We Remember: Obituaries For Thursday, February 8

Here are the latest obituaries and notices as provided by the funeral homes serving Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Gainesboro and Livingston.

News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 brings you the daily obituaries each morning, Monday through Saturday, at 7:25am, during The Upper Cumberland This Morning and afternoons at 5:25pm during The Upper Cumberland At 5.

Local news, weather and sports on your way to and from work from News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.

 

Obituaries For Thursday, February 8

Michael Warren Jones, age 67 of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at his home. He was born on June 23, 1956 in Muncie, Indiana, and he was the son of the late Wade Jones Jr. and the late Thelma Johnson Jones. Survivors include: Wife- Renee Jones of Sparta; Daughters- Heather Nichole Blanton of Sparta, and Megan Hillary Williams of Sparta; Son- Justin Wade Jones of Sparta; Sister- Barbara Jones Dickenson of Prospect, TN; Cousins- Richard Fuson of Sparta; J.R. Johnson of Sparta; and Ruby Brown of Sparta; No services are planned at this time.

Shirley Elrod, 83 of Cookeville, went to be with the Lord while at home and surrounded by her children on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. She passed after an extended illness. Born Monday, June 3, 1940 in Cookeville, she was the daughter of the late Herbert Choate and the late Stella Gaw Choate. She was deeply loved by her late husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as everyone that knew her. She was known as “Nan” to her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, but is free, healthy and with her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Shirley was a member of the 1st Assembly of God Church on Woodland Ave, and later became a member of Life Church. When she was unable to physically attend services, Shirely enjoyed watching and became a member of the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. Surviving are son James “Jim” (Cathy) Elrod of Cookeville; daughter Jamie Shirlene (Allen) Cross of Goodlettsville; grandchildren Alaina Renee Cross, Austin Dean Elrod, Brandi Leighann (Grayson) Winningham, Robert James (Carleigh) Cross, and Christy (Jon) Moore; great-granddaughters Addison Jane Cross, and Emerson James Cross; sister Barbara Ann Gentry; nephews Ronnie Dean (Connie) Choate, Billy Wayne (Mary) Choate; And many loved great nephews, great nieces, cousins and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband James H. Elrod, father Herbert H. Choate, mother Stella Gaw Choate, grandson Austin Dean Elrod, and brothers Billy and Bobby Choate. The family is taking time to heal and abide by Shirley’s wishes. A private memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Juanita Thompson age 73 of Monterey, a true beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, after an extended illness. Born on May 19, 1950, in Pikeville, Juanita’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering devotion to her family, her work, and her faith. She departed this world in Livingston, leaving behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who knew her. Juanita’s life was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. She dedicated many years of her life to shirt factories in Sparta and Spencer, where her hard work and commitment were well-known and respected. Her colleagues remember her as a pillar of support and a friend who could always be relied upon. Her love for her family was immeasurable. She is survived by her beloved sons, James William Mosley of Shelbyville and Robert Thompson; her daughters, Linda M. Stafford of Chattanooga, Betty Jo Mosley of Murfreesboro, and Robbie Thompson Williams of Algood and Marie Thompson; and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Each of them carries forward her spirit of kindness and her lessons of compassion. Juanita’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. As a devoted member of the House of Prayer Revival Center, she lived her life as a shining example of Christian love. Her relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ was profound, and she loved Him with all her heart. Her faith-filled presence brought light and comfort to those around her, and her influence will continue to guide her family and friends. Described by those who knew her as loving, faith-filled, and interesting, Juanita’s personality was a blend of warmth, wisdom, and curiosity. She had an innate ability to make everyone around her feel valued and loved. Her interesting conversations and insightful observations were a source of joy and inspiration to many. Juanita’s life was a journey of joy, challenges, and unwavering faith. Her memory will be treasured, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. As we say farewell to Juanita Thompson, we celebrate a life well-lived and a soul that has undoubtedly found its eternal peace. In following Mrs. Thompson’s wishes, she will be cremated and a private family burial will take place at a later date.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Rejena Marlain Teague Davis, age 61, of Livingston, will be conducted 8 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024, from the First United Pentecostal Church of Cookeville. Bro. Josh Hodum will officiate. Interment will be at a later date. Mrs. Rejena passed from this life on Monday morning, February 5, 2024, from the Vanderbilt Medical Center. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia to the late J.W. Teague and Josie Moore Teague. Rejena enjoyed puzzles and craft making. She was a well-known Avon saleslady in the community and enjoyed taking care of her clients. She loved staying in the Great Smoky Mountains with her family and fur babies. Rejena leaves behind her husband of almost 16 years, Jack Lansden Davis, of Livingston; sons, Josh Landreth and wife Annisa of the Timothy Community, and Charles Davis and wife Amy of Hilham; daughters, Jackie Gentry and husband Thomas of Rickman, and Mandy Baldwin and husband Scottie of Rickman; grandchildren, Emily Smith, Maggie Baldwin, Kyle Davis, Ella Gentry, Jesse Gentry, Lillie Baldwin, Luke Davis, Allison Gentry, Victoria Landreth, and soon to be Master Joshua Landreth; brother, Tim Teague of Cleveland, TN; sister, Janie Murphy and husband Bill of Lookout Mountain, GA; sister-in-law, Venita Teague of Athens; several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, Rejena was preceded in death by her brother, Randy Teague, and sister, Markita Teague. The family will welcome friends on Thursday evening from 5 p.m. until time of services at the church.

