Getting Ready for Local Veterans Day Commemoration

 

Time to Clean up the Neighborhood!

 

Don Alvin Kincaid, Jr. remembrance

 

Don Alvin Kincaid Jr. departed this life on Friday, October 30, 2026, at his residence. He was born on April 20, 1968, in Kingsport, Tennessee, to Margaret Kincaid and Don Kincaid Sr.

In 1986, Don graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for four years and worked as a chemical operator at Eastman Chemical Company for 17 years. In 2008, Don earned a degree from Northeast State Community College.

Don enjoyed watching sports; his favorites were the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins. He loved music, grilling, and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Brian Robert Kincaid; his grandmother, Pearl Lee Henry; and special cousins, Ronnie Releford and Quincy Jones.

To cherish his memory, Don leaves behind his wife, Jennifer Kincaid; children, Matthew (Courtney) Senior, Talia Muncey, Bria (Justin) Dykes, Auria Barrett, Kaira (Brandon) Kincaid, and Dontre Kincaid; mother, Margret Kincaid; father, Don (Pam) Kincaid; siblings, Rhonda (Chris) Bass, Aaron (Michelle) Kincaid, and Ron (Denisha) Kincaid; aunts, Mary Lee, Mary Jane, and Cara Lou; uncles, Richard and James; 14 grandchildren; and many neices, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

The Visitation will be from 11 AM to 12 Noon on Friday, November 6th, 2026 at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 712 East Sevier Avenue in Kingsport, TN.  

The Homegoing Service will from 12 Noon to 1 PM on that day at Shiloh.

The Interment will follow from 2 PM to 3 PM at the Mountain Home National Cemetery, 215 Heroes Drive, Johnson City, TN 37684.  

Care of the Kincaid family is entrusted to the Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, 802-806 East Sevier Avenue, Kingsport (423) 245-4971.

HELP STOP THE MADNESS!

 

       Vote in the 2026 midterms like your vote is the 

                    only one that changes things.

                                                  IT WILL!

Mary Lee Watterson remembrances

 

Mary Lee Watterson

Apr 26, 1949 — Oct 19, 2026

Mary Lee Watterson, 77, of Kingsport, departed this life for a heavenly life after a brief illness on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Mary started her culinary career at Oakwood Cafeteria in Kingsport; she later continued her career at ETSU as head chef. After 25 years of culinary service, she retired, leaving with a lifetime of friends. Mary later changed career paths and continued her love for taking care of people while serving the community at KCMC for over 20 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doctor "Frank" Watterson; parents, Callie Mae Tarter and Charles Cornett; daughter, Phyllis Denise McMaster; sisters, Karen Schofield, Kimberly Bell, and Benetta Ealy.

Mary left many to cherish her memory: son, Phillip (Tosha) Watterson of Kingsport; daughter, Stacy Watterson (special friend James Mills) of Jacksonville, NC; sister, Ramona (Will) McClintock; brother, Raymond Bell, both of Kingsport; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; special friends Tina Slaughter and Kim Ray; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Mafair United Methodist Church. A celebration of life service will follow with Rev. Billy Pierson officiating.

Interment for family will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are asked meet at the cemetery by 9:50am.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who has comforted the Watterson family during this time.

To express condolences to the family please visit our website at Carter-Trent Funeral Home. Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Watterson family.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Watterson family. 

Edward Allan Faulkerson remembrance

 

Edward Allan Faulkerson departed this life on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Ballad Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center.  He was born on May 10, 1947.

to Charles G. and Martha Faulkerson in Rogersville, Tennessee.

Edward was a student at Swift and Rogersville High School. He then pursued a career in the United States Army, where he fought in two wars, obtained the title of Master Parachutist, and worked as an illustrator. Edward earned many awards and commendations for his service before retiring from the military with full honors.

Following his time in the service, Edward worked as a general contractor and operated his own construction company for many years. He later worked at Lowe's and retired from the store.

Even after retiring, Edward was passionate about construction. He continued building and adding rooms onto his home well into his 70s. His last major project was just recently started in October 2025. 

When Edward took time to rest, he enjoyed being in nature, taking in fresh air on his carport, or sitting by the water fishing. Edward also enjoyed spending time with his family and loved attending his grandchildren’s events and performances. He knew how to keep his loved ones smiling and always had something positive to share. 

He often told others, “As long as I have my head up, you keep your head up. When I drop my head, then you can drop your head.” He never dropped his head. Edward was caring, giving, kind, and always willing to pour into others from the knowledge he had acquired.

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie Faulkerson, who passed as an adolescent, and Charles Faulkerson.

