Evans Mortuary

01/12/2026

Ebony Ruth Sanders-Jones

Ebony Ruth Sanders-Jones, age 51, a resident of Rockwood, Tennessee passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Methodist Medical Center, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She was born March 16, 1974, in Rockwood. She was a 1992 graduate of Rockwood High School and was a member of the Brick Yard Springs Community Worship Center. Ebony had over 20 years of service with the Michael Dunn Center, most recently serving as Manager with the Physical Therapy Department.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shelia Ruth Sanders; grandparents, Theophlus & Charlene Dyer, and James & Rosa Sanders; uncles, George Dyer, Robert Dyer, Isaac Dyer, and Theophlus, Dyer, Jr.; and aunt, Lucille Crudup.

Survivors include:

Children: Albert James “A.J.” Jones

Precious M. Jones

Jaiden A. Jones

Father: James Arthur Sanders

Sister: Christal Sanders

Nephew: Tae Jones

Aunts: Mary McPherson

Kathleen Sims

Peggy Sanders

Kathy Bradford

Uncle: Jack Sanders

And a host of cousins, several other relatives, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Evans Mortuary with Pastor Steven Womack officiating. Committal services and interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, Tennessee. Evans Mortuary of Rockwood, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Ebony Ruth Sanders-Jones.

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01/12/2026

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01/09/2026

John Lawrence Grove

Mr. John Lawrence Grove, age 87 of Rockwood, passed away on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. He was born on December 20th, 1938. He was US Navy veteran. He began his career in electrical work as an electrician with NASA when they lived in Florida. He later moved to Tennessee where he continued his work at Oak Ridge National Lab before he retired. When he was able, he enjoyed boating, traveling in their RV, and was an avid outdoorsman. He is preceded in death by his mother: Grace Grove; wife: Mary Grove; and daughter: Sheryl Summers. He is survived by:

Son: Chad Grove (Robin)

Grandchildren: Haidyn Grove, Colton Grove, Anna Summers, and Trevor Summers

Son-in-law: Wade Summers

and many friends in the community.

Cremation arrangements have been made and per his wishes, no service will be held at this time. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. John L. Grove.

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01/08/2026

Linda Sue Sanders

Linda Sue Sanders, age 72 of Rockwood, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, at the Roane Medical Center in Harriman. She was born on May 6th, 1953. Linda was a loving sister, aunt, neighbor and friend to everyone she knew. Her kind and loving heart will be missed by everyone who knew her. Linda retired after working for 30+ years with Y12. She was a member of Speights Chapel AME Zion Church in Rockwood. She also enjoyed sewing and decorating. She is preceded in death by her parents: William Clarence Sanders & Magnolia Brown Sanders; and 7 siblings: Christine Hines, Rosa Mae Sanders, Harold Gene Sanders, William Ralph Sanders, Willena Virginia Hamilton, Charles Curtis Sanders, and Margaret Faye Sanders. She is survived by:

Sister: Ruth Johnson

Brother: David Sanders (Wilma)

and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who she loved

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 12th, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow with Rev. Candice Dendy officiating. Graveside and interment services to follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, TN. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Linda Sue Sanders.

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01/06/2026

Andrea Leigh Willett

Mrs. Andrea Leigh Warner Willett, age 58 of Rockwood, passed away on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. She was born on January 8th,1967. Andrea was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to anyone she came across. She never said a single bad thing about anyone. She truly cared more for others than she did about herself.

She was a lover of animals, especially her own, Heidi and Lola. She was a huge Tennessee Volunteer football fan. She also enjoyed traveling with her family as she had such an adventurous soul. She also enjoyed music of all kinds, and especially going to concerts. She wouldn’t turn down a good glass of wine or cheeseboard either.

She attended Clymersville Baptist Church in Rockwood, where she religiously attended. Her faith was amazing and she was a true woman after God’s own heart. It was evident in how she lived her life and shared the gospel with those who came in contact with. As her faith grew, she got her whole family to begin to come to church with her.