Funeral services for Mrs. Melinda West Bilbrey, age 69 of Algood, will be held Friday, February 9th at 11:00am at Hope Church in Algood. Interment will follow at Quarles-Burton Cemetery. She died Monday February 5, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Her family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and again Friday from 9:00am until service at Hope Church.

A Graveside Service for Virgina Elizabeth Hoban Sliger, age 72 of Gainesboro, will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 beginning at 11:00 am Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life Saturday, February 3, 2024, at her home in Gainesboro. Born Wednesday, September 12, 1951 in New Haven , Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late William and Berenice (Rice) Hoban.

Graveside Services and internment for Cora Ann Mayfield, 79 of Doyle, will be on Friday, February 9 at 12:00 p.m. at Frasiers Chapel Cemetery. She passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in Cookeville. She was born on February 19, 1944 in Cumberland County. She is preceded in death by her parents, Burel Thurman Mayfield and Mary Ruthie Mayfield.

Funeral services for Mr. Donnie Charles Brown, age 70, of Livingston, will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home. Bro. Carley Conner and Bro. Randy Dodson will officiate. Burial to follow in the Fellowship Cemetery. Mr. Donnie Brown passed from this life on Wednesday afternoon, February 7, 2024, from the Cookeville Reginal Medical Center. He was born April 7, 1955, in Livingston to Charlie Truman Brown, and the late Reva Morene Smith Brown. Donnie was a 1971 graduate of Livingston Academy and a member of the Summer Shade Church of Christ. Donnie would have celebrated his 71st birthday in just two short months. His family often joked that he would outlive them all. Donnie was a devoted worker. He worked many years at Berkline, Athena, and TRW. After a short time of retirement, he started stocking bread to make a little extra money. Donnie was one of the tightest people on earth. He loved deer hunting and the stories he could talk about killing deer were almost unbelievable. More than anything Donnie loved his friends, and family. If you needed him, he was there. From delivering breakfast to cheering on Big Sissy (Briley) and Bubba (Rylan) at their ballgames. His most recent job and possibly his favorite was bringing Little Sissy (Hattie) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups every time he saw her. Donnie wouldn’t want us to be sad. We can see that mischievous smile on his face, hear him rattling the change in his pocket, knowing this is how he would have wanted things to be. A life lived well, and memories that will continue to make us smile. Donnie leaves behind his father, Truman Brown of the Summer Shade Community; sisters, Vickie Brown Dodson and (Randy) of Livingston, and Peggy Brown McCollum of Hixson; nephew, David Dodson of Mt. Juliet; nieces, Amanda Masters and (Chad) of Rickman, and Megan Grant and (Jared) of Soddy Daisey; great nieces, Briley Masters, and Hattie Laine Masters; great nephews, Rylan Masters, and Jaxon Grant. In addition to his mother, Donnie was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jeff McCollum. The family will welcome friends on Friday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. then on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the Livingston Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Lynn Kay Allen Cannon, age 69 of Quebeck, will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Greenwood Baptist Church. A private family burial will be held later. She passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024. She was born January 6, 1955 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Alvin Kearney Allen and Dorothy Hundley (Nicholas) Allen. She was also preceded in death by her sisters: Karen Faye Allen and Jacqueline Lee Allen, Brother-in-law: Wayne Cannon and wife Nancy Cannon. Lynn was a special education teacher in White County for 31 years. She was selfless with her time when it came to caring for and teaching others. Lynn began her coaching career as a basketball coach at Doyle Elementary. She coached volleyball at WCHS for 23 years, and positively influenced so many young ladies in that time. Lynn was an accomplished equestrian and had a love for animals from a young age. She was a fiercely competitive athlete playing volleyball and basketball at ETSU before transferring to TTU to continue playing volleyball. In recent years, Lynn developed a love for pickle ball as well. Lynn loved to travel and spend time with her friends on a good trail ride or a trip to the beach. Lynn opened her home to everyone, and was her happiest when surrounded by a big crowd with good food. She never met a stranger and made people feel instantly at ease and welcome. Above all, Lynn cherished her family, with her three grandsons being her pride and joy. Lynn is survived by her husband: Jimmy Cannon; Daughter: Kelly Lyons & husband Ray; Son: Kyle (Saydee Simpson) Cannon; Grandchildren: Kace and Cort Lyons, Kooper Cannon; Sisters: Cindy Neighbors & husband Tommy and Susan Pugh & husband Dave; Sister-in-law: MaryAnn Cloyd & husband Charlie; Nieces & Nephews: Andrea (Terry) Geer, Darin Cannon, Glen (Carla) Burford, Jenny (Brian) Follett, Wendy Neighbors, Terri (Brandon) Sheppard, and David (Jo An) Pugh; along with numerous cousins and close friends who are like family also left to cherish her memory. Visitation with the family will be from 3 pm until 8pm on Friday evening at the church and again from 9 am until service time on Saturday. In Lieu of flowers the family wishes donations to be made to the WCHS Volleyball or Special Olympics in Lynn’s Memory.

