19th Annual
WHITE GABLES
HOLIDAY LUMINARIA
Saturday, December 13, 2025
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” — Unknown
On December 13, 2025, after dusk, please visit the Germander Pond where a memorial will be laid to honor those White Gables residents who have passed since our last Luminaria lighting.
If you know of a White Gables neighbor who has passed since our last event, or would like to add to their memorial, please let us know by completing the MEMORIALS FORM.
Staci Lynn Johnson, January 26, 2025
A friend and neighbor who lived on Forsythia Avenue - she loved animals and was a pet sitter for many White Gables neighbors. Staci had a genuine way of making you feel like you were her best friend. Those of us who knew her, miss her dearly.
Obituary:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Staci Lyn Johnson on January 26, 2025, at the age of 55. Staci was born on June 4, 1969, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Don and Barbara Bottom.
After moving to Carson, Washington at the age of 7, Staci attended area schools and graduated from Stephenson High School in 1987. That fall, she moved to Seattle, Washington to attend college where she met the love of her life and beloved husband, Lenny Johnson of 37 years.
Staci was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, the love and support for her family and community, and an uncanny sense of humor.
Staci worked as a Para-Educator for the Marysville School District where she found her love for teaching with a focus on Special Education. When Lenny’s career moved their family, Staci took up that same teaching torch with the Stephenson and Kelso School Districts, touching many lives along the way, until retiring in 2004.
After retiring, Staci filled her time caring for her family, volunteering, especially enjoyed her time with the Hospice Community Thrift Store, and working as a Mary Kay and DoTerra consultant. She enjoyed traveling, especially loved the beach, playing games and spending time with her friends and family in Summerville, South Carolina and Titusville, Florida.
Staci is survived by her husband, Lenny Johnson, daughters Meagan (Stephanie) Johnson and Marissa (Jake) Davis, grandchildren Aleigha Davis and Ryder Davis; parents Don and Barbara Bottom; brother Mike ( ) Bottom; In-laws George and Jayd Johnson, Lynn and Joey Sluder and Bunnie and Gary Wall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nicole Lee, May 29 2025
Nicole Lynne Wilson Lee, 44, of Jacksonville, Florida-formerly of South Carolina-passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care after a courageous and swift battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.
Born on June 12, 1980, Nicole was the beloved wife of Jeremy Paul Lee and the devoted mother of their son, Driver Ronald Lee. She was, in every sense, a light-radiating warmth, kindness, and a joyful energy that brightened every room she entered. Nicole lived her life by one word: kindness. She embodied openness, caring, and helpfulness toward everyone she met.
She was the best friend anyone could ask for-a rare soul who carried the sunshine she loved so much and spread it wherever she went. Whether soaking in the beach air or offering a listening ear to someone in need, Nicole made people feel seen, heard, and loved. She was truly one of a kind-irreplaceable in presence, unforgettable in memory. Nicole had a strong sense of self and an even stronger sense of purpose.
She built a thriving hairstyling business not only with talent and determination, but with compassion and care. Her clients quickly became friends and confidantes, drawn to her empathetic heart and light humor. She took immense pride in her business and the community she nurtured through it.
More than anything, Nicole loved her family. Her marriage to Jeremy was a source of great joy and partnership, and her love for their son Driver knew no bounds. She was his biggest fan-on and off the soccer field-and every moment shared with him was one she treasured deeply. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines or dancing with him in the music aisle at Target,
Nicole found joy in the everyday moments. Her love was playful, wholehearted, and unforgettable. She also had a deep love for animals-especially her dogs and cats. Those close to Nicole know that she was also an advocate for honeybees, and she surrounded herself with honeybee-themed items. She found delight in tending to her many houseplants, reading a good book, laughing with loved ones, and simply enjoying the little things in life. Even as she endured the pain and confusion brought on by her illness, Nicole remained gracious and kind. Her nurses spoke of her sweetness and gratitude, a reflection of the strength and spirit she carried to the very end.
