We Remember: Obituaries For Friday, April 12

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, April 12

A Celebration of Life service for Deborah “Debi” Lynn (Howe) Christiansen, 70, of Baxter, will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Cookeville Church of Christ. Interment will be held at a later date. She passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center-Knoxville, due to complications following liver cancer surgery. She was surrounded by family. Born May 16, 1953, in Wyandotte, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Ramon “Ray” D. Howe and Shirley A. (Fite) Howe. The second oldest of five children; her parents and siblings adored her. Debi graduated from Hohenwald High School, Hohenwald, TN in 1971. She attended Freed Hardeman University and worked as a secretary at the University of Michigan for many years. She later received a Medical Billing degree. More recently, she was employed as a bookkeeper for Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville, prior to her retirement. She met the love of her life, her husband Gary C. Christiansen, and they married on February 27, 2015. Debi is best remembered for her dedicated love for her family. She was generous and compassionate, always thinking of others before herself. Debi and Gary were both devoted caregivers to her parents, who resided in their home from 2017-2022. She loved baking; her delicious homemade cheesecakes were a family favorite. Her favorite season was fall because of the fall colors. She loved nature: the beauty of a flower, a golden sunset, or just the chance of spotting deer near the side of the road. She especially loved her cat “Mae” who was her constant companion for 13 years. She was an entrepreneur, having owned and operated several retail businesses both before and after her retirement. Most recently, she used her artistry, painting, and crafting skills to create and sell home décor items for others to enjoy. She always managed a positive outlook, despite the many years of cancer treatments, ill-health, and major events. Because of that she was a great inspiration and encouragement to all her family and friends. Her husband Gary was a great help and support to her in all her sickness. Debi found joy in being a child of God. Her strength came from her faith, trust and obedience to her Lord and Savior. Preceded in death by: Father – Ramon “Ray” D. Howe; Paternal Grandparents – Aurbrie and Eula Howe; Maternal Grandparents – Charles and Lillian Fite. Surviving loved ones include: Husband – Gary C. Christiansen, of Baxter; Mother – Shirley Howe, of Gainesboro; Siblings: Jerri Gilmer, of Eustis, FL, Karen Neilson, of Cookeville, Larry Howe, of Saline, MI, Robin Crawford, of Baxter; Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, church members, and neighbors. The family will receive friends before the service from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM, at the same location. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Debi’s memory may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) and can be mailed to NET Research Foundation, 31 St. James Avenue, Suite 365, Boston, MA 02116

