We Remember: Obituaries For Thursday, March 21

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, March 21

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.

Graveside services for Betty Jo Brannon, 80 of Baxter, and formerly of Ruskin, FL, will be Friday, March 22, 2024 at 1pm in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Baxter. Ryan Thornton will officiate. A cherished figure known for her kindness, generosity, and loving spirit, she passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Baxter. Born on June 26, 1943, in Tampa, FL, Betty was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the love and care she poured into her family, her work, and her passions. Betty spent the majority of her life in the warm embrace of her hometown, Ruskin, FL, where she also met and married the love of her life, Bobby Brannon. Together, they navigated the joys and challenges of life, creating a home filled with laughter and memories. Sadly, Betty was preceded in death by her beloved Bobby, as well as her parents, Walter J. and Marie McGuire Davis. Despite such losses, Betty’s resilience and warmth never wavered. She found strength and solace in her loving family, including her two devoted daughters, Rhonda (Kevin) Rimes of Tampa and Stacy (Hal) Pohill of San Antonio, FL. Betty’s role as a grandmother was one of her greatest joys, and she was a constant presence in the lives of her grandchildren, Erika (Ryan) Thornton, Victoria (David) Parker, and Miranda Goolsby. Her great-grandchildren, Blair, Chevie, and Develen, also brought her immense happiness. Professionally, Betty was the proud owner of Brannon Market in Ruskin, FL, a business that not only served the community but also became a gathering place for friends and neighbors. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to service made the market a beloved local staple. In 2022, Betty made the decision to move to Baxter to be closer to her family, a testament to the importance she placed on her loved ones. Betty’s interests and hobbies painted a picture of a woman who cherished the beauty of life. She was an avid collector of Gone With The Wind memorabilia, each piece holding a special place in her heart. Moreover, Betty had a creative soul, expressing herself through painting-a hobby that added color to her life and those around her. Dancing was another of Betty’s passions, and she could often be found gracefully moving to the music she adored, a vision of joy and elegance. There will be no visitation at the funeral home, everyone will meet at the cemetery.

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

Graveside services for Mr. James Clark “Jim” Cantrell, age 78 of Quebeck, will be conducted 11:00am Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Highland Cemetery. Carl Sims will officiate. He passed away March 21, 2024 at his residence. Jim was born May 2, 1945 in White County to the late James Lum and Mattie Virgie Arizona Manning Cantrell. He graduated White County High School in 1964. He was an outstanding football and basketball player. Jim was an auditor for Firestone, then later drove a tractor trailer for 32 years. Jim never met a stranger and was truly loved by many. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his son, James Victor Cantrell; the mother of his children, Helen; sisters, Nannie Billings, Hannah LaFay Cantrell Mize; brothers Fred Cantrell and Stanton Cantrell. Survivors include his wife Earlayne Sims Cantrell of Quebeck; Son: Jared and Annie Cantrell of Quebec, Canada; Daughter: Angie Howell of Quebeck; Grandson: Maddox Cantrell; Granddaughter: Maellie Cantrell of Quebec Canada; Brothers: Bobby Cantrell and wife Jane, Ed Cantrell; Sisters: Lum Ellen Mayberry, Mattie Helen Burnette and Carolyn Copeland; Sister-in-law: Minnie Cantrell; Brothers and sisters-in-law: Gary and Darnell Day, Greg and Leanne Frasier, Robert and Tammy Sims; Many nieces and nephews also survive. There will be no public visitation prior to the service.

