We Remember: Obituaries For Friday, March 15

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, March 15

Donald Isaac Langley, 82 of Jackson County, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at his residence. He was born September 25, 1941, in Bloomington, Indiana. He was the son of John Langley and Margaret Helen Sherfield Langley. He worked as a mechanic and welder over the years. Survivors include his daughters: Ginger (Andy) Koba of Cohoes, NY, and Tina (Ron) Delamater of Troy, NY; eight grandchildren and13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Carol Langley; daughter: Tracy Lynn Charbonneau-Kehn; brother: Ernest Ray Langley; sister: Sharon Langley and Annetta Clephane. The family has chosen cremation at this time, per his request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society by contacting the business office of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home.

Janelle Aguilar, age 66, of Cookeville, and formerly of Ojai, California, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Standing Stone Care and Rehabilitation Center in Monterey. Mrs. Aguilar was born on August 16, 1957, in La Mesa, California, to the late Louis and Iris Jaquelyn Finley Bernard. Mrs. Aguilar was owner/operator of Dirty Dog Pet Grooming in Ojai, California. She was an artist, loved horses, birds, gardening, telling stories, was a wonderful cook, and very strong willed. She loved laughing and in turn was very funny. She was a caring person to animals and to people and to everyone she met. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She is survived by her husband, Jose Aguilar; 3 daughters, Delissa Aguilar, Amanda Potts, and Aimee Simpson; 2 granddaughters, Katelyn Curtis and Grace Simpson; and 1 sister, Karen Cleveland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ronnie Eaton and David Thompson. Her wishes of cremation are being honored with Celebration of Life Services to be announced at a later date.

Memorial services for Ms. Elizabeth Jean Anderson, age 77 of Cookeville, will be conducted 6:00pm Friday, March 15, 2024 at Locust Grove Church of Christ. She passed away February 2, 2024 at her residence. Jean was born March 8, 1946 in Cookeville, to the late Garland Virgil and Bonnie Estell Underwood Anderson. She was a retired Pepsi Bottling Company employee. She was a faithful member of a group of friends known as the “Breakfast Club” who met daily to enjoy coffee at McDonald’s. In her younger years, she loved trips to Florida with friends. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by brothers Ronnie Anderson and Robert Anderson. Jean is survived by her three brothers and their siblings Donald and Lucille Anderson of Cookeville, Gary and Kathy Anderson of Lebanon, Ricky and Sharon Anderson of Cookeville; Sister: Kathy Lamb of Monterey; Nieces: Amy and George McCready, Autumn Lamb and Lori Harris; Nephews: David and Melinda Anderson, Brent and Jan Anderson, Jason Harris. The family will receive friends after 4:00pm Friday at the church.

Funeral Services for Nicolos Juan Felipe, age 16 of Cookeville will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 10AM until 1PM at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Guatemala at a later date. Nicolos died suddenly Monday, March 11, 2024 in Cookeville. He was born May 16, 2007 in Guatemala to his parents, Miquel Juan Francisco and Fabiana Felipe Martin.

