Obituaries

Judy Thomas “Jellico Ice Cream Lady”, age 64, of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at home. She was born May 28, 1961, in San Jose, California. Judy is preceded in death by her father, William Thompson; mother, Pearl Lee (Ford) Thompson; brothers, Bill Penny, Ron Thompson, Gene Penny; and sister, Shirley Riley. She is survived by her husband, Charles Woodrow Thomas; daughters, Mady Smith and husband Tony, Tiffaney Lay and husband Jason, and Jessica Thomas; grandchildren, Tony Smith, Noah Smith, Hanah McCormick, Jaceney Lay, Colt Lay, Donavin Hall, Natalie Thomas, Makayla Thomas, Jaylynn Lay, and Megan Pennington; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda Patterson; and a host of nieces,...

Tami (Bridges) Milani, age 66, of Pioneer, Tennessee went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at U.T. Medical Center. She was born April 22, 1959, in Lake City, Tennessee. Tami loved an adventure; she loved to travel and loved the sun and beach, hearing the ocean waves at night was her favorite. She loved to waterski, sky-dive, parasail and spending time with her best friends Cynthia and Rick. She loved her family dearly and her greatest treasures in life was her family. She lived her life being there for her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She will be missed immensely. Tami is preceded in death by...

Joy Renea Sulfridge, 53, a loving, thoughtful, and cherished member of the Williamsburg community, departed this life on April 1, 2026, at Baptist Health - Corbin. Born on January 16, 1973, in Corbin, KY, Renea brought a radiant light into this world that will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Renea was a woman of strong faith, which was evident in her selfless devotion to her family and friends. She cherished the simple pleasures of life, such as reading a good book, singing and playing the piano at her beloved church, or traveling to new places. However, the joy she found in spending time with her family, especially...

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...