Obituaries
Mrs. Joan Griffin Brown of Pulaski died Oct. 4, 2009, at Hillside Hospital.
She was a member of Friendship A.M.E. Church and a long-time employee of Sunshine Cleaners.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Kathleen Hogan Griffin; son John Lee Brown Jr.; infant daughter Jessica Brown; brothers, Charles Griffin and Freddie Griffin; and sister Dr. June McMiller.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rocky Mount Cemetery.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the funeral home.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Friendship A.M.E. Building Fund.
She is survived by her husband, John Lee Brown of Pulaski; daughter Janice Brown and husband Barry of Lawrenceville, Ga.; brothers, Bobby Griffin and wife Betty of Suitland, Md., and Dennis Griffin of Nashville; sisters, Erma Reed and husband Eugene of Indianapolis, Ind., Naomi Griffin of Nashville and Kathy Sherrell of Raleigh, N.C.; two granddaughters, Lauren Brown and Morgan Brown; grandson Wil-Gregory Brown; aunts, Esther Scales and Easter McHaney and husband Carroll; and a number of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mr. Billy Holt Humphrey, 76, of Pulaski died Oct. 2, 2009, at NHC HeathCare of Pulaski.
He was a member of Second Street Church of Christ and was retired from the state of Tennessee Department of Transportation.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Reba Holt Humphrey; and son Grady Holt Humphrey.
Funeral services were held Oct. 4 in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with Andy Brown officiating. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Second Street Church of Christ Building Fund.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Oakleen Williams Humphrey of Pulaski; son Rex Humphrey and wife Tina of Savannah, Tenn.; and granddaughters, Annie Humphrey, Alyssa Humphrey and Rebekah Humphrey.
Mr. J.C. (Red) Tomerlin, 88, of Pulaski died Oct. 2, 2009, at NHC HealthCare of Pulaski.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pulaski, retired from Pulaski Electric System and was a United States Army veteran of World War II.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lillie Dickey Tomerlin; brothers, Earl Tomerlin and Carl Tomerlin; and sisters, Hessie Campbell, Hazel Johnson, Elizabeth Wharton and Mae Pilkinton.
Funeral services were held Oct. 4 at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Davis officiating. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, 201 W. Lincoln St., Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jewel Hayes Tomerlin of Pulaski; daughter Sherell Vick and husband Robert of Murfreesboro and Cindy McDaniel and husband Phil of Fayetteville,; brother Dalton Tomerlin of Pulaski; and a grandchild, Jeff Vick of Knoxville.
Mr. George Hughey (Baby Hughey) Beddingfield, 68, of Hixson died Oct. 5, 2009.
He is preceded in death by his father, George Howard Beddingfield; and daughter Tracy Ann Campbell.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Beddingfield; mother Elizabeth Louise Beddingfield; children Steve Beddingfield of Vonore, Vicki Hamilton of Calhoun, Michelle Drinkard of Falkville, Ala., Terry Beddingfield of Decatur, Ala.; brothers, Ralph Beddingfield of Spring City, Joe Beddingfield of Woodville, Ala., Harold Beddingfield of Skyline, Ala.; sister Deborah Stewart of Scottsboro, Ala.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. H.S. Holt, 68, of Pulaski died Oct. 6, 2009, at Hillside Hospital.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer Henry and Katie Italyne Lewter Holt; and sister Jewelene Holt.
Funeral services were held Oct. 8 in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with the Rev. James Holt officiating.
Burial was in New Grove Cemetery, Fayetteville.
Survivors include his brothers, Homer R. Holt and wife Brenda of Prospect, his twin W.S. Holt and wife Sheila of Pulaski, Nathan Holt, Howard Holt, all of Pulaski, Manson Holt and wife Janice of Prospect, Gayle Holt, and Mike Holt and wife Shirley, all of Pulaski; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. John W. Turner, 90, of Prospect died Oct. 7, 2009, at NHC HealthCare of Pulaski.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie F. and Olga Mae Fowler Turner; his wife, Edith McCormick Turner; brother Jack Turner; and sister Carrie Whitsett.
Funeral services were held Oct. 10 in the chapel of Carr and Erwin Funeral Home with Jimmy Ketchum officiating. Burial was in Giles Memory Garden.
