdoors that he loved so much. He was a man of immeasurable talent and determination, best known for his exceptional craftsmanship and his years of dedicated service as a deep miner in the coal industry. Jerry was a master at building and remodeling structures to perfection, a skill that paralleled his ability to build strong and enduring relationships with all who knew him. Jerry was a resident of Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he found great joy in the simple things of life. His...

Danny Lee Ivey, age 63, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He was born July 25, 1961, in Covington, Kentucky. Danny is preceded in death by his father, Bill Ivey; mother, Roberta (Bowlin) Ivey; brothers, Jim Ivey, Billy Gene Ivey, Kenny Ivey, and Bobby Joe Ivey; and sister, Margaret King. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue (Kennedy) Ivey; sons, Danny Ray Ivey and wife Nikki, Eric William Ivey and wife Bethany; grandchildren, Mahleea Hall and husband Nathan, Blake Ivey, Elijah Ivey, Rylee Ivey, Ember Ivey, and Baylee Ivey; great-grandchildren, Kyrie Hall, and Avery Hall; brother,...

China Ann Jones, known to us all as China, was a woman of resilience, love, and faith. Born on the 30th of August, 1952, she lived a fulfilling life and left us on the 2nd of October, 2024. Her life was a testament to the quote by Helen Keller that “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” This was evident in the love she had for her family, friends, and her community in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where she resided. China was a proud member of the Meadow Grove Baptist Church, where she found solace and strength....

Patricia “Pat” Creekmore, age 79, of Newcomb, Tennessee passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at her home. She was born December 5, 1944, in Newcomb, Tennessee. Pat is preceded in death by her son, Brian Keith Douglas; husband, Johnny Creekmore; grandson, Peyton Leon Hinkle; parents, W.J. and Florene (Gilburth) Douglas; brothers, Joe Douglas, and Charles Francis Douglas; father and mother-in-law, John L. and Mencie (Baird) Creekmore; brothers-in-law, Clyde “Dock” Creekmore and wife Eudena, and Robert Cecil Creekmore; sisters-in-law, Thelma Chapman and husband Carl, Dorothy Baird and husband Andrew, Patricia “Patsy” Cupp and husband Oscar. She is survived by daughter, Rebecca Hinkle and husband Brian; grandson, Justin Hinkle and wife Reanne; great-grand-daughter,...

Virginia “Jennie Ann” Forman, age 86, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at St. Joseph London Hospital. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, A.B. Forman; cherished daughter, Tonya Forman; parents, James and Dorsie Lansden; best friend and sister, Jimmie Roberts; brothers-in-law, Ben Roberts, and Robert Smith. She is survived by her son, Keith Forman and wife Penny; daughter, Angie Forman; sister, Blanche Smith; niece, Doris Ann Tackett and husband Ronnie; and other nieces, nephews, family, and friends to mourn her passing. Jennie was the office manager for Shel Dental for many years. She was a member of First Baptist Church Jellico. She was a caring...

Frankie Ann (Vanover) Bowlin, age 77, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Lafollette Medical Center. She was born January 20, 1947, in Whitley County, Kentucky. Frankie is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd “Carl” Martin Bowlin; son, Eddie Joe Bowlin; grandson, Joshua Bowlin; parents, Matthew and Della (Worley) Vanover; brothers, Sam Vanover, and Ernest Worley. She is survived by daughters, Donna Logan, and Carolyn Blankenship; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. Funeral service was Monday, September 30, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Junior Dople officiating. Burial followed in the Douglas Cemetery, Wooldridge Community. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico...

William Edward Smith, known affectionately to many as Ed Smith, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 51. Born in Pineville, Kentucky on April 17, 1973, Ed spent his life in the service of others, working as a Journeyman Electrician at Tennessee Associates. His dedication and commitment to his work were recognized by his colleagues and friends, and he earned the respect of many throughout his career. A genuine lover of life, Ed was an avid hunter and sports enthusiast who found joy in the simple things. Ed is survived by his son, Eli Smith; his father, James Smith; his siblings, Kim (Brent) Goins, Jimmy (Jennifer) Smith, and...

Rhonda L. (Claxton) Potter Wilson, age 58, of Jellico, Tennessee, passed away Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 23, 1965, to the late Kenneth Wayne Claxton and Iva Sue (Downs) Claxton in Jellico. She was the granddaughter of the late Virgil B. Claxton and Lillian Margie (Little) Claxton and John Woodrow Downs and Icey Elizabeth (Owens) Downs. She was a graduate of Whitley County High School – Class of 1983. She was a long-time member of Crouches Creek Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Alva S. Potter, Jr. and...

Princess Lydia Edith Emberlynn Hicks, age 8 months, of Jacksboro, Tennessee passed into the arms of Jesus Friday, September 27, 2024, at her home. She was born January 24, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Lydia is preceded in death by grandfather, Virgil Bills; and grandmother, Charlotte Hicks. She is survived by father, Jeffery Hicks; mother, Kimberly Bills; siblings, Daniel, Katelynn, Audrey, Denver and Diesel Hicks; grandfather, Roscoe Hicks; grandmother, Kathy Bills; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and family to mourn her passing. No services are planned. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Mary (Wortham) Lay, age 51, of Pioneer, Tennessee passed away Friday, September 27, 2024, at her home. She was born May 30, 1973, in Lafollette, Tennessee. Mary is preceded in death by her father, Roy Wortham. She is survived by husband, Jimmy Wayne Lay; sons, Tyler Wayne Lay (Cierra Allen), and Briley Chase Lay (Andrea Webb); grandchildren Avery Brooke Lay, Paisley Grace Lay, Liam Grayson Womble, and Jayden Brentley Womble; mother, Shirley Ann (Reynolds) Wortham; sisters, Reita Evans and husband Chuck, Lois Morgan and husband Scott; nephews, Scottie Morgan, and Grant Evans; niece, Caressa Evans; great neice, Kylee Leach; and a host of friends and family to mourn her passing. No services...