Charles S. Valentine, Sr.

KINGSPORT - Charles S. Valentine, Sr., 81, of Kingsport went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Mr. Valentine graduated from Francis Marion High School in Marion, Alabama and attended Knoxville College.

He was a U.S. Army veteran.  Charles was a former Chemical Tech with Tennessee Eastman Company, now Eastman Chemical Company.

Mr. Valentine was a former President of the Citizens Advisory Board, and was formerly on the Board of Directors of the Tri-Cities Barracuda Swim Team, and the Kingsport Housing Authority.  He was a member of New Begininngs Christian Fellowship, and former deacon at Shiloh Baptist and Central Baptist Churches.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joan M. Valentine, sons Charles Valentine, Jr. (Eva) and John Valentine (Velma);  daughter Kimberly Valentine;  sister Myrna McMillan;  brother Louis Valentine (Susan);  sisters-in-law Barbara Bell, Betty Fugate (Fred, Sr.);  grandchildren Arron, Gabrielle, Charles III (Jennifer), Robert, John, Jr. and Brianna; "adopted" children Donna Morrisette, Lori Stokley, Charlotte Farmer, and Kenneth Carothers;  "adopted" grandchildren Julius, Shalamar (Willie), Shantelle, Marcus, Cyndee, Sasha, Tre', Clint, and James;  8 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews across the United States.

The family will receive friends Thursday from noon until 1 PM at the Central Baptist Church.

A celebration of life service will follow at 1 PM with the Reverend. Billy Pearson officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Valentine's grandsons and nephews.

The staff of Oak Hill Memorial Park. Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family of Charles Samuel Valentine, Sr.

An online guest registry can be signed at http://www.oakhillmemorialpark.com

Constance Earnestine Carson

Sunrise 4/22/1960 -- Sunset 4/15/2015

Constance Earnestine Carson, 54, crossed the finish line to victory after a lengthy illness.


A native of Johnson City, TN, Connie lived a great part of her life in Kingsport, TN. After honoring & defending her country by serving in the United States Army, she later moved to Harrisburg, PA.

Connie accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age, she attended Friendship Baptist Church of Johnson City, TN. She attended Dobyns-Bennett High School and graduated from Science Hill High School (Class of ’78). She studied at East Tenn. State University and Northeast State Community College.

Connie enjoyed reading, planting flowers, trips to the Smokies and spending time with her granddaughter Kalyna, (the apple of her eye!). She also loved spending time with her nephews Ayden, Landyn, Antonio and Noah. Connie had a quiet and shy way about her but shared her quick wit and humor with those she knew and loved.

Preceded in death by her Father Earnest A. Carson and Step-Father, Joseph L. Gilmore, Connie leaves to mourn: Mother Jeraldine Fields Gilmore, Johnson City, TN. Two sons, Akeelan L. Young, Nashville, TN. and Alvin M. Young, aka Mikie, Johnson City TN. Brothers Earnest D. Carson (Ann), Abingdon, VA, and Mose White (Christina), Todd Page-Gilmore “TJ,” and Caleb Carson, all of Johnson City TN. Sisters Pamela C Rollins (Clinton) Johnson City, TN. Angela Gilmore of Kingsport TN. A beautiful granddaughter Kalyna Young. A host of uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Special friends include Richard Young and Wincey Copney.

A special thanks to the staff at Veteran Affairs and Nurse Cindy.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held 4:00 p.m. on Monday 4/?20/?2015 at Friendship Baptist Church 522 W. Main St. Johnson City, TN. With Rev. C.H. Charlton officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 3-4 p.m. prior to the services at the church and other times at the home of mother Jeraldine Fields Gilmore, 514 E. Fairview Ave Johnson City, TN. Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday 4/21/2015 @ V.A. cemetery Mountain Home, TN.