Memorial contributions may be made to Beech Hill Church of Christ, c/o Paul Foster, P.O. Box 751, Frankewing, TN 38455; Second Street Church of Christ Building Fund, P.O. Box 35, Pulaski, TN 38478 or VFW Post 4577, P.O. Box 134, Pulaski, TN 38478.
Survivors include his son, William Joe Turner and wife Sandra of Prospect; grandson Joey Turner and wife Allison; granddaughter Jana Gusman and husband Todd; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Timothy Lee Glover, 50, of Prospect died Oct. 8, 2009, at Huntsville Hospital in Alabama.
He was employed as a landscaper for Southern Scrape.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Edith Jane Hagood Glover.
A graveside service was held Oct. 11 at Giles Memory Garden.
Carr and Erwin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his father, Robert Glover and wife Willa Dean of Prospect; daughter Lacy Glover of Pulaski; step-son Adam Oglesby of Pulaski; two brothers, Danny Glover and Lonnie Glover, both of Goodspring; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Mr. James Storey Minatra, 89, of Jefferson City died Oct. 9, 2009, in that city.
A former long-time resident of Columbia, Mr. and Mrs. Minatra moved to Jefferson City in June 2005 to be near their children but continued to call Columbia “home.” He was the first Buildings and Grounds supervisor for Columbia State Community College and remained in that position until his retirement.
Mr. Minatra was a Giles County native and a graduate of Bunker Hill High School.
At the outset of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army, served in the 80th Infantry Division of General George S. Patton’s Third Army, which played a major role in the march to re-enforce Bastone, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the liberation of several Nazi death camps. He was a member of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 for more than 60 years.
He was a faithful member of Riverside United Methodist Church for more than 60 years and was active in the Men’s Club. He also was a 32nd degree and Scottish Rite Mason.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Valentine Storey Minatra; daughter Bonnie Lynn Minatra; sisters, Edna Earl Mitchell, Hila Worsham and Louise Davis; and brothers, Fred Anderson Minatra and John Edwin Minatra.
The family will begin visitation with friends at 4 p.m., today (Tuesday) at Oakes and Nichols, concluding with funeral services at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Wedgewood officiating. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19.
Memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church, 313 Sixth Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401.
Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Margaret Glover Minatra, whom he married May 23, 1941; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Faye and Robert Fort of Jefferson City; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Terri Minatra of Johnson City; grandchildren, Emily Fort and Susan Fort (Frank Damman).
Mr. Ralph Kirkpatrick, 48, of Pulaski died Oct. 10, 2009.
He was employed as a licensed practical nurse.
Funeral services were held Oct. 12 at Carr and
Erwin Funeral Home with Mike Merritt officiating. Burial was in Giles Memory Garden.
Survivors include his wife Diana Cavendish Kirkpatrick of Pulaski; his parents, James and Katherine Kirkpatrick of Pulaski; sons Josh Kirkpatrick and Christopher Kirkpatrick and wife Emily, all of Pulaski; step-sons Chris Hart of Cornersville and Jeremie Leister of Pulaski; two grandchildren; aunts and uncles.
Mrs. Ruby Jeannie Helton, 74, of Pulaski died Oct. 11, 2009, at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia.
The Lexington, Ala., native was born Aug. 7, 1935, and was a homemaker.
She is preceded in death by her father, Dewey Michael; and her husband, William Thomas Helton.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial will be in Williams Cemetery in Lexington.
Visitation is today (Tuesday) from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include her mother, Lillie Bell Michael of Lexington; two sons, Tommy Helton and Dewey Richard Helton, both of Pulaski; daughter Donna Kay Freeman of Pulaski; brother Travis Michael of Killen, Ala.; two sisters, Fay McCormack of Huntsville, Ala., and Barbara Peck of Lexington; and two grandchildren.
Mr. Henry Bessette, 79, of the Goodspring community died Oct. 12, 2009, at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Pulaski.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Laura Henley Bessette; brother Raymond Bessette; and sisters, Lillian Martin and Germaine Lemieux.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Giles Memory Garden with Mr. Rev. Mike Hume officiating.
Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Claire Bessette of Goodspring; daughter Denise Bessette Fitch and husband Willard of Goodspring; sons Henry Raymond Bessette and wife Diane of Sanford, Fla., David Bessette and wife Paloma Martinez and Paul Bessette, all of Orlando, Fla.; grandchildren, Caron Fitch, Derrick Fitch, Brian Fitch, Steven Fitch, Jacquelyn Bessette, Kimberly Bessette, Michael Bessette and Christina Bessette Pascal; and several great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Norma A. Norman, 80, of Akron, Ohio, died Oct. 14, 2009.
Born March 26, 1929, in Ethridge, she had lived in Akron since 1959. She was an active member of Springfield Baptist Church for many years.
Mrs. Norman enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as doing for others.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by six sisters and one brother.
Funeral services were held Oct. 19 at Springfield Baptist Church with Larry Baldridge officiating. Burial was in Northlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to one’s favorite charity.
Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at City Hospital for their compassionate care.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, William (Ed) Norman; daughter Wanda and husband Bob; sons Eddie and wife Rena, Autrey and wife Debby and Todd; sisters Gladys Travis and Ada Brown; four sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and special friend Dean Fletcher, who has always been there for the family.
Mr. Dwayne Charles Crain, 46, of the Old Lynnville community, died Oct. 11, 2009, at Maury Regional Medical Center.
Born in Lexington, Ky., he was employed as a truck driver for A&G Trucking of Huntsville, Ala., and he hauled cars for Allied for 14 years.
Mr. Crain enjoyed watching football, especially the Titans, and classic cars. He was very family oriented and was a member of Richland Baptist
Church.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Charles Graff; paternal grandparents John and Pearl Crain; and mother and father-in-law, Joe and Jean Zimmerlee.
Funeral services were held Oct. 15 in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was in Maury Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heritage-hfcs.com.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Zimmerlee Crain; sons, Tyler Samuel Crain and Joseph Tate Crain of Lynnville; his parents, Wayne and Shirley Graff Crain; sisters, Rebeca Carroll and husband Tim of Pulaski, Tammy Tuttle and husband Jerry of Culleoka and Julia Hight and husband Gene of Columbia; maternal grandmother Sarah Frances Graff of Culleoka; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Anna Mae Dirigo, 69, of Ardmore, Ala., died Oct. 14, 2009.
Born Sept. 3, 1940, in Brier, Mo., she is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Dorothy Hasting Belcher.
Survivors include her husband, John Dirigo of Ardmore, Ala.; son Darrell Gettings of Fisk, Mo.; sister Linda Laird of Missouri; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ms. Kristy Lynn Butler, 58, of Elkton died Oct. 14, 2009, in Sevierville.
She was born Aug. 1, 1951, in Pulaski. She was employed as a schoolteacher at Elkton Elementary School for 39 years and was a member of Ephesus Church of Christ.
She enjoyed shopping and going to yard sales. She also enjoyed going to the Great Smoky Mountains and teaching the children.
She is preceded in death by her father, Matt Butler; uncles Mabron Biggerstaff and Pat Biggerstaff; and aunt Martha Biggerstaff.
Funeral services were held Oct. 18 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home with Jerry Dryden and Richard Durham officiating. Burial was in Hastings Cemetery, Ardmore, Ala.
Survivors include her mother, Sarah Biggerstaff Butler of Elkton; brother Bobby Butler and wife Barbara of Bryson; uncle Sam Biggerstaff of Ardmore, Ala.; niece Lori Gatlin and husband Stuart of Athens, Ala.; and a host of cousins and friends.
Mr. Harold David Clem 67, of Elkmont, Ala., died Oct. 15, 2009.
Born Oct. 19, 1941, he is preceded in death by his parents, Daris and Ruby Irene Brock Clem; sister Mary Ann Clem Beeler; and granddaughter Leanna Whipple.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen Davis Clem; daughters Karla Pinkston and husband Jimmy, Marion Wight and husband Steven and Dana Schrimsher and husband Jonathan, all of Elkmont, Ala.; sister Lila Ruth Sheilds of Elkmont; brother-in-law Albert Beeler of Scottsboro, Ala.; and six grandchildren.
Ms. Christine Toone, 82, of Pulaski died Oct. 16, 2009, at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia.
The Giles County native was born June 28, 1927. She was retired as co-owner of Grand Prix Gift Shop in Pulaski.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse C. and Sally Tate Toone.