Edward’s legacy continues to live on and be celebrated by his wife, Carolyn Faulkerson; his children, Demetria “Diane” (Isaiah, Jr.) McIver of Marietta, GA, Jeffery A. (Regina) Faulkerson of Fairfax, VA, Tasha X. (Omar Sly) Bey Of Murfreesboro, TN, Alphonso J. Faulkerson Of Cleveland, OH, and Monica R. Shade of Cincinnati, OH.... his grandchildren, Rajah Locklayer, Rayne Locklayer, MaSiah Locklayer, Jazmyn (Ethan) Miller, Jalin Lillard, Emmanuel Elder, Alphonso Faulkerson Jr., Antonio Faulkerson, Jaionna Faulkerson, Nova Faulkerson, Michael Rush Jr., Malik Rush, Jamal McIver, Caleb Faulkerson, George Williams, and Melyk Waheed.... great-grandchildren, Josiah Molin, Symphony Miller, Kemaira Mahone, Milani Rush, and Maliyah Rush; sister, Venora (William) Rodgers of Rochester, NY; brother, Joseph Faulkerson of Houston, TX; brother-in-law, William (Mary) Gamble of Kingsport, TN; sister-in-law, Gladys Gambrell of Kingsport, TN.... cousin and best friend, John (Diana) Brice; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 6 PM to 7 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.  The Celebration of Life will follow from 7 PM to 8 PM at the church.

The Cortege will depart the Central Baptist Church on Friday at 1 PM, October 9, 2026, enroute to the Interment at 2 PM at the Mountain Home National Cemetery, 215 Heroes Drive, Johnson City, TN 37684.  

Care of the family of Edward Allan Faulkerson is entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Kingsport  (423) 245-4971.

Where Does Hate Live in our Community?

 

From our friends and colleagues at the Southern Poverty Law Center:

October is "Hate Crimes Awareness Month."  The one thing that has Blacks always looking over their shoulders, indeed lives on, rearing its ugly head periodically from time to time.  It's no secret that since the current administration took over, Black people, Brown people, and other minorities have to pay attention and be keenly aware of their surroundings.

East Tennessee has a total population of 1.25 million people, according to the last census.  In the 15-county East Tennessee region managed by the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency, approximately 56,006 (or 4.5% of the population) are Black or African-American.

Hate is still in our backyards in Tennessee.. click this link to see where it is. See and scross down the list of hate groups in the column at the lower right.

Click here to see where hate lives in the rest of the United States.  Click anywhere on the map for a specific location.

Mark Todd Bradford remembrance

 

               Mark Todd Bradford 

The family of Mark Todd Bradford (Bedford Heights, Ohio) announces his passing on September 21, 2026. 

Mark, born on March 11, 1967, was the son of Lois Page Bradford Roberts of Warrensville Heights, Ohio and Carl Bradford of Kingsport.

Mark is remembered by family, friends, and others who shared time and connection.  

Family, friends, and acquaintances remember Mark for his warmth, thoughtfulness, and the moments shared together.  While he will be deeply missed, the influence he had on the lives around him remains.  Loved ones will reflect on the time spent together.  Mark’s memory will live on in the hearts of friends and family, a lasting reminder of the connections and experiences he brought to the world.

You can send your sympathies to the family by clicking this link.  

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2nd 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Calhoun Funeral Home (23000 Rockside Rd, Bedford Heights, OH 44146). 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 3rd 2026 at 10:30 AM and at 11:00 AM at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church (4069 Eastwood Ln, Warrensville Heights, OH 44122).

Guess What Time of Year It Is?

 

It's that time of the year.. Happy September!  Hit play below twice, and turn up the speakers:

Remembering our Douglass Music Director, Pemberton "Pem" Steele and his Wife Nancy

 

Many Douglass alumni remember Pemberton "Pem" Steele, the Douglass High School Music Director and Teacher (I believe he also played the piano for a time at the Central Baptist Church on Carver Street, plus he also was a private piano teacher during his time at Douglass High School).  His wife, Nancy Hampton Steele was also a Health and Home Economics teacher at Douglass.  I did an internet search for the Steeles, and found this remembrance:

Professor Pemberton Steele was a well-known Cleveland gospel musician and the long-time chorus master for The Greater Abyssinia Male Chorus. Together with the choir of The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, he recorded the notable gospel album "God is, Still Is, Alive Today". 

