Obituaries

Christopher Scott Lawson, 35, of Corbin, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2017 in Corbin. He was born on June 14, 1982 in Corbin, to the late Scott Lawson and Gail Lawson. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his grandmothers, Nancy Lawson and Lois Partin; uncle, Mike Lawson; aunt, Brenda Lawson and a cousin, Dustin Cole. He is survived by his wife, Latessa (Tankersley) Lawson of Corbin; three children, Kaylee Maiden, Cody Lawson and Logan Lawson, all of Corbin; mother, Gail Lawson of Williamsburg; brother, Adam Lawson of Williamsburg; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Freda Tankersley of Corbin; grandfathers, Rev. Elbert (Sack) Lawson of Jellico, Tennessee...

Geraldine “Gerry” Wyatt, 91, of Corbin passed away Friday, August 4, 2017 at Baptist Health Corbin. Born in Corbin, she was a daughter of the late Ray L. Johnson and Reina Heath Johnson. Her husband Joe Wyatt and daughter Sharon Rhodes also preceded her in death. Gerry worked as a nurses aide at the Southeastern Kentucky Baptist Hospital.  She had been a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, now Grace on the Hill. She is survived by her son Michael Wyatt and wife Beverly; daughters Reina Griffith and Margaret Mills;  former daughter-in-law Linda Philpot;  five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren;  her sister Mary Elizabeth Dunn;  brothers Ben Johnson and...

Marilynn Joyce Mowery,  71, of Williamsburg,  departed this life on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Baptist Health in Corbin. S he was born on March 25, 1946 in Gary, IN to the late Robert Wayne Bennett and Irene (Yarber) Bennett. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her former husband, John Henry Mowery; and a daughter-in-law, Karen Vanover. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Irene Bennett of Williamsburg; seven sons, Robert Vanover of Williamsburg, Charles Bennett of Williamsburg, Johnny Mowery (Cindy) of Gausdale, Wayne Mowery (Annie) of McCreary County, Joseph Mowery of Williamsburg, Shane Mowery (Debbie) of London and Shawn Mowery (Lois) of Knox County; 22...

Donald Jessie Thomas, 83, born July 08, 1934 in Oswald, WV. Don was in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. Helen Rigney Thomas, 78, born March 07, 1939 in Newcomb, TN. ​The loving husband and wife were of Jellico, TN and passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at their home just hours apart. They were married for over sixty three years. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Leta Bell Rigney; brothers, Tony Rigney, James Clyde “J.C.” Rigney; and sister, Fanny Albertini. Don was preceded in death by his parents, LeeRoy and Edna Reevis Thomas, brother, ​Ralph Thomas. They are survived by two sons, Charles Thomas and wife Judy, and Roger Thomas...

Margaret McCall Elliott, 70, of Corbin, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Baptist Health Corbin. Born in Corbin, she was the daughter of the late C.B. McCall, Jr., and Thelma Patterson McCall. She was a Corbin High School graduate, had her Master’s degree, and received her Rank I from the University of the Cumberlands. Margaret was band director at Corbin High for about 10 years, Gallatin County schools for about five years, and Grant County schools for about five years. Her life centered around music and music education. Margaret is survived by her husband of 32 years, John Elliott, and her brother Mac McCall of Newport, Kentucky. The family will receive friends...

Donna Sue Smallwood, 46, of Newcomb, TN passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the Jellico Community Hospital. She was born January 23, 1971 in Cincinnati, OH. Donna is preceded in death by her father, Donnie Ray Smallwood. She is survived by her companion of twenty-three years: ​Michael Lay of Newcomb; mother, Kathleen Perry Smallwood; sisters, Rosemary Mullins and husband Mark, Michell Pyron and husband Bill, Polla Smallwood, Vivian Smallwood; like a sister, Melissa Lay of Newcomb; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. Funeral services were held Sunday, July 30, at the Harp Funeral Home of Jellico. ​Burial followed in the Hackler Cemetery in Jellico, TN. Harp Funeral...

Billy G. Simpson, Sr., 76, passed away Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the McFarland Cemetery. Officiants will be Pastor Brian West and Pastor Casey Hampton.

Gracie Sue Ausmus, 55, of Jellico, TN passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. She was born February 3, 1962 in Jellico, TN. Gracie was preceded in death by a son, Edward Bryan Collins. She is survived by two sons, Deron Ausmus, and William Collins; mother, Geneva Hamblin; sisters, Molly Taylor, Irene Hamblin, Pauline King, Judy King; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. Funeral services were held Friday, July 28, at the Funeral Home with Rev. Bernley Lambdin and Rev. Ken kishpaugh officiating. Burial followed in the Douglas Cemetery (Wooldridge Community). Harp Funeral Home of Jellico was in charge of arrangements.

Edward Hicks Huggins, 87, of Wilmore, formerly of Rockholds passed away Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Homestead-Providence Nursing and Rehab in Lexington. He was born on March 20, 1930 in Hemingway, SC to the late John Paul Huggins and Ann (Hicks) Huggins. In addition to his parents; he was also preceded in death by his wife, Reba Shelton Huggins; granddaughter-in-law, Tosha Marlow; two brothers, James Huggins and Haywood Huggins; and two sisters, Constance Gossett and Ella Mae Lesesne. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He is survived by one daughter, Phyllis Ann Desmond (Fran) of Wilmore; three grandchildren, David Marlow (Tammy) of Lancaster, John Marlow of Rockholds and Amanda...

Scott Bradley Bray, 36, of Williamsburg, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 in Rockholds. He was born on November 29, 1980 in Pineville, to Howard Scottie Bray and Doris Ann (Spurlock) Bray. He is survived by his parents, Howard Scottie Bray and Doris Ann (Spurlock) Bray of Williamsburg; a sister, Melissa Sue Goins and husband Wilson of Manchester; a niece, Megan Goins of Manchester; two nephews, Matthew and Jacob Goins of Manchester; and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing. The funeral service was held Sunday, July 30, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerome McCullah officiating. Following the service he was laid to rest in...