Obituaries

Linda Sue (Branam) Davis, age 75, of LaFollette, Tennessee passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Tennova LaFollette Health & Rehab. She was born July 11, 1950, in Jellico, Tennessee. Linda is preceded in death by brothers, Johnny, Otis, Gene, Bill and Leon Branam; and sister, Eileen Branam. She is survived by husband, Rev. Thomas Davis; sons, Derrick, Stooksbury, Joseph Stooksbury, John Hall; daughter, Rachel Hall Dorrance; brothers, James Deron Branam, Donnie Branam, Ray Branam; sisters, Louise Delk, Katherine Pegg, Polly Napier; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday, February 5 at Harp Funeral Home Chapel...

Opal L. Jackson Trivette, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at her home in Corbin, KY. Opal grew up in Evarts, KY in Harlan County. She had a wonderful group of friends from Evarts High School, Class of 1960, with whom she still kept in touch. She met her beloved husband, Jim, at EKU and they were married on January 13, 1962. She was a devoted and loving wife and partner for 53 years. She was a saint of Grace on the Hill Community Church (formerly 1st United Methodist Church). Since 1973 she has served the Lord joyfully and faithfully, teaching many adult and youth classes. She and Jim traveled to...

David Dean Etter peacefully departed this life on January 30, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was at home, surrounded by his wife and children. David was born in Warrensburg, MO, on October 2, 1949, the first child of Guy Franklin Etter and Mary Viola Tipton Etter. He was followed by siblings, Rebecca Ann Diesel (Marion), Joyce Etter, Martha Louise Postel (Bruce), and Paul James Etter (Jeanne). On June 3, 1972, David married Terresa Ann Yeates, and together they were gifted with four children, Susan Wynn Waisner (Scott), Sharon Elizabeth McGinley, Melinda Dawn Mann (Matthew), and Michael David Etter (Danielle). He was blessed by eleven grandchildren: Faith Waisner Hartness (Tyler), Braden...

Evelyn Reynolds Cox went home to Heaven at 9:00 am on Wednesday, January 28. Mother lived a long life she was 97 years young as she used to say. She went to college when she was 29 years old and finished in three years. She began her teaching career in one of the last one room schools, she taught for over 34 years for Whitley County School District. She was a long time member of Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church in Williamsburg. Mother was born May 28, 1928, to Richard and Mary Monhollen Reynolds. She was one of five children, three brothers and a sister. She was preceded in death by her...

Virginia Sasser, age 84, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Tuesday January 27, 2026, at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born May 17, 1941 in Whitley County, KY to the late Cal and Cleo Lee Jones. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Bobbi Gail Willis; two grandsons, Justin Hatfield, Brad Hatfield; and two brothers, Floyd Jones, Dewey Jones. She is survived by two daughter, Kim Hatfield of Hamilton, OH, Tanya Baird (Kenny) of Williamsburg, KY; six grandchildren, Kendra Corriveau (Ron), Krystal Peters (Chad), Heather Frazier (Thomas), Haley Phelps (Colton), Jimmy Perry, Maddie Baird; eleven great-grandchildren, Jack Kent, Levi Frazier, Braylon Phelps, Caleb Perry, Beau Phelps,...

Kirby Lawson, age 83, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born July 29, 1942 in Whitley County to the late Ewell and Melinda Lawson. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Lawson; three sons, Keith Lawson, David Bowman, Robert Bowman; one daughter Carol Ann Caddell; two sisters, Dorothy Partin, Dora Lawson; and two brothers, Narvie Lawson, Arlie Lawson. He is survived by seven children, Judy Watson of Gulf Shores, AL, Juanita Smith of Sidney, OH, Michael Bowman (Khrista) of Sidney, OH, Lorene Bitsy Swanson (Anthony) of Williamsburg, KY, Tracy Lawson (Pam) of Williamsburg, KY, Linda...

Sherri Lynn Crawford Skidmore, age 77, of Woodbine, Kentucky, passed away on January 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 23, 1948, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to the late Ivan Lee Williams and Grace Tolson Elkins, and was raised in Wasilla, Alaska. First and foremost, Sherri was a devoted mother and grandmother. Family was the center of her world, and she poured her love, strength, and care into those she held dear. She was known for her determination, resilience, and the belief that there was very little she could not accomplish once she set her mind to it. Throughout her life, Sherri wore many hats and...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rucella Faye Rose, 79, on January 24, 2026. Born on August 25, 1946, in Eagan, Tennessee, Rucella was a beacon of warmth and love, bringing joy and comfort to all those who were fortunate to know her. She served as a devoted member of the Gatliff Freewill Baptist Church for over 58 years, her spiritual strength and steadfast faith serving as an inspiration to many. Rucella was an accomplished quilter, her nimble fingers weaving together intricate patterns that mirrored the colorful tapestry of her own life. Each stitch was a testament to her patience and creativity, each quilt a warm embrace...

Lonnie Lee Foley, born September 15, 1950, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, passed away on January 24, 2026. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his steadfast dedication to public service and unwavering love for his family. Lonnie was a devoted employee of the Whitley County Board of Education, where he served faithfully as a security officer for over 39 years. His dedication to public safety also extended to his roles with the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office and the Williamsburg City Police. In addition to his professional roles, Lonnie served his community as a Constable in the 1st District for over 30 years, as well as a US Army Veteran....

Elizabeth Ann Sanders, age 93, of Troy passed away January 25, 2026 at Story Point in Troy, Ohio. Ann is now in Heaven being reunited with those in her family and others she knew in Christ who are already there. She was born November 5, 1932 in Lily, Kentucky. She graduated from Lily High School in 1950 where she was the salutatorian of her class. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1953 with a degree in commerce teaching typing, shorthand and accounting. She started her career working in the office of US Steel, a coal mining company in Lynch, Kentucky. In 1955 she was hired (over the phone) and taught...