Funeral services were held Oct. 18 at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Survivors include special friend Joena Scruggs of Pulaski; and cousin Barbara Tate Hamilton of Nashville.
Mr. Randy Lynn Newton, 48, of Pulaski died Oct. 17, 2009, at Hillside Hospital.
He is preceded in death by a brother, Michael Newton.
Funeral services were held Oct. 19 in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with Mark Johnson officiating. Burial was in Stella Cemetery, Prospect.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Elliott Newton of Pulaski; son Robbie Elliott and wife Jana of Murfreesboro; daughters, Misty Newton of Pulaski, Alexis Newton of Pulaski; parents, Clarence and Jewel Clifton Newton of Pulaski; sisters, Linda Carr and husband Alton of Pleasant Ridge, Gail Braden and husband Paul of McBurg, Wanda Price and husband Jackie of the Pleasant Ridge community, Debbie Britt and husband Kenny of the Sumac community; brothers, Roger Newton and wife Pam of Prospect, Ronald Newton of Pulaski, Stanley Newton and wife Donna of Chattanooga; father and mother in-law, Harold and Sara Elliott of Pulaski; grandsons, Tylen and Davonte Elliott; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. James Virgil Graves, 85, of Pulaski died Oct. 17, 2009, at Hillside Hospital.
Mr. Graves a retired truck driver for the Giles County Highway Department. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Edgar and Eva Lee Long Graves; and his first wife, Susan Portress Graves.
Funeral services were held Oct. 19 at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial was in Lynnwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Zion Baptist Church Building Fund or to Odd Fellows Hall Church of Christ Building Fund.
Survivors include his wife Clara Graves of Pulaski; four sons, Eddie Graves, Mack Graves, both of the Odd Fellows Hall community, Joe Gilbert of Pulaski and David Gilbert of Lewisburg; three daughters, Rebecca Graves of Pulaski, Ann Lewonczyk of the Milky Way community and Carolyn Holbert of the Little Dry Creek community; two brothers, Calvin Graves of Odd Fellows Hall, Bud Graves of Pulaski; three sisters, Betty McGee, Edde Medley and Dorothy Jean Medley, all of Pulaski; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Bernice Russell Rolin, 90, of Ardmore, Ala., died Oct. 18, 2009, at Ardmore on Main Nursing Home.
Born June 25, 1919, in Madison Cross Roads, Ala., she attended Boyd’s Chapel Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, working in her flowers and being with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Hallie and Tinnie Young Russell; her husband, James T. Rolin; brother John Hammonds Russell; sister Polly Randolph and her twin daughters, Hallie and Mallie Rolin.
Funeral services were to have been held today (Tuesday) at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home with William Suddarth officiating. Burial was to have been in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in Ardmore, Ala.
Survivors include her sons, Donald Rolin and wife Ann and Cecil Rolin, all of Ardmore, Ala.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Joe Wayne Davis, 72, of Pulaski died Oct. 18, 2009, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.
The Giles County native was born June 2, 1937.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Turney and Virginia Smith Davis.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial will be in Giles Memory Garden.
Visitation is today (Tuesday) from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Survivors include two daughters, Mistie Davis and Michelle Jones, both of Pulaski; two brothers, James Davis of the Diana community and Norman Davis of Lynnville; sisters, Eilene Dale of Pulaski, Myrtle McNeese and Sara Pilkinton of Columbia; and two grandchildren.
Mrs. Mamie Sue McFarland Richards, 88, formerly of Pulaski, died Oct. 19, 2009, in Pasadena, Texas.
The Elkton native was a homemaker.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Lester Richards; parents, Henry and Addye Odell Gowen McFarland; son Jack Steven Richards; brothers, Harold McFarland and Robert McFarland; sisters, Lucille Jones, Ruby Lanier and Bessie Whitt.
Graveside service were held Oct. 24 at Maplewood Cemetery with Mark Johnson officiating.
Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include her son, James Randall Richards and wife Landess of LaPorte, Texas; brothers, George McFarland of Nashville and John McFarland and wife Nancy of Indiana; sister Betty Jordan of Prospect; sister-in-law Mary McFarland of Elkton; grandson John Richards and wife Tara of Texas; granddaughters, Elizabeth Wood and Andrea Richards; one great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Effie Lou Compton Woodard, 94, of Lynnville died Oct. 20, 2009.