Andrea was an amazing woman and did so many amazing things in her life that she was proud of, but her biggest accomplishment was raising her daughter, Marissa. She loved her fiercely and made sure she did anything to support her, and there was no shortage of love and adoration for her husband, Les, or any of the other extended family members also. She was loving known as “Mamoo” to Gavin, Hadley, Blakelyn, Greyson, Matthew, and Maislee. She was also known as “Granna” to others. Even Marissa’s childhood friends grew accustomed to calling her “Mom” as she practically raised them as well since they were always around.

She is preceded in death by her parents: James Warner & Jeanette Brown and Kenneth Brown. grandparents; Grace and Amos Graves, Emma and Willard Warner. She is survived by:

Husband: Les Willett

Daughter: Marissa Vittetoe

Grandchildren: Parker, Gavin, Hadley, Blakelyn, Greyson, Matthew, Maislee, and a host of others

Brother: Darrell Warner and wife Sondra Warner

Aunt: Libby Cofer

Nephew: David Warner

Nephew: Luke Mater

Sister-in-law: Laura Willett Mater

Stepdaughter: Karen Bowen and husband Richard

Best Friends: Angie Duncan Cox, April Slawson, Jackie Powell, and Jennifer Goldberg.

Her “adopted” daughters: Mikayla Letner, Kimberlee Youngblood, Erika Williams, Allie Burdette, and Meagan Clowers

And a host of other family members and friends

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9th, 2026, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm ET with Pastor Charles Johnson officiating. Graveside and interment services will be held on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mrs. Andrea Leigh Warner Willett.

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01/06/2026

Daniel Anthony Gile

Mr. Daniel Anthony Gile, age 46, of Knoxville, TN passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born on April 9, 1979 in Rockwood, TN. He was a carpenter for many years and enjoyed his job at Dave's Cabinet shop in Rockwood, TN. He loved being outdoors and playing the drums any chance he could. He is proceeded in death by his son: Oran Lee McMillan; mother: Susan McPherson Finger; and grandparents. He is survived by:

Father and "Mom": Daniel and Sherry Gile

Uncles: Fred (Debbie) McPherson, Mike (Kathy) Gile, Stephen Gile, John Gile, and Andrew Gile

Aunts: Tina (Kenneth) Wallace and Kim Wallace

Host of cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the KARM department in Knoxville, TN. Cremation arrangements have been made and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Daniel Anthony Gile.

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01/06/2026

Mary Ann Wright

Mary Ann Wright, age 86, a lifelong resident of Rockwood, Tennessee, departed this life and entered into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father on January 3, 2026.

Mary Ann was born on December 3, 1939, in Rockwood, Tennessee. She was a graduate of J.L. Cook High School in Athens, Tennessee, and later graduated from Draughons College of Business in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mary Ann was employed for many years as an Administrative Assistant with Kaiser Roth Hosiery Mill in Rockwood, Tennessee. She later worked at TVA Watts Bar Nuclear Plant as a Personnel Security Specialist, from which she retired.

Mary Ann gave her life to the Lord at the early age of ten and remained a faithful servant throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Loudon, Tennessee, where she sang in the choir. She later became a devoted member of Speights Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Rockwood, Tennessee. Over the years, she faithfully served in numerous capacities including Maryville District Superintendent of the Buds of Promise; member of the Missionary Society and Christian Education Department; Youth Bible Teacher; Youth and Adult Sunday School Teacher; founder of Speights Chapel’s first Youth Choir; Adult Choir Director; Church Secretary and Reporter; and Maryville District A.M.E. Zion Secretary.

Mary Ann was also a former member of the God-Filled Roane County Community Chorus, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery of Knoxville, Tennessee, the Roane County Chapter of the NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil F. Hardy and Jessie C. Love Hardy; her husband, Henry T. Wright; her son, James Darrell; brothers Clyde Hardy, William F. Hardy, and Charles E. Hardy (Clara); sisters Jannette P. Eskridge and Shirley R. Martin (Carl); and grandsons Gordon Wells, Isiah Jones, and Darryl Miller.

