Waller, Jennifer

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Jennifer Luce Metcalf Waller passed away peacefully at her home in Sweetwater on August 8, 2025. Jennifer and her twin brother Jeffrey were born on December 23, 1947, in Somerset, Kentucky to John and Juanita Metcalf.
As a young child attending Oak Ridge, Tennessee public schools, Jennifer’s introduction to the study of foreign language inspired a lifelong interest in language and culture. After graduation from Oak Ridge High School, Jennifer studied speech and language at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. After working as an in- home ESL instructor for Laotian refugees in Murfreesboro during the 1980’s, Jennifer was accepted into the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program. During her two-year tenure with JET, Jennifer worked as an Assistant Language Teacher in public and private schools in Japan. After returning to the U.S., Jennifer was hired by Tennessee Meiji Gakuin (TMG), the first Japanese high school in the U.S., to develop and implement an expanded ESL curriculum. She also developed and coordinated summer school programs at TMG for junior high school students from Higashi Murayama. At the time of her death, Jennifer was serving as the Director of the Office on Aging for Monroe County at the Cora Veal Senior Center in Madisonville where she also taught tai chi and aerobics classes for seniors.
Jennifer is preceded in death by her parents, John and Juanita Metcalf; her brother, Jeffrey; her son, John Waller; and the father of her children, Allen Waller. She is survived by her son, David Todd Waller and grandchildren Forrest Waller and Avarie Waller, and her former husband Douglas Cooksey of London, England.
A memorial gathering for Jennifer will be held later. It is requested that memorial contributions be made to support the education of Jennifer’s granddaughter. Donations can be made at any Peoples bank of East Tennessee branch location. All checks should be written to PBET and include “Avarie Waller Education Fund” on the memo line. Cash contributions designating the Avarie Waller Education Fund are also accepted. The mailing address is PBET, PO Box 128, Madisonville, Tennessee 37354.
Kyker Funeral Home in Sweetwater is honored to serve the Waller family. 

 CAVETT, LANCE OWEN passed from this world peacefully on 13 March 2024 to be united once again with his beloved mother Mary Emma Owen Cavett, his father James O. Cavett, beloved Grandparents Ernest L. and Myrtle M. Samples Owen, and uncle Ernest L. Owen, Jr. Lance had few surviving biological family, but was blessed with, and blessed the life of many friends who thought of him as family, the youngest of whom knew Lance as “Uncle Lance” or “Papa Lance”. Amongst the many were his special “crocodiles”, Godchildren Chloe and Nick Thomas, Hannah Jenkins, and Ellie Watson. He was as proud of these children as if they were his own, and doted on them with love and affection, never a day going by that he didn’t endeavor for their happiness.
Lance was a proud member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #280 in Sweetwater. He embodied the creed of the Odd Fellows (Friendship, Love, Truth) by serving his community on several boards and committees, among which were Westview Cemetery Board (Secretary), Sequoyah Housing Board (President), Cora Veal Senior Citizens Center Board, Monroe County Republican Party (Past Chairman), and Member of Advisory Board to Monroe County Juvenile Services. He was an avid Bridge Player creating many lasting friendships within the competitive Bridge Players community. As a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Sweetwater, and an active participant in Monroe County Juvenile Services, Lance always insured that those with a need had the things that were needed. Lance never sought accolades or recognition for his kindness or compassion, but many of Monroe County’s children and families benefitted from his generosity and charity. Lance was a true friend, embodied the meaning of compassion, and will be missed by many, especially special friends Tara Thomas, Rhonda Kyker, Tracie Carmack, Angie and Brent Watson, Donna and Robert Jenkins and so many more who meant so much to Lance. Many sought his counsel professionally and personally. His calm, rational advice and sage guidance will be deeply missed. Lance always tempered his advice with compassion and acceptance of others as they are, not as society dictated they be. He displayed and shared wisdom to others that that transcended economic status, politics, and social constructs. His counsel will be deeply missed, especially by his friend Judge Thomas.
Odd Fellows Funeral Service will be Graveside at West View Cemetery on Monday, 18 2024 at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow immediately, Reverend Robert Jenkins officiating. Lance’s friends at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, are providing funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Lance Cavett to Westview Cemetery, P.O. Box 511 Sweetwater, TN 37874, Cora Veal Senior Center, 144 College St. S. Madisonville, TN 37354, and Monroe County Juvenile Court Services, 4500 Hwy New Hwy 68 Suite 3, Madisonville, TN 37354.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lance Owen Cavett please visit our Sympathy Store.. Family will receive friends 6-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at True Gospel Baptist Church in Sweetwater. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.

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Janice Sue Ledford Peels, age 69, of Madisonville, passed away Saturday, September 30 2023 at Sweetwater Hospital. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid member of True Gospel Baptist Church in Sweetwater. Married to Timothy Lee Peels on September 30, 2000 at Ghost Town in Maggie Valley, NC.

Preceded in death by parents, Homer and Pauline Ledford, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Claymond and Wanda Peels;

Survivors, husband of 23 years, Tim Peels, daughter and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Michael Henry, Sr., step-daughter, Amanda Malicoat (Dustin Hicks), Miranda Peels, grandchildren, Michael Henry, Jr. (Brittany), Riley Hicks, Emma Weeks, great-grandchildren, Phoenix Sims, Michael Henry, III, Sophia Hall, Ruby Jones.

Memorial Service 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at True Gospel Baptist Church, Pastor Darrell Griffis officiating. Family will receive friends 6-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at True Gospel Baptist Church in Sweetwater. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.

At Cora Veal Senior Citizen's Center , we are committed to providing high-quality senior citizen services that promote independence, dignity, and a higher quality of life. We understand the challenges that come with aging and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate them with ease.

Benjamin “Howard” Hatchett, age 82, of Coker Creek went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Margaret Hamby Hatchett. 

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Benjamin and Donna Hatchett, Chuck Hatchett, and Stephen and Rachel Hatchett; two wonderful granddaughters, Tiffany Hatchett and Isabella Hatchett; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 at Myers Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Dr. Shane Arnold officiating. Family and friends will assemble at Massingale Cemetery, Saturday, February 17, 2024 for the 11:00 a.m. committal service. In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to the Cora Veal Center 144 College St. S, Madisonville, TN 37354 or CHI Memorial Hospital C/O Foundation Department 2525 Desales Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

At Cora Veal Senior Citizen's Center , we are committed to providing high-quality senior citizen services that promote independence, dignity, and a higher quality of life. We understand the challenges that come with aging and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate them with ease.