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Here are the latest obituaries and notices as provided by the funeral homes serving Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Gainesboro and Livingston.
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Obituaries For Tuesday, October 3
Joe Russell, age 87 of Pall Mall, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Funeral Service for Juline Opal Culpepper, age 85 of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 11:00 am from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Campground Cemetery, Hilham. She went home to be with the God she loved on September 28, 2023. Juline was born in Cookeville on December 20, 1937. Juline was the daughter of Vanis Casto Lee and Rose L. (Stallings) Lee. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, John Culpepper (Luane), Signal Mountain, son, Gary Culpepper (Tammy), Nashville, and daughter, Carol Haremski (Mike), Knoxville; and six grandchildren, Mary Claire Kerns (Austin), Davis Culpepper (Sarah), Caroline Culpepper, Wesley Culpepper, Katie Haremski and Steven Haremski. Juline was preceded in death by her parents, Vanis Casto Lee and Rose L. Stallings Lee, brother, Charles Doc Stallings. Aunts, Sarah Avo West and Lucy Ila Gentry. Husband of 65 years, Paul E. Culpepper. Juline moved from Cookeville with her parents in the early 1940s to Detroit, Michigan and later settled in Royal Oak, Michigan. In 1955 she met Paul Culpepper at a Chrysler picnic and in June of 1956 they were married in Michigan. The couple raised their three children, John, Gary and Carol in Madison Heights and Troy, Michigan. Juline worked in the bridal registry of Hudson’s in Troy, Michigan for several years. In 1986, Juline and Paul retired to Cookeville, where she could spend time with her mother, relatives, friends, children, and grandchildren. Juline was an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Sparta. Juline was a wonderful, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, neighbor and friend. Upon learning of a person in need, she was an eager and supportive friend. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, birds, traveling, serving and enjoying sweets and spending time with family. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to all the staff at NHC West Meade Place in Nashville and NHC of Farragut. Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A funeral service for Lisa Ann Blythe, 54 of Cookeville,will be at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Presley Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Double Springs Cemetery, Cookeville. She passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at home with loved ones. Born Thursday, September 4, 1969 in Cookeville, she was the daughter of the late Gurston Clark and the late Johnnie Rich Clark. She was one of three children. Her family remembers Lisa for her powerful love of her mother, children, grandchildren, and all her friends. Lisa was an open book, letting everyone know how much she loved or thought of them. Her daughter described Lisa as “a little Betty Crocker that could cook like hell.” Lisa’s famous dishes were fried chicken, fried porkchops, roast beef and potatoes, pecan pies, and cheesecakes. Lisa loved her little dog, Skeeter. She was married to Roy Neil Blythe. Surviving are daughter, Johnnie Hall of Gallatin; sons, Lee Clark of Cookeville, Ethan Bowen of Cookeville; 8 grandchildren, LeAnn and Dylan; Annalee Rose and Liam Wyatt; and Bryar, Lizzie, Rowdi, and EllieMae; 1 great-grandchild to come; brother, William (Karen) Clark; brother-in-law, Steve Hyde; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, Lisa was preceded in death by her sister, Juanita Hyde; and husband, Roy Neil Blythe. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Presley Funeral Home, and again on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 9:00 AM until time of service at 12:00 PM.
Funeral services for Leonard Ray “Leo” DePriest, age 92 of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023 beginning at 3:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Christian Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed from this life Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born Sunday, September 13, 1931 in Inkster, Michigan, he was the son of the late James and Claudia (Turner) DePriest. Leo married the love of his life, Vivian Kathryn, “Polly” DePriest on November 17, 1951, who passed from this life December 20, 2020. Leo was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He became a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Cookeville in 1974. He was a very prominent business man and was employed with Malone and Hyde Grocery Company from 1956 until 1973 and after that, he owned and operated Leo’s Food Center on Willow Avenue, Leo’s Food Center in Algood, Eastwood Food Center, and Spring Street Super Market for many years. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, He had an unquenchable love for life, friends and his customers. He touched many people from literally all walks of life. He was athletically gifted and had a keen business mind. He only had one child but many younger people looked upon him as their father figure. Like many others he was raised in the worst of times of the late 20’s and early 30’s depression. He and his siblings were raised solely by his mother Claudia after losing his father James Wilson (whom he never knew) in 1934 from pneumonia. Leo absolutely saw the very best in people. He will be sorely missed by many, especially his kind and caring ways. He truly was one of God’s own Prototypes, the only one of him ever. Leo is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: John David and Sally DePriest of Sparta; 2 grandchildren and spouses: Josh and Checovoia Bruce of Knoxville, Jonathan and Tressa Bruce of Sparta; 5 great grandchildren: Alyce, Jayce, Embyrlee, Liam, and Lucca Bruce; 1 brother and sister-in-law: James “Tubby” and Carolyn Howard of Monroe, MI; Beloved nieces and nephews; The family would like to say thank you to special caregiver: Teresa Pugh of Cookeville. In addition to his parents Leo was preceded in death by his loving wife, Polly DePriest. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, October 4, from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm.
