We Remember: Obituaries For Friday, January 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, January 12

Chester Glen Dyer, 71 of Silver Point, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Glen was born June 12th 1952 to the late Edgbert and Vella Dean (Keen) Dyer, in Putnam County. He is survived by his son Dwain Dyer and wife Dori of Salisbury, NC. Three grandchildren Wesley, Wade & Whitney Dyer, brother Danny and wife Jackie of Cookeville and special friends Gary (bear) Stidham, Lionel Smith & Jerry Tucker. Glen was preceded in death by wife Linda (Christian) Dyer, infant daughter Monica Beth Dyer, his parents, brother David Dyer, sister Cathy McWright. Glen lived a simple life and requested cremation. A private service will be held at a later date.

Funeral services for Virgil Chasten Cope, Jr. better known as ‘Jr.’, age 83 of Byrdstown, will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rick Cross officiating. The burial will be in Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Wooster, OH. He passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born September 11, 1940 in Akron, OH to Virgil Chasten Cope and Grace (Myers) Cope. He attended the Nazarene church and was a former employee at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Jr. is survived by (1) daughter: Melissa Walsh and husband: James; (2) sons: Craig Cope and wife: Janna, Ronald Kevin Cope and life partner: Glynis Carpenter; (8) grandchildren and (10) great-grandchildren; (1) sister: Georgia Lee Cope; special friend: Frank Gerard. Also survived by other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Virgil and Grace Cope; wife: Sandra K. Cope; (1) brother: Gordon Cope. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services for Jackie Ruth Howard-Kinnaird, age 94 of Sparta, will be conducted 11am Saturday, January 13, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Eastland Cemetery. She passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Jackie was born January 20,1929 in Cooperative, Kentucky to the late Anna Mae Porter and Landon Hamby. She was a retired seamstress and homemaker. She lived and married on Bon Air Mountain in Sparta. She worked and lived a large portion of her life in Sanford, Florida but her heart was always within these Middle Tennessee mountains. She was a loving wife, mother and loyal friend to many. Most importantly, Jackie was a born-again Christian at the age of 14. If you were in her presence for five minutes, she told you about her loving Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Doyle Church of God and attended the Bon Air Church of God for years. Her faith never failed her, and she left this world just like she lived it with no complaints. Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. In addition to her parents, Jackie is preceded in death by husbands Jim Howard and recently Donald Kinnaird; daughter Lilly Starnes-Spencer; son Danny Howard; infant son Jimmy Lee Howard; siblings Carmen, Gene, Joe, Bobby, Ben, and Peggy. Jackie is lovingly survived by Son: Joseph Howard & wife Lori; Daughters: Ruby & husband Albert Mina, Treeva & husband Don Russell, Nancy & husband Randy Wilbanks; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-great grandchild. The family will receive friends after 10am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Sylvia Lorene Lewis McCann, 100 of Cookeville, will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, 11:00 AM at Cookeville First United Methodist Church. She passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023 at McKendree Village in Hermitage. Sylvia was born on October 29, 1922 on a farm in Mercer County, Missouri. Her parents were Palestine Douglas (Pat) Lewis and Nettie Josephine (Babe) Cox Lewis. Sylvia was the eldest of 6 children, which included 4 brothers and a sister who died in childhood. When Sylvia was 14, the family moved to Indianola, Iowa, where her father purchased and operated a Sinclair gas station. After graduating from high school, Sylvia attended a community college in Des Moines, Iowa, learning secretarial skills. It was there that she met Robert Harold (Brick) McCann. Shortly after finishing his training, Brick joined the US Coast Guard during World War II. Brick and Sylvia were married on July 17, 1943, at his duty station, the Fire Island Lighthouse, on Long Island, New York. A son was born prematurely, and died shortly after birth. After the war ended, they moved back to Des Moines, Iowa, where they both worked, were active in the First United Methodist Church, joined the choir, and had many friends. Their daughter, Doreen Dae McCann Neal was born there in April, 1947. In 1956, the manufacturing company Brick worked for relocated to Cookeville. The family joined Cookeville United Methodist Church, and again became active in the choir and the Friendship Sunday School class. Sylvia joined the United Methodist Women and was a devoted member, serving in many offices and roles. Sylvia and Brick were active in the community as well. Sylvia was a volunteer at the Cookeville hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a Girl Scout leader, among other community activities. She and Brick regularly hosted students from abroad studying at TTU, serving as a family to students far from home. In 1959, Sylvia and Brick adopted their son, Timothy Robert McCann. He added many joys to the family until his passing away in 1998. Sylvia was a role model for her daughter, Doreen. She was known for her fantastic yeast breads and cinnamon or orange rolls. She was a great cook, who loved to entertain. She was also a gifted seamstress, quilter, and needle worker, winning several blue ribbons at the Putnam County Fair. She is survived by her daughter, Doreen Neal (Richard), 3 grandchildren, Mollie McCarthy, Jill Olney (Ian) and Todd Neal (Crystal) and 7 great grandchildren: Matthew Gmitter, Caroline and Elizabeth McCarthy, Ethan and Emma Olney, and Sophia and Charlotte Neal. She is also survived by 2 brothers, Jack Lewis and John Lewis (Marjorie). The family will receive friends Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Cookeville First United Methodist Church. Memorials in her name can be sent to First United Methodist Church, Cookeville Regional Hospital, or to Meals on Wheels.

