Obituary published in Knoxville News Sentinel

Mark David Settle Obituary

Knoxville Community Continues to Mourn and Celebrate Lives of Impact: Recent Obituaries and Memorials

The resilient spirit of Knoxville and its surrounding Tennessee communities shines brightly even in moments of loss. Recent obituaries published in the Knoxville News Sentinel and regional outlets reflect a community rooted in compassion, service, and enduring bonds. These heartfelt remembrances serve not only as farewells but as tributes to lives that have profoundly shaped their neighborhoods, inspiring future generations and strengthening communal ties.

As Knoxville mourns the passing of beloved individuals, it simultaneously celebrates their legacies—lives exemplifying kindness, resilience, and dedication. The ongoing memorials—both in person and virtual—highlight a community committed to honoring its members with dignity and heartfelt remembrance.

Recent Obituaries Highlighting Community Pillars

Over the past few weeks, Knoxville has bid farewell to several remarkable individuals whose lives embodied service and community spirit:

Mark David Settle (Age 58)

One of the most recent and widely mourned was Mark David Settle, whose sudden passing left a significant void in Knoxville. His obituary emphasizes his lifelong dedication to his hometown:

Lifelong Knoxville Resident: Mark was dedicated to neighborhood activism and local causes.
Family and Personal Life: Survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, he was cherished for his warmth and humor.
Community Contributions: Employed locally in manufacturing, Mark dedicated his free time to neighborhood cleanups, youth mentorship, and environmental advocacy.
Legacy of Service: His leadership in charity drives and volunteer efforts fostered unity, inspiring many in the community.

Memorial Details:
The community plans to honor Mark on Saturday, February 15, 2026, at First Baptist Church. A visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will provide a space for sharing stories and celebrating his life—anticipated to draw a large gathering, reflecting his widespread impact.

Other Notable Recent Departures

Tamara Dawn Thomasson (Age 45): Passed away on February 6, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Known for her charity work and dedication to family, Tamara exemplified Knoxville’s vibrant diversity.
Sharon Phillips McPeak (Age 76): Died on February 7, 2026, at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Recognized for her nurturing spirit and community service, she was a neighborhood pillar and inspiration.
Dovie “Lisa” Clifford (Age 65): Passed away on February 8, 2026, in Gallatin. Her charitable work reflected Knoxville’s spirit of service.
Cesar Del Cano Rico (Age 40): Died on January 16, 2026, in Nashville after battling cancer. His vibrant personality and resilience left lasting impressions, with memorials filled with stories of love and perseverance.
Ivelene “Ivy” Livingston (Age 78): Passed peacefully on February 10, 2026, in Cedar Hill. Cherished for her community involvement, Ivy’s legacy of kindness endures.
Martha Ann Leaffer: Her memorial was uniquely shared via YouTube, allowing friends and family from afar to participate in honoring her lifelong kindness and community involvement.

The Addition of Jill Claxton Reese: A New Pillar Remembered

Adding to this list is Mrs. Jill Claxton Reese, age 54, of the Kibbee Community, who passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. Jill’s death marks a significant loss for her neighborhood and beyond:

Community Involvement: Known for her active support of youth programs and church outreach, Jill often organized charitable events, fostering hope and unity.
Personal Legacy: Survived by her husband, children, and extended family, she was remembered for her warmth, resilience, and unwavering support.
Community Impact: Her efforts created a tangible sense of community, and her presence was a beacon of kindness.

Memorial Plans:
While specific details are still underway, community leaders anticipate a memorial service in the coming weeks that will celebrate her life, emphasizing her contributions and the bonds she fostered.

Broader Regional Tributes and Notable Obituaries

The impact of Knoxville’s loss extends beyond city limits, reflecting Tennessee’s interconnected communities. Recent regional obituaries include:

Breanna ‘Bre’ Leigh Davis (Age 30, Hermitage): Died unexpectedly on February 11, 2026. Known for her vibrant personality and positivity, she was a bright light for her friends.
Shawn Anthaun Lewis (Age 45, Dickson): Passed away suddenly on February 10, 2026. Remembered for resilience and kindness.
Florence Keels (Age 89, Madison, TN): Recently died on January 28, 2026. A community matriarch from England, she dedicated her life to fostering connections across generations.
Edith Marie Fleming Moseley (Age 82): Celebrated educator and community volunteer, her influence extended broadly within Knoxville.
Pollie Gibson Stamper (Age 85): Revered for her dedication to preserving local traditions and nurturing spirit.

Newly Added Obituaries

Foy (Full name not provided): Born March 27, 1937, in Putnam County, Tennessee. Known for her legendary status, her life was marked by large family ties and community involvement.
Angela Hall (Mary Angeline Lovell Hall, Age 79): Passed away on February 18, 2026, in Columbia, Tennessee. Angela built her life around family and service, leaving a legacy of compassion.

The Role and Future of Obituaries in Knoxville

Obituaries serve a vital function beyond personal farewells—they are cornerstones of community cohesion:

Information Sharing: They announce memorial events, encouraging collective mourning and celebration.
Memory Preservation: Sharing stories fosters healing and ensures legacies are remembered.
Historical Record: Documenting lives helps future generations appreciate the contributions and values of community members.

Recent innovations, such as Martha Ann Leaffer’s virtual tribute, exemplify how memorials adapt to modern technology, broadening participation and ensuring remembrance reaches loved ones near and far.

Current Status and Outlook

Knoxville remains actively engaged in honoring its residents through planned memorials and community events:

The February 15 memorial for Mark Settle at First Baptist Church.
Upcoming services for William “Michael” Hutson in Portland, Breanna Davis, Shawn Lewis, Florence Keels, Edith Moseley, Jill Reese, and others.
Continued development of virtual memorial options, allowing wider participation.

These efforts underscore Knoxville’s resilient spirit—its ability to mourn, remember, and celebrate with compassion and unity. Community organizations, faith groups, and families are working together to ensure that every life is honored with dignity and that legacies continue to inspire.

Conclusion

The recent wave of obituaries and memorials reveals a community deeply rooted in mutual respect, kindness, and resilience. Lives like Mark Settle’s, Tamara Thomasson’s, Sharon McPeak’s, Lisa Clifford’s, Cesar Rico’s, Ivy Livingston’s, Martha Ann Leaffer’s, Jill Reese’s, and many others exemplify the profound impact of service and love. Knoxville’s ongoing dedication to honoring these individuals affirms its enduring spirit—a community that mourns together, remembers collectively, and moves forward inspired by the legacies of its members.

As the community continues to heal and reflect, these memorials serve as a powerful reminder: even in mourning, there is strength, unity, and hope for renewal through remembrance.

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