Funeral Services for Donnie Wayne Williams, age 72, of Mayland, will be conducted on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 5:00 PM at the Dripping Springs Independent Missionary Baptist Church, 2658 Junior Camp Road, Monterey. Pastor Mark Hall will officiate with interment to follow in the Dripping Springs Independent Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Williams was born on Wednesday, September 5, 1951, in Monterey, Tennessee, to the late Odis Dee and Hazel Stafford Williams. Mr. Williams passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Williams was a small engine repairman. He was a member of the Dripping Springs Independent Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donna Burns Williams of Mayland; daughter, Rhonda Williams of Mayland; stepdaughters, Teresa (Donald) Earhart of Mayland, Lisa Polson of the Creston Community, Marsha (David) Earhart of Mayland; stepsons, Herbert Howard of Kentucky, Tavis Leo Howard of North Carolina; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Thelma Williams; brothers, Ray, Arvie, Larry and Ricky Williams; and stepson, William Dean Howard. The family will receive friends at Dripping Springs Independent Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 3:00 PM until time of services at 5:00 PM.
Funeral Services for Jamie Shawn Phillips, age 48, of Monterey, will be conducted on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Victory Christian Center. Donnie Phillips and Caleb Phillips will officiate with interment to follow in the Welch Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Phillips was born on Monday, October 7, 1974, in Livingston, to Donnie Phillips of Monterey, and the late Pansy Ledbetter Phillips. Mr. Phillips passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Phillips was an electrician and business partner of Integrity Home Solutions. He was a graduate of Monterey High School Class of 1993. He was a member of Victory Christian Center where he served as Associate Pastor. In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Tammy Sisco Phillips of Monterey; daughter, Emily Phillips of Monterey; son and daughter-in-law, Caleb and Samantha Phillips of Monterey; granddaughter, Honor Phillips; sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Billy Dennis of Lancing, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Jason and Amy Phillips of Rickman, TN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donnie and Glenna Sisco of Monterey, TN; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cindy and Wayne Harville of Monterey, Amy and Jerry Clark of Monterey, Rachel and Clint Gill of Cookeville; and a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be given to the funeral home. The family will receive friends at Victory Christian Center on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Funeral services for Madelyn Smith, age 82 of Cookeville, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday October 5 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery. Madelyn passed away Sunday October 1 at NHC of Cookeville. Her family will receive friends Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. and again Thursday from 9 a.m. until service time.
Funeral services for Mr. Boyd Dean Adcock, 87 of Walling, will be conducted 1:00pm Thursday, October 5, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Plainview Cemetery in the Cassville Community. He passed away Monday, October 2, 2023 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Dean was born May 8, 1936 in White County to the late Ephraim Monroe and Mary Lou Humphrey Adcock. Dean was a lifetime farmer, veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Mallory Controls. He enjoyed fishing and listening to his coon hounds run. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Louena Adcock who died November 13, 2011, and a brother Kerlee Adcock. Surviving family members include his brother David Adcock and wife Winona; Sister: Barbara Anderson and husband Ronny; Daughters: Kim Dockery, Brigette Rice and husband Todd; Grandchildren: Alyssa Masters, Bronson Rice, Madison Breedlove, Allison Dockery; Great-grandchildren: Lynnleigh and Parker Masters; Many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Bobby Charles Billingsley, 83 of Cookeville, will be held at 1;00 PM on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Presley Funeral Home. Interment will be in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Cookeville. He went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 1, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born Sunday, August 4, 1940 in Cookeville, he was the son of the late William Billingsley and the late Prietta Cravens Billingsley. He was the loving husband of Becky Fletcher Billingsley for 57 blessed years. Bobby was born and raised on the farm he and Becky resided on. He was a lifelong tobacco and cattle farmer and enjoyed growing his own vegetable garden. He also enjoyed his trips to Pikeville to get apples from orchards. He would listen to WHUB, especially liking the gospel music. Bobby retired from TTU as a project manager for over 30 years, mentoring many work students. He had a hand in many campus renovation projects and helped build the campus to what it is today. He could out-work anyone, working until the day he was hospitalized. Bobby enjoyed watching sports, especially the Vols, Titans, and many other games and teams. He was also an avid Nascar fan. He even liked to watch eagle cams. Bobby loved his family, especially his grandkids. They were his world, enjoying every moment with them. He loved to eat Becky’s delicious home cooked foods. He so loved the Lord, a member of the Double Springs Church of Christ for over 48 years. He is survived by wife Becky; sons Chuck (Bethany) Billingsley of Gallatin, Michael (Rachel) Billingsley of Sparta; 3 grandkids Austin, Hannah, and Sarah Beth; Beloved fun uncle to many nieces and nephews, doing many things with them, along with cousins, and many friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM and again on Thursday from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM.