Nicole is survived by her husband, Jeremy Paul Lee; their son, Driver Ronald Lee, and her cousin and best friend, Lacey VanOrmer. She is also survived by her father, Laylon Wilson (Betty); her mother, Sherry Shepphard; her step-sisters, Tonya Singletary (Don) and Heidi Viergutz (Rob); her aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and a large circle of friends and clients whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe link - https://gofund.me/3a739a69 to support her family and honor her generous, radiant spirit. Nicole often said her favorite song was "Drops of Jupiter" by Train-a song about wonder, love, and the journey of the soul. Now that she's back in the atmosphere, we'll remember how she listened like spring and talked like June. Her spirit remains with us-free, full of grace, and shining just like she always did.
Brian Lee Harris, August 23, 2025
A neighbor who lived on White Gables Drive
Brian Lee Harris, 57, of Summerville, SC, passed away on August 23, 2025, after an extended illness. Born on March 21, 1968, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Ronald Harris and Nancy Kaplon, Brian leaves behind a legacy of steadfast dedication to the right to life, a remarkable gift for music, and a deep and abiding love for his family and friends.
Brian was passionately pro-life, dedicating much of his life to advocating for the unborn with unwavering conviction. Through his commitment and compassion, he touched countless mothers and unborn children, always striving to make a lasting difference. As President of Tennessee Right to Life for 23 years, he built a grassroots network of volunteers across the state and led the successful effort to pass a pro-life constitutional amendment in November 2014—a defining achievement of his leadership. His legacy of faith, service, and dedication will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
Brian was also a gifted pianist whose music brought joy and comfort to all who heard it. Whether performing with the Cumberland Boys at Opryland, playing at weddings and church services, or simply sharing his talent with friends and family, his music flowed from a kind and gentle spirit. Each note he played was an expression of his love for others, leaving lasting memories in the hearts of those who listened.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Harris and Nancy Kaplon, brother and sister, Rodney Harris and Nicole Kaplon, and by his grandparents, Bradley and Esther Nichols, Eugene and Irene Harris, and Marlene Kaplon.
He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Lynn Fisher (Jim) and Andrea Bolton (Jeremy); his nephews and nieces, Gavin, Trevor, and Faith Fisher, and Maddox, Eli, and Jonah Bolton; his stepfather, Kevin Kaplon; his grandfather, Edmund Kaplon; and many dear colleagues and friends, including his best friend, Ed Albin. Family was at the heart of Brian’s life, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved.
Brian will be deeply missed by all who knew him, yet his legacy of pro-life advocacy, musical talent, and abiding love will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace, embraced by the same grace and joy he so generously shared with others.
Ashley Peery, October 24, 2025
Husband of Katie Hampton on Trillium Avenue. Obituary
Joseph “Ashley” Peery passed away peacefully at age 49. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Rogers Bryant; grandfather, Vernon Rogers, grandmother, Louise Rogers; grandfather, Clyde J. Peery Sr., grandmother, Marceil H. Peery; stepmother, Kathryn McCulloch (Nowell) Peery; great aunt, Julia Householder.
Ashley was a 1994 graduate of Maryville High School. He received his BS in Communications & Advertising and MS in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and previously worked as a Therapist at Bearden Behavioral Health, Knoxville; Mobile Crisis Clinician at Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital, Oak Ridge; and Therapist at Cornerstone of Recovery, Alcoa.
Ashley was a talented pen and ink artist, accomplished juggler, and wedding videographer. He had a lifelong passion for maintaining and driving sports cars and racing races. He particularly loved his red Karmann Ghia, which he began restoring in high school and continued to maintain and drive in a show winning condition. Ashley loved to cook and host barbecues for family and friends. He valued the importance of a healthy body and keeping physically fit. He was part of the initial group that developed CrossFit Knoxville.
Ashley had a compassionate, kind, caring and loving heart. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Father, Clyde J. Peery Jr. (Debbie Cooper); sister, Alicia C. Peery (Robert Tanner); aunt, Mary Helen Peery ; stepfather, Pete Bryant; stepbrother, Joey Bryant (Laura); stepsister, Lee Nowell (Phillip DePoy); stepbrother, John Nowell (Lindsey); great uncle, James A. Householder; cousins, Elaine H. (G.W. “Dub”) McIntosh; and Gail H. (David) Reeder; Friends, Drew Lefmann (Tess); Brent Poling; special loves of his life, Liesl Peery and Katie Hampton; and faithful dog, Sadie.