A memorial service for Dr. Elijah Morgan Dudney, age 94 of Gainesboro, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 13 in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral. Mark Dudney will officiate the service. Dr. Dudney chose cremation and the family will hold a private interment later at the Dudney family cemetery. He passed away on March 30, 2024. He was a retired physician and a member of the Gainesboro Church of Christ. Dr. Dudney was born at home in the Free State community of Jackson County on November 12, 1929, the only child of Mark and Sally Dudney. He graduated from Jackson County Central High School as Valedictorian at age sixteen in 1946. He attended Tennessee Polytechnic Institute from 1946-1949, then entered medical school at the University of Tennessee at Memphis. He obtained his M.D. in 1952 and entered the civilian internship program in the U.S. Air Force, interning at Nashville General Hospital. Dr. Dudney attended the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and qualified as a flight surgeon. Assigned to Washington National Airport, his duties included taking care of VIP personnel entering and leaving the United States, including the Presidential flight crews. While on active duty in Washington, Dr. Dudney served as a White House Aide to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, acting as an escort for social and state functions at the White House. After completing active duty, he began a surgical residency at Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, serving as chief surgical resident in his final year. In 1959, Dr. Dudney returned to Gainesboro and began his private practice of medicine and surgery, continuing his military service as a reservist and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. He served as Jackson County’s Medical Examiner for many years. Dr. Dudney was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Janey Dudney; and his parents, Mark and Sally Dudney. Survivors include daughters Dr. Tina Dudney (husband Mike) and Jane Morgan Dudney Roberts (husband Jeff); and son Mark Dudney (wife Laurajane). Dr. Dudney had four grandchildren: Hannah Claire McCormack, Sarah Jane Dudney, John Morgan Dudney and Rachel Katharine Dudney. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the beautification fund at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce or the Share to Care Foundation, which benefits Jackson County youth and teachers. Donations may be made by contacting the business office Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Dorothy Ivajean Pippin, 89, of Bloomington Springs will be held 1pm, Saturday, April 13, 2024 from the Cookeville chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral home with James Bowlin officiating. Interment will follow in the Byers Cemetery in Jackson County. A true definition of love and generosity, she left this world on April 9, 2024. Born on November 29, 1934, in Jackson County, TN to the late Carson and Ella Ardelia Haney. Dorothy’s life was a testament to the enduring power of kindness. After a rich life filled with joy and service, she passed away peacefully in her home with loved ones by her side. She leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by her family and those who had the privilege of knowing her. Dorothy’s devotion to her family was the hallmark of her existence. As a mother, she raised her beloved children with tenderness and wisdom. She is survived by her caring sons, Steve Pippin and Tim Pippin, both of Cookeville, and her daughters, Brenda Bos and Danita Pippin, of Bloomington Springs; sister, Edith Norton of Cookeville; grandchildren, Stephanie Bos Davis and husband Nick of Baxter, Lauryn Bos Johnson and husband Alan of Mooresville, NC, and Tom Bos, Jr. and girlfriend, Taylor Myers of Bloomington Springs; great-grandchildren, EllaAnn Elizabeth Davis, Addison Johnson, Bryson Davis, Avaleigh Johnson, and Luke Johnson, who will grow up with stories of their great-grandmother’s loving spirit and generous heart. Dorothy was welcomed into Heaven by her husband of 62 years, Daniel C. Pippin, and is once again reunited with their daughter, Delynda Jo Pippin. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Tom Bos, Sr., and her siblings, Willie Edgar Haney, Jack Haney, Louis Haney, and Joe W. Haney, along with her sister, Francis Lucille Haney, and several dear in-laws, Eva, Catherine and Dorothy Haney, and K.R. Norton. Mrs. Pippin’s family will welcome friends on Friday from 4-8pm, and again on Saturday from 11am until time of services at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Kermit Dibrell Wilson, age 82 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with David Bratcher officiating. Burial will follow in Smith Chapel in Cumberland County. He died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. Kermit was born on September 22, 1941, to the late Dibrell Lee Wilson and Geneva Ellen (Dodson) Wilson. He was a loving husband to Gwen for over 50 years and to his children and grandchildren whom he loved. Kermit retired after several years working in construction as a roofer. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, outdoors in general, and cooking, above all else he loved his great-grand babies. Kermit was preceded in death by his brothers Harold, Hutton, and Thomas Wilson; sisters Tressie Wagner and Geneva Clouse. Surviving family include his wife Gwen, son Greg (Chasity) Wilson and daughter Misty (Jon) Bryant. Grandchildren Brandon (Krystal) Bryant, Amber Bryant, Kaitlyn Wilson, Alyson Wilson and Erica Bryant. Great-Grandchildren Cain, Caden, Braxton, Greyson, Liam. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Funeral services for Virginia Dare McGee McDonald Boles, 87 of Gainesboro, will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2 pm in the Chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Flynn Cemetery. She was born May 29, 1936 in Jackson County and she passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Virginia was the daughter of James H. McGee and Codie Carmack McGee. She was a support specialist for Pacesetters and a member of the Hurricane Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Madeline Britter, Sarah Reeder and Pauline Ledbetter; brothers, Leon McGee and John McGee. Survivors include her daughter, Susan McDonald (David) Shaver of Charlotte, NC; sister, Mildred Michael of Allen Park, MI and grandson, Zachary McDonald Shaver of Chicago, IL. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024 12 noon to 2 pm at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Flynn Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.

A Funeral service for Lewis “Lew” Francis Roberts, Jr., 100 of Baxter, will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. Interment will be in Cookeville City Cemetery. He passed on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at NHC Healthcare Cookeville, surrounded by family. Born Monday, September 10, 1923 in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, he was the son of the late Lewis Roberts and the late Dorothy Thompson Roberts. He was one of five children. He was the husband of Mary Jo Reid Roberts for 69 wonderful years, and he leaves behind six children. Lew is remembered for his love of his family and the Lord. He was active in the choir, as well as education, serving as both a Sunday school teacher and the Sunday school superintendent at First Community Church of Buckeye Lake, OH, where he was baptized. He was also a member of Baxter United Methodist Church. Lew learned to paint in his seventies, mainly capturing landscape sceneries. Lew also loved his country, serving stateside in WWII from 1943 to 1946 as an artillery gunner instructor in the Army Air Corps. Surviving are 6 children, Suzan Haworth of Springfield, MS, Gary Roberts of Newark, OH, Daniel (Adelita) Roberts of O’Fallon, IL, Peggy (Lawrence) Buck of Baxter, Todd (Diane) Roberts of Cherry Hill, NJ, Casey (Carey) Roberts of Somerset, OH; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, David (Cynthia) Roberts of Springhill, TN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Lew was preceded in death by wife, Mary Jo Roberts, and 3 siblings, Frederick Roberts, Carl Roberts, and Margaret Barrett. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home, until time of services.

Funeral services for Claudia Ann Hughes, 72 of Gainesboro, will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 2 pm at the Gainesboro First United Methodist Church in Gainesboro. Dr. Joe Beavon will be officiating. Burial will follow in Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery in Gainesboro. She was born July 23, 1951, in Jackson County, and she passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. She was the daughter of James Dow Hughes and Mildred Evonne Ellis Hughes. Miss Hughes graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1973 with a Bachelor’s degree. Miss Ann taught first grade for 32 years at Gainesboro Elementary. She touched many young lives throughout her career in education. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher. She was a dedicated member of the Gainesboro United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, and grandparents: S.C. and Claudia Hughes, Otis Ellis and Jewel Ellis all of Gainesboro. Survivors include her brother: David (Cindy) Hughes of Gainesboro; sisters: Rosemary (John) Henry of Gainesboro, Laura (Mark) Seaton of Athens, TN, Susan (Steve) Burgess of Gainesboro; special nephew: Tyler Stafford; nieces: Hannah Seaton, Emily Burgess, and Kelli Plaxco; nephews: David Seaton, Zeke Burgess, Brad Stafford, and Braidyn Lewis. Her special family: John Willmore, and Faye Wilmore, and Nancy Pruett. The “Tuesday Lunch Bunch”, close friends and her church family. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 4 PM to 7 PM in the chapel at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. Memorial donations in memory of Miss Ann can be made to the Gainesboro United Methodist Church by contacting the funeral home.

Funeral services for Roy Douglas Poston, age 78 of Cookeville, will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 2:00PM from the Chapel of Whitson Funeral Home, with Bro. David Price officiating. Burial to follow at the Okalona Cemetery in Overton County. A luncheon will be held at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Algood following the services. Roy Douglas Poston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away in his home on April 10th, 2024. He was born on December 23rd, 1945, to the late Hallie England Poston Conner and Haggard Poston. Roy grew up in Livingston alongside his two sisters, Wanda Ferrel and Janie Becker. In 1964, Roy married the love of his life Virginia Faye Poston and together they built a life of love and laughter. Their union was blessed with three children: Peggy, Doug, and Earl, who in turn filled Roy’s life with the joy of grandchildren: Ashley Poston, Heather Dennis, Stacie Dial, Meagan Cobble, Haley Poston, and Brandon Poston. Plus, thirteen great grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by his parents Hallie and Haggard and his son Earl Poston. Survived by his wife Virginia Poston, Daughter Peggy (Jeff) Mahler, and Son: Doug (Marlene) Poston. His adored grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, April13th from 5:00-9:00, and Sunday from 7:00AM till time of the service at 2:00PM. The family would like to request any memorial donations be made to the Okalona Cemetery.

Graveside service and interment of cremated remains for Georgie Ray Buck, 52 of Hilham, will be on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3 pm at Old Antioch Cemetery with Bro. Danny Hembree officiating. He was born February 4, 1972 in Jackson County, and he passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Ray was the son of Georgie Clay Buck and Sue Jean Spivey Buck. He was a carpenter and a resident of Hilham. On January 28, 2020 he married Lisa Lee Richardson for a total of 4 years of marriage. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, uncles and aunts. Survivors include his wife, Lisa Buck of Hilham; daughter, Amy (Phil) Hunt of Ashland City, TN; step daughters, Tiffany (Josh) Savage of Cookeville and McKenzie Savage of Hilham; grandchild, Aiden Hunt of Ashland City, TN; other relatives and friends also survive. Memorial donations may be made to assist with final expenses by contacting the funeral home.

Funeral services for Gregory Allen Roberts, 58 of Bloomington Springs, will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 1 pm in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. Bro. Tyler West will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Curry’s Chapel Cemetery in Bloomington Springs. He was born April 29, 1965, in Cookeville, and he passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. He was the son of Jackie Roberts and Katy Watson Gammon. Greg worked in construction. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of God in Nameless. He was preceded in death by his father: Jackie Bruce Roberts; grandparents: Jessie Mae Roberts and Auther C. Roberts. Survivors include his wife: Stephanie Roberts of Bloomington Springs; son: Dustin Allen (Ashlynn) Roberts of Cookeville; daughter: Alyson Kay Roberts of Cookeville; grandsons: Austin Lee Roberts and Evan Allen Roberts of Cookeville. Visitation will be on Monday, April 15, 2024, 11 AM to 1 PM in the chapel at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in Greg’s honor to the charity of the donor’s choice by contacting the funeral home.

Memorial services for Raymond Kassow, age 66 of Jamestown, will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. He passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at his home. Raymond is survived by his: Wife, Margaret (Williamson) Kassow; Sons, Raymond Kassow, Jr., Jacob Daniels, Joseph Kassow, Kyle Kassow; Daughters, Rachel Chandler and husband Archie, Grace Kassow and husband Malcom Strong, and Other Children; Grandchildren, Zinobia Strong, Zaybon Strong, Raylon Chandler, Sylas Chandler, Eric Kassow Jr, Bobbie Jo Kassow, Rayanne Kassow, Colby Kassow, Sophia Kassow and Elias Kassow; Brothers, Wayne Kassow, Ernest Kassow; Brother-in-law, Joe Williamson; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his: Son, Eric Kassow; Parents, Ellis Charles and Peggy (Smith) Kassow; Brothers, John Kassow, Charles Kassow, Albert Kassow. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made towards funeral expenses.

Celebration of Life Services for William Briton “Bill” Burn, age 85, of Crawford, will be conducted on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM from the Chapel of Goff Funeral Home with Full Military Honors provided by the Veterans Honor Guard. Pastor Steve Looper will officiate. Mr. Burn was born on Monday, October 3, 1938, in South Beloit, Illinois, to the late Briton Barlow Burn and Mildred Losey Burn. Mr. Burn passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home. Mr. Burn was a police officer working with Fort Myers Police Department and retiring from Ft. Lauderdale Police Department where he served as Captain. He continued to serve as a school Resource Officer in the Florida Keys. He was a United States Air Force Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Adelaida Quileste Burn of Crawford; 2 daughters, Kim (Paul) Guisler of Gurley, AL, Monique Burn of Davie, FL; 1 son, Rick Burn (Nancy Buckland) of Gordon, AL; 5 grandchildren, Brandon Burn, Charlie Buckland, Dani Buckland, Matthew Guisler, and Melissa (Dustan) Williams; 3 great grandchildren, Brandon Jr., Jolee, and Libby; 1 sister-in-law, Barbara Burn of Chattanooga. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 6 siblings. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM until time of services at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation.