Obituaries

Bonnie Beiter Thigpen, “Meme”, 73 of Alcoa, TN passed away peacefully in her sleep May 4, 2020 after fighting a short battle with cancer. She is proceeded in death by her father T.W Beiter and mother Clara Beiter. Throughout her lifetime many would come to know her as an avid gardener who loved spending most of her days out in the yard blessing the world with her beautiful work with flowers. She helped her parents operate the Velda Rose Cleaners in Knoxville, Tn and would take over when they were unable and until the business closed down in the late 1990s. Many would know her from working in the restaurant businesses Boomers, Dubb’s Restaurant and Smokin’ Joe’s Bar-B-Que all located in Blount County.  Bonnie was a dedicated mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by her family and loved ones. She is survived by her daughter Tamatha Kilby, son and daughter-in-law Bill and Sonya Craven; Grandchildren Cheyene Kilby, Gabe, Bowen, and Rex Craven and Trinton and Lily Kilby. Sister, Becky Hutchens and brothers. Also, close friend Pete Rader and best friend Teresa Bettis.