Avery W. Perry

Avery W. Perry, 78, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away Friday, September 29, 2023. Born June 13, 1945, in Corbin, he was the son of the late Raymond and Bonnie Perry.
Avery was a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,
Avery enjoyed spending time with his family. Before retirement, he worked in the banking industry for 57 years. Always community-involved, he served as president of the Kiwanis Club for several years and was a board member of the Corbin Senior Citizens. A sportsman, indeed, he was a loyal fan of the Corbin Redhounds and U.K. Wildcats. In the past, he played church league softball and golf, and always found time for fishing, telling jokes, listening to Bluegrass music, and watching the Andy Griffith Show on television. His sports interest was so deep that he could often be found watching a sports-related event on two different channels simultaneously.
In addition to his father and mother, Avery was preceded in death by two brothers: Harold Perry and Truman Perry; sister, Ova Hall; and great-granddaughter, McKinley Grace Grubb.
Avery leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Sharon R. Perry; two daughters: Tonya Sams and husband Marlon, and Tammy Sizemore and husband Jamie; four grandchildren: Brandon Grubb and wife Shenoah, Miranda Jackson, Kayla King and husband Kyle, and Karmyn Sams; five great-grandchildren: Karson, Kamry, and Kennady King, Brantley Grubb, and Austin Hood; two nieces: Lisa Perry and husband Ralph Jackson and Kathy Pinkston and husband Billy; and a special friend, Wayne Bryant. He is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Avery was dearly loved and will be deeply missed
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 4, in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel with Bobby Joe Eaton, Johnny Jervis, and Allen Bonnell officiating.
Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery with Brandon Grubb, Brantley Grubb, Kyle King, Jamie Sizemore, Murrell Mitchell, Josh Mills, Shannon Sams, David Perry, and Ronnie Bowling, Sr., serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 – 8 P.M. at Hart Funeral Home, located at 1011 Master Street Corbin, KY.
Hart Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Elsie Mae Keith

Elsie Mae Keith, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, left this world on September 30, 2023. Born on May 6, 1946, in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Elsie’s 77 years were a testament to a life lived with kindness, resilience, and unwavering love.
Despite her personal challenges, she was a constant source of strength and inspiration to her loved ones. As Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Elsie, who faced life head-on and never allowed her circumstances to define her.
Elsie is survived by her devoted husband, John L. Keith; her children, Connie Mahan (Albert), and Charles Philpot Jr. (Malinda); her beloved grandchildren, Ashley Monday (Jimmy), Holly Shupe (Michael); great-grandchildren, Eden Monday, Emma Monday, Addison Monday, and Lily Shupe; her siblings, Bonnie Walker, Elva Hinkle, and Coy Wilson, will keep her spirit alive in their hearts. Several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
She attended Canadatown Holiness Church.
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Wilson; her child, Debbie Philpot; and her siblings, Elo Wilson, Arlis Wilson, Lorene Walker, Irene Strunk, and Wilma Keith.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home, located at 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 4, at 2:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronald Canada and Rev. Ryan Osborne officiating.
Interment will be held later that day at 3:30 pm at Canadatown Cemetery, located at Jim Walker Road, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Elsie’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled but the memories she created will forever be cherished and celebrated. Friends and family are encouraged to share their favorite stories, memories, and photos of Elsie on her memorial page. Her life was a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit and will continue to inspire all who were lucky enough to know her.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Inmate dies following incident at Whitley County Detention Center

An investigation into a weekend incident at the Whitley County Detention Center is ongoing after an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell and later died after being transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.

After posts concerning the incident began circulating on social media Sunday and Monday, the News Journal has confirmed with Whitley County Jailer Jason Wilson that inmate Kyle Barton was injured Saturday, and eventually passed away after he was flown from Baptist Health Corbin to the UK Medical Center.

“I received a call from the jail Saturday morning saying that an inmate had been injured, and that they were calling EMS,” Wilson said. “Shortly after that, they called back and said it was more serious. They were either en route to the ER, or at the ER at that time.”

“They said that they were probably going to have to fly him out,” Wilson continued. “So, I immediately contacted the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department to conduct an investigation. I also contacted the family [of the inmate] and met them at the hospital.”

When asked if he could provide any details on the nature of the incident that led to Barton’s death, Wilson said that he didn’t want to speculate, and that he is waiting on the results of the investigation, which is ongoing at this time.

Lieutenant Wayne Bird of the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department is currently serving as chief investigator in the case. When contacted for comment, he said that details are still sparse, and that investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy and toxicology report as they continue to conduct interviews with individuals at the Whitley County Detention Center.

Bird did confirm that Barton was found unresponsive in his cell, was transported to Baptist Health Corbin, and was later flown out to the UK Medical Center where he passed on Sunday.

Online jail records show that Barton was from the Corbin area, and was arrested on September 14 on multiple charges, including theft by deception, fraudulent use of a credit card, failure to appear and parole violation. At the time of the incident, he was being held at the Whitley County Detention Center as a state inmate.

The News Journal will provide more details on this story as they become available.