A funeral service for Dewey E. Denson, 73 of Baxter, will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Presley Funeral Home. Interment will be in Rodgers Cemetery, Baxter. He went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, while at NHC Healthcare Cookeville in Cookeville. Born Monday, April 10, 1950 in Baxter, he was raised by the late Clifford Denson and the late Robert Denson, his great uncles. He was the loving husband of Joan Halfacre Denson for 34 blessed years. Dewey was raised in Baxter and attended Cedar Hill Elementary School, a three room schoolhouse. As a farmer, he raised tobacco and logged in the off season. Dewey truly enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. In his later years, sitting out on the front porch was a staple, even placing his old recliner on the porch to enjoy. Dewey never knew a stranger, speaking to anyone about anything. Most of all, he was devote Christian, loving the Lord his God, and being a member of the Lilly’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. Dewy is survived by wife Joan; brother Steve and Patricia Denson; aunts Edith Grandmason of Rickman, Elizabeth Rodgers of Baxter; brother-in-laws Vernon and Carol Halfacre of Bellville, MI, Bill Halfacre of Cookeville, Carl and Suzanne Halfacre of Baxter; And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Da-Do (Dewey) and Nanna Joan had the wonderful privilege to care for great-nieces Colette and Bree from the age of six weeks old until they entered school. They have been such a blessing to Dewey and Joan. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 22, 2024, and again on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM.

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.

A celebration of life service for Mr. Ferris Bland Speck, Jr. age 86 of Livingston, will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Okalona Methodist Church in Livingston. He passed from this life on Friday, March 08, 2024 at the Overton County Health and Rehab. He was born on Wednesday, April 07, 1937 in Rockwood, Roane Co., TN to the late Ferris Bland Speck, Sr and Mavia (Kendrick) Speck. Bland was a member of the Okalona Methodist Church. He was a Good Samaritan, he was parts counter person most of his working life. He loved his wife Joyce (Roberts) Speck whom he married on July 06, 1962; he also loved his family and blue grass music. Survivors: 1 Daughter: Susan (Speck) Webster and her husband Scotty; 1 Son: Kevin Speck and his wife Malinda; 2 Grandchildren: Kendal Speck and his wife Katie, Bethany Speck and husband Patrick Richardson; 4 Great Grandchildren: Tyson Speck, Aleah Speck, Roland Richardson, Vayla Richardson; A host of beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death: In addition to his parents; Wife: Joyce (Roberts) Speck; 1 Brother: Elmo Speck; 1 Sister: Avalon Hunter. The family will welcome friends at the church starting at 10 AM. The family request that in lieu of flowers please send donations to the public library for history books in the remembrance of Bland for his love of history.

Funeral services for Eddie Howard “Little Eddie” Gaw II, age 52 of Cookeville, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday March 23 at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Pastor Mark Gaw will officiate. Interment will follow at Smyrna Cemetery. Eddie passed away Wednesday March 20 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. His family will receive friends Friday from 5 – 8 p.m. at the church and again Saturday from 11 a.m. until service time.

Funeral service for Alvin Morris Maxwell, fondly known as “Cat” by those who knew and loved him, 88 of Baxter, will be Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1 pm in the Baxter Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Maxwell Cemetery South. He passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, at the age of 88, in Cookeville. Born on October 7, 1935, in Baxter, Cat was a man of humble beginnings who lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a love for the great outdoors. Cat grew up in Baxter, a small town where he learned the values of hard work and community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda Pearl McBroom Maxwell, who passed away August 8, 2023, and by his parents, Roe Oliver and Bertie Ensor Maxwell. Cat was the youngest of a large and loving family, which included his sisters Ocia Maxwell, Dora Maxwell, Mattie Almeda Maxwell and Dessie Williams, and his brothers Dow, Verdie “Bill,” John, Estle, James “Jim,” William Clayborn, and Donald “Pee” Maxwell. He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and continue to feel the impact of his gentle spirit. He was a member of Cookeville Free Will Baptist Church. Cat’s life was defined by his work ethic and his ability to fix anything, from cars to lawn mowers. He took great pride in his craft as a carpenter and mechanic, and for many years, he served his community through his work as a custodian at Upperman High School. Those who worked alongside Cat knew him as a man who approached every task with care and precision, and his presence in the halls of Upperman High was a constant source of reliability and warmth. Beyond his work, Cat was passionate about the outdoors. He had an unparalleled love for bird hunting and spent countless hours training bird dogs, a skill that he mastered with patience and a deep understanding of the animals he worked with. Deer and turkey hunting were also among his favorite pursuits, and he found peace and joy in the rolling hills and forests of Tennessee. Cat’s love for nature was infectious, and he often shared his knowledge and adventures with those around him. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 am until service time at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mr. Bruce Dewayne Hicks, age 60 of Sparta, will be conducted 2:00pm Saturday, March 23, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Davis Cemetery. He passed away at 4:00am Tuesday morning, March 19, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family. Bruce was born May 22, 1963 in Sparta to the late Jimmie Lee and Eva Dell Jones Hicks. As an avid antique tractor enthusiast, he could always be found at area tractor pulls on his M Farmall as well as in the booth serving as the show announcer. In addition, he lent his voice on Sundays to serving as song leader for McElroy Church of Christ where he was an active member. Bruce’s knowledge of tractors served him well as Parts Manager at Hix Brothers Tractor, and he was also a former Parts Manager at Midstate Motorsports. Surviving family members include his brother Robin (Patrena) Hicks; Sisters: Linda Hicks and Monica (Chris) Brewington; Nephews: Chase (Kacie) Hicks, Kyle (Shauna) Hicks, Logan (Morgan) Hicks, Braden (Jewel) Brewington; Two great-nephews; Two great-nieces and one on the way. The family will receive friends Friday from 4-8:00pm at Hunter Funeral Home.