The Giles County homemaker was a member of Odd Fellows Hall Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Woodard; parents, Newton and Lillian Abernathy Compton; sister Mary Compton; brother Clayton Compton; and grandson Tony Woodard.
Funeral services were held Oct. 22 in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with Randy Jones officiating. Burial was in Lynnwood Cemetery, Lynnville.
Survivors include her sons, Jack Woodard and wife Alice, Joe Woodard and wife Beverly, all of Lynnville, Jerry Woodard and wife Eva of Lafayette, La.; daughters, Lillian Fox and husband Sam of Cornersville, Mildred Story and husband
Don of Lynnville, Margaret Helton of Culleoka; sisters, Evelyn Thompson and husband Roland and Edith Locke and husband Homer, all of Nashville; 19 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Benton Osborn Philpot, 82, of Athens, Ala., died Oct. 22, 2009.
He was born Sept. 13, 1927, in Lincoln County. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Benton and Ruth Smith Philpot; and wife of 50 years, Charley June Philpot.
Survivors include daughter Clara Ruth Andrews of Athens; sisters, Hazel Rupp of Elkmont, Ala., and Nella Gean Philpot of Nashville; and two grandchildren, Charles Jerome Andrews and Benita June Andrews.
Mr. Roy K. White, 82, of Elkton died Oct. 20, 2009.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Cleo and Lyda Mae Hardiman White; and wife Cecelia Kovalesky White.
Graveside services were held Oct. 26 at Scott’s Hill Cemetery.
Carr and Erwin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his son, Larry White of Carbondale, Colo.; daughter Paula Martinez of Denver, Colo.; brothers, Paul J. White of Jerseyville, Ill., James W. White and wife Nena of Scramento, Calif., Stephen D. White of Mossville, Ill., Don W. White of Canton, Ill., and Tony C. White of Stuart, Fla.; sisters, Frances Imogene Lowrimore of Yucaipa, Calif., Modena Hull of Peoria Heights, Ill., and Dotty Reynolds and husband Lee of Gllasford, Ill.; five grandchildren, Tisha, Cassie, Russell, Jackie and Manuel; and several nieces and nephews.
Michael Wayne (Poodle) Parker, 52, of Ethridge died Oct. 24, 2009, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia.
The Giles County native was employed by Magotteaux in Pulaski and was a member of Ethridge United Methodist Church. He served as president of the Ethridge Dixie Youth Baseball League for 20 years.
He is preceded in death by his father Edward Arney Parker.
Funeral services were held Oct. 26 at Neal Funeral Home with Mickey Brackin and Louis Davis officiating. Burial was in Old Ethridge Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nealfuneralhome.net.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Yokley Parker of Ethridge; to sons, Benjamin Michael Parker and wife Brooke and Chad Nicholas Parker, all of Ethridge; his mother, Ruth Marie Rose Parker of Campbellsville; sister Paula Parker Casteel of Campbellsville community.
Mr. James Edward Hughes, 79, of Pulaski died Oct. 24, 2009.
He was a member of the Army National Guard, retired from state of Tennessee Opportunity Program and was a member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Edgar Hughes; mother Ola C. Hughes; wives, Sue Buchanan Hughes and Lyda Matheny Hughes; brother Billy (Nit) Hughes.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall.
Visitation will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn-Roesch Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville.
Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation or to donor’s favorite charity.
Survived include his children, Susan Campbell and husband Howell of Lebanon, Emily Joan Hughes of Lawrenceburg, Ky., and Todd Hughes and wife Ann Neal; sisters, Evelyn Weatherford of Lewisburg and Margie Simmons of Pulaski; grandchildren, Seth, Claire and Allie of Harvest, Ala.; and loving friends, nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Jeanette Sanderson Houston, 80, of Pulaski died Oct. 24, 2009.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ida Luree Hagood Sanderson; husband Erskin Houston; sisters, Nellie Sanderson, Margaree McMullins and Gladys Simpson; and niece Peggy Phillips.
Funeral services were to have been today (Tuesday) at the Carr and Erwin Chapel with Paul Sain officiating. Burial was to have been in Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the East Hill Church of Christ Building Fund or the Elementary Education Scholarship at Martin Methodist College.
