We Remember: Obituaries For Wednesday, October 25

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 Wednesday, October 25

Manuel “Manny” Anthony Gouveia, age 68 of Sparta, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, at his home. He was born February 26, 1955 in Oakland, California, and he was the son of the late Joseph Gouveia and the late Lorraine Santos Gouveia. He enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, and being outdoor. He loved being in his garden; he was an artistic gardener and landscaper. He was also a die hard Oakland Raiders fan. Everyone that Manuel met became family; he never met a stranger. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Joseph, and his brother, Jimmy Gouveia. Survivors include: Wife- Mona Gouveia of Spencer; Daughter- Samantha Oxford (former Sarabeth Gouveia); Beauties- Charlotte “Chappy”, Vincent “Vinny Shoes”, Vashti “Lil Monkey”; Siblings- Anita Gouveia Taylor (Jesse), Jean Anne Gouveia, and Donald Gouveia (Herenn); Mother-in-Law- Jean Campbell; Brother-in-Law-Keith Campbell (Debbra); Sister-in-Law- Kelly Campbell and nephew, Caleb; His Golden Retriever- Tammy; Friends- Michael and Waya and all his neighbors by the lake. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the White County Animal Shelter in Manny’s memory.

Funeral services for Mr. Gary Michael Walker, age 66, of Rickman, will be on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10 AM from the Chapel of the Hall Funeral Home of Livingston with burial to follow in the Harris Chapel Cemetery. He passed away at the Livingston Regional Hospital on Sunday evening, October 15, 2023. Mr. Gary Michael Walker was born in Livingston on Tuesday, August 20, 1957, to the late Fred and Magalene Swallows Walker. Gary attended school at Rickman. At the age of 18 he then met and fell in love with Vivian Adele White. They were married on December 12, 1975, and were married for over 45 years. Over the years, Gary worked mostly on construction jobs. He was a good-hearted man with a good sense of humor. He especially loved to tease and aggravate those he loved! He spent the last several years devoted to taking excellent loving care of Vivian after she became sick and until she passed away in 2021. He seemed to be lost without her. Gary loved and cared about others, but especially all of his family. Survivors: (2) Sons: Jason Walker and his wife Christina, and Brandon Walker; (7) Grandchildren: Peyton Walker, Mason Walker, and Mary Beth, Colson Walker, Katelyn Walker, Colton Walker, and Brody Walker; (1) Great-Granddaughter: Callie Capri Walker; (2) Brothers: Larry Walker and his wife Karoline, Tony Walker and his wife Lesia; (2) Sisters: Cindy Dial and her late husband Frank, and Anita Taylor and her husband Chris; (9) Nieces and Nephews: Jeff Auberson, Steven Walker, Joshua Walker, (Tara), Misty Chilton (Dustin), Chrissy Cantrell (james), Kara Lindsay (Alex), Kody Davis (Rachel), Kyler Davis, Kelli Dodd (Matthew); His Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law: Allard and Naomi White; Sister-In-Law: Vicki White; and Niece: Alicia White Gunnels. Gary is also survived by several Great Nieces and Nephews. Preceded in death: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Vivian Adele White Walker; one son Michael Shawn Walker; one nephew Larry (Bub) Walker, Jr.; and 2 brothers-in-law: Frank Dial and David White. Family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, October 25th starting at 6 PM to 9 PM.

Funeral services for Michelle Huddleston, 42 of Cookeville, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday October 26 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Michelle passed away suddenly Saturday October 21. Her family will receive friends Wednesday from 3 – 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time.

Graveside Funeral Services for Sherline Barnett, age 58, of Crawford, will be conducted on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the George M. Phillips Cemetery. Rev. Richie Farley will officiate with interment to follow. Ms. Barnett was born on Thursday, November 5, 1964, in Washington, Maryland, to the late George and Bonnie Cook Fink. Ms. Barnett passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Ms. Barnett was a homemaker. She is survived by her sisters, Theresa (Bruce) Higginson of Benton, IL, Mary Murphy of the Vine Ridge Community; and brother, Larry (Twila) Wilson of Crawford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Fink, Lonnie Fink, and Gary Wilson. The family will receive friends at the cemetery for graveside services.

