We Remember: Obituaries For Thursday, February 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 Thursday, February 15

Ms. Margaret Louella Welch Martin, affectionately known as Peggy, age 85 of Sparta, passed away at 7:40pm Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Life Care Center of Crossville. Peggy was born June 19, 1938 in Canton, Ohio to the late Elmer Frank and Mary Frances Barnes Welch. She retired from University Hospital, Oncology Department in Denver Colorado. Peggy enjoyed being active in the Native American culture participating in Pow Wows. She loved to watch sports from high school football and baseball through college and into the professional ranks but her Sundays were devoted to NASCAR and cheering on Tony Stewart. She loved the outdoors and attended many concerts at Colorado’s famed Red Rocks venue. When she wasn’t traveling or working, she was giving her time by volunteering with hospice and different children’s organizations. She was a devoted mother to her children and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include her two sons James “Bob” Martin and wife Mary, Greg Martin and wife Shawna, and Daughter: Tonia Martin, ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and her brother: Frank “Buddy” Welch. In honor of Peggy’s wishes, she will be cremated and no public services are planned.

A celebration of life service for Mrs, Johnnie Pearl Matheney, age 85 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:00am in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Matheney died suddenly, Monday February 12, 2024 at her residence. Her family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and again Friday from 9:00am until service time at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mr. Joe R. Stover age 82 of Livingston, will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2 PM from the Chapel of the Hall Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Green Hill Cemetery in the Alpine Community of Overton Co. He passed from this life at his residence on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Joe Stover was born in Livingston to the late Lewis and Nora (Ledbetter) Stover. Joe loved meeting people, he enjoyed sitting at Stover’s restaurant at the liars table and talking politics or any subject that would get brought up and drinking coffee with the best of them. Joe will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him. Survivors: 1 Son: Scott Stover and his wife Trish; 1 Stepson: John Lovelace; 1 Grandson: Patrick Stover and his wife Haley; 1 Granddaughter: Amber Anderson; 5 Siblings: Kenneth Stover, Patsy Stover Hicks, Sue Stover Garrett, Elean Stover Reeder, Veola Stover Hammock; a host of other family and friends also survive. Preceded in death by: In addition to his parents; Wife: Emma Stover; 1 Stepson: Edward Lovelace; 1 Granddaughter: Kristen Anderson; 5 Siblings: Claudine Ledbetter, Charley “Dink” Stover, Lola Ruble, Betty Moody, Roger Stover; 1 Nephew: Michael Stover. Family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening, February 15th starting at 5 PM until 9 PM.

A funeral service honoring James Paul Buttram, affectionately known as Jimmy to his friends and family, 83 of Monterey, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, at Horner Funeral Home in Monterey. Pastor Gary Wilson will officiate. Following the service, Jimmy will be laid to rest at Whittaker Cemetery. He passed away on February 14, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on August 27, 1940, in Monterey, Jimmy was a man whose life was characterized by his loving nature and friendly demeanor. His final days were spent surrounded by love at his daughter’s home in Cookeville, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. Jimmy was a devoted member of the Monterey Church of the Nazarene, where he nurtured his faith and formed lasting bonds with his church family. His commitment to his faith and his church was evident in the way he lived his life. Jimmy was known for his unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his dear friend and companion, Betty Mullins, who stood by him in thick and thin. His legacy continues through his beloved daughter, Kim Wagner, and her husband, Ray, who will cherish his memory forever. Jimmy’s spirit will also live on in his grandchildren, Beth and Elijah Greer, as well as his great-grandson, Teddy James, who brought immense joy to his later years. His son-in-law, James Greer, will remember Jimmy as a model of fatherhood and friendship. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara King Buttram, who instilled in him the values of love and family that he carried throughout his life. Before retiring, Jimmy dedicated over 30 years of service to Napa Auto Parts in Cookeville. His work was not just a job but a significant part of his life where he made many friends and left a lasting impact on the community. Jimmy was an enthusiastic fan of NASCAR and football, often sharing these interests with his friends and family. His laughter and stories during the games will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing an opportunity for friends and family to gather and share memories. Memorial contributions may be made to the Whittaker Cemetery.

