We Remember: Obituaries For Friday, November 3

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 Friday, November 3

Helen J. Taylor Dodson, age 74 of Sparta, passed away on Thursday November 2, 2023 at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete.

Celebration of life services for Jimmy “Jim” Lee Deck age 72 of Livingston, will be held at 10am on Saturday November 4, 2023, at the Church of Christ at Walnut Grove. Mr. Deck passed from this life on Sunday October 29, 2023, at the Livingston Regional Hospital. He was born in Monterey, TN on May 27, 1951, to the late Thomas and Geraldine Poston Deck. He was an active member of Walnut Grove Church of Christ. He enjoyed fellowship with his church family. With his quick wit and winning personality, he was loved by many. Jim loved traveling with his family, spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. Jim loved working in his yard. He took great pride in making his home a special place for friends and family. He also enjoyed washing their cars, visiting with neighbors, camping and just being outdoors. Jim enjoyed sports, especially Cincinnati Baseball, Titan’s football, UT and our local football and basketball teams. Jim served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After he came back from the war he went to Vocational School. He then chose a career in commercial sales with Cherokee Distributers where he was promoted to branch manager. He loved being with people and did this for forty years. Jim retired in April 2021, where he left behind an amazing work crew that he considered family. Jim leaves behind his wife Marsha Hogue Deck, son Josh Deck, daughter Rachel Deck, grandchildren Emma, Drew, and Tyson Deck and Nevaeh Skelton, sisters Debbie Deck, Laura Phillips and brother in-law Duane, sister in-law Sarah Hogue, great aunt in-law Dorothy Stanton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by parents Thomas and Geraldine Deck, brother Tommy Deck, sister Pat Mayberry and husband Larry, niece Amy Lewis, father in-law Glenard Hogue, mother in-law Betty Jo Hogue Norris and brother in-law Mark Hogue. Visitation will begin at 10am, with the service to follow at 2pm. Donations can be made to St. Jude and the Orphan fund at Walnut Grove.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Pat Austin, age 82, of Livingston will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, from the Netherland Church of Christ. Bro. Mark Loftis will officiate. Burial to follow in the Good Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Pat peacefully passed from her home in Livingston surrounded by her family, on Monday afternoon, October 30, 2023. She was born at home on February 9, 1941, in Livingston, to the late Earl Hasker “Hack” and Nora Anna Hodges Copeland. She was a member of the Netherland Church of Christ. Pat married the love of her life Mr. Ray Price Austin, in August of 1957. She then graduated Livingston Academy in 1959 and started building their family shortly afterwards. During that time Pat and Ray traveled to every State in the Union except Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Hawaii. In 1978 Pat received her Bachelor of Science and started teaching school in Overton County. She earned her Master’s degree in 1997 and earned her EDS degree in 1999. Her children and grandchildren were her life where she would travel for sports and soap box derbies all over the Northeast. Pat was also known for her excellent cooking for her family and church family. Pat leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Ray Austin of Livingston; daughters, Tammy Loftis and husband Mark of Cookeville, Amanda Austin and husband Mike White of Hermitage, and Beth Gunnels and husband Joe of Rickman; son, Mike Austin and wife Lori of Rickman; grandchildren, Evan Loftis and wife Hannah, Dylan Loftis and wife Kaylee, Lucas Gunnels, Leah Gunnels, John Lewis Austin, and Matthew Austin; great-grandchildren, Griffin Loftis, Maxine Loftis, and Adelaide Loftis; step-sister, Patricia Conner and husband Steve of OH. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her sister, Anita Copeland and step-brother, Jimmy C. Ledbetter. The family will welcome friends on Friday evening from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., then on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until time of services at the Netherland Church of Christ. Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by contacting Speck Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Bobbie Lee Collier, age 88, of Baxter, will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. Jimmy Anderson will be officiating. Immediately following the service, burial will be at the Collier Family Cemetery in Granville. He passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He was born and raised in Granville. In 1953, he moved North looking for work. He worked at multiple jobs before eventually ending up in Cleveland, Ohio where he worked at General Motors for 34 years. He was a member of the UAW. He retired in November 1990. After retirement, he headed back to TN, the place he always called “home”. He enjoyed farming, fishing, deer hunting, and Digger’s Auctions. He is survived by his Sons: Bobbie (Sherry) Lee Collier, Jr. and Derek Collier; Daughter: Dana (Sam) Disalvatore; Brother: Billy (Linda) Collier; Sister: Molena Roberts. He was also survived by 9 Grandchildren; 12 Great Grandchildren; and 1 Great-Great Granddaughter along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years: Betty Jean Duke; Daughter: infant Casandra Lee; Parents: Buddy Haskel and Clara Burton Collier. Brothers: Ralph, Garland, Douglas, Donald, and Braxton Collier, Sister; Lena Mai. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro, and again on Saturday November 4, 2023, from 8:00 am until 11:00 am.