Funeral Services for Pastor Jerry Buckner, age 60, of Monterey, will be conducted on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM from the Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Rev. Clayton Lee Jr. will officiate with interment to follow in the Welch Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Buckner was born on Thursday, February 21, 1963, in Monterey, to the late Willie Gaskel and Thelma Jean Isabell Buckner. He passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was an automotive assembler working with Flowserve. He was currently Pastoring at Hardy’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and had previously served at Antioch Freewill Baptist Church, Plainview Freewill Baptist Church, and Taylor Seminary Freewill Baptist Church. He loved his motorcycle, drag racing, and fishing with his grandson, Riley. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Connie McCowan Buckner of Monterey; daughter, Amanda Holman of Monterey, TN; grandson, Riley Holman; half brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Phyllis Pugh of Cookeville; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Eugene and Betty McCowan of Monterey. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

A Funeral service for Bobby Z Bohannon, 70 of Cookeville, will be at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Presley Funeral Home with Bro. Brandon Pruett officiating. He went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, while being surrounded by his family. Born Monday, May 25, 1953 in Monterey, he was the son of the late Paul Bohannon and the late Mary Eula Lee Bohannon. He was the loving husband of Terrie Lynne Hargis Bohannon for over 41 blessed years. It is very difficult to say anything about Bobby in so few words. He was “The Best” son, husband, dad and Pa anyone could ever ask for. Bobby enjoyed life, and made the best out of every situation. He liked to spend time with his family camping, fishing and wrestling shows. He enjoyed time in the garage as the girls held flashlights and brought his coffee. As the girls grew older, his grandkids took over holding the flashlight and bringing his coffee. He enjoyed working on cars, both mechanically and body work. He loved antique tractors, including his 1950 Farmall Super A “Ruby Red”. Bobby was a jokester, poking fun and picking on those he loved. Bobby would love and support his kids in any endevor, whether good or bad. Whenever something would happen, he would reply with “Robert did it”, irregardless if Robert did it or not. Above all, Bobby loved the Lord and was a pastor of a non-denominational church. Surviving are wife Terrie “T” Lynne Bohannon of Cookeville; daughters Teressa (Stephen) Martin of Rock Island, Jennifer “(Robert) Prashaw of Fort Campbell, KY, Christie (Jeff) Bussell of Cookeville; grandchildren Drake Martin, Laurabelle Prashaw, Caitlynne Martin, Landon Z Prashaw; And a host of many friends. A special heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospic of Cookeville and McMinnville for the excellent care of Bobby. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers and plants, please consider manking a donation to the American Cancer Society and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral Services for Mr. Robert Allen Arney, age 69, of Monroe, will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Burial to follow in the Overton County Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors provided at graveside by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Robert Arney passed from this life from the comforts of his home in Monroe, on Friday, February 2, 2024. He was born in Fort Benning, Georgia on August 11, 1954, to the late Shirley Ray and Betty Ruth Arney. Robert was an avid marksman, had a love for the outdoors, and was a true patriot to his core. He was meticulous in nature and kept a close circle of friends. He could be found off roading in his Polaris. He cared for his neighbors dearly. In his spare time Robert could be found building household furniture. His family described him as one to do his own thing. Robert loved his family fiercely. Robert leaves behind daughter Rebecca Cruise and husband Jason of Hendersonville; grandchildren Victor Cruise and Madeline Cruise; sister Shirley Morreale and husband Bob of Sparta; nephew Eric Lindsay and wife Casey of Kingston; special cousins David Arney and wife Gail of Rickman, and Cynthia Mitchell of Byrdstown; and a host of family that will miss him dearly. James was preceded in death by his parents. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at Speck Funeral Home.

Funeral Services for Mr. Edward “Edd” Robinson, age 81, of Cookeville will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 11, 2024 from the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastors Dow Allen and Mike Gillock will officiate. Burial will follow at Shipley Cemetery. Mr. Robinson passed away on Thursday morning, February 8, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 5:00-8:00pm, and again on Sunday from 12 noon until services at the funeral home.

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 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.