Those left to cherish her loving memory include her son, Jeffery T. Wright (Kayla) of Rockwood, Tennessee; a special grandson whom she raised as her son, Zackery Wright (Jasmine) of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughters Janice Christian (Scott) of Evansville, Indiana; Janet Jones (Richard) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Cynthia Wright of Rockwood, Tennessee; Teneka Thompson of Austin, Texas; Jennifer Lankford (Leo) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Gail Wells of Pontiac, Michigan; brother Thomas Hardy (Brenda) of Loudon, Tennessee; sisters Waltrine Hardy of Rockwood, Tennessee, Wilma Howard, Cecelia Wright and Sharon Flemming (Elmer) of Knoxville, Tennessee.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Amanda Martin (Josh), Tevin Springs, Jalen Miller (Tamara), Laquisha Thompson, E.J. Thompson, Emily Thompson, Ashton Lankford, Kierstin Lankford, Avery Lankford, Thomas Wright, Carter Wright, and Savannah Wright; great-grandchildren Maliyah Miller; Kinsley Jett; Eleanor Jett; Pearson Martin; Jalen Miller, Jr.; Amir Miller; Roman Miller; Lyric Miller; Kisiah Jones; and Royal Miller; and one great-great-granddaughter, Nora Eliane Wright.

She is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law Johnny Wright (Marilyn) of Aurora, Colorado; Cecelia Golden and Wilma Howard of Rock Island, Illinois; and Kate Wright of Indianapolis, Indiana; along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm ET with Pastor Beatrice Thomas & Rev. Candice Dendy officiating. Graveside and interment services will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, TN. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mary Ann Wright.

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01/06/2026

Ronnie Presley

A funeral service for Ronnie Presley, 77, of Cumberland Furnace, TN will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Gum Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Stephen Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow in Gum Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Sykes Funeral Home and again on Saturday at the church from 1:00 PM until the hour of service.

Ronnie was born on December 18, 1948 in Rockwood, TN to James and Ruth Presley. He was a man with a true servant’s heart, known by all for his willingness to help anyone, anytime. Service was not just something he did, it was who he was. Ronnie served in the United States Army. He also retired from Trane after 40 years. Ronnie was a member of Gum Springs Baptist Church for over 30 years. He then found his true passion, funeral service. He worked at Sykes Funeral Home and then owned and operated Grace Mortuary Transport Service, a calling that perfectly reflected his compassion, dedication, and respect for others.

Ronnie was known far and wide. If someone didn’t remember his name, they remembered the sweet man with the hat and the big mustache. His presence was unmistakable, and so was his kindness. He never met a stranger and always had time for a story or a teaching moment. Ronnie treasured being known as ‘Pop Pop,’ a name given by his grandchildren, Harper and Brooklyn, and he proudly showed off pictures and stories of their lives.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his twin brother, Donnie Presley and other siblings, Howard Presley, Joe Presley, and Francis Sisk. Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patty Presley; his son, Jesse Presley, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Presley; grandchildren, Harper and Brooklyn Presley, and sister, Nancy Grant.

Pallbearers will be: Jesse Presley, Jamie Presley, Joseph Presley, Hadley Groves, Billy Smith, Jared Stagner, and Willie Keene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gum Springs Cemetery Fund.

This is a courtesy obituary from Evans Mortuary.

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01/05/2026

William (Bill) Kelly Baldwin

William (Bill) Kelly Baldwin, age 80, was born on April 25, 1945, in Belding, Michigan. He was the firstborn of four children to his mother, Faye Baldwin, and his father, Gilbert Baldwin.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Faye and Gilbert Baldwin, as well as his brother, Steve Baldwin, and his sister, Bonnie “BJ” Baldwin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Robin Baldwin; his children, Kim Baldwin, Sandy Baldwin, and Sherri Lynn Baldwin; his brother, Rick Baldwin; and his stepdaughter, Kaylin (Tyler) Westmoreland. He is also survived by 6 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids.

Bill lived in many states throughout his life before moving to Florida, where he retired in 2004 after working for the City of Fort Myers. Following his retirement, he moved to Spring City, Tennessee, which he proudly called home in which all his friends gave him the nickname “Cowboy”.