Joyce McKendrick

Joyce McKendrick, age 89 of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born March 12, 1934 in Corbin, KY, to the late Everett and Flora Taylor Martin. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands, Eugene Young and Charles McKendrick; two grandchildren, Eric Young and Justin “Powder” Reeves; one great-great-grandson, Brantley Reeder; daughter-in-law, Glenda Young; three brothers, Bud Martin, Ova “Buddy” Martin, and A. J. Martin; one sister, Wilma Young; very special friend, Thurman Willoughby; and a host of sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
She is survived by three children, Sheila Reeves (Ike Roark) of Corbin, KY; Arnold Young of Williamsburg, KY, and Lisa Nicholson (Earl) of Williamsburg, KY; five grandchildren, Angela Reeves, Misty Chavez, Victoria Irwin, Ashley Turner (Scott), and Derrick Gene Young; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three step-daughters, Rita Filarski, Gwen Murphy, and Vickie Lawson; one brother, Harold Martin (Lorene) of OH; one sister, Doris Reeves of Lily, KY; two sisters-in-law, Faye Delaney and Renate Martin; several nieces, nephews; and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Funeral service will be 4:00 PM Wednesday, October 4, at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dorman Patrick officiating.
Interment will be in Youngs Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be 2:00 PM until the funeral hour Wednesday, October 4, at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Sara Joan (Strother) Gagen

Sara Joan (Strother) Gagen, age 80, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 at Beech Tree Manor.
She was born May 9, 1943 in Indiana.
Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Edward Gagen; daughter, Donna Jean Gagen; father, Delmar Strother; and mother, Erma (Kahn) Strother.
She is survived by her daughter, Kris Reno and husband Donald; grandchildren, Amanda and Rob Zimmer, Christopher Reno, and Nichalas Reno; great-grandchildren, Tray Jefferson, Jodon, Elijah, Chloe and Chloe Reno, and Saoirse and Anathema Zimmer; brother, Robert and Ellen Strother; sister, Jean and Paul Smith; special niece, Tina Allor; and a host of friends to mourn her passing.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 pm on Tuesday, October 3, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Jenny Stephens

Jenny Stephens, age 81, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2023 at her home.
She was born March 24, 1942 in Whitley County, KY, to the late Albert E. and Rosetta Brown Price.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Stephens; two sisters, Faye Price, and Lena Price; four brothers, Frank Price, Carl Price, Lawrence Price, and Howard Price.
She is survived by one brother, Lee Price (Lisa) of Williamsburg, KY; one sister, Peggy Young of Williamsburg, KY; several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Graveside service was Sunday, October 1, at the Highland Park Cemetery Ellison Addition.
Interment followed in the Highland Park Cemetery Ellison Addition.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Christine Wilson

Christine Wilson, age 94, of Clinton, AR, formerly of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at her home.
She was born November 28, 1928 to the late Amos Fred and Mima Woodward Powers. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Wilson; five brothers, Howard, Jimmy, Herman, and Archie, Bernard; and two sisters, Mae, and June.
She is survived by one sister, Daisy Pyles of Clinton, AR; several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, September 30, at the Upper Powers Cemetery. Interment followed in the Upper Powers Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Marylee (Widener) Webb

Marylee (Widener) Webb, age 62, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Jellico Regional Hospital.

She was born May 26, 1961, in Akron, Ohio.

Marylee was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Webb; parents, James and Christine (Baldwin) Widener; and brother; Randy Widener.

She is survived by, children, Amanda Baird and fiancé Joseph Hopson, Jason and Dana Walker, and James Lay; grandchildren, Dylan Walker, Wyatt Baird, Emilia Walker, Camryn Hopson, Maddie Johnson, Emma Blydenburgh, Brooke Blydenburgh and Riley Blydenburgh; siblings, Sandra and Mike Triplett, David and Brenda Widener; significant other, Charles Marlow; special friends, Makayla Broyles and Kayla Trammell; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, October 4, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel

The funeral will be at 7 pm at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Widener and Jason Walker officiating.

Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Lee Lawson

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Jerry Lee Lawson, who left us peacefully on September 26th, 2023. Born on July 31, 1959 in Williamsburg, KY,
Jerry Lee spent his sixty-four years imbued with the spirit of generosity, thoughtfulness, and unwavering reliability. A true treasure to his family, he was the epitome of a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jerry Lee, a long-time resident of Melvindale, Michigan, had an abiding love for his family and a contagious zest for life. He was a man who understood the value of the simple things life had to offer.
His warm, generous spirit was a beacon that drew people towards him. His thoughtful nature was not just confined to his loved ones but extended to all who knew him. A quote that reflects his life philosophy is, “Generosity consists not of the sum given, but the manner in which it is bestowed.”
He leaves behind a legacy of love, in the hearts of his wife, Nancy Lawson; daughter, Amy (Bryan) Eason; son, Jerry Lawson; grandchildren, Ronald Eason and Brielle Lawson; great-granddaughter, Oaklynn Eason; son-in-law, Bryan (Amy); brothers, William Lawson, Clyde Abbott, Donnie Abbott, Daniel Abbott; and sister, Jency Hale.
He now joins his mother, Alma Lawson, and brother, Gary Lawson, who preceded him in death.
As we mourn the loss of Jerry Lee, we also celebrate the life of a man who lived with passion, loved with depth, and touched the lives of everyone around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those he met. We invite you to share your cherished memories and upload photos of Jerry Lee on the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will help us all remember the joy and happiness he brought into our lives.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Rosalie Osborne Teague

Rosalie Osborne Teague, age 67, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at her home. She was born September 16, 1956, in Bell County, Kentucky.
Rosie was preceded in death by her father, Luther Lawrence Osborne; mother, Rosetta (Lay) Osborne; brothers, Kenneth, Ronnie, Benny, Ed Osborne, and Bill Blankenship; and sister, Wanda Brownell.
She is survived by daughters, Julie Downs, Judy Baird and husband Glynn; son, Joshua Teague; grandchildren, Anyssa Downs, Dylan Downs, Ethan Becker, and Matthew Becker; brother, Gary Blankenship; sisters, Carolyn Holliker, and Linda Dalessio; best friend and sister at heart, Donna Teague; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing.
Funeral service was Friday, September 29, at Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. H. Lee Ray officiating.
Burial followed in the Douglas Cemetery in the Wooldridge community.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.