Funeral services for Beatrice Alberta Goolsby Hall, 87 of Cookeville, will be conducted 11:00am Saturday, November 4, 2023 from the Chapel of Dyer Funeral Home in Cookeville. Burial will follow in John L. Clark Cemetery in Gainesboro. She was born in Celina on September 11, 1936 to Shelby and Eldrith Roberts Goolsby. She passed away at Signature Healthcare on October 31, 2023 at the age of 87 from complications of Alzheimers. Alberta or “Bert” sometimes referred to graduated from Baxter Seminary in 1956. She worked various jobs including telephone company and shirt factory. Alberta married Carlos Ray Hall in 1958. In 1970 they owned the City Cafe In Gainesboro. Throughout the years, they owned two grocery stores. In 1980, Alberta went to work for Putnam County Health Department as a Certified Nursing Aid. She worked in outreach, home health and retiring after 20 years in the clinic. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Alberta was preceded in death by her parents Shelby and Eldrith Goolsby, her husband Carlos Ray Hall, her son, Anthony Ray Hall, her siblings Charles Goolsby, Bruce Goolsby, David Goolsby, Jenny (Charles) Hunt, Evanelle Scott. Alberta is survived by her brother Neal (Linda) Goolsby, daughter Sharon (Ricky) Anderson and Shelia (Tracey) Barker, grandchildren Amy (George) McCready, Eli (Hayden) Barker, and Shelby Barker, great grandchildren Frank McCready, Breanna McCready, and Hayley McCready, daughter-in-law Gaye Hall, her sister-in-law Mary Elise Goolsby, brother-in-law Jack Scott and and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 4-7:00pm Friday and after 9:00am Saturday at Dyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart of the Cumberland Grief Center, 25 W. Broad Street #11, Cookeville, TN 38501

