We Remember: Obituaries For Thursday, January 11

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, January 11

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.

Norman Lynn Fidler, age 92 of Cookeville, and formerly of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, passed from this life of natural causes and was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Cedar Hills Retirement Center in Cookeville. Born Sunday, January 25, 1931, in Lafayette, Indiana, he was the son of the late Otis Fidler and the late Della Bates. Norm was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He came to know Jesus at the age of 92 and attended Life Church in Cookeville. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He owned and operated M&N Chemical Company in Mechanicsburg, PA before his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed going to the beach and dining out. Norm is survived by: 1 daughter and son-in-law: Stacy and Charles Williams of Baltimore, Maryland; 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Stephen and Terrie Fidler of Mechanicsburg, PA, Scott and Danica Fidler of Monterey; Mother of his children: Marianne Fidler of Baltimore, Maryland; Wife; Bonnie Fidler of Surfside Beach, SC; 8 Grandchildren; 4 Great Grandchildren; 1 brother: James Bates of Las Vegas, NV. A private family gathering will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Life Church Kids Camp by check to Life Church 2223 North Washington Avenue Cookeville, Tennessee 38501 (in remembrance of Norman Fidler).

Funeral service for Glen Draper Huffines, 65 of Gainesboro, will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11 am in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. Burial will follow at the Draper Cemetery on Wartrace Hwy in Jackson County. Bro. Matthew Scoggins will be officiating. He was born February 6, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, and he passed away on Tuesday, January 09, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Glen was the son of Herman O’Neal Huffines and Jerldine Forkum Huffines. He was an electrician. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Rob Reynolds from Atlanta, GA. Survivors include his brother: Danny (Gail) Huffines of Gainesboro; sisters: Shelia (Benny) Carlton of Christiana, TN, Madge Reynolds of Atlanta, GA, Amanda (Matthew) Scoggins of Gainesboro; nephews and nieces: Patrick (Mary) Huffines of Gainesboro, Kristi (Greg) Crawford of Baxter, Jeremy (Kayla) Reynolds of Atlanta, GA, Megan (Blake) Stepp of Atlanta, GA, Heather (Trent) Thomas of Owensboro, KY, Elizabeth (Blake) Marksberry of Owensboro, KY, Adrianna (Drew) Stafford of Pleasant Shade, Micah Scoggins of Gainesboro, Abigail Scoggins of Gainesboro, TN, special friend, Teresa Gore Huffines of Gainesboro. Several other relatives and friends also survive. Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024, and from 9 am until time of service at 11 am on Friday, January 12, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Jackson-Smith County Youth Camp by contacting the business office of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home at 931- 268-1550.

Funeral Service for Susie “Vina” Louvina Gregg, 96 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Owens officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Signature Health Care of Putnam County. Vina was born Friday, March 11, 1927, in Rickman, and she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Nancey (Gaw) Nelson. Vina was a loving daughter, sister, mother, Nanny, aunt, and friend. She was the most courageous, selfless, gracious, and wonderful woman. Her love for God was strong and she attended House of Prayer Revival Center for many years. Vina was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Vina is survived by, 2 Children, Loretta Johnson, and Timothy Gregg; 2 Grandchildren, Michelle Johnson and her husband Shane, and Renee Haines and her husband James; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Brittany Brewer, Amanda Brewer, and Sam Farris; 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren, Naomi Gregg, Skieler Vernon, Scarlett Guess, Bristin Laughlin, Jaxon Hood, Linda Hood, and Jaxson Farris; Sister, Louise Conley; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Vina was preceded in death by, 2 Husbands, Howard Morgan, and James Gregg; 3 Great-Great-Grandsons, Alexzander Gregg, Zachariah Guess, and Michael Hood; 7 Siblings, Brownie, Carlos, Ardean, Jack, Benton, and Horace Nelson, and Mary Jane Ray. Visitation will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, from 10:00 am until the time of service at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

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 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.

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