Funeral services for Mr. Stephen Michael Carter, better known as Steve, age 72 of Sparta, will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, February 17, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Carter Cemetery. He passed away at 6:10pm on Friday, February 9, 2024 at his residence. Steve was born May 20, 1951 in Sparta. He was a retired truck driver with a career that took him through all of the lower 48. He was a classic car and muscle car enthusiast, he enjoyed building and working on the classics especially anything with a chevy bow tie emblem. He was Harley Davidson enthusiast as well. Anything that would go fast and be loud doing it made him happy. Steve is preceded in death by his mother Jewel Ellis Carter Jones; father Van Wesley Carter; two brothers Jim “JC” Carter and Richard Denning “Rick” Carter. Survivors include his four children: Jason Carter-Francis and wife Tracie, Heather Bull and husband Ray, Vanessa Lynn Carter and Shaun Michael Carter; Grandchildren: Vaughn Francis, Dayton Francis, Ashleigh Francis, Kailey Francis, Malekia Carter and Byron Carter. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.

Graveside Funeral Services for Lonnie Sisco, age 67, of Mayland, will be conducted on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Speck Cemetery. Rev. Glen Murphy will officiate. Mr. Sisco was born on Sunday, December 2, 1956, in Monterey, to the late Oda and Effie Lee Phillips Sisco. Mr. Sisco passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at his home. Mr. Sisco worked with Hickory Specialties for over 20 years and worked with Certified Cylinders. He was Baptist in faith. He is survived by his sisters, Ellen Bilbrey of Crossville; Anna Kay Brady of Hilham, Frances (and Barney) Phillips of Monterey, Ina Mae Hiflin of Crossville; brothers, Allen Sisco of Monterey, Billy Sisco of Carthage; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Padgett Sisco. The family will receive friends at Speck Cemetery on Saturday, February 17, 2024, for graveside services.

A Celebration of Life service for Alton Daniel “DANNY” Underwood, 69 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1 PM at Bear Creek Baptist Church in Cookeville with Bro. Danny Hembree officiating. His wishes of cremation are being honored. Mr. Underwood died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Signature HealthCare in Algood. He was born January 23, 1955 in Biloxi, Mississippi to the late Charlie “Chuck” McKinley Underwood, II and the late Martha Marie Rush Underwood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Irene Underwood Bosarge; brothers, Ralph “Butch’ Underwood, Brian Underwood and Charlie “Chuck” “Bo” McKinley Underwood, III. He was a retired civilian ship fitter with the Navy. Danny was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include wife of 18 years (Married December 17, 2005) Donna Kay Criswell Underwood of Cookeville; daughters, Priscilla Underwood Walraven and April Marie Underwood Jalbert both of Biloxi; sisters, Lou Underwood Tapper of D’Iberville, MS, Patsy Underwood Bailey of McHenry, MS and Sharon Underwood Smith of Biloxi; brother, Randell “Randy” Underwood of MS; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

A memorial service for Ivie Jean Young , 70 of Sparta, will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Christpoint Church with Steve Qualls officiating. She passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. She was born May 16, 1953 in Sparta, she was the daughter of the late F.L. Young and the late Edna Young. Surviving family include: Husband – Willian Kerry Young of 53 years; Sons- Jamie Young and Denic Brooks, Jesse (Kelly) Young); Grandchildren – Deric (Leslie) Young, Phillip (Rachel) Young, Zion Young, Jasine Brooks, Trevor Harville and Tobias Foy; Great Grandchildren – Natalie Young, Isaiah Young, Ellie Young; Brothers – Larry and Micheal; Sisters – Pam and Connie.

