Obituaries

Jakie Ray Watkins, age 86, of Keavy, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Born on August 9, 1939, Jakie was a cherished beacon of love and resilience in our community. With his jovial spirit, hardworking ethics, he was a well-respected resident of Keavy, Kentucky, where his influence was undeniable and will forever be remembered. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake McCoy Watkins and Samantha Edwards Watkins; and by his siblings, Ruby, Lena, Edna, Mark, Albert, Earl, and Anna Lee. Jakie was truly a man of the soil, as his passion for farming, gardening, and railroading formed the cornerstone of his existence. The farm was Jakie’s sanctuary, a...

Brenda Joyce Lynam, 75, born October 17, 1950, in Closplint, KY, a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025. Brenda spent her life in service to others, as a devoted Certified Nursing Assistant at the Baptist Health - Corbin. Her love for her work was only surpassed by her love for her family and her passion for her hobbies, which included shopping, flower gardening, playing video games, and spending precious time with her loved ones. Brenda is survived by her beloved husband of over 54 years, Ken Lynam Sr. of Corbin, KY; her children, Kenneth Jr. and wife Krysti of Atlanta, GA.,...

With profound love and respect, we remember the life of James E. Smith, 80, who passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. James was a man of profound kindness and deep consideration, whose warm and loving spirit touched the lives of those who had the privilege to know him. Known for his thoughtful nature, James had a distinct ability to make everyone around him feel special and cherished. He found joy in the simple things, such as the quiet calm of a morning hunting trip or the laughter-filled chaos of a family gathering. More than anything, James loved his family deeply and unconditionally, holding them close to his heart...

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Eula Bertha Hill, 89, on October 23, 2025. Eula, a loving and humble soul, brought joy and warmth to every life she touched. She was born in Gatliff on August 8, 1936 to the late William Bradley Spurlock and Anne Stevens Spurlock. She was a member of the Hanging Rock Baptist Church for over 50 years. Eula’s greatest joy was her family, whom she treasured above all else. She is survived by her loving children, Gail Young (Robert) of Williamsburg, KY, Joyce Wilson (Marcus) of Williamsburg, KY, Sheena Noe (Hollie) of Williamsburg, KY, and Michael Hill (Lena)...

Mable Rowe, age 90, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025 at her home. She was born June 21, 1935 in Harlan, KY, to the late Walter and Polly Bryant Hicks. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Rowe; a grandson, Thomas Rowe Jr.; three brothers, Theodore Hicks, Champ Hicks, and Gary Hicks. She is survived by four daughters, Elsie Mills of Williamsburg, KY, Peggie Rouse of Williamsburg, KY, Bonnie Waitt (SB) of Birmingham, AL, Sheila McBryde (Robert) of Williamsburg, KY; son, Thomas Rowe of Williamsburg, KY; daughter-in-law, Judy Rowe of Pine Knot, KY; 27 grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren; 37 great great grandchildren;...

Barbara Meadors Hubbard, age 76, of Williamsburg, Kentucky passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Baptist Health Corbin. She was born November 24, 1948, at Jellico Creek. Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Ancil V. Meadors; mother, Lois Jeanette Shelley Meadors; and sister-in-law, Elaine Artis Meadors. She is survived by husband, Joe Hubbard; sons, David Hubbard and wife Charmin, Paul Hubbard and wife Trina; grandchildren, Natalie, Joey, Brandon, Dylan, Brayden, and Sierra; great-grandchildren, Haley James, Katie, and Kinsly; brothers, James E. Meadors, Gary W. Meadors and wife Lena; sister-in-law, Rose Schaffer and husband Robert; brother-in-law, Havey Hubbard; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. Funeral...

Lois Y. Underwood passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Sarasota, FL. Born in Corbin, KY, Lois lived a life filled with joy, love, and kindness. She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — reading a good book, watching her favorite television shows, and working crossword puzzles, a skill she had truly mastered. Her gentle spirit and warm presence left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Buddy” Underwood; grandson, James Underwood; parents, Etta Derrick and James T. Derrick; brother, Herschel Barton; sister, Thelma “Frankie” Sasser; and father, Matt Barton. Lois is survived...

Emanuel Brummett, age 53, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Baptist Health Corbin. He was born August 18, 1972 in Lexington, KY, to the late Carl and Relda Douglas Brummett. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Lorrie Brummett; and one sister, Judy Brummett. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Brummett of Williamsburg, KY; three children, Emanuel “Rusty” Brummett (Angel) of Williamsburg, KY, Madison Anderson of Williamsburg, KY, and Latosha Perry (Chase) of Williamsburg, KY; five grandchildren, Jady Brummett, Bentley Perry, Braxton Perry, Brody Perry, and Christian Perry; three brothers, Steve Brummett of Williamsburg, KY, Gary Hubbs of Williamsburg,...

Lorrie Ann Mays Jackson Rice, loving mother, sister, and friend passed away on October 17, 2025 at the age of 57. Born in Norfolk, VA on December 15, 1967, Lorrie spent most of her life in Corbin, Kentucky where she became an inspiring pillar of the community. Lorrie was known for her unwavering dedication and her fierce love for her family, friends, and her faith. She was a member of the Rockholds First Baptist Church, where she found great solace and community. Lorrie leaves behind a rich legacy of love and kindness, evidenced by the numerous lives she touched. She is survived by her loving daughter, Kerry Ann Watson and husband...

Gary Smiddy, 68, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on October 16, 2025. He was born on December 17, 1956. Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was defined by love, faith, and family. An electrician by trade, Gary took great pride in his work and in lending a helping hand to anyone in need. His true passion, however, was music. He found joy and purpose in playing guitar during services at Rockhold Community Church, using his God-given talent to lift others in worship and praise. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. Gary was preceded in death by...