### How to Search by Name The online directory includes a search bar where you can enter a first name, last name, or both. If you are unsure of the exact spelling of a last name, entering a partial name can help bring up relevant results. For example, searching "Smi" may help you find "Smith" or "Smithson." ### Filtering and Browsing Options If you do not have a specific name or are browsing recent local passings, the directory offers several filtering tools: * **Alphabetical Filter:** You can filter the entire list of obituaries alphabetically. By selecting the first letter of the deceased's last name, you can quickly narrow down the listings. * **Chronological Browse:** If you know the approximate time of death but not the exact spelling of the name, you can browse the listings chronologically by month and year. ### Interactive Features on Memorial Pages Once you locate the correct individual in the directory, clicking on their name opens a dedicated memorial page. The details available on these individual pages typically include: * **The Written Obituary:** A biography detailing the life, family, career, and legacy of the deceased. * **Service Information:** Specific dates, times, and locations for visitations, funerals, or graveside services. * **Tribute Wall:** An interactive space where visitors can post condolences, share personal memories, or upload photos for the family. * **Flower and Gift Links:** Direct links to order and send flowers or memorial gifts directly to the family or the service. ## Alternative Online Sources for LaFollette Obituaries
If you cannot find the record on the funeral home's official website, or if you are looking for a broader search across Campbell County, several third-party platforms aggregate this information. ### Local Newspaper Archives *The LaFollette Press* is the primary local newspaper serving Campbell County. They regularly publish local obituaries, including those handled by Cross-Smith Funeral Home. You can search their online archives or check their print editions for historical notices. ### National Obituary Databases Websites like Legacy.com and Find a Grave partner with funeral homes and newspapers nationwide. If an obituary was published in a newspaper or syndicated online, these platforms often archive the record permanently. Find a Grave is particularly useful for locating burial plots and headstone photos in LaFollette area cemeteries. ## Finding Historical and Offline Records
When searching for older obituaries, keep in mind that the online availability of historical records is not guaranteed. Digital archives for many funeral homes generally go back only a few decades. If a search using online tools does not produce results, the record may predate the website's digital database. ### Local Libraries and Historical Societies For older records, the Campbell County Public Library system is an invaluable resource. The LaFollette Public Library houses local history collections, microfilm of historical newspapers, and genealogical records. Additionally, the Campbell County Historical and Genealogical Society can assist researchers in finding local death notices, family histories, and cemetery records. ### Direct Contact with the Funeral Home If you are looking for a record that is not available online and you have a personal or legal need for the information, you can contact Cross-Smith Funeral Home directly. Their physical office is located on East Central Avenue in LaFollette, Tennessee. When contacting them, be prepared to provide the full name of the deceased and the approximate year of death to help staff locate the physical files. ## Tips for a Successful Obituary Search
If you are having trouble finding a specific obituary, try these search strategies: * **Use Maiden Names:** Women are often listed by their married names, but historical records or family tributes may use their maiden names. * **Search for Relatives:** If you cannot find the obituary for the person you are looking for, search for their spouse, parents, or children. Obituaries frequently list surviving and predeceased family members, which can lead you to the correct dates and details. * **Expand the Search Area:** While the individual may have lived in LaFollette, their services might have been held in neighboring communities like Jacksboro, Caryville, or Jellico. Keep your search parameters flexible.