Professional Services provided by Birchette Mortuary Inc., 219 E. Millard St. Johnson City, TN 423-926-6013. www.birchettemortuary.com

Juanita June McGue

KINGSPORT — Mrs. Juanita June McGue , 81, daughter of the late Mr. Lois Beaty and Mrs. Losa Mae Beaty Goosby was born on April 2, 1933 in Pennington Gap, Va. Juanita received her wings on Sunday (March 22, 2015) at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.


She worked as a Certified Respiratory Therapist in the Lung Center at Holston Valley Medical Center for over 38 years, where she met and worked with wonderful people who took care of her until the end of her life.

Juanita loved the Lord and was a long time member of Central Baptist Church, where she served in the choir and other ministries. She was an active member until her health wouldn’t allow.

Juanita loved and cherished all of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 42 years Mr. Clarence McGue Jr.; one sister, Ms. Sara Jane Hines; one brother, Alfred Beaty; and a special friend Mr. Frank Long.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, C. Roderick McGue, Ms. Sheila McGue and Ms. Sandra McGue; four grandchildren who she loved unconditionally, Jamia McGue, Tremell McGue, Marlon McGue, and Malik McGue. Her great-granddaughter Inaya McGue always brightened up her day. Juanita also leaves loving sisters, Ms. Priscilla Beaty, Ms. Virginia Williams and Ms. Tanya McDougle; and one brother, Danny Beaty ,who all reside in Dayton, Ohio. She has a very special Aunt Ms. Maureen Woods in Big Stone Gap, Va. She was also survived by sisters-in-law, Ms. Margaret Wiley, Ms. Peggy Griffin; and brother- in- law, Charles Griffin. Juanita was adored by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

She never met a stranger and was blessed with many friends. Special friends include, Ms. Margaret Turner, Ms. Cookie Harris, Ms. Alma Blye, Ms. Linda Ramey, Ms. Mary Welsh, Ms. Sheila Sheriber, and Jerry Arnold.

Special thank you to her family, friends, Central Baptist Church, and all of her caregivers, nurses, respiratory therapists, and staff who took great care of her while she was in the hospital.

Family and friends can visit the family home, 404 Dunbar St, Kingsport, Tenn. at anytime.

Receiving of friends and funeral service will be held at Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver St., Kingsport, Tenn. on March 28, 2015 beginning at 11 a.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m.

Burial will immediately follow service at Oak Hill Cemetery.

“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times, laughing times, and bright sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when this life is done.” 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at McGue@clarkfc.com  

Professional services and care of Mrs. Juanita June McGue and family are entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service Inc. (423)245-4971. 

Martella Brice

ROGERSVILLE -- Martella Brice, 79, of Rogersville, passed away March 12, 2015 at her residence.


She was a member of the Hasson Street Christian Church,  She was employed by Collier's Cleaners for 12 years and by Dodge Reliance for 25 years.  Martella was a member of  the American Legion Auxillary #231, Swift Club, Cheerful Givers, and Meals on Wheels for 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her mother Minnie Lou Brice Kyle, grandparents Ambros and Julie Ann Brice.

She is survived by her children, Florenee Elizabeth Campbell (Pee Wee), David Shawn Brice and wife Kathy, Larry Edward Brice, brother Issac Kyle, Jr., grandchildren Fatima Anita Dennis and husband Derrick, Tarrance Omar Brice and wife Shauna, Daria Salone Brice and husband Rasheed, Dahlia Monet Brice, Martia Shanise Brice; great-grandchildren Gregory Morenell Dennis, Devante Marquest Dennis, Ashante, Neekeshia Dennis, Maliyah Avani Brice, Laylani Anita-Elaine Brice, Surrai Sharlene-Leana Moore and Ethan Noah Nelson.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Daniel Carroll, the staff of Wellmont Hospital, and the many friends and family that sent well wishes, gifts and prayers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 15, 2015 from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Christian-Sells Funeral Home, Rogersville.

Funeral services will follow at 3 PM with Pastor Roy Charles and Pastor Pamela Hoard officiating. Graveside servives will be held immediately after at the Mitchell Crest Cemetery.