Survivors include her niece Marsha Hargrove of Elkmont, Ala.; nephews, Wayne McMullins of Opp, Ala., Danny McMullins of Athens, Ala., and Paul McMullins of Huntsville, Ala.; great nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members.
Mr. James E. Cuny, 74, of Ardmore, Tenn., died Oct. 21, 2009, at his residence.
Born Sept. 14, 1935, in Chicago, Ill., Mr. Cuny had lived in this area for 19 years. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Athens, Ala., and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard J. and Josephine Hoff Cuny.
Funeral services were held Oct. 24 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Father Charley Alookaran officiating. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Ill., at a later date.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Cuny; son Robert W. Cuny and wife Ellen of Imlay City, Mich.; daughters, Janet Riley of Ardmore, Tenn., and Lisa Smith and husband Tony of Ardmore, Ala.; sister Arlene C. Wilson of Glenview, Ill.; and six grandchildren.
Mr. Leland Douglas Thornton, 67, formerly of Giles County, died Oct. 25, 2009, at the WNJ Medical Center in Sherman, Texas.
Mr. Thornton was born Feb. 16, 1942, in Giles County but had moved to Sherman in 1980.
He was a self-employed real estate carpenter, and he married the former Charlotte LaCroix on June 7, 1983.
His hobbies included singing and playing the guitar, building and repairing clocks as well as working on lawn mowers. He was a member of Woods St. Church of Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer Lee and Alma Barnett Thornton; and two brothers, Albert Thornton and Buford Thornton.
Funeral services were held Oct. 30 at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.
In addition to this wife, survivors include sons, Vernon L. Copeland of Cartwright, Okla., John L. Pruett of Denison, Texas, and Ronnie J. Pruett of Woodville, Texas; daughters, Louise Aguilar of Denton and Pam Smith of Sherman; brothers, Jerry Thornton and R.C. Thornton, both of Pulaski; four nephews and two nieces.
Mrs. Jean LeMay Williams, 73, of Pulaski died Oct. 26, 2009, at Signature Health Care in Columbia.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Jefferson and Birdie Holder LeMay.
Funeral services were held Oct. 28 in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with Mark Johnson officiating. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery.
She is survived by her sons, John R. Williams and wife Renee of Pulaski, Steve Williams of Pea Ridge, Ark., and Jeff Williams and wife Donna of Pulaski; grandchildren, Chasity Singleton and Audri Singleton, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive.
Mr. Joe Nelson Cox, 62, of Lynnville died Oct. 26, 2009.
He was a member of Round Hill A.M.E. Methodist Church and was retired from Maremont-Arvin after 32 years of service.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Jewel Fitzpatrick Cox; sister Effie Talley; and brothers, Ed Cox Jr., Morgan Cox and Tommy Cox.
Funeral services were held Oct. 29 at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Duke officiating. Burial was in Cox Cemetery.
Survivors include his daughter, Kelicia Cox of Nashville; son Orlando Cox of Columbia and Marcus Cox Sr. of Nashville; brothers, Robert W. Cox Sr. and wife Mary of Lynnville and Colman Cox and wife Bettye of Nashville; sisters, Geraldine Cox Brown and husband Billy of Lewisburg and Missouri Cox Holman of Lynnville; grandchildren, Marsha Cox, Marcus Cox Jr., Tiemarcus Cox, Stephan Davis, Adrianna Cox and Wesley Cox; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mr. Henry Thomas Smith, 93, of Pulaski died Oct. 27, 2009, at NHC HealthCare, Pulaski.
The Giles County native was born July 30, 1916. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was a business owner. Mr. Smith was a member of First United Methodist Church and was active in many civic organizations.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Henry and Eva Lila Austin Smith.
Funeral services were held Oct. 28 in the chapel of Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Jo Floyd and husband Robert K. of Athens, Ala., and Betty McLemore and husband John of Decatur, Ala.; brother Chris Smith of Paducah, Ky.; two sisters, Archie Clapp of Symsonia, Ky., and Mary Lewter of Ardmore, Ala.; grandchildren, Nate Crawford Jr., Karen Roe, Christopher (Kit) Crawford, now serving in Afghanistan with the National Guard,
Marcie Melvin, John McLemore III; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Mrs. Mary Ella Cox, 72, of Madison died Oct. 29, 2009, at her residence.