Funeral services for Harold Franklin Flatt, 90 of Double Springs, will be conducted at Double Springs Church of Christ at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 th , 2023. Grandchildren will be conducting the service and Ken Master will be officiating at the cemetery. Burial will follow in the Double Springs Cemetery. He was born February 22, 1933, in Jackson County, and passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at his residence in Double Springs, at the age of 90. Mr. Flatt was the son of the late Haskell Flatt and Beulah Edith Lambert Flatt. He retired from the Department of Transportation after 35 years of employment. He loved to farm and was a true cattleman. He was a member of the Philadelphia Church of Christ prior to his move to Double Springs. Eventually, becoming an Elder and Deacon for the Double Springs Church of Christ. He enjoyed both spending time and serving his church family. Mr. Flatt loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He coached his children’s little league teams and woman’s softball league. He was always in attendance at the Upperman Football Games and loved to watch his grandchildren play. He was a dedicated Vanderbilt fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family and would take rides back to his old home place at Rush Fork. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Evelyn Lee Fox Flatt; Son: Garry (Pam) Flatt; Daughters: Linda (Brad) Smith and Judy (Late Bobby) Delk; Sisters: Jewell (Bobby) McCaleb of Cookeville, and Joyce (Late Herman) Pippin of Bloomington Springs; Sister-In-Law, Juanita Flatt of Cookeville; Grandchildren: Emily Flatt, Jacob Flatt, Jeff (DeVon) Smith, Jason (Andrea) Smith and Matthew (Jessica) Delk; Great Grandchildren: Aubree Owen, Jackson Smith, Elena Smith, Claire Smith, Lucas Delk, and Grace Delk. Mr. Flatt was preceded in death by: Parents; Brother: Kenneth Flatt; Sister; Emogene Birdwell; Brother-In-Laws: Herman Pippin and Earl Birdwell; Nephew: Jimmy Flatt. Visitation will begin at Double Springs Church of Christ from 11:00 am until time of funeral service at 1:00 pm. Memorial may be made to the Sam Flatt Cemetery by contacting the funeral Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service for Larry Wayne Geer, age 72 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Lamar Redmon officiating. He passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born May 22, 1951 in Sparta, and he was the son of the late William Geer and the late Marie Stoglin Geer. He served in the United States National Guard for many years. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with is family and friends. He owned Geer’s Grocery for 39 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carrie Geer and his brother, Douglas Geer. Survivors include: Wife- Nelouise Geer of Sparta; Daughter- Christy Tubbs (Chad) of Sparta; Son- Kyle Geer (Regina) of Baxter; Step-Daughters- Tania Whittenburg (Steven) of Cookeville, and Teri Dockery (Mike) of Sparta; Son- Trevor Elrod of Sparta; 8 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchildren; Sisters- Brenda Oaks (Jim) of Sparta, and Patricia Trobaugh of Baxter; Several nieces and nephews 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 Georgia Lanell (Loftis) Fox, age 86 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 beginning at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Bybee officiating. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Cookeville. She passed from this life Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at her home in Cookeville. Born Tuesday, March 9, 1937, in Gainesboro, she was the daughter of the late Noah and Cora (Chaffin) Loftis. Georgia was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She was of the Church of Christ Faith and attended Pippin Church of Christ. She worked for many years at C & M Clothing of Cookeville, and also for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department in Cookeville. She was also self-employed in refinishing furniture for Fox Antiques. She was an avid collector of antiques. She loved spending time with her family and loved her grandchild and great grandchildren. Georgia is survived by her grand-daughter and grandson-in-love: Stacey Nicole and Joshua Owens of Cookeville; 2 great-grandchildren: Oakley Owens and Andy Owens of Cookeville; 1 daughter-in-law: Pamela Fox of Cookeville; 2 sisters and 1 brother-in-law: Vada and Charles Burch of Mobile, AL, Lola Frances Howe of Merced, CA; 1 brother: Daniel Loftis of Algood; Several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Haskell Fox, 2 sons, Haskell Boyd Fox, Jr. and Gregory Kent Fox, and several sisters and brothers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, November 3, 2023 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, and again Saturday, November 4, from 11:00am until the time of service at 2:00pm.

Funeral Services for Ms. Monica Dee Linder, age 59, of Livingston will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, from the Livingston First Baptist Church. Bro. Jason Roberson will officiate. Burial to follow in the Green Hill Cemetery. Monica passed from this life on Tuesday evening, October 31, 2023, from the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was born in Livingston on September 11, 1964, to J.E. and Mildred Phillips Linder. A member of the First Baptist Church in Livingston, where she loved to be. She loved her Pacesetter family and friends, volunteering at the Care Center, and playing candy crush on her iPad. She was also great at swimming and diving. Monica leaves behind her dad and mom, J.E. and Mildred Linder of Livingston; brother, Rich Linder and wife Elaine of Glascow, KY, sister, Robin Bowman of Cookeville; nephew, Jed Bowman, and nieces Chelsea Linder and Payton Payne. The family will welcome friends on Friday evening from 5 until 8 p.m., then on Saturday from 12 noon until time of services at the First Baptist Church in Livingston. Memorial Donations may be made to the Special Olympics, by contacting Speck Funeral Home.

Memorial services honoring Rebecca Diane “Becky” Tomlinson, 63 of Cookeville, will be held 2:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday November 4th at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. A woman of radiant optimism and boundless love, she passed away peacefully at Bethesda Health Care in Cookeville on October 18, 2023. Born on December 17, 1959, in Nashville, Becky lived her life with a contagious zest for life, a sharp wit, and an unwavering kindness that touched all who knew her. Becky was predeceased by her parents, William Charles Tomlinson and Jean Tomlinson Dallas, and her brothers, David and Steve Tomlinson. She is survived by her loving son, Kyle Greenway of Huntsville, AL; her cherished daughter, Kasey Greenway of Baxter; her supportive brother, Michael (Michele) Tomlinson of Blaine, WA; her dear sister, Janice Tomlinson of Nashville; and her treasured grandchildren, Jules Rose Salgado and Jameson Nash Greenway. Becky was a woman of many passions. She had a profound love for music and reading, often seen with a book in one hand and headphones in the other. Her wit and humor were infectious, and she was known for her ability to light up any room with her laughter. Becky was a no-nonsense woman who lived her life with a kind and loving spirit. Her optimism was unwavering, and she had a unique ability to see the positive in every situation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Becky’s honor to the Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Funeral services for Elnoria Isabell “Tootsie” Presley, 82 of Cookeville, will be Sunday, November 5 at 2 PM at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Browns Mill Cemetery. Bro. Tracy Daugherty will officiate. Mrs. Presley died Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Charter Assisted Living of Cookeville. She was born January 25, 1941 in Putnam County to the late Harvey Napoleon and Ruby Lee EllenWhitaker Mansell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband (Married July 1, 1962) Phillip “Phil” Aaron Presley on May 6, 2002; sisters, Lola Flatt, Josephine Haffner, Frances Hitchcock, Christine Vinson, Mildred Mansell; brothers, Clifford, Kenneth and Albert Mansell. She retired in 1997 as a associate with Foam Ex of Cookeville. Although a member of Caney Fork Baptist she was attending and being ministered to by Hamptons Crossroads Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, crafting and yard sales with her sisters and nieces after retiring from work. Survivors include brother, Taylor Mansell of Cookeville; and a host of nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday from 12 Noon until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Browns Mill Cemetery c/o Cora Norris, 3198 Browns Mill Rd., Cookeville, TN 38506.

