Lisa Jean Erskine, age 59, was born on June 25, 1964 to Paul and Catherine Erskine in Bangor, Maine. She passed away on October 30, 2023 in Knoxville, TN.

Professionally, Lisa was a licensed Family Therapist-turned-“Robin Hood”. She was small in stature, but bigger than life— bursting with bright light and vibrant energy. Close friends and family affectionately remember the conflicting facets that made her priceless. She was a “princess” and “high maintenance” as well as a minimalist and inherently practical. During the lean times, she could make a single dollar stretch farther than anyone and still give generously. “Sassy Red” was a “firecracker” — brave, bold, and brash; but soft, sensitive and vulnerable. She was true to herself and proved to be a strong, independent, adventurous woman who “made things happen” and invited others along for the ride as she traveled the world. She was wise beyond her years and genuinely invested in the lives of those encompassed in her wide circle—trustworthy and fiercely devoted and loyal to “[her] people” (by blood or bond). She selflessly gave love, care, compassion, and support to each one—listening intently and speaking truth into our lives without mincing her words. One, who was much-loved, described her as “my oasis”, which resonates with those of us who ever experienced a walk with her on the beach, a trail, the woods, or a mountain. She loved those walks.

Lisa was an integral part of our lives and we are each experiencing the mingled feelings and emotions tied to our loss. She will be (and is already) sorely missed and deeply mourned. We are thankful for her life and legacy—the gift she was to each of us. Her faith and hope in Jesus gives us comfort in the assurance that we, through Him, will see her again. Until then, we know she is with her Savior and her beloved Mama planning the best reunion party ever.

She is survived by her father Paul Edward Erskine; husband Cecil Simmons; children Josh (Katie) Wenzel, Bryan Wenzel, and Tyler Erskine; step-daughter Sarah Jenson; grandchildren Jaron Wenzel and Nathan Wenzel; siblings Kimberly (John) Vercoe and David (Kimberly) Erskine; mother-in-law Linda Simmons; sister-in-law Kristie (Gary) Winningham; brother-in-law Jason (Chrishell) Simmons; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Lisa was preceded in death by her mother Catherine Ruth (Bradbury) Erskine; brother Mark Erskine; and father-in-law Lowell Simmons.

Services will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11am-1pm, with the service to follow at 1pm, Cris Cannon officiating. Burial will be in Akins Cemetery immediately following the service.

Willard Tyler, age 75, was born on December 1, 1947 to William and Lois Tyler in Lake City, FL and passed away on October 28, 2023 in Crossville, TN.

He is survived by his wife Beverly (Cribbs) Tyler; children Kevin Anthony Tyler and Lois Nicole (Johnny) Carbone; son-in-law Chip Horton; siblings Austin, Carolyn, and Lester Johns; grandchildren Alexys, Tyler, Samantha, Cassie, Kelly, and Emily; great grandchildren Shilah, Carson, Maeve, River, and Nathan; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents William Sylvester and Lois Myrtle (Dees) Tyler; daughter Stacy Marie (Tyler) Horton; brothers Tommy, David, Johnny, and Leland B. “Buck” Johns; and sisters Kathleen and Francis Tyler.

Paul E. Moody, age 76, was born on June 11, 1947 to Harry and Frances Moody in Elwood, IN and passed away on October 27, 2023 in Crossville, TN.

Paul was a salesman of golf equipment for many years and then sold mattresses before his retirement. He enjoyed being outdoors playing golf when he was able. Other interests included football and baseball. He was a graduate of Madison Heights High School in Anderson, IN and a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. In later years, Paul developed a love for cats; his favorite cat being Jesse.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty Lou (Reding) Moody; brother Jerry Moody of Chicago, IL; bother-in-law Raymond (Becky) Reding of Anderson, IN; sisters-in-law Patricia (Denny) Hadley of Anderson, IN, Barbara (Gary) Hannah of Alexandria, IN, Gwen (Randy) Hamilton of Anderson, IN, and Gail (Lloyd) Shinholt of Anderson, IN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Harry Marshall and Helen Frances (Spooner) Moody; mother-in-law Phyllis Reding; and brother-in-law Michael Reding of Anderson, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wild About Cats (Crossville, TN) or Madison County Humane Society (Anderson, IN).

William E. Stone of Crossville passed away peacefully at his home on October 30, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert “Frank” and Lucille (Mooneyham) Stone; and grandparents James “Jim” & Millie (Smith) Stone and Alton & Ova (Scarborough) Mooneyham.

William is survived by his wife of 39 years, Terry (Hamby) Stone; sister Wilma Stone; children Melanie (Chris) Thurman of Pikeville and Richard (Jessica) Obitts of Crossville; grandchildren Dakota, Mason, Jake, Cain, Cole, and Payton; and great grandchildren Scarlett, Killian, Branson, and Axle.

He will be laid to rest in Davis Cemetery.

Mary Jo Burmeister, age 79, was born on September 27, 1944 to the late Norbert and Loretta (Brady) Meyer in Fremont, OH. After suffering a major stroke on October 18, 2023, she passed away on October 25, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Her favorite pastimes were traveling and spending time with her family.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dennis Lee Burmeister; children Jodi Burmeister, Lori Burmeister Reinsalu, and Brady (Jenny) Burmeister; and her grandchildren Henrik Reinsalu and Max, Natalia, & Huck Burmeister.