A memorial service for John Bennett Cassetty, 70 of Gainesboro, will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2 P.M. in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. The family has chosen cremation at this time. He was born January 8, 1954, in Jackson County, and he passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. He was the son of Charles Edward Cassetty and Navoy Virgie Hawkins Cassetty. He worked for Northern Telecom. He was a gifted musician and loved music. He was a former member of the Legacy Band and was a member of various other musical bands throughout the years. Survivors include his son: Ian Bennett Cassetty of Gainesboro; sisters: Deborah (Mike) Searcy and Charlene Cassetty both from Gainesboro. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Angie Reed Cassetty. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 11 A.M. until time of service at 2 P.M. in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help assist the family with the cremation expenses by contacting the business office of the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mr. Robert James “Bob” Nicholas, age 84 of Sparta, will be conducted 2:00pm Sunday, February 18, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans’ Honor Guard will follow in Old Bon Air Cemetery. He passed away at 2:22pm on Monday, February 12, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Bob was born October 25, 1939 in Warwick, New York to the late Mark and Helen Elizabeth Simmons Nicholas. He served in the U.S. Navy where he gained construction experience as a United States Naval Construction Battalion known as the Seabees that would benefit him for life. Bob retired from construction with an emphasis on building shopping malls. In his retirement years, he enjoyed farming, gardening and woodworking but most of all, he loved being Pop to his grandchildren. Surviving family members include his wife of 51 years Nancy Nicholas; Sons: Eric Nicholas and wife Danielle, Mark Nicholas and wife Kelly, Kurt Dempsey and girlfriend Peggy Schiele; Granddaughter: Peyton Nicholas; Grandsons: Evan Nicholas, Matt Nicholas and wife Natasha, Ryan Nicholas and wife Brianna, Lee Dempsey and wife Chelsea, Darrell Conklin and girlfriend Kimberly; Great-granddaughters: Charlotte, Madison and Nova; Great-grandson: Lawson; Sister: Mary Fish and husband John; Brother: Richard Nicholas and girlfriend Cheryl Ferguson. The family will receive friends after 1:00pm Sunday at Hunter Funeral Home.

Funeral Services for Judy Ann Parker, age 78 of Sparta, will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Keller officiating. Burial will follow in Ward-Cashdollar Cemetery. She passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro. She was born on December 31, 1945 in Robbins, Tennessee, and she was the daughter of the late George Pemberton and the late Elsie Cook Pemberton. The family will welcome friends for visitation on Sunday from 1:00 PM until time of the service at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wanda Grace Norrod (Sewell), 87 of Cookeville, will be held Monday, February 19, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Bill Stone officiating. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Cookeville. She was born April 14, 1938, to Arthur Allen and Viola Hill Sewell in Pickett County. She was most proud of her family and delighted in time spent listening to the laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Wanda considered her family to be the most important and valued thing in her life. Professionally, she worked many years as an LPN, caring for multiple patients and their families in long-term care and the medical field. She considered nursing a noble profession and diligently sought to uphold its level of compassionate care and professionalism. Many who worked with her, remember her for wearing the traditional white nurse’s uniform and nursing cap long after many began wearing colorful scrubs. Following her years as a nurse, she continued to care for others and serve her community through her work as a hospital volunteer at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Wanda was also a member of the Tennessee Nurses Honor Guard for several years serving to honor other nurses. Wanda is survived by her children Phil Norrod (Lisa), Lisa Russell (Mike), Ann Hellman (Mike), and Joe Norrod (Casey) all of Cookeville, stepdaughter Brenda Nivens (Bill) of Indiana, grandchildren Brian Norrod (Rachel), Emily Norrod, Andrea Watson, Rachel Pugh (Scott), Sara Hellman, Brianna Hellman, Kenna Sullivan (Kade), Cooper Norrod (Tahlah), and Sloane Norrod; step-grandson Michael Russell; and great-grandchildren Zoe Grace, Emma, and Allie Pugh, Ellie Norrod, Shepherd and Clay Sullivan, and Lyra Mae Norrod. She is also survived by a sister, Oleta Beaty; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends Jerrye Scott, Barbara Reagan, Eddie and Kathy Bradley, and Emogene Dyer. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Bethel; her parents; brothers Earl and Ray Sewell; and sister, Carrie Beaty. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.

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.