Christian-Sells Funeral Home is serving the family.  Online condolences can be made at www.christiansells.com

Marshall Ray Cartwright

Marshall Ray Cartwright
August 5, 1953 - February 18, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 2 PM


Marshall Ray (Gunny) Cartwright was born in Rogersville, Tennessee on August 5, 1953 to Marie Cartwright.  Marshall and family relocated to Buffalo, NY in 1962 where he attended Buffalo public schools.  He began his life's journey by enlisting in the United States Marines, where he served for two years and was honorably discharged.  He took a short break to return to civilian life, but had caught the military fever and returned to the United States Army for two additional years.  Lastly, his continued dedication and commitment to his country moved him to re-enlist in the United States Marine Corps, from which he retired from in 1991.

While traveling on the government's dime, Marshall enjoyed meeting people from various parts of the world.  We will always remember as the World Traveler.

Marshall loved public speaking (a natural born leader) and made himself always available to speak at any event regardless of cause (pleasant or sad).  He had a charming personality and always had an encouraging word for all.  People were mesmerized while listening to him speak.  He loved people, family, friends or foe.  He would do whatever he could for anyone.  To him, everyone was family.

Marshall was usually working on various projects at the same time.  It might be building something at home or working on an automobile (you name it, he would try it).

He leaves in eternal love, to mour his loss, his beloved mother Marie Cartwright Cross of Buffalo, NY, his loving children:  Mottice (Gwendolyn) Cartwright of Washington, DC;  Shawta (William) Cartwright-Yost of Wilmington, NC;  Christopher Cartwright of Albuquerque, NM;  Sylar Brown of Albany, GA;  Charles Ellison of Upper Marlboro, MD; and two adopted daughters, Vivian Douglas of Suffolk, VA; and Valice Cartwright of Cameron, TX;  his dear sisters, Phyllis Ewing, Barbara Jones (Rolax) of Rogersville, TN; Brenda (Macy) Favor of Buffalo, NY; Kathy (Lanny) Tarter of Johnson City, TN; Christine (Tony Johnson) of Kingsport, TN; Pamela Fugate of Lakeland, FL; and step-sister Elizabeth Yancey of Buffalo, NY.  Also, his loving brothers Richard Lynn Fugate of Rogersville, TN; Charles (Timmy) Cartwright of Buffalo, NY; and Jeffrey Fugate of Kingsport, TN.  Aunts, Patricia Cartwright and Pamela Cartwright of California.  Fourteen grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by father Joe Fugate, Jr. and his wife Mary Kate Fugate, step-father Nathan Cross, brothers Neil Fain and Joe (Joey) Fugate III, sisters Doris Morrow, Judith Fugate and Mary Ann Cartwright.

Willard Robinson

Kingsport -  Willard Robinson, 89, of Kingsport went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

He was born March 10, 1925 in New Canton, TN.

Willard was employed at the OK Tire and Recapping Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents Molly and Ward Robinson, brothers Ed Robinson and Claud Robinson and a sister, Essie Robinson Long.

He is survived by his daughters, Susan Robinson and Kathy Robinson, son Donald Robinson, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will received friends from 12 to 1 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at the Oak Hill Funeral Home.

A funeral service will follow at 1 PM in the J. Wayne Hamilton Memorial Chapel with Rev. Joseph Compage and Pastor Matthew Thomas officiating.

A gravesite service will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Park, Section N.

Pallbearers will be David Anderson, Bobby Cox, Ronnie Cox, and Shane Robinson.  Honorary pallbearers will be friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Holston Manor for their kindness and compassion in caring for Willard for the past 33 years.

Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services, 800 Truxton Drive, Kingsport, TN is honored to serve the family of Willard Robinson.

Mary Ella Russell

Mrs. Mary Ella Russell, 81, 960 Dale St., departed this life Wednesday (Feb. 18, 2015) at 4:37 a.m. at her residence.

Arrangements are incomplete.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Rus  sell@clarkfc.com  

Professional services and care of Mrs. Mary Ella Russell and family are entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service Inc.(423) 245-4971