During his years of retirement, Bill made many friends and spent his time caring for and supporting his stepdaughter along the way. He loved singing karaoke, listening to bluegrass music, making people laugh, and sharing stories from his life. His kindness, humor, and warm spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Bill passed away peacefully at his home on January 3, 2026. Bill’s laughter, stories, and generous heart will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

If flower donations would like to be made, they can be made at Spring City Flour Shop in Spring City, TN and they will contact the family for pick up. Cremation arrangements have been made and a private interment will be held at a later date. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of William (Bill) Kelly Baldwin.

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01/05/2026

Mary Ruth Kasior Whaley

Mary Ruth Kasior Whaley, age 78 of Harriman, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Terrace in Harriman, TN. She was born on January 5, 1947. Mary worked for many years as a CNA at Rockwood Healthcare and Rehab, now known as Signature Healthcare of Rockwood. She enjoyed watching her nieces children and loved her family dearly. She is preceded in death by her husband: Harold Whaley; parents: Jack Kasior & Essie Brackett; and 3 sisters: Una Watson, June Thompson, and Martha Hicks. She is survived by:

Daughter: Michelle Whaley Pressley

2 fur babies: Toby and Emma

Special Kids: Thomas, Kim, Gabbie, and Skylar

Sister: Una Bobbie Fulks

along with a host of nieces and nephews

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 pm ET. Funeral service follow at 1:00 pm with Bro. Dudley Evans officiating. Graveside and interment services will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mrs. Mary Ruth Kasior Whaley.

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01/03/2026

Trudy Dean

Trudy was the beloved wife of Bill Dean for over 65 years. They had their marriage certificate before Bill even had his driver’s license. Had he gotten it sooner, they would have married even earlier.

Born in Kingston, Tennessee, Trudy built a life filled with love, faith, friendship, and adventure. After marrying Bill, Trudy transferred high schools so they could attend Rockwood High School together while living with his parents. Their bond was unbreakable, and they remained close with friends from as far back as elementary school, faithfully attending annual reunions throughout their lives.

From a young age, Trudy and Bill shared a passion for travel, road-tripping together to 49 states. After starting their family, they would call their children from wherever in the country they happened to be, sharing stories from the road. They especially treasured visits with dear friends in Florida, Kentucky, and North Carolina, often bringing their children and sometimes a few “bonus kids” along for the adventure.

Trudy was a devoted Christian mother who loved her family deeply and loved the Lord wholeheartedly. She and Bill were lifelong members of Warren Missionary Baptist Church, where Trudy was a longtime member of the choir. She lived an active life playing basketball in her younger years and later enjoying bowling leagues and softball. Friday nights were sacred, always spent having dinner with their best friends Tom and Regina, followed by shopping, antiquing, and discovering new adventures around town.

Trudy took great pride in her appearance, especially for church. She was rarely seen without her nails polished, her favorite lipstick, and one of her many cherished dresses or hats. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she delighted in making sure her loved ones always had something special to wear. Being “Meemaw” was one of her greatest joys, and nothing made her happier than watching her family grow.

As the years passed, Bill never failed to remind Trudy how loved she was. Every Friday on payday, he would stop to pick up a bouquet of flowers before coming home.

Beloved wife of Bill. Dear mom of Andy (Melissa) Dean, and Eddy “Frank” (Michele). Loving grandma “Meemaw” to Chelsea (Taylor), Mackenzie, Caleb (Fiance Allie), Christopher, and Carter. Cherished great-grandma “Meemaw” of Rhett, Thea, Isla, and Ryann. Devoted sister to Margie (the late Ben). Predeceased by siblings Elizabeth, Tommy, L.C., and John. Also survived by 15 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 5th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, Warren, MI 48088.

Trudy will lie in state Tuesday, January 6th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., also at A.H. Peters Funeral Home.She will be laid to rest at Christian Memorial Gardens West Cemetery in Rochester Hills.

Memorial donations in Trudy’s honor may be made to Warren Missionary Baptist Church.

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