The Minor Hill native was born April 19, 1936.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ones and Elsie Adams Thompson; her husband, Jessie Cox; five brothers, Van Thompson, John Andrew Thompson, Elmer Thompson, Junior Thompson and Edgar Thompson; and three sisters, Velma Pugh, Lillie Mae Newton and Louise Thompson.
Funeral services were held Nov. 1 at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Burial was in Scotts Hill Cemetery.
Survivors include her son, Donald Thompson of Shelbyville; step-son Terry Cox of Goshen, Ind.; two daughters, Vicky Thornton of Paris, Tenn., and Kathy Singleton of Madison; sister Mattie Rosson of Pulaski; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Dahlia Ruth Mitchell Coggin, 83, of Ardmore, Ala., died Oct. 29, 2009.
The Ardmore, Ala., native is preceded in death by her mother, Virgie Mitchell.
Survivors include her husband of almost 67 years, James M. Coggin of Ardmore, Ala.; daughters, Ruth Hogan and husband Kenneth of Ardmore, Judy Pounders and husband Terry of Russellville, Ala.; two special aunts Alma Magnusson and Bernice Bailey, both of Ardmore; sister-in-law Ila Pearl Solomon; brothers-in-law, Woodrow Coggin of Ardmore and Cleatus White of Pulaski; grandsons, Dr. Brian Hogan, Darren Pounders and Dusten Pounders; one great granddaughter; and one step-great-grandson.
Mr. Woodrow Wilson Rogers, 91, of Shelbyville died Oct. 30, 2009.
The Elkton native was born Dec. 6, 1917. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Ethel Wilburn Rogers; sisters, Mildred and Kate; and brothers, Wilburn, James, Robert and Donnie.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Culps Rogers; son Nelson Rogers and wife Tena of Jackson, Ga.; daughter Mary Francis Gordon and husband David of Shelbyville; brother John Rogers of Estill Springs; sisters, Martha Newton of Ardmore, Ala., and Ruth Kurowski of Bartlesville, Okla.; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Mr. James Fletcher Gordon, 82, of Pulaski died Oct. 15, 2009.
He was the fifth of 10 children, and as a youth, joined Lewis Chapel Baptist Church. He later moved his membership to Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and in many other capacities, including helping rebuild the church sanctuary.
He was widely known as Fletcher and served for many years as a foreman at Maremont-Gabriel. He was a capable carpenter, excelled as a sportsman in hunting and fishing, was an avid card-player and a creative cook. He loved people and enjoyed entertaining. Though ill-health caused him to curtail many of his activities, his story-telling continued even into the nursing home.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Annie Lou Mason Gordon.
Funeral services were held Oct. 19 at Greater Richland Creek Central Building. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery.
The Rose of Sharon Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his loving wife Josephine (Missie) Gordon; his beloved daughter Christa Marlez; sisters Margaret Gipson and husband Tommie, Lou C. O’Berry and husband Versye; brothers Charlie Gordon and wife Roberta, Freeman Gordon and wife Gertrude, Harrison Gordon and wife Purcha and Rogers Gordon and wife Vera; many caring nieces and nephews, in-laws and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Betty J. Smith Evans-Lanning, 73, of Elyria, Ohio, died Oct. 10, 2009, at The Renaissance Hospice Care Center in Olmsted Township.
The Pulaski native was born March 7, 1936. She enjoyed time with her family, collecting Wizard of Oz memorabilia, reading and puzzles.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George R. Lanning; her parents, Roy C. and Willie B. Booker Smith; sisters, Virginia Gail Smith and Frances Smith Holley; and brother Paul G. Smith.
Private funeral services were held.
The Bauer-Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of The Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.
Survivors include her daughter, Crystal J. Evans of Elyria; sons, James E. Evans Jr. of Elyria, Robert N. Evans and wife Dede of Sullivan, Ohio, and Charles G. Evans and wife Denise of Elyria; sisters, Ruth Sands of Pulaski and Margaret Palmer of Smyrna; brothers, Jerry Smith of Elyria and Roy Smith and wife Darlene of Lebanon; and three grandchildren: Brandon, Samuel and George G. Jr.