Funeral services honoring Ivan Lee Bilbrey, 92 of Cookeville, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday October 26 at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro Danny Hall will officiate. Interment will follow at Boiling Springs Cemetery. Ivan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away suddenly on October 23, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born in Putnam County, Tennessee, on December 26, 1930, Ivan lived a rich and fulfilling life. Ivan is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Vila Jones Bilbrey, whom he married on March 29, 1952. Their love story, spanning over seven decades, is a testament to their enduring commitment and mutual respect. He is survived by his son, Wayne Bilbrey, and his daughter, Rosalie Bullard and his grandchildren, Dustin Bilbrey, Nichole Brown (husband, Devin), Suzanne Smith, Katie Bullard, and Jeremiah Bullard. Ivan’s great-grandchildren, Preston and Paisley Brown, along with several others, will remember their great-grandfather’s love and wisdom. Ivan also leaves behind his nephews, Jim and Gary Wyatt. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Felix Bilbrey and Nina Garrison Bilbrey, his daughter, Christie Wilson, his son, Donald Ray Bilbrey, and his grandson, Kyle Ray Bilbrey, and siblings Lorraine Warren, Ruth Stewart, Kenneth Bilbrey, and Charles Bilbrey. Ivan’s professional life was marked by hard work and dedication. He retired from a long career in construction and brick masonry, where his handy skills were greatly appreciated. Ivan was a former member of the Sycamore Church of Christ and later a member of the Holladay Church of Christ. His faith was an integral part of his life, providing him with strength and guidance. Ivan had a deep love for the outdoors. He found joy and tranquility in fishing, he had a green thumb for gardening, and a knack for tinkering with small engines. His family will receive friends Thursday from 1 p.m. until service time.

Funeral services for Mr. Sammy Edward Brown, age 75 of Shelbyville, a native of Sparta, will be conducted 3:00pm Friday, October 27, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with full military honors by the Veterans’ Honor Guard. He passed away at 3:50pm Friday, October 20, 2023 at Vanderbilty University Medical Center in Nashville. Sammy was born December 17, 1947 in Sparta to late James Harvey and Edith Elizabeth Clemons Brown. He was a retired construction superintendent with a career of overseeing many large projects. Sammy was an avid fisherman, hunter and an Atlanta Braves fan; however his sports passion was on full display every fall when his blood would run Big Orange. Sammy served his country as a member of the United States Army in Vietnam. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children Wanda Jeanette Stacy Brown who died January 17, 2010; sister Sherry Morgan and brother David “Gene” Brown. Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his wife Connie Sisco Brown of Shelbyville; Two children: Chris (Dena) Brown of Gallatin, and Seidina Brown of Murfreesboro; Step-children: Chris (Melanie) Sisco of Rockvale, TN and Troy (Rachel) Sisco of Woodbury; Grandchildren: Ciera (Justin) Conner, Cirsten Brown, Alexia Eubanks; Step-grandchildren: Chase, Hunter, Layla and Brantley Sisco; Great-grandchild: Stetson Conner. The family will receive friends after 1:00pm Friday at Hunter Funeral Home. Stephen McCollum will officiate. In honor of Sammy’s wishes he will be cremated following his funeral service. Family and friends are encouraged to wear UT orange in honor of Sammy’s love of the Vols.

Memorial Services for Sarah Ann Childress, age 80 of Sparta, will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. She passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was born December 6, 1942 in Dunlap, and she was the daughter of the late Hubert Bowman and the late Edna Hatfield Bowman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Childress, daughter, Jamie Childress, sister, Olena Shoulders, and brother, Thomas Bowman. Survivors include: Sons- Scotty Childress (Kristy) of Sparta, and Jason Childress (Tracy) of Cookeville; Grandchildren- Joseph, Tiffany, Rachel, Renae, Rebekah, Randy, Daniela, Mirandy, Shaylee, Shayna, Nevaeh, Geoffory, and Gage; 26 Great-Grandchildren; Brother- Kelly Sam Bowman of Pikeville. The family will welcome friends from 4:30 PM until time of the service at the funeral home.

