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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 28
Paul Bilbrey, Age 76, of the Love Joy Community of Overton County, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at his home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Graveside funeral services and interment for Kenneth King, age 86, of Rickman, will be at the Okolona United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rickman, on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 11:00 am with Bro. Tony Phipps officiating. He has inspired us for the past few years with his strength, courage, faith, perseverance, and love as he struggled with so many complex medical issues then transitioned into the arms of The Great Physician, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. He was born on Friday, January 28, 1938, in Monterey, to the late Roy Manson and Pauline Phipps King. He is preceded in death by a son, Marty Wesley King; stepson, Jack Ray Jr.; sister, Anna Rose Campbell; and brother, Fred King. He is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Anne Hurt King; daughter, Rhonda Casper; son, Rodney (Francisca) King; grandsons, Jordan Tinnel, Jonah Tinnel (Michelle), Tristen King, and Dylan King; great grandchildren, Braxton Morse and Brylee Tinnel; step grandson, Samuel Buttram; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Fournet (Dr. Timothy); step grandchildren, Ammon Hitchcock (Ashton), Phoenix Ray Cantrell (Kyle), William Hitchcock (Katy), John Hitchcock (Summer); step great grandson, Rex Hitchcock; sister, Helen King Cummings; sister-in-law, Lois King; brother-in-law, Dr. John Hurt (Gwen); a host of nieces and nephews; special friend and cousin, Joey King, along with a host of other cousins; and Blue, his devoted dog and companion. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Goff Funeral. His family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Tennessee Tech University Foundation, The Roy and Pauline King Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 5111, Cookeville, TN 38505.
Funeral services for Pauline (Matthews) Spicer, 79 of Rickman, will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11 AM from the Hall Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Okolona Cemetery. She went home to be with her Savior on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Pauline, beloved wife, mother, Granny, Great Granny, and sister, loved her family well and was known for her generous hospitality. She was a talented artist, exceptional seamstress, and wonderful cook and was known for her beautifully decorated cakes. She loved cooking big meals and making delicious desserts whenever we had all our family together. Pauline was a 1962 graduate of Rickman High School. She then went on to graduate cosmetology school in Nashville. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Leta Matthews; her brothers Ray, Horace, Earl, and Claude Matthews; as well as her sisters Florenceanna Hall and Frances Matthews; one son-in-law John Swift; and great grandson Grayson Spicer. She is survived by her loving husband and soul mate Clarence Spicer of Rickman; daughters Lisa (Shawn) Reagan of Huntsville, AL, and Jana (Brad) Swope of Gallatin; sons Charlie (Heather) Spicer of Alpine, and Randy Spicer of Cookeville; brother Hoyet (Louise) Matthews of Livingston; 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening; March 28th starting at 4 PM to 8 PM and on Friday, March 29th starting at 9:00 AM until service time at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Okalona Cemetery Fund or the Backpack Ministry of Bangham Heights Baptist Church in Cookeville.
Funeral Services for Ms Bobbie Jean Carwile, age 84, of Livingston will be conducted on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 12 noon from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Mike Ayers to officiate. Burial to follow in Concord Cemetery. Ms Bobbie passed from this life on Monday evening, March 25 from Overton County Health and Rehabilitation. She was born in Overton County on June 21, 1939 to the late Hugh and Zora McClain Carwile. Bobbie enjoyed traveling and shopping. She loved to read, but once of all she loved spending time with her family. Bobbie leaves behind her nieces Barbara Carver and husband Robert of Hilham, and Sharon Ayers and husband Steve of Hilham; nephew Doug Taylor of Nashville; and a host of great nieces and nephews and relatives. In addition to her parents she preceded in death by infant brother Delon Carwile, infant sister Phyllis Hix, and sister Jolene Taylor. Family will welcome friends from 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday, March 29, 2024 from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Nancy Carol Whiteaker, 69 of Cookeville, will be held at 1pm Friday, March 29, 2024 from the Dyer chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Bro. Harold Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Brown’s Mill Cemetery. A source of love and faith, she passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, in her hometown of Cookeville. Born on December 8, 1954, to the lateAlbert Jefferson and Odell Haney Jared. Nancy’s life was a testament to the power of devotion and the strength of family bonds. Nancy’s journey began in Cookeville, where she grew up surrounded by the love of her family. She graduated from Putnam County Senior High in 1972, carrying with her the values of hard work and dedication that would define her life. Nancy’s career as a hairdresser allowed her to touch the lives of many, offering not just a new look but also a listening ear and a warm smile to all who sat in her chair. Her heart found its match in Charles Randall Whiteaker, and together they built a life filled with joy and companionship. Their marriage of nearly 39 years was a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other. Nancy’s love for her family was her guiding force, and she poured her entire being into raising her two children, Randy and Rachel Whiteaker, who were the center of her world. Nancy’s siblings, Robert “Bob” (Nancy) Jared, Wayne (Sandra) Jared, Michael Jared, and sister Edith “Ann” Randolph, shared in the many cherished moments of her life. Her family extended to a host of nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers, David Paul Jared and Carl Edward “Eddie” Jared, whose memories she held dear. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-8pm, and again on Friday from 11am until time of services at the funeral home.