Funeral services for Mrs. Patricia Ann Chang Simpkins, affectionately known as Pattie, age 76 of Sparta, will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Oakwood Street Church of Christ in Sparta. In honor of Pattie’s wishes, she will be cremated following her funeral service. She passed away at 12:02am Sunday, January 7, 2024 at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital. Pattie was born January 22, 1947 in Honolulu, Hawaii to the late Harry Lee and Agnes Rosario Chang. She had a variety of work experience from the food service industry to a Platte County, Nebraska Deputy Sheriff. Her wonderful cooking will be missed but her love for God and her grandchildren will always be remembered. Pattie was a devoted member of Oakwood Street Church of Christ. In addition to her parent, she is also preceded in death by her sister Wanda Lee Chang and brother Raymond Chang. Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years Marvin “Butch” Simpkins, Sr. Two sons: Marvin Stanley Simpkins, Jr. and wife Diane, Harry Eugene Kalani Simpkins; Grandchildren: Elijah, Letani, Marvin Lee, Scarlett, Kyler, Andrew and Earan; Five great-grandchildren; Special friend: Lynn Griffis; Oakwood Street church family; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Happy Haven or the Shriner’s.

A Memorial service for Travis Lee Brewer, 33 of Gainesboro, will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 3 P.M. at The Bridge Community Church in Gainesboro Bro. Matthew Scoggins and Bro. Ken Lewis will officiate at the service. He was born November 20, 1990, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and he passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Stone Crest Medical Center. He was the son of Jack Edward Brewer and Eileen Marie Brewer. Survivors include his Mother: Eileen Marie Brewer Father: Jack Edward Brewer Sisters: Amy Maxwell, Crystal (Chris) Womack, Elizabeth (Brandon) Alexander, and Irita (Clint) Reagan Aunts: Sharon Terek, Kim Custer, Donna Marie Liepinis and Paula Kromko.

Graveside Service for Shirley Gamble Portwood, age 88, of Knoxville, formerly of Sparta, will be 3 pm CST, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Mt. Gilead Methodist Church Cemetery in Sparta. Pastor Spencer Portwood Will be officiating. She went home to be with her Savior on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 peacefully surrounded by her family. She was a member of Mt. Gilead Methodist Church in Sparta. Preceded in death by husband, Bill Portwood; parents, Lowery and Ila Gamble; brothers, Bob and Charles Gamble; grandson, Joshua Frost. Survived by children, Christy Taylor, Debbie (Jerry) Horner, Larry Portwood, David (Diane) Portwood; grandchildren, Brian (Macall), Laura, Brianna, Holly (Kevin), Ginger (Davis), Spencer (Stephanie), Nickie (Lesley), Chelsey, Jenny, Jason; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Cemetery Trust Fund, 204 Mt. Gilead Church Rd., Sparta, TN 38583