While a primary published obituary detailing his specific passing is not readily archived online, historical records from his family provide relevant context:

Family Members: Professor Pemberton Steele was married to Nancy Pearl Hampton Steele. 
Children's Passing: Their son, Anthony Pemberton Steele (born November 7, 1969), passed away at age 52 on January 25, 2022. Anthony's obituary notes that he was preceded in death by both of his parents, Pemberton and Nancy Steele. Services for the family have historically been handled by Watson's Funeral Home in Cleveland. 
Surviving Family: Professor Steele is survived by his daughters, Karen (of Florida) and Sonya (of Columbus, Ohio), as well as multiple grandchildren.  NOTE:  We are not sure when Mr. Steele or Miss Hampton passed.

If you are looking for specific records regarding Professor Steele's estate, specific dates, or a hard copy of his funeral program, you can contact the administrative offices at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church on E. 105th Street in Cleveland, where his musical legacy remains an archival part of their history.

August 8th - Celebrating Emancipation Day in Kingsport

 

It was 163 years ago that the slaves owned by Tennessee governor Andrew Johnson were freed in Greeneville, Tennessee.  That freedom spread westward to the Mississippi River at Memphis like wildfire.  The first recorded celebration by the former slaves was in Greeneville on that August 8th day.

Since then, African-Americans have gotten together every year to celebrate Emancipation Day.  In Kingsport, it is celebrated as the Community Cookoff Cookout, put together by Ryan Smith and various wonderful community sponsors.  Under a threatening-to-rainy sky, the event still brought out crowds.

 

Hit "play" twice in the picture below:

Hit "play" twice in the picture below:

"Riverview Park" is now "Jack Pierce Sr. Park at Riverview"

Dedication ceremony this past week (pictures and videos courtesy the Kingsport Times News)

 Hit the "play" button twice in the squares below:

Ms. Sylvia G. Wade remembrance

 

Sylvia Gail Wade, 71, entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Bristol Hospice House.

Sylvia was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the choir, was a leader in the Women’s Ministry, and served as a trustee. She was deeply devoted to her church family and her faith in God.

She attended Riverside High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later attended Tennessee State University in Nashville before graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1977.

Sylvia faithfully served the Bristol and Kingsport Housing Authority for more than 30 years. She was a dedicated supporter of the Sullivan South athletic programs, helping coordinate meals and activities for the baseball and football teams.

She enjoyed cross-stitching, traveling, baking, and spending time with her special friends and beloved family.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her father, Sylvester Wright; Bobby Burton and Delbert Wade.

She leaves to cherish her memory by her devoted sons, D.J. Wade and Bobby Burton, Jr.; her mother, Janet Muckle Moore; her siblings, Beverly Sanders (Charles), Dewayne Wright, Larry Wright (Pamela), Gail Landers (James), Valeria McConnell, Donald Smith, Sharon Shade (Larry), Frankie Kincaid, Earl Kincaid, Kathy Smith, (Aubrey) Donna Wheeler (Ken), Renee Bethea (Kelvin); also along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She also treasured the friendship of her special friend, Donald Davenport, whose kindness and companionship were a meaningful part of her life.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Bristol Hospice House, the members of Central Baptist Church, and countless others for the love, care, and compassion throughout her journey.

The Visitation of Family and Friends will be held from 11:30 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport.  The funeral service will be from 1 PM to 2 PM at the church.

Care of the Wade family is entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Inc., Kingsport (423) 245-4971.

Douglass-Riverview Memories: New South Kingsport Optimist Officers

 

New Vision Youth and the Red Sand Project

 

The New Vision youth group of Kingsport and community partners took part in the 2026 Red Sand Project, pouring red sand into cracks in sidewalks to symbolize vulnerable children, teens, and adults who may “fall through the cracks.”  For more information, click play below:

Courtesy WCYB-TV

Marcus Antonio Simonton remembrance

 

Marcus Antonio Simonton

Jan 22, 1971 — Jul 16, 2026

Marcus "Spida" Antonio Simonton, 55, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Marcus was a loving father, devoted husband, and loyal friend whose family meant everything to him.  He was immensely proud of his children and worked hard to make sure they always felt loved, protected, and supported.  To his family, he was more than a father.  He was their protector, their best friend, and the person they could always count on.

Known for his hilarious personality, Marcus had a special gift for making people laugh.  His humor could brighten any room, and time spent with him was rarely without a smile or a good story.  He was deeply loyal to the people in his life and formed friendships that lasted through the years.  Those who knew and loved him will remember his laughter, his strength, and the unwavering love he had for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Roenna Simonton.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Tiffany Simonton; his children, Keira, Aaliyah, Drae'ven, Heavenlee, and Brandon; his brothers, James and Arthur; his sister, Michelle; his godson, Eric Smith; his sons-in-law, Bingo and Bryson; his special friends, NoNo, Tony, Robbie, and Memphis; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A private service will be held for the family.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Simonton family.