Memorial services Martha Louise (Holt) Craven, age 94 of Byrdstown, will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rick Cross officiating. The burial of the cremains will be in Story Cemetery. She passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Bethesda Health Care Center. She was born February 7, 1930 in Memphis, to Curtis Holt and Bertie (Cross) Holt. She was a former dietitian. Martha is survived by (1) daughter: April Craven (Raul Ramirez). Best friend and companion Homeless Also survived by other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Curtis and Bertie Holt; husband: Larry Craven; (4) sisters: Virginia Evans, Bessie Rich, Ruth Garrett and Anna Mae Hill; (2) brothers: Lloyd Holt and Gradie Holt. The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 PM until service at 2:00 PM
Funeral services for Lola Helen (Matthews) Winningham, age 85 of Jamestown, will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. Burial will follow in the Taylor Place Cemetery. She passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the Signature Health Care of Fentress Co. Helen is survived by her: Daughter, Debbie (Winningham) Jones and husband Charlie; Son, Bruce Winningham and wife Karla; Grandchildren, Sophie Jones, Kaycee White and husband Adam, Jim Winningham; Great-Granddaughter, Ellie White; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her: Husband, James S. “Pig” Winningham; Parents, Roscoe and Mary (Wright) Matthews; Sisters, Wilma Conatser, Millie Winningham, Eva Smith, Bessie Conatser, Cynthia Pritchett. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. An Eastern Star Service will be held at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to the Jamestown Chapter #373 Order of the Eastern Star. Donations can be left at Jennings Funeral Homes or mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 765, Jamestown, TN 38556.
Funeral services for Mr. John D. Alcorn age 84 of Livingston, will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 2:30 PM from the Hall Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Cookeville City Cemetery. He passed from this life on Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024 at his residence. He was born in Buffalo Valley, Putnam Co., on Thursday, June 29, 1939 to the late Herman B. and Lois (Julian) Alcorn. Survivors: Wife: Betty Alcorn; 1 Daughter: Rosemarie Moore. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, March 29th starting at 11 AM until funeral time at 2:30PM.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Martha Bain Morabito, 90 of North Augusta, South Carolina, formerly of Sparta, will be conducted Friday afternoon, March 29th, at 3pm in the chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with interment following in Dixie O’Conner Cemetery. She entered into rest, March 24, 2024, in North Augusta, SC. Martha was born April 26, 1933, in Sparta, to the late Jesse S Bain and Gladys LeFevre Bain. She was a former resident of Fairfax County, VA, and returned to Tennessee in her later years. Martha served for 18 years as a long-distance telephone operator with Bell South, and she always appreciated the simple things of life. She was an avid reader, a Tennessee Titans fan, and adored all animals, especially her beloved pets. Martha enjoyed music and dancing, especially to her favorite, Elvis Presley. She had a great love for the Lord and shared with all that knew her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jesse D Bain; and her husband, Joe Morabito. Surviving family members left to cherish her memory include five sons, Ronald H. James (Barbara), Johnny R. James (Karen), David A. James (Joan), Michael L. James (Caryn), and Timothy D. “T.J.” James (Jennifer); a sister, Betty Helton; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends after 2pm Friday at Hunter Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mr. John Lanny Nelson, Jr., age 32 of the Cassville Community, will be conducted 11:00am Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Pentecostals Church of Sparta with burial in Old Zion Cemetery. He passed away March 25, 2024. John was born September 11, 1991 in El Paso, Texas. He was a former factory worker and a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He enjoyed fishing, boating and working on cars. He loved music and was a guitar player. He will always be remembered for being able to light up a room with his jovial spirit and jokes. Survivors include his son John Lanny “Little John” Nelson, III; Parents: Shirley and Aaron Ragan; Siblings: David Knapp, Jennifer Bednarz, Jacob Nelson, James Ragan, Erica Ragan and Austin Ragan; Favorite aunts and uncles: Aunt Ta and Terry, Aunt Syb and Roger, Aunt Brenda and Ricky, Aunt Linda, Uncle Tom and Kathy, Uncle Randy and Missy, Uncle Ronnie and Dena; Biological father John Lanny Nelson, Sr. The family will receive friends Friday from 3-8:00pm at the church.
The family of Walter “Clarence” Brown, 83 of Sparta, will have a memorial service at Blessed Hope Church on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The church will be providing dinner. He died on Thursday, March 21, 2024. He was born on April 9, 1940, he was the son of the late Harley Brown and the late Alice Wilson Brown. Clarence retired from Ball Containers – Dunkrik Indiana after over 45 years of service. He was also a member of Blessed Hope Church In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Brenda Roberts Brown, and serval brothers and sisters. Surviving family include: Daughters -Rita (Pat) Giudice, Kara Lowe, and Lisa (Dan) Green; Cousin – Jere Wilson; Sister – Dotann; Brother – Nolan Brown; A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends also survived.
Funeral Service for Jarline Lula Maxwell, 90, of Silver Point, will be held Monday, April 1, 2024, at 1:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life Thursday, March 28, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Jarline was born Thursday, July 27, 1933, in Alpine, and she was the daughter of the late Ed Smith and the late Clara Elden (Hoover) Smith. Jarline was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nanny, aunt, and friend. She was well known for her green thumb and could grow anything. She loved her family and her church family, however, she especially loved her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jarline was well-loved by those that knew her and she will be greatly missed. Jarline is survived by, 7 Children, Marilyn Hakola, Janet Buell, Carol Brooks, Linda Allison, Harold Young, Chet Young, and Tommy Maxwell; a Special Granddaughter, Samantha Duke, and her family; a Sister, Darlene Chilton; Numerous Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Jarline was preceded in death by her Husband, James Maxwell; 2 Brothers, Eugene, and Johnny Smith; and Sister, Pauline Cooper. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
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.
Funeral services for Diane Michelle (Slogar) Easterday, age 53 of Jamestown, will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. Burial will follow in the Fentress Memorial Gardens. She passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Diane is survived by her: Husband, Robert Easterday; Children, Danielle Easterday, Robert Easterday, Jr.; Father, William Slogar; Mother, Ann (Weybrecht) Slogar and husband Edward; Brother, Michael Slogar and wife Angel; Sisters, Deborah Slogar, Rebecca Slogar; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her: Grandparents, Richard and Patricia Weybrecht, William and Jean Slogar. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown.
Memorial services for Carlen J. Wiggins Jr., 59 of Jackson County, will be on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 2 pm in the Chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. The family has chosen cremation. He was born November 14, 1964. He passed away on March 25, 2024. He passed away at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. He was the son of the late Ina and Carlen Wiggins Sr. of the Wartrace Community in Jackson County. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Brittany Nicole Wiggins, and brothers: Robert and George Spurlock. Survivors include long time companion of 20 years, Melinda Bishop, and their children: daughter, Victoria Wiggins, and son, Carlen J. Wiggins III. Stepdaughter: Miranda Rush of Cookeville; brother: Michael (Tracey) Wiggins of Lebanon, TN; sisters: Sandy K. Jones of Chicago, IL, and Shirley (Joe) Hawkins of Gainesboro; nephews: Wayne Gerald Jones, Jr. of Memphis, T.J. Wiggins, and Ransom Wiggins of Cookeville; granddaughters: Daneisha Highland of Gainesboro, and Ayla Wiggins. Many other friends and relatives survive. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 1 pm to 2 pm.
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