Funeral Service for Alvin C. Pryor, 76 of Sparta, and formerly of Cookeville, will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Leftwich officiating. Interment will follow in the Algood City Cemetery. He passed from this life on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at his home. Alvin was born Tuesday, July 29, 1947, in Livingston, he was the son of the late Edgar Italy Pryor and the late Gladys (Ledbetter) Pryor. Alvin was a loving son, brother, husband, father, Pa, uncle, and friend. He worked for Vaughns Monument Works for many years and enjoyed his time there. He collected Case knives and Zippo lighters. Alvin was loved by those who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Alvin is survived by his wife, Linda Pryor; 2 Children, Tammie Tucker and her husband, Josh, and Crystal Wilcoxson and her husband, Mike; 4 Grandchildren, Andrew Williams (Dominick), Eric Williams and his wife Ashley, Seth Daniels, and Bryce Wilcoxson; Great-Grandchildren, Liam Williams, Vinny Daniels, Paisley Dennis, and Austin Dennis; Step Children, Steve Dennis, Janetta Dennis, and Summer Dennis; Sister, Georgia Irene Gibson; Brother, Larry Pryor and his son, William; Mother of his children, Kathy Maxwell; A host of nieces, nephews cousins, and special friends. In addition to his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by, 5 Sisters, Lorene Carmack, Jewell Dean Bean, Opal Holsapple, Earline Pryor, and Evelyn Garrett; Brother, Edgar Pryor, Jr. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ann Owens Barkalow, age 85, of Mt. Juliet, and formerly of Overton County will be conducted 3 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Burial to follow in the Bethsaida Cemetery. Bro. James Shenko will officiate. Mrs. Ann passed from this life on Tuesday morning, March 19, 2024, from the Tristar Summit Medical Center. She was born at home in the Twinton Community of Overton County, on April 14, 1938, to the late Alvin Delmer and Bernice Holbert Owens. After retiring from the State of Tennessee, Ann enjoyed volunteering for the Tristar Skyline Medical Center. She loved Tennessee Football and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi. Ann also enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, the news, and spending time with her family and friends. Ann leaves behind her daughters, Cheryl Barkalow of Cartersville, GA, and Camille Barkalow of Nashville; son, Scott Barkalow and wife Tina of Burns, TN; grandchildren, Anthony Rella, Julianne Baumgart and husband Blake, Alexander Barkalow and wife Ahjainene, AJ Barkalow, and wife Hailey Wright, and Tennessee Barkalow; great-grandchildren, Theodore, Grey, and Walker; sisters, Jerri Barnhill of Birmingham, AL, and Ella Givens and husband Gary of Acworth, GA; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Alexander Barkalow, son, Todd Barkalow, brother, John Owens, and sister, Peggy Owens. The family will welcome friends on Sunday from 1 p.m. until time of services.

