Obituaries

With deep sorrow, we announce the departure of our beloved Clara Mae Croley (February 14, 1947 - March 30, 2026). Clara was born in Williamsburg, KY, and spent her life in Siler, Kentucky. She was a devoted member of the Buffalo Missionary Baptist Church in Gausdale, KY, her faith serving as a beacon of light that guided her through life’s journey. Clara’s loyalty was deeply rooted in her beliefs. As stated in Proverbs chapter 31: 25-26…Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Clara embodied the spirit of selfless love,...

On March 27, 2026, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, Carolyn Smith, known for her warmth, wisdom, and infectious joy. A woman of strong faith and impeccable character, Carolyn was more than just the gentle matriarch of her family; she was a guiding beacon for those around her. As a devoted member of Mt. Ash Baptist Church, her faith was the compass that guided her through life and the foundation that fortified her family. Carolyn was born to Grady and Abby Parker, who have preceded her in death; along with her beloved husband, Claude Smith; and cherished son, James M. Smith. Her legacy of love and guidance will continue to live...

Glen Hamblin, age 72, of Corbin, Ky. passed away Tuesday March 24, 2026 at the home of his nephew in Williamsburg, Ky. He was born February 2, 1954 in Covington, Ky. to the late Glen and Lavada Veach Hamblin. Along with his parents, he was preceded by a son, Ronald Hamblin; three brothers, David, Tommy and Jamie Hamblin. He is survived by one daughter, Sarah Raniero (Tony) of Crittenden, KY; three granddaughters, Bailey Raniero, Kinley Raniero and Emiley Raniero; five sisters, Vicki Cooper (John) of Williamsburg, KY, Janice Malusky (Lance) of LaFollette, TN, Kathy Hamblin, Marcia Hamblin and Gloria Hamblin all of Williamsburg, KY; one brother, Tim Hamblin of Kingston, KY; several...

Betty Maxine Siler, born on May 27, 1938 in Williamsburg, Kentucky, passed away on March 23, 2026. Betty was a beloved resident of Williamsburg, where she lived her entire life. She was married to Bill Siler. Her loved ones will fondly remember her for the love she gave to her family, as well as the joy she brought to her nieces, nephews, and friends. Betty is survived by her husband, Bill Siler; and her son, Steve Siler; she also leaves behind her brothers, Isaac Lawson (Emma Muse) and Robert Lawson; and sister, Katie Meshinski (Wayne Legendre); grandchildren, Randy Joe Jones, Christina Gail Siler (Freddie), Michael Wayne Vanderpool, Victoria Prime (Casey) and...

Annette Mary (Leach) Gibson, age 90, of Clairfield, Tennessee passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Middlesboro ARH Hospital. She was born February 9, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland. Annette is preceded in death by her husband, Lee Junior Gibson; son, James Lee Gibson; father, Robert Leach; and mother, Dorothy (Schilling) Leach. She is survived by sons, John Gibson, David Gibson and wife Kim; daughter, Deborah Webb and husband Randall; ten grandchildren and several great and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Leach; sisters, Deloris Bowlin, and Betty Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. No services are planned. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Tony Swords, age 44, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at U.K. Medical Center. He was born February 27, 1982 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Danny Swords and Sara Boggs. He was preceded in death by his Mamaw Peggy Chinn and Mamaw Betty Carter, Papaw Rod Carter Sr., Papaw Paul Boggs, and Papaw Paul Jones; aunt, Vanessa Bundy: three uncles, Wesley Chapman, Rod Carter Jr. and Todd Carter. He is survived by one son, Dylan Swords of Corbin, Ky; his mother, Sara Boggs (John) of Williamsburg, Ky; his father, Danny Swords of Ohio; two sister, Vanessa Bargo of Corbin, Ky., Dannai Swords of Ohio; two brothers, Eric Swords (Ciera)...

Shirley Runyon Fry was called to be with her Lord and savior March 25, 2026. She passed peacefully, with her daughter by her side, in Watauga, TX. Shirley was born on April 26, 1938, in Mayking, KY to parents Dillard and Flora Runyon of Williamsburg, KY. Shirley went to school in Williamsburg, KY and graduated in 1956. Soon after graduation she moved to Piqua, OH where she met the love of her life, Tom Macy Fry. After they were married, they moved to Englewood, OH where they raised two children, Donald Fry and Sherri (Fry) Learmonth. Shirley and Tom both were very active in their children’s sports and cheerleading. Shirley became the Office...

There are people who pass through this world and leave it a little warmer than they found it. And then there was Lisa Smith Cleary. She didn’t just warm the room — she made every person in it feel like they were the most important one there. On March 24, 2026, that warmth left us when Lisa passed away suddenly, but peacefully at the age of 67. Lisa was born on October 13, 1958, in Harlan, Kentucky — a place she carried with her in her warmth, her directness, and her unshakeable roots. She was the daughter of Helen Holsclaw Smith and Donald Cawood Smith, two people whose love would...

Waylon Brice Taylor, a light to everyone who met him, was born in London, Kentucky on March 2, 2021. Waylon fought with so much bravery and lived so gracefully through such a hard diagnosis in which he never let define his life. Waylon Brice showed so much courage and strength, and today we are grateful that he won his battle and is able to rest. Waylon’s most memorable moments were spent cuddling with his mommy and holding her hair, riding the side by side to see the horses with his daddy, playing with his cousins, and being spoiled by all his grandparents. To know Waylon is to know true love. Waylon Brice...

Ada Bell (Waldroop) Evans, age 89, of White Oak, Tennessee passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at LaFollette Medical Center. She was born March 9, 1937, in Fonde, Kentucky. Ada is preceded in death by her husband, James Dank Evans; daughters, Ada Gail Hatfield, Aleta Maria Hatfield; parents, Naboth and Vealie (North) Waldroop; brothers, Sam, Dave, Paul, Dan and Glenn Waldroop; sisters, Elizabeth Hoover, Elsie Lawson and Martha Waldroop. She is survived by grandson, Otis Hatfield and wife Amanda; granddaughters, Lavinda Ward and husband Greg, Falon Hatfield; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jersey, Allison and husband Tyler, Emily and husband Gary; great-great-grandchildren; Walker, Laramie, Lillian; sister, Phoebe Aquila Watson; and a host of nieces,...