OBITUARIES

Cleveland and Athens, TN Obituaries

Local obituaries for families in Cleveland and Athens, TN along with the entire East Tennessee area

Chaztus “Bill” Whaley

Chaztus “Bill” Whaley

May 7, 2026

Chaztus Denonzo “Bill” Whaley, age 50, passed away on May 7, 2026 in Chattanooga, TN. He was born on July 2, 1975 in Cleveland, TN.

Bill was a man who never met a stranger and could light up any room with his charisma, humor, and unforgettable jokes. He created countless memories with family and friends and was deeply loved by all...

Terry Browder

Terry Browder

May 6, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Terry Nathaniel Browder, a beloved member of the Etowah, Tennessee community. Terry, born on June 26, 1966, in Athens, Tennessee, peacefully departed on May 6, 2026, in Columbia, Tennessee, at the age of 59. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his family. Terry's...

Rev. Dr. Harry Johnson, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Harry Johnson, Sr.

Apr 28, 2026

Reverend Dr. Harry Monroe Johnson Sr.

May 15, 1939 – April 28, 2026

Obituary

Forever in our hearts

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Reverend Dr. Harry Johnson Sr., who departed this life on April 28, 2026 at the age of 86.

Harry Johnson was born on May 15, 1939 in Cleveland, TN to Frank and Viola (Spriggs) Johnson. He was...

Bintan Naetochukwu Nwankwo

Bintan Naetochukwu Nwankwo

Apr 5, 2026

Bintan Naetochukwu Nwankwo from Sunrise April 30, 2025 to Sunset April 5, 2026. Bintan Naetochukwu Nwankwo was born in Hamilton County TN on April 30, 2025 and peacefully went home to be with the Lord on April 5, 2026. Despite Bintan's short time on earth, he was deeply loved, cherished and brought immense joy to those around him.

He leaves to...

Gary Carter

Gary Carter

Mar 19, 2026

Gary Tyrone Carter age 65 of Athens, Tennessee passed Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Gary was the son of the late Dorothy Smith and Austine Carter, and his aunt Pearly Mae Smith of Athens, TN.

He is survived by life partner Carolyn 'Sissy' Jones of Athens, TN his son Anfeny Carter of Youngstown, Ohio, and special...

Clara Swafford

Clara Swafford

Mar 16, 2026

Ms. Clara Reid Swafford, age 85 was welcomed into her eternal home, in the comfort of her home in Cleveland, TN., Monday, March 16, 2026.

Clara was born June 6, 1940 to the union of the late Charlie Marion and Conas A.M. Bryant, in Decatur (Meigs County), TN. Clara attended Booker T. Washington High School in Chattanooga, TN., and was a...

Shirley Jean Welch

Shirley Jean Welch

Mar 15, 2026

Shirley Jean Welch age 91 of Athens, Tn passed Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Athens Regional Medical facility.

She was a member of Kingdom Hall on Congress Parkway in Athens, Tn., and spent many years after working in the work force being a caregiver to the elderly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Mildred Stewart, children, David Nugen,...

Lisa Parks

Lisa Parks

Mar 5, 2026

MS. LISA PARKS ASHLEY, age 59 of Cleveland, Tennessee transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

She was a graduate of Cleveland High School, class of 1985 and a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. As her health would allow her she worked in various capacities from babysitting to at home health care of others.

Lisa...

Booker Woods

Booker Woods

Mar 1, 2026

Booker Taliaferro. Woods

October 1, 1938 – March 1, 2026

Booker T. Woods, 87, of Georgetown, Tennessee, passed away on March 1, 2026.

Born on October 1, 1938, to William and Mattie B. Woods, Booker T. was raised in Georgetown, where he built lifelong friendships and deep community ties. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School Chattanooga, TN in 1958.

Booker T. built...

Paulette Lewis

Paulette Lewis

Feb 28, 2026

Paulette “Polly” Perkins Lewis was a bright light to all who knew her, from the day she was born on November 6, 1947, in Hillsboro, AL, until her death on February 28, 2026. She was the second born of seven children and the daughter of Kathylean Cowley Perkins (later McDonald) and Raymond Perkins.

Shortly after her birth, at 6 weeks old,...

Annissa Brabson

Annissa Brabson

Feb 13, 2026

Annissa Chervonne Brabson age 50 passed Friday, February 13, 2026 at her home in Athens, TN.

She was a graduate of McMinn County High School and worked as a receptionist for a local hotel and in the fast food services industry. Annissa had an associate degree from Virginia College. She was a diligently worker in her church, the Athens Church of...

Jo Ann Sanders

Jo Ann Sanders

Feb 6, 2026

JoAnn Sanders, age 88, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, received her heavenly crown on February 6th, peacefully at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family. In her final days, she gave praise and thanks to the Lord, eagerly awaiting His comforting presence to ease her earthly ailments.

JoAnn was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was...

Rev. James W. Parris

Rev. James W. Parris

Feb 4, 2026

Reverend James William Parris               December 19, 1942 - February 4, 2026

Reverend James William Parris, 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Greenwood, South Carolina on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his family and devoted wife of 58 years, Linda Carol Westfield Parris.

Born in Charleston, Tennessee, he was the son of the late...

Doris Mayes

Doris Mayes

Jan 28, 2026

Doris Evelyn King Mayes, age 85 a resident of Riceville Tn. died peacefully among her children at her daughter's home in Cleveland TN January 28, 2026. She was a devoted loving mother. She attended J. L. Cook High School in Athens Tn. She was a member of Household of Faith C.O.G.I.C. In Cleveland Tn. She was a true home maker....

Douglas Taylor

Douglas Taylor

Jan 22, 2026

Douglas Theodor Taylor, of Cleveland Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the age of 67. Doug was born in South Hampton, New York on Long Island to Hoyt and Helga Taylor. He spent his childhood and formative years as a military dependent growing up on U.S. Air Force base in France, Germany and the U.S. He enlisted...

Webster McDermott

Webster McDermott

Jan 21, 2026

Webster “Buck” Lavon McDermott, age 69, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Turkey Creek Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Known to family and friends simply as Uncle Buck, he will forever be remembered as everyone’s “Favorite Uncle.” His dedication and loyalty to his family were unmatched, and he was especially adored by the younger generation for his...

Effie King

Effie King

Jan 15, 2026

Effie Louise McDermott King, 11/27/1952 - 1/15/2026 - born to the late James and Emma Sue McDermott entered the heavenly gates the morning of 1/15/2026 at her home as her parents, siblings, and other loved ones welcomed her in.

Effie grew up in Athens, TN, attending the McMinn County school system. She gave herself to God at an early age at...

Jason Alston

Jason Alston

Jan 13, 2026

Jason Lamar Alston of Etowah Tennessee passed on January 13th, 2026. He was kind, caring, and full of love .He truly enjoyed being around people and had a way of making anyone feel welcome -whether you were family, a close friend, a co-worker, or even a familiar face at the store. He loved music, sports, grilling, and cooking, and he always...

Thomas Franklin Brown

Thomas Franklin Brown

Jan 12, 2026

Thomas Franklin Brown age 82 passed Monday, January 12, 2026 in a local Cleveland, TN hospital.

He was a life long resident of Bradley county.

He was a member of the Second Street Church of Christ in Cleveland, TN., and worked over twenty-six years as a custodian for Bradley County Schools.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Brown, and Margaret...

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