Funeral services for Harlin “Doc” Crabtree, 91 of Gainesboro, will be held at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Chris Mayberry officiating. Burial will follow in the Young Cemetery, in Center Grove Community of Jackson County. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 15, 2024. He was born on September 19, 1932, in Gainesboro, to the late Domer Crabtree and Louevie (Hammock) Crabtree. Doc had a passion for aviation and aircrafts, finding joy in flying. He had a knack for working on cars, showcasing his love for automobiles. One of his greatest pleasures in life was being surrounded by his beloved family. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his loved ones in Tennessee. He also had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed being out and about. Doc was known for his kind, generous, and loving nature. His loving presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Doc also worked at Chrysler in New York, Delaware. Doc is survived by his children: Richard Crabtree (Dawn), and Peggy Carol Brown (Mark); seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and sister, Louise Haney. In addition to his parents, Doc is preceded in death by his brother, Earl Crabtree. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 1P.M. until time of services at 2 P.M.

Graveside services for Theta “Louise” Brown Grimes, 86 of Baxter, will be Thursday, March 28 at 1 PM at Crest Lawn Cemetery in Cookeville. Bro. Eric Brown, pastor of Baxter First Church of God will officiate. She was born November 16, 1937 to Bradley and Virgie Brown. She passed away in Goodrich, MI on March 17, 2024 at the age of 86; wife of Bob; mother of Diana (Jack) Haugk, Debbie (Jim) Slackta and Tami (Paul) Pisarsky; grandma of Brad (Traci) Haugk, David (Lisa) Haugk, Kayla (Ryan) Greenbury, Jacob (Cassandra) Slackta, Marissa (Logan) Brown and Madison (Zakkary) Bader; great grandma of Kyle, Sean, Grace, Jack, William, Isabella, Victoria, Nora, Hudson, Sadie and Hadlee; sister of Houston Brown; preceded in death by her siblings: Buna Vinson, John Thomas Brown, Gerema Anderson, Dorothy Hamilton and Charles Edward “Joe” Brown. Louise retired from General Motors. She was a spirited personality who loved fishing the Great Lakes, hunting in the UP, spending time at Barefoot Beach in Florida and caring for all her many animals on her farm in Baxter, Tennessee. She cherished time spent with her family and friends and loved playing cards, especially Gin Rummy! She is loved by so many and will be missed by all. There will be no visitation at the funeral home, everyone will meet at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to MI Humane Society.

A graveside service for Jerry Lee Burgess, known affectionately as Jerry to his friends and family, 78 of Cookeville, will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Essex Cemetery. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He passed away peacefully at his residence on March 18, 2024. Born on August 2, 1945, in the same town he would call home for his entire life, Jerry’s presence was a constant in the community he loved and served. Jerry proudly served his country as a member of the US Navy, a period of his life that instilled in him a sense of discipline and camaraderie that he carried throughout his years. After his military service, he returned to Cookeville, where he established himself as a respected attorney. Jerry was also an active member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and a committed participant at the VFW Post 6296, where he shared bonds of fellowship with fellow veterans. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jerry was a man of many passions. An avid outdoorsman, he found solace and joy in the natural world, whether he was casting a line into a serene lake or hunting in the quiet woods. His love for the great outdoors was perhaps only matched by his accomplishment of hiking the Appalachian Trail with his son Carl, a feat that spoke to his adventurous spirit and physical endurance. Jerry also took great pride in working his land, a testament to his deep roots and connection to the earth. Jerry’s larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His laughter was infectious, his stories captivating, and his presence alone could light up a room. He was a cherished member of his family, a devoted husband to his wife, Lisa Murray Burgess, a loving father to his son, Carl Burgess, and daughters, LeeAnn Romero (and her husband Benny) and Kare Loyd (and her husband Ryan). Jerry’s spirit will live on through his grandchildren, William and Mia Romero, Barron and Avery Loyd. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Burgess, and sister, Sandra Pigg, who will hold dear the memories of their brother’s unwavering support and enduring friendship. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Burgess and Kate Essex Burgess, his brother Glen Burgess, and his sisters, Nell Hunter and Judy McCrary.

Celebration of Life for Bevie “Rose” Rozelle (Pinkston) Yeager, 86, of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. She passed from this life on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Charter Senior Living of Cookeville. Rose was born Sunday, July 4, 1937, in Cookeville, she was the daughter of the late Luther Pinkston and the late Sena “Opal” (Clouse) Pinkston Smith. Rose was a loving daughter, sister, mother, Granny, aunt, and friend. She loved working in her garden with flowers and was very proud of the years she worked and was able to provide for her family. Her greatest blessings were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved sharing fond memories of her grandfather’s farm and spending time there. Rose was loved by those who knew her and will be greatly missed. Rose is survived by, 5 Children, Marcia Huddleston and her husband, Mike, Clint Steward (Wanda Elrod), Sandy Lamberson and her husband, Larry, Monesa Evans and her husband, Randy, and Jeff Steward and his wife, Lisa; 12 Grandchildren, Jonathan Jones (Tracy), Tyler Jones (Jackie), Tracey Manor (Mike), Christina Root (Geoff), Jason Steward, Dustin Steward, Patrick Mathis, Krystal Usrey, Taylor Bowman (Tori), Blake Evans, Jennifer Ward, and Alex Steward; 16 Great-Grandchildren; Sister, Janie Starr; Special Companion, her dog, Angie; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by, 6 Siblings, Aline Ogletree, Peggy Ogle, Nell Ballard, Jonnie Pearl Weber, Rola Pinkston, and Aaron Pinkston. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service for Deborah “Debi” Lynn (Howe) Christiansen, 70, of Baxter, will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Cookeville Church of Christ. Interment will be held at a later date. She passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center-Knoxville, due to complications following liver cancer surgery. She was surrounded by family. Born May 16, 1953, in Wyandotte, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Ramon “Ray” D. Howe and Shirley A. (Fite) Howe. The second oldest of five children; her parents and siblings adored her. Debi graduated from Hohenwald High School, Hohenwald, TN in 1971. She attended Freed Hardeman University and worked as a secretary at the University of Michigan for many years. She later received a Medical Billing degree. More recently, she was employed as a bookkeeper for Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville, prior to her retirement. She met the love of her life, her husband Gary C. Christiansen, and they married on February 27, 2015. Debi is best remembered for her dedicated love for her family. She was generous and compassionate, always thinking of others before herself. Debi and Gary were both devoted caregivers to her parents, who resided in their home from 2017-2022. She loved baking; her delicious homemade cheesecakes were a family favorite. Her favorite season was fall because of the fall colors. She loved nature: the beauty of a flower, a golden sunset, or just the chance of spotting deer near the side of the road. She especially loved her cat “Mae” who was her constant companion for 13 years. She was an entrepreneur, having owned and operated several retail businesses both before and after her retirement. Most recently, she used her artistry, painting, and crafting skills to create and sell home décor items for others to enjoy. She always managed a positive outlook, despite the many years of cancer treatments, ill-health, and major events. Because of that she was a great inspiration and encouragement to all her family and friends. Her husband Gary was a great help and support to her in all her sickness. Debi found joy in being a child of God. Her strength came from her faith, trust and obedience to her Lord and Savior. Preceded in death by: Father – Ramon “Ray” D. Howe; Paternal Grandparents – Aurbrie and Eula Howe; Maternal Grandparents – Charles and Lillian Fite. Surviving loved ones include: Husband – Gary C. Christiansen, of Baxter; Mother – Shirley Howe, of Gainesboro; Siblings: Jerri Gilmer, of Eustis, FL, Karen Neilson, of Cookeville, Larry Howe, of Saline, MI, Robin Crawford, of Baxter; Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, church members, and neighbors. The family will receive friends before the service from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM, at the same location. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Debi’s memory may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) and can be mailed to NET Research Foundation, 31 St. James Avenue, Suite 365, Boston, MA 02116