A Memorial Service for John Francis Hughes, age 62 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Michael Hughes officiating. He passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, at his home. He was born February 20, 1961 in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and he was the son of the late Joseph Hughes and the late Katharina Sonnleitner Hughes. He attended Shore Regional High School in New Jersey. He proudly served in the United States Army. He also worked for Dana Corporation in Gordonsville as a machinist for 32 years. He was a talented machinist and wood worker. He loved to ride motorcycles and walk through our many parks in Tennessee. He loved his family and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: Wife- Donna Hughes of Sparta; Son- Michael T. Hughes (Melissa) of Gordonsville; Daughters- Cheryl D. Hughes of St. Lake City, UT and Michelle Sparkey (Matt) of Chillicothe, OH; Sister- Annabelle Olson of Sparta; 7 Grandchildren also survive. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of the service at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Edward “Tom” Prime, age 65 of the Hickory Valley community, will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, October 28, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Davis Cemetery. He passed away on Saturday morning October 21, 2023 at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital. Tom was born November 4, 1957 in Sparta. He was a life long automobile detailer and had been in business for 50 years. He loved cleaning vehicles with his favorite part to clean being the windows. Tom enjoyed his toys, his ’06 Corvette, Camaro and his Fat Boy Harley Davidson, he loved gardening but most of all he loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Doyle Nazarene Church. Tom is preceded in death by his mother Zelda Lillian Henderson Prime and a sister Judy Henderson. Survivors include his wife of 25 years Noretta Prime of Sparta; Sister: Norma Jean Leftwich of Sparta; Brother: Steve Robert Prime; Daughter: Amanda Keith and husband Daniel; Grandchildren: Destinie, Jay-Lynn and Benton Keith; Special friend: Eric Lewis; A host of nieces, nephews and extended family members also survive. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.

Funeral services honoring Eric James Bianco, 63 of Baxter, will be at 3 p.m. Saturday October 28 at the Baxter Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Jason Groe will officiate. Interment will follow at the Bianco Family Cemetery. He passed away suddenly at his residence in Baxter, on October 21, 2023. Born on September 1, 1960, in Bradenton, Florida. Eric was a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church. He lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to his family, friends, and community. Eric was a hardworking entrepreneur who owned and operated Eric’s Carpet Cleaning until his recent retirement. His work ethic was unmatched, and his honesty was a trait that earned him respect and admiration from his clients and peers. He was a man of integrity, always standing by his word, and his dedication to his craft was evident in the quality of his work. He was known for his willingness to lend a hand, always reaching out to help a neighbor in need, often going out of his way to assist others. Anytime anyone needed him, he would respond, “I’ll be right there.” Eric was a loyal family man, always putting his family first. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Saronda Bianco of 39 years, and a dedicated father to his daughters, Saerica Root (Stephen), Meghan Hodges (Carl), and Brianna Smallwood (Kirkland). His love for his family was evident in the way he cared for them. He was his wife’s knight in shining armor, always there to provide support, comfort, and a guiding hand. He was a proud grandfather to Elliot and Gabriel Hodges, Gracelynn and Liliana Root, Rhydian and Alice Smallwood. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Eric was also a beloved brother to Mark Bianco, Charlene Cluley (Kenneth), Michael Bianco, Lynne Bianco, and Joseph Bianco. He also leaves behind his dear friend, Tim Coyle, whose friendship he treasured and considered him a brother. His family will welcome friends Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time.

A celebration of life for Jason Reed O’Connor, 47 of Baxter, will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 2:00pm from the Oldham’s Theatre in Sparta. Jason Reed O’Connor was born on July 23, 1976, in Sparta to the late Jack Reed O’Connor of Sparta. And Elizabeth Mare “Liz” (Maynard) O’Connor of Baxter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Ruby Elizabeth “Beth” Slagle. And a brother Jackie Ray O’Connor. Jason is survived by his Wife: Diana (Davis) O’Connor of Baxter; Two Daughters: Haley Ann Rashea Keith and Hannah Rachelle Keith; A Brother: Forrest Sam Brown and a Cousin Kenneth Neal Maynard who was loved as a brother. Also loved by a host of nieces and nephews. A visitation with the family will follow the service, till 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made in memory of Jason to the Allison Cemetery Fund.

A memorial service for Rosina “Rose” Fields, 85 of Cookeville, is being planned, tentatively set for Saturday, November 11 at 1 PM at Cookeville First Baptist Church. She died Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at her home. Her wishes of cremation are being honored. She was born August 1, 1938 in Sicily, Italy to the late Basil and Rose Natoli Aragona. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Erwin Fields on February 16, 2019 and a sister, Anna Kowalczyk. She was a homemaker. Rose was a member of Cookeville First Baptist Church and very active in her Sunday School Class. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include sons David (Anh-Phuong) Fields of Burke, VA, Douglas (Gabriele) Fields of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sister Gracie Brooks of Michigan, brother Joe Aragona of Wisconsin, grandchildren: Andrew Fields, George Fields, Anne Catherine “Kitty” Fields, James Monroe Fields, Lukas Samuel Fields, great-grandchildren: Elysia Noel Fields and Seraphina Ophelia Fields. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until service at the church.