Funeral services for Jennifer Elaine Wykoff, age 50 of Crossville, will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 2:00PM from the Chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. A burial will follow at the West Cemetery on West Cemetery Road. Jennifer passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Crossville. Jennifer was born in Isabella County, Michigan on March 7, 1973, to Colleen Randolph and the late Claude Thomas Randolph. Jennifer worked with LTM in Sparta, and dearly loved her children and grandchildren. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother: Stephen Randolph and Grandmother: Constance Perkins; She is survived by her companion: Robert Potts; children & spouses: Shyanne (Josh)Wykoff, Shannon (Clint) Jones, Danielle (Dan)Bell, Sharon (Cris)Wykoff, and Glenda (Jared)Peterson; Brother: Claude Randolph; Sister & Brother-In-Law: Christane (Johnny)Smith; Grandchildren: Roseanne, Sofia, Isabel, Bailey, Jonah, Brooklyn, Riley, William, Conor, Ally, Madison, Lilith, Baby Bell, Autumn, Summer, Lucas, Hunt leigh, Stephen, and Evelyn. Plus, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. Jennifer is also survived by Closet Sister Friend: Michel Nielsen; plus, Roger Mullen. The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 11AM till the time of the service at 2:00PM.
Funeral Services for Mr. Larry Eugene Freese, Sr. age 85, of Livingston, will be conducted 1 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. James Shenko will officiate. Burial to follow in the Overton County Memorial Gardens. Mr. Freese passed from this life on Sunday morning, October 1, 2023, from his home in Livingston. He was born in Flora, Illinois on November 17, 1937, to the late Clarence and Mary Compton Freese. He served his country in the United Stats Army. Larry enjoyed fishing, traveling, crossword puzzles and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved his family and also enjoyed painting pictures. Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Mrs. Leona Wyman Freese of Livingston; sons, Randy Freese of the Hardys Chapel Community, Gary Freese and wife Ruth of Hilham, Brad Freese and wife Judy of Plano, IL, and Mark Freese and wife Genevie of Plano, IL; daughter, Teresa Nillis and husband Curt of Aurora, IL; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his son, Larry Freese, Jr.; brothers, Clarence “Hot Shot” Freese, and Paul Freese, Sr.; sisters, Racheal Francher, Georgia Brown, and Wanda Shock. The family will welcome friends on Friday morning from 11 a.m. until time of services.
Funeral Service for Connie Marie (Gullett) Copeland, 81 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her home. Connie was born Thursday, January 1, 1942, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of the late Marvin Ray Gullett and the late Lela May (Pitts) Gullett. Connie was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, and friend. She attended Algood Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years and was the treasurer. Connie was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Connie is survived by, 2 Sons, Michael Copeland and his wife, Grace, and Patrick Copeland, and his wife, Robin; Granddaughter, Savannah Grace Copeland; 2 Sisters, Norma Richards, and Betty Jo Cowan ; 3 Sisters-in-law, Elaine Burton, Jeanette Crawford, and Margie Copeland; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, David Oliver Copeland, Sister, Margie Edwards, and Brother, Kenneth Gullett. Visitation with the family will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, from 10:00 am until the time of service at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Robert “Big Bob” Leonard Hefflin Jr, 44 of Cookeville, will be at 3 p.m. Friday October 6 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Utley will officiate. Interment will follow at Algood Heritage Cemetery. He was born February 21, 1979 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA to Debra Fay Fancher and David Kolo. On this day he was adopted by Robert Leonard Hefflin Sr. In 1988 Debra Fancher married A.C. Darty, and with this union two children Alvis “Buzz” Darty and Angela Darty were added to the family. Big Bob gave his life to Christ at an early age. He attended Cookeville High School and later went on to start, own and operate his own business, Big Bob’s Auto Shop in Cookeville. He could take anything apart and put it back together, with a little help from Marty. Bobby was a “gentle giant” and a “Momma’s Boy.” He was a boisterous, opinionated entrepreneur. He loved to cook, decorate, and was quick to jump on the grill while listening to some 90’s R&B music. There was never a dull moment in his presence. His lively laughter could fill a room. To know him was to love him. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jesse and Carol Wright and Armentha Peek-Wright; his fathers David Kolo and Robert Hefflin Sr.; and brother, Alvis “Buzz” Darty. He leaves behind his mother and stepfather Debra and Levins Fancher of Bowling Green, KY; sisters, Dana Robinson of KY; Angela Darty of IN; brothers Frank, Jackie, and Curtis Robinson of TN. Big Bob is survived by nine children, four daughters, Kessiah Hefflin, Zykira Caperton, Brooklynn Shank, and Hailey Ashley all of TN; five sons Tyshawn Kolo Breedlove, Lybraun Caperton, Javan, Malachi, and Bobby “Lil Bobby” Hefflin; grandsons, Theodore Breedlove, Thaddeus Breedlove, Denver Caperton, and Lorenzo Omelas, granddaughter, Mehlani Hefflin; nephews: Devin Geer, Immanuel and Curtisi Robinson, Tyson and Aaron Darty; nieces: Brooklyn, Mariah, and Ahjanay Darty, Taccara Robinson, and Deauna Mitchell and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also, his lifelong partner Kimberly Tidwell; special friends: Marty Martin, Rico King, and Patrick Goolsby; and special family, uncle Scottie and Aunt Margaret, Bebra and Anna Wright. His family will receive friends Friday from 1 p.m. until service time.