Funeral services for James Thomas Bilbrey better known as ‘J.T.’, age 83 of Byrdstown, will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Keith Pryor officiating. The burial will be in Story Cemetery. He passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in Byrdstown. He was born March 5, 1940 in Byrdstown, to James Arnold Bilbrey and Ora Dean (Neal) Bilbrey. He was of the Baptist faith and baptized October 1963. He was a retired sewing machine mechanic and former rescue squad member, loved fishing and was a goat farmer. J.T. is survived by (2) daughters: Theresa Pritchett and husband: Dwayne, Sonya Delk; (2) grandchildren: Elisabeth Delk (Eric Brown), Jarah Waites (Donavan Waites); (2) great-grandchildren: Maylee Grace Waites and William James Waites; (1) brother: Bobby Dale Bilbrey; (1) sister: Wilma Beaty and husband Dale; (3) nephews: Wayne Hickman, Mitchell Hickman and Chad Hickman; (1) niece: Angie Pruitt. Also survived by other family members, special neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: James Arnold and Ora Bilbrey; wife: Betty Ann Bilbrey; (1) son-in-law: Willard E. Delk; (1) sister: Charlene Phillips. The family will receive friends Sunday from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM.

Funeral Services for Ann Abston, age 76, of Crossville, will be conducted on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Pastor Jerry Thomas Brownstead will officiate with interment to follow in the Highland Cemetery. Ms. Abston was born on Monday, September 22, 1947, in Crossville, to the late Amos Floyd and Rhoda Myrtle Cantrell Walker. Ms. Abston passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Wyndridge Health and Rehab. Ms. Abston worked at Hickory Specialties. She is survived by, 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Andre Stephens of Crossville, Vickie and JC Crain of Crossville; 1 son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Tina Abston of Smithville; 6 grandchildren, Brittany (Logan) Trisdale, Matthew Stephens (Talia Stephens), Dakota (Neisha) Crain, Livia Jo Abston, Cody (Gabriella) Pack, and Kirstyn (Tristen) Vanatta; and 6 great grandchildren, Aden, Skyla, Oakleigh, Elijah, Merit, and Jalen. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Bessie Looper and Susie Phillips; brother, Leslie Walker; and infant brothers and sisters, Mary Lou Walker, Alice Fay Walker, Jimmy Walker, and Haskell Walker. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 12:00 PM until time of services at 2:00 PM.

Funeral services for Christel (Chrissy) Lyn Barton Bumpus, 70 of Cookeville, will be held at Crest Lawn Funeral Home on Sunday, January 14, 2024, beginning at 2:00 pm with Pastor Eddie Turner officiating. She will be laid to rest at Cookeville City Cemetery. She passed away on January 9, 2024 with her family by her side. Christel (Chrissy) was always known to be the helping hand for anyone who needed anything. She enjoyed helping others and worked for several years caring for seniors at Cedar Hills Senior Living. Chris was especially devoted to her parents. She and her mom Carolyn were like sisters. She was always helping her parents in any way she could. She enjoyed arts and crafts and painting. Chris was an accomplished baker creating beautiful and elaborate cakes. When she was younger, she loved hiking, riding motorcycles, and almost anything outdoors where she always enjoyed Tennessee’s beautiful scenery. Chris was the glue for our family. On any holiday or birthday, she would make sure everyone was together and everyone was celebrated. It could be something as simple as flag day on the calendar and she’d be on the phone rounding everyone up to enjoy family meals and visiting. She is survived by her dear loving sons Shawn Keller and wife Valerie; Kevin Keller and wife Jessica, her wonderful grandchildren Lauren Keller and Isaac Keller, her loving parents Gene Sr. and Carolyn Barton, her brother “Bubby” Gene Barton, Jr., and wife Lynn. She was a loving Aunt to Chad and Lisa Barton who will carry many great memories of their teen years “hanging’ at her house. Her Uncle Gary and Aunt Kathleen who will miss their visits with her. She leaves her cousins Craig, Julie, Kurt, Patti, and their families. Her aunt Donna Hill and cousin Frank Hill and family. She leaves her dear cousin Ryan Garrett whom she always enjoyed talking with frequently on the phone. She leaves behind her (BFF) best friend forever from her early childhood – Bonnie Smith. She will be missed by her longtime friend and companion Jerry Blair, and friends Gayle, Bill, and Ryan Hicks. Many of her son’s friends still call her “Mom”; this brought her much joy. TJ Veres, Jr. considered Chris to be his mom as she felt the same and loved him like a son. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Bumpus who was a loving, dedicated, and loyal husband whom she dearly loved and always missed. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, on Saturday, January 13, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again on Sunday, January 14, from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm.