A Memorial service for Theresia Ellen Grogg, 81 of Cookeville, will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. She passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born Tuesday, March 10, 1942 in Greenville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Leo Goubeaux and the late Mary Beyke Goubeaux. Theresia was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She raised her 5 children by herself while working and always providing for her children. She never missed one of their practices or ball games. She always nurtured her children, but was terribly scared when they got sick. Theresia loved her family, and enjoyed the gatherings during Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. She was an awesome cook, cake decorator, even making several wedding cakes. She enjoyed going to the beach and loved eating at Calabash Seafood Restaurant. She worked at Fentress Industries as a seamstress and at Russell Stover’s Candies. She enjoyed sewing, making most of her children’s clothing. She never knew a stranger. Theresia was a member of the Catholic Church and loved the Lord. Jimmy was her favorite child! Actually, her favorite was who ever was doting on her at that time. Surviving are 3 sons Eric (Betty) Grogg of GA, James “Jimmy” Grogg of Monterey, Mike (Sandra) Grogg of Hendersonville; 1 daughter Rhonda Marie Tinch of Crossville; grandchildren Melissa Miller, Justin Laster, Jameson Laster, Tyler Tinch, Erin Grogg, and Ashlyn Grogg; great-grandchildren Dawson Miller, Melyssa Grogg, Masien Shelton, Lydian Laster, Jaylee Laster, Gavin Laster, and Jacob Laster; Special friends Mary LaPeer and Debbie Klem; siblings Larry (Jeanettia) Goubeaux, Doris (Dennis) Brown, and Cecil (Diane) Goubeaux; And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Theresia was preceded in death by daughter Robin Laster, siblings Joan Franks, and George Goubeaux. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Mellean Bilbrey, age 80, of Livingston will be conducted 1 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Burial to follow in the Hunter Cove Cemetery. Mrs. Mellean passed from this life on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from the Livingston Regional Medical Center. She was born on June 20, 1943, to the late Willie and Elsie Swallows Looper in Monterey. A 1961 graduate of Monterey High School, and a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Livingston. Mellean, enjoyed traveling, gardening, shopping, cooking, and going to church. She was known by her family and friends as the peace maker and was good to everyone she came in contact with. She loved being with her family. Mellean leaves behind her daughter, Angie Hite and husband Tim of Livingston; grandchildren, Tristica Coleman and fiancé Travis Copeland of Cookeville, Anton Coleman and wife Brittany of Murfreesboro, Aria Beaty and husband Curtis of Hilham, and McGuire Hite and wife Callie of Baxter; great-grandchildren, Paxton, Grayson, Hallie Kate, Declan, Johanson, Daxon, Indi Ann, and Anna Kaye; sisters, Clarice Collier and husband Bill of Essexville, MI, Neda Davidson and husband Larry of Sidney, OH, and Johnnie Samons, of Kettering, OH; several nieces and nephew and one very best friend for 50 years, Barb Hunter. In addition to her parents, Mellean was preceded in death by her brothers, L.J., Ralph, A.B. and Doyle Looper; sisters, Jeanette Murphy, Jewel Solinski, and Frances Thrasher. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of services. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, by contacting Speck Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Elizabeth Louise Dibrell, affectionately known as “Sister”, 64 of Sparta, will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Oakwood Street Church of Christ with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. She passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Sister was born November 16, 1959, in Sparta, to the late Sammie Dibrell and Nelda Joyce Leftwich Dibrell. She was a 1978 graduate of White County High School and a member of the Oakwood Street Church of Christ. Sister is survived by Son: Darrick Dibrell (Hannah Pryor); Granddaughter: Leni Dibrell, who was her pride and joy; Brothers : Terry Dibrell and wife, Alicia, Sam Dibrell and wife, Kriste, Henry Dibrell and Tim Dibrell, all of Sparta; Nephews: Max Dibrell and wife, Kayla of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Devan Dibrell, of Cookeville; Nieces: Erika Dibrell, Katelyn Dibrell, Allison Dibrell and LeeAnn Dibrell, whom she lovingly referred to as “My Girls;” Many special “first cousins”, extended family and friends are also left to cherish her memory. The family will receive friends from 10 am until service time on Saturday at the Church.

Funeral services for Mrs. Nora Etta Lacy Dillon, age 88 of Livingston, will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1pm from the Chapel of the Hall Funeral Home of Livington, with burial to follow in the Hope Cemetery in Overton Co. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Alpine on January 6, 1936, to the late Roby W. and Flora E. Daugherty Lacy. Survivors: Husband of 72 years: Billy Ray Dillon; 3 Sons: Danny Dillon, Mark Dillon (Denise), and Robbie Dillon (Moira); 3 Daughters: Fran Smith (Danny), Sherry Herron (Larry), and Christy Poore (Brandon) Grandchildren: 17 and Great Grandchildren: 17. Preceded in death: In addition to her parents: Her Brothers: Herlin Lacy, Hershel Lacy, Brice Lacy, and Carson Lacy; Her Sisters: Thelma Grey, and Madge Lacy. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday starting at 10 am to the time of the service.

Funeral service for Jimmy Lee Nabors, 79 of Sparta, will be held Saturday March 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Corey Price officiating. Burial will follow Carter Cemetery. He passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. He was born on December 8, 1944, he was the son of the late Comer Nabors and the late Ida Emery. In addition, his parents he is preceded in death by his Daughter Deborah Callahan, his sisters Jean, Aline, and Wilma, and his brother Billy joe. Surviving family include: Daughters – Triva (Eddie) Gentry of Sparta, and Tracey (Jason) Childress of Cookeville; 13 Grandchildren – Randy Childress, Daniela Langford, Gage Childress, Mirandy Childress, Shaylee Childress, Nevaeh Childress, Shayna Childress, Geoffory Callahan, Joseph Childress and Tiffany Grantham, Tim Gentry and Marrissa Rice; 27 great grandchildren; Brother – Billy Nabors; Sisters – Shirley Knight, Patricia Tayes, Michelle Allen, and Sue Martin; A host of friends, neighbors, nieces, and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

A memorial service for Mr. James Rhea “Jim” Slatten, age 70 of Rock Island, a native of White County, will be conducted 1:00pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. He passed away Saturday morning, February 24, 2024 in the emergency room of St. Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville. Jim was born December 23, 1953 in Sparta, to the late William Wade and Mildred Marie Boyd Slatten, Jr. In honor of Jim’s wishes, Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with his cremation. The family will receive friends after 11:00am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Hunter Funeral Home.

A gathering to celebrate Robert Harshaw, 55 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, March 16th at 2:30pm at Country Inn & Suites in Cookeville. A gentle man of kindness and selflessness, he passed away on March 3, 2024, in Cookeville. Born on September 8, 1968, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Robert’s journey was one of resilience and compassion, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. Raised by his grandparents in Franklin, KY, Robert attended the local high school. Despite facing a challenging upbringing and battling various disabilities, Robert’s spirit remained unbroken, and his heart, ever expansive. He proudly served for 4.5 years with the Putnam Co. Volunteer Fire Department and the Putnam County Rescue Squad. His commitment to helping others in their times of need was a testament to his character-a man who always placed the well-being of others above his own. Family was the cornerstone of Robert’s world, particularly his cherished grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Overby; sons, Raymond (Mackenzey) Brock and Michael (Becky) Reichert; and his treasured grandchildren, Evan Brock, Keydon Brock, Emma Reichert, Reigha Brock, and Micah Reichert. Robert also leaves behind a sister, Regina Hogans; cousins, Mike and Leo; an aunt, Ann Harshaw; and his best friend, Mike Hamilton, with Mike’s son Logan, whom Robert held dear as if he were his own son. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Betty Harshaw; and by grandparents, Anne Elizabeth Carter Harshaw and Vaughn George Washington Harshaw. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, who found in him an endless source of love and support.

The family of Tom Furtsch, 84 of Cookeville,, will receive friends and share stories Sunday, March 17, from 1-3 pm at Father Tom’s Pub, 32 N. Cedar, Cookeville. He passed away Friday March 8, 2024, after a brief illness. Tom was born November 2, 1939 in Roanoke, Virginia and raised in Blacksburg by his parents Catherine Jane Kline (1906-1998) and Edward Frank Furtsch (1906-1986). He graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1957 and attended the University of Michigan where he earned a BS in Chemistry. After receiving a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, Tom settled in Cookeville in 1971. He had a fulfilling career as a professor of chemistry at the Tennessee Technological University where his passion was teaching the history of science. After his retirement in 2011, he began a new adventure opening Father Tom’s Pub. Tom was energized by his daily interactions with friends and staff at the Pub. Tom enjoyed travelling with his wife, playing golf, talking about politics and current events, his many beloved pets, and listening to loud classical music. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Cynthia Furtsch Kitchen of Virginia Beach, VA. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jennifer Williams, daughters Alison Furtsch Aytes (Jonathan) of Knoxville, and Christa Furtsch Rogers (S.R.) of Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you honor Tom’s memory by donating to, or volunteering with: A.A.R.F. of Cookeville, 377 W. Jackson St#11, Cookeville, TN 38501, (aarf-tn.com), or the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501 (cookeville-tn.gov/Animal-Shelter), or any Liberal or Progressive political campaign you support, especially by being sure to vote. And finally, remember Tom by being kind to one another and enjoying the small moments with the people you love.

A Memorial Gathering for Mrs. Marcia King, age 65, of Baxter will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, between the hours of 1:00-4:00pm at The Maxwell Farm Event Venue (6464 Nash Road, Baxter, TN). Mrs. King, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, in Nashville.

Funeral services for Mrs. Peggy Sue Pitman Cravens, age 81 of Sparta, will be held Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in the Saylors Cemetery. Bro. Tom Strong will officiate the service. She passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 at NHC of Sparta. She was born September 19, 1942 in the Macedonia Community of White County to the late Turney Lee and Wila C. Lafever Pitman. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sister Joan Kinnard. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Jim Cravens; Son: Chris Cravens; Grandson: Connor Cravens; Brother: Stanley Pitman; As well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. The family will receive friends from noon until service time on Sunday.

Funeral services for Mr. John Douglas McGhee, age 76 of Sparta, will be Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m in the chapel of Thurman Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Robert’s Family Cemetery. Officiating is Bro. Doyle Crawford. He passed away on March 13, 2024 at St Thomas Hospital in Nashville. He fought hard for the last four months, but the battle is over and he is in the loving arms of our savior. He was a good man with a big heart. He was born on September 25, 1946 to loving parents, James Kenneth McGhee and Thelma Margaret Douglas McGhee of Lafollette, Tennessee. He served his country in the United States Army. The Army is where he decided serving his country is what he loved to do, so he became a state trooper. He served over 20 years as a state trooper and became sheriff of White County. Mr. McGhee is preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Wanda Louise Roberts McGhee of Sparta; His parents, James Kenneth McGhee and Thelma Margaret Douglas McGhee; Sisters, Nellie Ruth Harmon and Frankie Ann Harmon, all of Lafollette, Tennessee. Survivors include one son, James (Jim) Douglas McGhee, who was truly his parent’s whole life. Mr. McGhee had several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all who meant the world to him and he loved unconditionally. The family will accept visitors on Saturday March 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the chapel of Thurman Funeral Home.

Celebration of life for Patrick Omalley Basler, 73 of Jackson County, will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024 beginning at 5 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in Gainesboro with Bro. Randy Heady officiating. He was born June 25, 1950 in California and he passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at his residence in Jackson County. He was the son of Paul and Penny Basler. Mr. Patrick was a business owner in the insurance industry. Survivors include his life partner Tata Henderson of Whitleyville; and sons, Jared and Matthew Basler.

A memorial service for Mr. James “Keith” Cannon, Jr., age 52 of Cookeville, will be held Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Keith died Wednesday March 13, 2024 at his residence. His family will receive friends Monday from 4:00 pm until service time at the funeral home.