Funeral Services for Shirley Ann Furman, age 81 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Bear Cove Baptist Church with Riv Temple officiating. Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery in Cassville. She passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta. She was born May 25, 1942 in Trenton, New Jersey, and she was the daughter of the late Charles Heater and the late Alice Wolverton Heater. She loved crafts, flowers, cooking,her family, and the ladies in her Sunday school class. She was a member of Bear Cove Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Furman and granddaughter, Alicia Rose. Survivors include: Daughters- Christine Furman (William Rockwood) of Sparta; Carolyn Moore of Paulding, OH; and Suzanna Adams (Robin) of Sparta; Grandchildren- Brandon Greiner, Dakota Greiner, Joseph Rose, Jason Moore, Jessica Moore, Chris Adams, and Rebecca Rose; 14 Great-Grandchildren. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of the service at the church.
A memorial service to honor Mrs. Rosemary Twilla Jarvis, age 88 of Sparta, and her late husband John D. Jarvis, 88 of Sparta, will be conducted 4:00pm Sunday, October 8, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. She passed away on September 3, 2023 at Adams Place in Murfreesboro, where she was loved by the staff and other residents. Rosemary was born April 26, 1935 in Smithville to the late Dr. Roy L. and Rosa John Twilla. Rosemary was a graduate of Vanderbilt University. After graduating, she was soon employed by the State of Tennessee as a social worker where she spent her entire career until retirement. Rosemary was active in the Presbyterian Church in Sparta. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at the lake with her late husband John D., who was her constant companion. She will be greatly missed. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband John D. Jarvis, who died April 30, 2020 and her brother Dr. John Kenneth Twilla. Survivors include her two nephews Neil Twilla of Auburntown, Tennessee and John Twilla of Murfreesboro; The family will receive friends after 3:00pm on Sunday at Hunter Funeral Home.
Memorial services for Sherrie Anne Durham, 42 of Cookeville will be Monday, October 9 at 3 PM at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Bro. Chris Blair will officiate. Sherrie died Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at her home. She was born April 2, 1981 in Torrance, California to Georgette Sullivan Moffatt of Cookeville and the late Don Moffatt. She was a sales manager/sales consultant in a rental center. Sherrie was a member of Eastwood Baptist Church. Survivors in addition to her mother, include husband Joe Durham of Cookeville, daughters Brianna Sullivan and Andrianna Anorve both of Cookeville, sons Jonathon Najharo of California and Jacob Anorve of Cookeville, sister Sandra Russell of Pulaski. The family will receive friends from 2 PM until service time at the funeral home.
A memorial service for Mrs. Carol Rose, age 75 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Stevens Street Baptist Church. She passed away September 29, 2023. Her family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 pm until service time at the church.
A Celebration of Life for William Charles Sliger of Baxter, will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2:00PM at the Faith Fellowship Church in Cookeville. Brother Sterl Paramore will officiate. William Charles Sliger was born in Cookeville on July 29, 1985, to Garry and Cathy (Davis) Sliger. William worked in the construction industry as a pipeline layer. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three children: Brayden Price, William Sliger and Arianna Sliger. Two Sisters & Brother-In-Law: Jennifer Hester & Patrick Cockerell, and Deanna (Sliger) Osluand. His Paternal Grandmother: Betty Bumbalough. Nephews and Niece: Nick and Gabe Hester, Kaden, Kaitlyn, and Zane Pass. He is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents: William C. Davis Jr. and Francis Davis, Paternal Grandfather: Charlie Sliger, and Brother-In-Law: Geoff Oslund. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00PM until the time of the Celebration of Life at 2:00.
