Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services

08/30/2026

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Mrs. Sarah Saylor Bates, age 59, Kingsport, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Holston Valley Hospital.

Mrs. Bates was born November 27, 1966, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to the late John Dosser Saylor, Jr. & Phyllis Lee Scott Saylor.

She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she was former Children’s Director.

Mrs. Bates was a Pre-School Teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kingsport. She was a former Children’s Director and Teacher at Little Bo Peep Learning Center.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Bates, Kingsport; three sons, Isaac Bates (Whitney) Chicago, Illinois, Israel Bates and Ian Bates both of Kingsport; sister, Johnnie Sue Hawley (Craig) Jonesborough; brother, John Saylor III (Earlene Hopkins), Jonesborough; nieces and nephew, Amanda Bates (Ricky Shelton), Paige Bates, Gabe Hawley (Britinee), Isabel Hawley-Lopez (JonMichael), Jack Saylor and Benjamin Saylor; great nephews and nieces, Zaiden Page, Zara Page, Weston Bates, Luka Hawley; great-great niece, Willow Page.

Celebration of Life services will be conducted 6:00 PM, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Trinity Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Harrod officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM Friday prior to the service.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

Back-to-school shopping used to mean pencils, notebooks, new clothes… and, if you were lucky, a brand-new Trapper Keeper.

Did you or your children have a Trapper Keeper?

08/28/2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Peggy Ann Searcey Rice, a cherished wife, sister-in-law, aunt, great-great-aunt, and friend. Peggy peacefully departed this world on August 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the Johnson City Medical Center. Born on July 31, 1941, in the quaint town of Jonesborough, TN, Peggy's life was a tapestry of love, service, and devotion.

Peggy was the beloved wife of James Rice, with whom she shared a remarkable journey of love and companionship for 65 beautiful years. Their story began in high school, where they met and quickly became inseparable, marrying on April 5th of 1962. Together, they crafted a life filled with joy, resilience, and a profound commitment to each other.

A graduate of Jonesborough High School, class of 1959, Peggy's compassion and dedication to helping others led her to a fulfilling career as both a psychiatric nurse and a hairdresser. Her gentle touch and warm heart left an indelible mark on all those she cared for, both in her professional life and beyond.

Peggy was an active member of the Jonesborough United Methodist Church, where she found a community that shared her values of kindness and service. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, inspiring her to extend her hand to those in need whenever she could.

Her love for her family was boundless. Peggy is survived by her devoted husband, James Rice, as well as her brother-in-law Charles Rice and his wife Mildred. She leaves behind her cherished nieces, Jeanne Triplett and Donna Rice, and her nephews, Chris Rice and Earl Hardin. Peggy also delighted in the joy of her great-great-niece, Brittany Haynes, and her husband Chris, along with their two children, Shaylynn and Connor Haynes, and with many more family members and friends. All of these people held a special place in Peggy's heart, and her love for them was unwavering.

Though Peggy is reunited with her parents, Joseph and Lucille Searcey, and her brothers Arthur, Frank and Clyde Searcey and sister Fern Searcey, her sister-in-law Kay Rice Hardin and many more who predeceased her, her spirit and the lessons of love and generosity she imparted will continue to resonate within the hearts of those she touched.

In honor of Peggy's life and her commitment to helping others, the family kindly suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting Peggy's enduring legacy of compassion and service.

Peggy Ann Rice's life was a testament to the power of love, the strength found in family, and the profound impact of a life lived in service to others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Condolences may be sent to the Rice family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821

08/26/2026

Mrs. Kay Hardin, age 84, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Madison County, North Carolina, on November 17, 1941, to the late Leonard and Elma Rice. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Burlon Ralph Hardin; brothers, Sheryl Rice and Geryl Rice; great-granddaughter, Morgan Jade Cansler; and sister-in-law, Peggy Rice.

When her health allowed, Kay enjoyed attending McCarty Methodist Church. She had a special love for bluegrass music and enjoyed listening to Burlon play the guitar with friends on Friday nights. Kay loved watching hummingbirds, crafting, gardening, and spending time caring for the things she had grown and nurtured.

Kay was a wonderful cook and took great pride in preparing meals for her family. She enjoyed gardening and canning, preserving the fruits of her labor and sharing them with those she loved. Her home was a place where family, food, laughter, and love were always welcome.

Above all else, Kay loved her family and is survived by her son, Earl Hardin (Debbie) of Greeneville; granddaughters, Sheri Lamons (Randy) of Mosheim and Aley Hardin (Daniel) of Jonesborough; great-grandchildren, Jordan Lamons (Megan) of Mosheim, Jonah Lamons (Makayla) of Mosheim, Alek Cansler of Greeneville, Katlyn Austin of Mosheim, Braedyn Willett of Greeneville, and Ava Willett of Greeneville; great-great grandchildren, Cora-Lynn Lamons, Nora Kay Lamons, Clara Ann Lamons, and Annie Rose Lamons all of Mosheim; step-great great grandchildren, Elijah Cobble and Abigail Webb; brothers, James Rice of Jonesborough and Charles Rice (Mildred) of Jonesborough; several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, prior to the service.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, August 31, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Anyone who wants to go in procession to the cemetery is asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at 9:15 AM.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the Hardin family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821

08/25/2026

Today, we join millions around the world in remembering Dolly Parton, who has died at the age of 80.

For generations, Dolly gave us more than music. She gave us stories about home, family, heartache, hope, and the people and places that shape us. Through her generosity —especially her lifelong commitment to children's literacy — she also showed how a life of extraordinary success could be accompanied by extraordinary kindness.

Her songs will continue to be sung. Her stories will continue to be told. And her impact will continue to be felt for generations.

Rest in peace, Dolly.

08/25/2026

Mrs. Christine McCurry, age 59, Jonesborough, Tennessee, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, at her residence.

Mrs. McCurry was born August 24, 1967, in Johnson City, to the late Tony & Carolyn White Sparks. She was preceded in death by a sister, Renee Tarlton, a brother, Gregory Griffith; grandparents, Mary White, Woodrow White, nephew, Colby Griffith and father-in-law, Paul Thomas McCurry Sr.

She was a member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church.

Survivors include her loving husband, Paul Thomas McCurry Jr., Jonesborough; daughters, Cortney Cloyd (Tanner Bailey) and Heather Wilcox; granddaughter, Nevaeh Cloyd; grandson, Joseph Wojtasiak; brother, Troy Griffith; (Jamie Griffith); several nephews and nieces; and mother-in-law, Brenda McCurry.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Caris Healthcare and her nurse, Zonya.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, Chuckey, Tennessee with Pastor John Buchanan officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 PM Thursday prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Liberty Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Sage Tarlton, Logan Tarlton, Troy Griffith, Jody Tarlton, Randy Cole, Tanner Bailey and Aiden Cole.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821