Finding a way to honor someone who just passed is heavy. It's a lot of pressure. If you’re looking for Jarnigan and Son Mortuary obituaries, you aren't just looking for a name on a screen. You are looking for a story. Honestly, for many families in Knoxville, Tennessee, this mortuary is more than a business; it is a multi-generational anchor.
They've been around since 1886. Think about that.
Clem Jarnigan started this place when the world looked very different. Today, it stands as the oldest continually operated Black-owned business in Knoxville. When you search for their obituaries, you're tapping into a legacy that spans over 135 years of East Tennessee history. It’s kinda incredible when you look at the timeline.
How to Find Recent Jarnigan and Son Mortuary Obituaries
Most people head straight to Google, but there are a few specific places where these records actually live. Because the mortuary serves a tight-knit community, the information is usually spread across a few reliable digital platforms.
- The Official Website: The first stop is usually the Jarnigan & Son Mortuary website. They have a dedicated "Obituaries" section. It’s basic, but it’s the source of truth.
- Legacy.com: Like many funeral homes, Jarnigan and Son partners with Legacy. This is often where you’ll find the "Guest Book" feature. You can leave a note or a virtual candle here.
- Social Media: Sometimes, the quickest updates happen on their official Facebook page. They often post service times and live-stream links there.
- Local News: For prominent community members, the Knoxville News Sentinel will carry the full tribute.
If you can't find a specific person, remember that some families choose to keep services private. Not every passing is listed publicly. If you're a close friend or relative and need details, calling them directly at (865) 524-5575 is usually the best move. They're located at 2823 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.
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Why the "MLK Avenue" Location Matters
History buffs might know that the mortuary hasn't always been on MLK Ave. It started on State Street, moved to Nelson Street, and eventually landed at its current spot in 1969.
The move was actually forced by urban renewal. A lot of Black-owned businesses were lost during that era, but Jarnigan and Son survived. This resilience is why their obituaries feel so significant to the local community—it’s a record of a population that has stayed put and thrived against the odds.
Writing a Meaningful Obituary for Jarnigan & Son
If you're the one tasked with writing the tribute, don't overthink it. Most people get stuck trying to sound "professional" or "stiff."
Basically, an obituary should do three things: announce the death, tell a bit of the person's story, and give the logistics for the service. Jarnigan and Son actually provides an online form to help families get started. It's helpful because it reminds you to include the stuff you’d otherwise forget when you're grieving—like the mother’s maiden name or the specific church affiliation.
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What to Include (and what to skip)
You've gotta get the basics right. Full name, age, and date of passing.
But then, add the soul. Did they love fishing at Douglas Lake? Were they a regular at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center? These little details are what people remember. You don't need a 2,000-word essay. A few paragraphs that capture their "vibe" is plenty.
Pro tip: If you're worried about costs—because newspaper space is expensive—know that the mortuary's website usually allows for a much longer version than what you’d put in the print edition of a paper. You can be as wordy as you want online.
The Role of Beal Bourne II and the Modern Era
Since the 1980s, Beal Bourne II has been the face of the operation. He took over after Wilbur Tate passed away. People in Knoxville often mention him by name because he’s known for a specific type of "old school" dignity.
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In a world where big corporate chains are buying up local funeral homes, Jarnigan and Son has stayed independent. This affects the obituaries, too. They often feel more personal because the staff actually knows the families. They’ve likely buried the person’s parents and grandparents, too.
It’s about trust.
Real Talk About Funeral Costs
Let's be real—funerals are expensive. When you look at the services associated with these obituaries, the pricing is generally transparent. Based on industry data, a direct cremation might start around $1,295, while a full traditional service can be several thousand dollars.
Jarnigan and Son is known for trying to work with families' budgets. They stick to Clem Jarnigan's original mission: "To Provide Decent Christian Burial Services At Reasonable Prices."
Actionable Steps for Families
If you are currently navigating a loss or planning ahead, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Website First: Before calling around, see if the obituary is already live on their "Articobits" or Legacy page. This usually happens 24-48 hours after the arrangements are finalized.
- Gather the Records: If you're writing the obituary, find the birth certificate and a high-quality photo. A clear photo makes a huge difference in how the digital tribute looks.
- Coordinate the Live Stream: Jarnigan and Son offers live-streaming for services. If you have family out of state who can't make it to Knoxville, ask about this early so the link can be included in the online obituary.
- Consider "In Lieu of Flowers": If the deceased had a favorite local charity, put that in the text. It gives people a concrete way to help.
The legacy of Jarnigan and Son isn't just about the past. It’s about how they handle the present. Whether you're searching for a long-lost relative's records or trying to honor a parent today, these obituaries are a vital piece of Knoxville's story.