Per her request, there will be no services held.

Brenda Artt (née LaFever) died early morning of October 21, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Lula LaFever, and her loving husband of 55 years, John B. Artt III and her great-grandson Damon. She is survived by her loving sister Ruth Burgess, her 4 children, Victoria Esser, Vanessa Richardson, John T. Artt and Samantha Hess, as well as her 8 grandchildren (Andrew & Erin Esser, Travis Richardson, Eric, Michael, Kenneth & Elizabeth Artt and Destiny & Dyana Hess) and 5 great-grandchildren (Justin & River, and Logan, Jacob & Wyatt).
Our mom was always the polar opposite of our dad. When we lived in Detroit, we were the
go-to house on the block. Neighbors would just pop by and mom would break out the ice tea, a board game or a deck of cards, the ash tray for smokers and they would just sit around gabbing. The thing is, my sister and I were always invited to play, never shooed away, we were treated like we mattered. It didn’t occur to us at the time that this wasn’t how every adult was. Back before groceries were scanned and the lines were always long, mom would chat up the people in front or behind us, making friends everywhere. She was generous to a fault, giving to everyone all the while broke as heck. We drove by a homeless man one time and almost made it home, before she let out this deep sigh as she turned the car around, drove back to the deli, bought a foot long sub and gave it to the man with the last few dollars in her purse. She rescued animals like it was her duty, loved kids with all her heart, would do anything for anybody….She was one of the best friends anyone could have, she was positively fierce when it came to protecting and defending her children and we’re going to miss her more than we can say. We love you mom. Rest easy.

William Frank Whited, age 65, of Rockwood, TN passed away Friday, October 20, 2023. He was the son of John and Betty Whited. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sylvia Delk of Jamestown, TN.

Survivers include his wife of 29 years- Joy Lynn Whited, children-William Eric Whited of Crossville, Matthew Lee McCulley (Christa) of Crossville, and Ashley Marie Hutson (Jaime) of Sparta; grandchildren- Makayla Reppert of Crossville, William Zachary Whited of Sparta, Jonathan Allen of Crossville, Isaiah McCulley of Crossville, Aaron McCulley of Crossville, Caleb McCulley of Crossville, Zane Rodriguez of Crossville, Dillon Hutson of Sparta and Audrey Hutson of Sparta, brother- Richard Whited (Sheri) of Dalton, GA, sisters- Ruth Cravens (Donnie) of Jamestown, Rachel Estes (Vince) of Jamestown, Laura Pedigo of Baxter, TN, and Linda Caudill of Muncie, IN, with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Frank enjoyed flying his drone and working outdoors. He loved spending time with his dog, Clint, who he took on rides with him. He also enjoyed kayaking, camping and doing mechanical work. Above everything else, Frank loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Larry Blaylock passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on October 16, 2023 at the age of 65, after a long battle with cancer.

Larry was a lifelong resident of Crossville, TN.

As a licensed, registered blaster of explosives, Larry loved to Quarry, but fishing was his favorite pastime.

He is survived by his wife Linda; stepdaughter Colleen; mother Mabel Blaylock; brothers Gary and Darryl; sister Dianne Hood; loving in-laws Debra, Penny, Donnie, and Edward; nieces Jordan, Corey, and their families; and many longtime friends.

Larry’s father, Oliver Blaylock, passed away October 14, 2022.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no services.

William Cross, age 69, was born on June 28, 1954 to Cosby and Mary Cross in Monterey, TN and passed away on October 15, 2023 at his home in the Pleasant Hill Community.

William is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah L. Cross; children William Anthony (Sarah) Cross and Stephanie (Jesse) Brown; grandchildren Martin, Damian, Will, Eli, Alora, Kacie Jo, and Danielle; siblings Larry Cross and Jeff Cross; sister-in-law Betty Cross; brother-in-law Eddie Barnwell; numerous nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cosby and Mary Lucy (Mahoney) Cross; brothers Jerry, Gary, Dennis, and Danny; and sister Janie.

A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mark Hendrixson and staff, Hospice of Cumberland County doctors and staff, and to Buckeye Home Medical and staff.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Smith’s Chapel. Visitation will be from 12-2pm with the service to follow at 2pm, Tracy Blankenship officiating. Burial will be in Smith’s Chapel Cemetery immediately following the service.

Kenneth Smith, age 61, was born on November 6, 1961 to the late Marvin Franklin and Mildred Louella (Wyatt) Smith in Crossville, TN and passed away on October 12, 2023 in Chattanooga, TN.

Kenneth enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, he loved caring for his farm animals.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, LeAnn Smith; and his children Kevin Smith of Crossville, Felicia Smith of Cornersville, and Cody Keith of Grandview.

Services will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12-2pm CST, with the service to follow at 2pm CST, Pastor Randall Dye officiating. He will be laid to rest in Mount Sulphur Cemetery (Grandview) immediately following the service, Pastor Justin Dannel officiating.