Obituaries

We gather with a heavy heart to celebrate the life of Nannie Lou Williamson, 82, who was born on January 28, 1943, in Corbin, Kentucky, and passed from this life on July 20, 2025. Nannie was a beacon of strength, resilience, and love in a world that often forgets the importance of these virtues. A devoted mother, Nannie’s life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her children, Rosetta Powers of Corbin, KY, Jimmy Williamson of Akron, OH, and Robert Williamson of OH, who survive her. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and several great and great-great-grandchildren. She was a woman of faith, a pillar in her community, and a friend to...

Leslie Wayne Reeves was born to the late Alfred and Nona Reeves on November 15, 1954 in Rockholds Kentucky. He passed on July 10, 2025 in Rockholds, coming full circle. Les joined the Air Force as a young man and retired after having served his country for 20 years. During his time in the military he traveled worldwide and was deployed to support operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the Liberation of Kuwait. He had a passion for bass fishing and many a cast was thrown searching for a tournament win or at least the lunker pot. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Charles, Michael, Bobby, and...

Ellen Lawson, age 93, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Wednesday July 16, 2025 at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born April 21, 1932 in Bledsoe County, TN to the late Roma and Martha Haston Wyatt. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by one daughter, Carol Caddell; three sons, Robert Bowman, David Bowman and Keith Lawson; one grandson, Tracy Allen Lawson; one sister, Zelma Wyatt; three brothers, Billy Joe Wyatt, Wilbur “Sutt” Wyatt and John Crawford; three sons-in-law, John Smith, Bo Watson, and Calvin “Junebug” Caddell. She is survived by her husband, Kirby Lawson of Williamsburg, KY; five children, Judy Watson of Gulf Shores, AL, Juanita...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Dwight “Rick” Alder, 75, on July 20, 2025. He was born in Williamsburg, KY, to the late Robert Alder and Daisy (Jackson) Alder on January 3, 1950. Rick was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and treasured friend. His loss is felt deeply by those who were privileged to know him. He proudly served in the US Army in the Vietnam era. He was a member of the Pleasant View Methodist Church, Williamsburg Masonic Lodge 490 F & AM, and the Knights Temple. Rick was a man of great character who was adored by all who knew him. He...

Nancy Lee Shelley, born on January 7, 1945, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her parents, General and Geneva Lee; and her siblings, Gail Lee, Ancil Lee, James Boyd Lee, Miranda Helton, Waylon Lee and General Lee, Jr. Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Vernon Shelley. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with farming, cooking, gardening, fishing, and traveling—simple joys they treasured. Nancy was a dedicated and hardworking woman, spending 35 years in service to the Kentucky Department of Transportation. She also served two terms on the Farm Service. After retirement, she found great...

Arnold Eugene Wilson, age 68, of Williamsburg, Ky, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at his home. He was born September 13, 1956 in Whitley County, Ky., to the late Oshie and Cora Hamblin Wilson. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Dewayne Partin; three brothers, Billy Ray, Lee Roy and Charles Wilson; father and mother-in-law, Paul Leland and Marjorie Taylor; and brother-in-law, Johnny Rains. He was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and longtime attendee of Grace Christian Fellowship, Riverside Church of God and Siler’s Chapel Church of God. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dolores ‘Dolly’ Wilson; six children, Michael Perkins Wilson,...

Janice Sue (Cox) Blankenship Chapman, age 65, of Jellico passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at U.K. Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born April 28, 1960, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Janice was a member of the Oswego Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her husband, her family and her fur babies. Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Dafnie (Canady) Cox; husband, Charles “Pete” Blankenship; sisters, Nora Cox, Cora Kennedy, Cledie Cox, Minnie Letner, Shirley Cummings, Edna Christian, Geneva Gibson, and Charolette Franklin; brothers, Clarence Cox, Virgel Cox, and Charles Donnie Cox. She is survived by her husband, George Chapman, Jr. of Jellico; brother, Claude Cox and wife...

Judy Carolyn Garrett, age 69 of Jellico passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025. She was born November 15, 1955, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Judy is preceded in death by son, Mark Anthony Garrett; father, Lonnie R. Garrett; mother, Edith (King) Garrett; brothers, Donnie Garrett, Ancil Garrett, Robert Garrett; and sister, Shirley Garrett. She is survived by son, Bobby Heatwole and wife Gabrielle; granddaugther, Mazie Heatwole; brothers, John Garrett and wife Jan, Benny Garrett, Chucky Garrett and wife Patsy, and Gary “KQ” Garrett; sisters, Mollie Chisamore and husband Larry, Patty Jo Malicoat and husband Donnie, and Diane Garland; special niece, Kayla Gholston and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn...

Alice Thene Meadors, age 77, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 22,1948 to the late Jesse and Viola Meadors. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her baby brother, brother, Elzie Meadors; her nephews, Troy and Elvin Meadors; and her special brother-in-law, David Cloud. She is survived by her sister, Opal Cloud of Williamsburg, KY; and several nieces and nephews to mourn her passing. She leaves behind a very special friend, Beverly Ellis Jones. Alice treasured her family. She never had children of her own but took several as her own. To know...

Lucille (Barley) Head, age 86, of Williamsburg, Kentucky went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Williamsburg Health & Rehab, her home for the past 11 years. She was born November 11, 1938, in Fonde, Kentucky to Marion and Lottie (Lawson) Barley. She was a loving and giving mother and grandmother until her death. Lucille is preceded in death by her daughter, Sandra Troxell; grandchild, Harley Daniel Pigg; husband, William Gaylor Head; father, Marion Barley; mother, Lottie (Lawson) Barley; brothers, Jay Barley, John Barley; sisters, Marie Henderson, Francis Russell, Jewel Worley, and June Wilson. She is survived by sons, Robert Head and wife Cindy, John...