Celebration of Life for Maylene Elizabeth Whitefield, 74 of Cookeville, will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 3:30 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Frieze officiating. She passed from this life on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at NHC Healthcare Cookeville. Maylene was born Wednesday, May 18, 1949, in Cookeville, and she was the daughter of the late Valous Maylon Whitefield and the late Eula Mildred (Allen) Whitefield. Maylene graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. As she began her career, her first job was teaching school in Bowling Green, Kentucky for several years. On April 13, 1973, she started working for the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative, in Bowling Green. Later she transferred to McMinnville to continue working for the Social Security Administration as the Management Support Specialist. Later she transferred to the Cookeville office as the Operations Supervisor. She finished her career in 2005 with over 30 years. After she retired, she was a caregiver to her dad and sister until their deaths. She was a member of Hope Church in Algood (Formerly Trinity). Maylene loved the Lord and her strong faith got her through some tough times. Maylene loved planting flowers in her yard and she loved all of her cats she has had over the years. She was an avid reader of hundreds of books and her bookshelves were full where she had read every one of them. Maylene is survived by, 8 Cousins, John, Jimmy, and Jerry Allen, Mary Lee Brown, Debra Hargis, Wayne and Barry Jones, and Denise Whitefield; Uncle, Vay Vickers, Jr. In addition to her parents, Maylene was preceded in death by her sister, Marsha Whitefield. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 3:30 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charities.

Funeral services for Barbara Carolyn Bohannon, 77 of Cookeville, will be Monday, November 6 at 12 Noon at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sand Springs Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Bohannon died Thursday, November 2, 2023 at NHC Healthcare of Cookeville. She was born May 4, 1946 in White County to the late Norman and Lennie Brewington Clouse. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tex Bohannon and several siblings. She was a homemaker and member of Scott Avenue Baptist Church. Barbara enjoyed working her flower garden, reading and studying the Bible. Survivors include sons Darrell (Tammy Long) Bohannon , Darian (Catina) Bohannon all of Cookeville, grandchildren: Tiffany Deming, Randi Hickman, Alaina Bohannon and Allison Bohannon, great-grandchildren: Emma and Kamden Deming, Jamie and Jessie Trent. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 8 PM and after 10 AM Monday at the funeral home until service time.

Funeral services for Ms. Kathy Mae Vinson, age 67 of Sparta, will be conducted 1:00pm Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Highland Cemetery. She passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her family. Kathy was born July 17, 1956 in Sparta, to the late Willie Earl and Velma Mae Hodge Vinson. Kathy was devoted to her family, as evidenced by her enduring hard work and multiple jobs in order to provide for her family. Her generous spirit to all of her loved ones and those that needed help will always be treasured. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her sisters Wilma Earlene Henry and Ann Hickey; brothers Calvin Philmore Vinson, Hillard Thomas Vinson, Ronnie Stephen Vinson and infant Jerome Vinson. Surviving family members include her daughter Tera Hutchings and husband Jason; Grandchildren: Azalea and Phoenix; Companion: Carl Lamb; Brothers: Leroy Vinson and Michael Dale Vinson and wife Sherry; A host of nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends after 12:00pm Wednesday at Hunter Funeral Home.

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.