Graveside services and interment for Larry Stevon Click, 85 of Cookeville, will be held Friday March 22nd at 10 am at Crest Lawn Cemetery in Cookeville. He passed away on March 4, 2024 in Knoxville. He was born in 1938 in Mt. Jackson Virginia in the beautiful rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley to the late Marlin Frederick Click and the late Mary Catherine Moomaw Click. He graduated from Triplett High School in Mt. Jackson, Virginia and enrolled at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia in 1957. There he earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering. He also received a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1964. Starting in October 1964, he served as an assistant professor (and later associate professor) and Extension Agricultural Engineer at Penn State. In March 1971, he joined the Tennessee Tech University faculty as an associate professor of Agricultural Engineering where he served in varying capacities including serving as the department Chairman from 1976 until the fall of 1980 when he stepped down to focus on what he enjoyed most, advising and teaching students. He loved challenging his students to bring out their best. His students often commented that he was tough but fair. He continued teaching full time until May 2004 when he retired. He was honored with numerous teaching awards at the department, university and regional/national levels. In 1986, he received the Delta Tau Alpha National Outstanding Teacher/Advisor Award. In 1981 he was given the NACTA Teacher Fellow and Regional Outstanding Teacher Award, and in 2002, he was honored with the NACTA John Deere Award for the Southern Region. He also received numerous awards from students including the 1983 School of Agriculture Students’ Choice Award and the 1987-88, 1989-90, 1993-94, and 1997-98 School of Agriculture “Student Selected” Outstanding Faculty Award. He truly loved having the opportunity to teach and advise students. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Aliene Bowles Click. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Click Ard and Derek Ard of Knoxville, his son and daughter-in-law Dr. Steven Click and Cheryl Saylor Click of Cookeville, and his four grandchildren, Brice and Alyssa Ard and Rachel and Zoe Click. His family will receive friends Thursday March 21st from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. The public is invited. Memorial donations may be made to the Larry S. Click Endowed Agriculture scholarship fund c/o Tennessee Tech University, University Advancement, Larry S Click Endowed Agricultural Scholarship, PO Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505, 931-372-3206. Make checks payable to TTU Foundation and include “Larry S Click Scholarship (in Memorial)” in the note.

A memorial service for Catherine Bogran, 91 of Covington, Louisiana, formerly of Cookeville, will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery. She died Sunday morning at 11:00am, March 10, 2024 in Covington, Louisiana surrounded by her family and friends. For the last 4 years, she was a resident of Restoration Senior Living in Covington, Lousiana. She was born September 20, 1932 in Crossville to her late parents, James William and Gladys Mace Brown. She was married 62 years to her late husband, Carlos Bogran Sr. She grew up in Muncie, Indiana and after marriage has lived in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Chalmette, Louisiana, Cookeville, and Covington, Louisiana. Catherine was a devoted Christian, wife and mother. She loved to read, travel and spend time with family and friends. She is survived by two sons and daughter-in-laws, Carlos Jr. (Donna) and David (Michelle), two grandchildren and spouses, Carlos III (LeighAnn) and Kristen (Josh) Hill and four great-grandchildren, Addison Leigh Bogran, Aubrey Katherine Hill, Riley Marie Bogran and Mason Cade Hill; a sister, Georgia Vallejo and brother, James Kelly Brown (Judith). Visitation for Catherine Bogran will be from 9:30-11:00 am on Saturday, March 23, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine’s name are requested to be made to: Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607

A memorial service for Mrs. Myrna Alane Barlow Hight, age 81 of Sparta, will be conducted at 12:00pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Cummingsville United Methodist Church. Al Schieber will officiate. She passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024 at NHC of Sparta. Myrna was born on Valentine’s Day 1943 in the Hickory Valley Community of White County to the late Martin Hubert and Eunice Gamble Barlow, I. She was a former farmer and retired from J.C. Penney’s. She enjoyed working in her flowers and gardening. She loved reading and cooking for her family but most of all she loved being Grannie. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband Bob Hight and daughter-in-law Connie White. Survivors include her son Jeffery White of Ringold, GA; Daughter: Jennifer Butler of Sparta; Grandchildren: Justin (Kelly) White, Robert Butler and Julia Maynard, Jordan White and Caylee (Zackery) Frisbee; Great-grandchildren: Jaxson Butler, Reagan Butler, Remmi Butler, Rylan Butler, Casyn Frisbee and Sawyer Frisbee; Brother: Martin Barlow. There will no visitation prior to the service.