Funeral services for Mr. Roger Dale Wilson, age 71 of Sparta, will be conducted 2:00pm Sunday, January 14, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Frasers Chapel Cemetery. He passed away at 5:52pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Roger was born November 23, 1952 in Sparta, to the late Joe Paul and Arlene Wilson. Roger was a 1970 graduate of WCHS and started his career at Sparta Woodworks the same year and worked there until 2021. He worked at Savage Lumber from 2021 until April of 2023. Roger was a dedicated member of the Hickory Valley Volunteer Fire Department from 1983 until 2017. On Sundays, he attended Frasers Chapel Methodist Church where he was a longtime member and on Saturdays in the fall, his blood ran orange with University of Tennessee football. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by siblings and their spouses, Frances and Billie Guy, Jean Anne and Robert Sparks, Linda Sue and Buddy Dunham, Bobby Wilson, Sarah Kaye Wilson. Surviving family members include his wife Melinda Wilson; Son: William “Bill” Parsley; Grandchildren: Rob (Danna) Parsley, Morgan (Cody) Jones, Taylor (Jonathan) Beavers and Emma Parsley; Siblings: Joyce and Danny Kirby, Mary and Carl Sparks, Kathy and David Guy, James and Jennifer Wilson; Sister-in-law: Diana Wilson. A host of nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends from 4-8:00pm Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service for James (Jim) Kyle McElroy, 34 of Silver Point, will be held at The Edge Building of Life Church in Cookeville, on Friday, January 19th at 7:00pm. An additional Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 27th from 12:00-4:00pm at Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center (29 Pines), 5872 33rd Avenue, Eau Claire, WI. He died at his residence, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, January 6th, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 4th, 1989, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He started his career in the Twin Cities before relocating for his career and finalizing his home in Silver Point. Jim graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 2007. He had a strong passion and love for heavy equipment, spending his career in numerous facets of the construction industry. He achieved his utmost goal of establishing McElroy Land Management, LLC., his beloved land clearing company. Jim was able to make endless relationships throughout his work, finding a way to connect with anyone that came into his path. Jim was a hardworking and dedicated man placing his heart into everything he did, learning it to its fullest. He was meticulous with his work, emphasizing and ensuring that every detail be perfected from cleaning machinery to mechanical needs, to final aspects of a project. When Jim was not working, he enjoyed hunting, going on adventures, and traveling with his family, and riding the high terrain trails of Tennessee. He had a strong love for his family, prioritizing his wife and children’s needs before his own, utilizing them as a motivator to each and every personal accomplishment. Jim is survived by his loving family, including his wife and high school sweetheart, Kayla (Schneider) McElroy; children, Payten and Coy McElroy; his mother, Mary McElroy; his sister, Cary (Brian) Proud; his nephew’s, Logan Goettl and Wyatt Proud; his father and mother in law, Brian and Linda Schneider; his brothers-in-law, Chad (Mandi) Schneider, Cory (Kim) Schneider; his sister-in-law, Carrie (Charlie) Dahl; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy McElroy; his great-grandmother, Dorothy McNamara; his friend, Alan Prueher; maternal and paternal grandparents: Maxine Kowieski, William McElroy, Dorothy Miller, Arthur Hamman, Ronald Miller; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held at The Edge Building of Life Church in Cookeville, on Friday, January 19th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm