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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, November 9
Mrs. Billie Hill, 87 of Cookeville died Thursday November 9, 2023 at Bethesda Health Care. Arrangements are pending.
Kenny Nelson, 64 of Gainesboro, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at his residence. He was born November 19, 1958, in Gwinner, ND. He was the son of the late Nels E. Nelson and Evelyn Claus Nelson. He was an auto body tech at Poplar Grove Body Shop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Sisters: Marilyn Nelson and Myra Nelson; Brother: Larry Nelson; and Daughter: Alyssa. Survivors include his Son: Zeek Nelson of Mt. Juliet; Daughter: Cheynne Nelson of Mt. Juliet; and Brother: Kevin Nelson of Morgan Field, KY. Per his request, the family has chosen cremation, with no services at this time.
April D. Wilson, age 52, of Crossville, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Park West Medical Center in Knoxville. Ms. Wilson was born on Friday, July 16, 1971, in Crossville, to the late Andrew Roger and Mary Elizabeth Turner Sherrill. Ms. Wilson was a former administrative assistant previously working with Total Outdoor Solutions, and also with Plateau Road Exxon and Lakeside Deli. She was a graduate of Monterey High School class of 1990. She was an animal lover and cherished pets throughout her life. She is survived by her sister, Andrea Davidson of Monterey; adoptive mother, Elizabeth Maples of Crossville; several brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews; special friends, Becky Tollett, Holly Cravens, and Melissa Wright; special friends and neighbors, Stacy and Mike Moak. In addition to her biological parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Wilson; and adoptive father, Rev. R.C. Maples. Her wishes of cremation are being honored with Celebration of Life Services to be announced at a later date.
Funeral services for Mr. James Lane Eller, better known as Jim to family and friends and affectionately known as Jack to his co-workers, age 79 of Sparta, will be conducted 11:00am Friday, November 10, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Anderson Cemetery. He passed away at 7:20pm Monday, November 6, 2023 at Life Care Center of Sparta. Jim was born April 5, 1944 in Doyle to the late Isaac Lane and Daisy Winnett Eller. A long-time wood worker with Volunteer Specialty and Sparta Spoke Factory, he will be remembered as a hard worker and always willing to help a friend and neighbor in need. Jim was the family handyman; if he knew something needed fixing, he would see it through until repaired. In his younger years, he was an avid coon hunter. He was a member of Ole Bethel Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by sister Elizabeth Hennessee and brother Ronald Eller. Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years Judy Barlow Eller; Son: Jackie Dale Eller and wife Janet; Daughter: Jennifer Eller Carr and husband Caleb; Grandchildren: Justin Eller, Chelsey Eller, Katie Carr and Eli Carr; Great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Kendalyn, Jackson, Bentley, Kember, Everly and Roman; Brother: Donald Eller and wife Nancy; A host of nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends from 5-8:00pm Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home.
A Graveside service for Janice Frankie Copeland, age 85 of Sparta, will be held 1 PM, Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Elrod Cemetery. Interment will be in Elrod Cemetery, Sparta. She passed from this life on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at NHC Healthcare of Sparta. Janice was born Saturday, September 3, 1938 in Jasper, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late John Massa and the late Irene Howell Massa. Janice is survived by her: son, Tim Copeland of Sparta; daughter, Susan Roberts (Jeff) of Decatur, AL; grandsons Tyler Copeland (Tosha) of Oak Ridge, Logan Roberts of Columbia, TN; granddaughters, Kristina Norrell (Matthew) of Cullman, AL, Katy Gentry (Tyler) of Hartselle, AL; brother, John Massa of Sparta; sister, Diana Ray of Sparta; great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Max Copeland, Noah and Haven Norrell, Eli and Baylee Genry. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends also survive.
Funeral services for James Richard Hines, 79 of the Trace Creek community of Jackson County, will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1 P.M. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Danny Huffines and Bro. Micah Scoggins officiating. Burial will follow in the Fellowship Cemetery in Overton County. He was born April 21, 1944, in the Trace Creek community of Jackson County, and he passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at his residence in the Trace Creek community. He was the son of the late Jack Henry Hines and Beatrice Sarah Hines. On June 6, 2006, he was married to Reba Marie Hines, who survives. He worked in tractor repair, and was a member of the Richmond Chapel Church of Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Son: Michael Hines. Survivors include his Wife: Reba Marie Hines; Son: James Harold (Sheila) Hines of Whitleyville; Brothers: Alvis Monroe Hines and Willie Oneal Hines, both of TN; Sister: Mary Ann Stroud of GA; Grandchild: Jeremy Strong; and Great Grandchild: Zelda Hines. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 P.M. – 8 P.M., and Friday from 10 A.M. until time of services.
A Memorial service for Donny Johnson, 61 of Baxter, will beheld at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Presley Funeral Home located at 695 Buffalo Valley Road Cookeville, Tennessee 38501 with the Jim Ring officiating. The family has chosen cremation. He passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Born Thursday, October 11, 1962 in Gainesboro, he was the son of the late Donald “Gene” Johnson and the late Ila Dyer Johnson. He was the loving husband of Pam Martin Johnson of 28 blessed years. Donny was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He was a hard working man, always providing for his family. He enjoyed all things mechanical, being a car and motorcycle enthusiast, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t figure out. Donny was a loyal friend to all and was loved by so many. His last gift to others was being an organ donor. He was previously employed by Bob’s Body Shop, Advance and O’Reily’s Auto Parts. He was a graduate of Upperman High School. He is survived by his wife Pam; daughter Donna and Jason Ghee of Cross Plains, TN; son Ryan and Charlene Flatt of Baxter; grandchildren Taylor (Mason) Laborg, Harlee Ghee, Katie and Waylon Flatt; sister Betty and Eddie Walker of Cookeville; And a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers and plants please consider making a donation in Donny’s name to the Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501
Funeral services for Rodger Dale Vickers, 68 of Cookeville, will be Friday, November 10 at 1 PM at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Crest Lawn Mausoleum. Bro. Kenny Westmoreland will officiate. Mr. Vickers died Monday, November 6, 2023 at Signature HealthCare of Putnam County in Algood. He was born May 18, 1955 in Putnam County to the late Vay Aldon Vickers, Sr. and the late Vada Ann Gaw Vickers. Rodger had worked at Spring Street Market in the Meat Department. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Emogene Burgess, Jimmie Ford, Julia Zurawski and Bennie Cole; brothers, Bobby Vickers and Johnny Vickers and 2 infant siblings. Survivors include daughters, Natasha Vickers of Red Boiling Springs, Melissa Gunter of Knoxville, Miranda Ellis of McMinnville; son, Jeff Vickers of Knoxville; sisters, Donna (Tommy) Palk, Juanita Bartlett, Lola (Wheeler) Boles all of Cookeville; brothers, Richard (Linda) Vickers of Cookeville, David (Tomi) Vickers of California, Vay Vickers Jr. of Cookeville, Billy Vickers of Michigan; and 15 grandchildren. The family will receive friends Friday from 11 AM until service time at the funeral home.
Funeral Services for Wilma Lee Chapman, age 62 of Sparta, will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. She passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023, at her home. She was born February 2, 1961 in Ft. Gordon, Georgia, and she was the daughter of the late Leon Drew and the late Margaret Monk Drew. She loved yard work and taking care of the grass, working in her flower garden, and spending time with her family and her dogs. She was also a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include: Husband- Edward Speed Chapman of Sparta; Daughter- Amy Borges (Tony) of Gainesboro; Grandchildren- Drew Allen (Emily) of Baxter; Bethany Borges of Cookeville; and Devin Borges (Faith) of Cookeville; Sister- Faye Drew of Columbus, GA; Brother- Gary Drew (Vicky) of Whitwell; Many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors also survive. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 9:30 AM until time of the service at the funeral home.
Graveside services for Ronald “Ronnie” James Strong, 72 of Gainesboro, will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 A.M. at the Lynn Cemetery in the Burristown community. Bro. Mike Smith will officiate. Ronald was born October 13, 1951, in Jackson County, and he passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Mabry Healthcare and Rehab Center. He was the son of the late James Lyod Strong and Betty Louise Strong Rueve. He was a saw mill worker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents: George W. Strong and Grace M. Horner Strong; and Maternal Grandparents: Jake and Zadi Smith Rhoten. Survivors include his Sister: Susie (Ronnie Denton) Rueve of Gainesboro. Memorial donations may be made to the Lynn Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.
Funeral services for Danny Lynn Maxwell, age 68 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, November 11th, 2023 from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow in Samuel Maxwell Cemetery in Baxter. The land was given by his great, great, great grandfather for descendants. He passed from this life Monday, November 6, 2023. Born Wednesday, March 30, 1955, in Cookeville, to the late Lillard and Jean (Slagle) Maxwell. Danny was a hard worker and loved his family. He was assistant Manager of the Bull Pen Restaurant while in school. He was employed at Fleetguard until becoming co-owner with his mother of Thunderbird Restaurant in the mid 1970’s. In 1979 he went to work at I.W.C. having many titles top salesman, buyer, and director of procurement. He considered it a privilege and honor to be a part of the Institutional Wholesale Company and Frosty Acre Group for 41 years. He truly loved his work family. Danny attended Lilys Chapel growing up. His father and uncle deeded the land for the church. He attended Stevens Street Baptist Church in his latter years. Danny is survived by his wife Sherry Ragland Maxwell. His daughters, Kristina (Chris) Stockton, Daniell (Cory) Carter, and Crystal (Hunter) Maxwell Sweeney. grandchildren are, Roslynn and William Carter. sister-in-law, Shelley (Don) Gross. His niece and nephew, Amanda Gross and Lee Ferris great niece and nephew, Trent and Caroline Christian, and brother-in-law, Robert (Kim) Christian. In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Christian, and her sons, Matthew and Nicholas Christian, and also his wife’s parents Roy and Betty Ragland. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, November 11, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Samuel Maxwell Cemetery, Andrew Elmore Treasurer, 7176 Joe Elmore Road, Baxter, TN 38544.
A memorial service for Rosina “Rose” Fields, 85 of Cookeville, is being planned, tentatively set for Saturday, November 11 at 1 PM at Cookeville First Baptist Church. She died Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at her home. Her wishes of cremation are being honored. She was born August 1, 1938 in Sicily, Italy to the late Basil and Rose Natoli Aragona. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Erwin Fields on February 16, 2019 and a sister, Anna Kowalczyk. She was a homemaker. Rose was a member of Cookeville First Baptist Church and very active in her Sunday School Class. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include sons David (Anh-Phuong) Fields of Burke, VA, Douglas (Gabriele) Fields of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sister Gracie Brooks of Michigan, brother Joe Aragona of Wisconsin, grandchildren: Andrew Fields, George Fields, Anne Catherine “Kitty” Fields, James Monroe Fields, Lukas Samuel Fields, great-grandchildren: Elysia Noel Fields and Seraphina Ophelia Fields. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until service at the church.
Funeral Services for Mr. Leo B. Halfacre, Jr., age 92, of Livingston will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Ben Dennis will officiate. Burial to follow in the Overton County Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors provided at graveside by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard. Leo Halfacre Jr. was born at home in Overton County, on August 13, 1931, to the late Vannie Lou Poore and Leo Halfacre, Sr. He graduated Livingston Academy in 1949. He then joined the Air Force and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He returned home and enrolled at Tennessee Tech University where he received a B.S. degree. He was employed by the State of Tennessee Corrections Department. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Leo lived and breathed golfing and was a regular around the course. Leo is survived by his sisters, Peggy Sullivan and Patsy Coleman both of Livingston; nieces, Cindy Sullivan and Melissa Robbins both of Livingston; several other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Crabtree Halfacre; son, Jeff Halfacre; and brother, Johnny Halfacre. The family will welcome friends on Saturday morning from 11 a.m. until time of services at Speck Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Roy Brindley, 74 of Whitleyville, will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2 P.M. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Strode – Keith Cemetery in Whitleyville. He was born February 18, 1949 in Nashville, and he passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at his residence in Whitleyville, at the age of 74. He was the son of the late Roy Van Brindley, Sr. and Barbara Sue Brindley. On March 9, 2009, he was married to Sabrina Hurt, who survives. He was a carpenter, and a Master Mason at Park Place Lodge # 1172 in Houston TX. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Sister: Christy Brindley. Survivors include his Wife: Sabrina Hurt of Whitleyville; Son: Roy Van Brindley, III of Spring, TX; Daughter: Jennifer Brindley (Mark) Lindzy of Etheridge, TN; Brothers: William Brindley of Arrington, TN, Bradford L. Brindley of La Vergne, TN, and Jimmy Brindley of Hartsville, TN; Sister: Regina Brindley (Larry) Bowman of Elora, TN; Grandchildren: Molly Lindzy (Devin) Duffell of Youngs Mill, NC, Sarah Brindley of Houston, TX, and Alan (Asya) Lindzy of Cisco, TX; and Great Grandchildren: Emry, Ava, Elijah, and Aubrey Brindley. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 Noon until time of services.
Funeral services for James “Carl” Anderson, 92 of Gainesboro, will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2 PM with Bro. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Rash Cemetery. He passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 31. He was President of the Jackson County High School Class of 1949 before going to Tennessee Tech University where he earned his BS degree. While at Tech he was a member of R.O.T.C. and the track and field team, where he was a two-time conference champion and broke the Ohio Valley Conference record in the high jump. Upon graduating, he became an officer in the 529th Signal Company of the Fifth Army, proudly serving his country. Later in his career he served in a variety of educator roles including as the Exhibits Manager at Oak Ridge Associated Universities. His favorite position was serving as the Jackson County Supervisor of Adult Education for 18 years. In this role he helped hundreds of adults earn their G.E.D., allowing them the opportunity to create better lives for themselves and their families. He also continued furthering his own education, earning an MS degree from the University of Colorado and an Ed.S. degree from Tennessee Tech University. Anderson loved sports, especially football and basketball, playing the guitar and singing, classic cars, history, and telling stories about his life. He earned a commercial pilot’s license, flying planes for fun as well as an occasional part time job. He loved to help people, and donated to dozens of non-profits in recent years. He leaves behind his son, Michael, daughter-in-law Jeanine, and granddaughters Deidra and Nicole. Visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 from 4 to 8 pm at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home and again on Sunday from 12 noon to 2 pm. In remembrance, the Anderson family, in lieu of flowers, is accepting donations to Jackson County Athletics.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Carolyn F. Robinson, age 63, of Cookeville and formerly of Overton County, will be conducted 2 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Burial to follow in the Harris Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Carolyn passed from this life on Wednesday evening, November 8, 2023, from the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was born June 22, 1960, in Livingston to the late Robert and Linnie Bell Eldridge Danner. Carolyn loved her family and her pets unconditionally. She also enjoyed gardening and watching television. Carolyn leaves behind her husband, Daren Robinson of Cookeville; daughters, Amy Reagan and ex-husband Shawn of Livingston, and Amanda Dyer of Livingston; grandchildren, Rebekah Reagan, Ashley Reagan, and Dustin Dyer; mother-in-law, Geraldine Robinson of Sparta; and sisters-in-law, Donna Brownlee of Orlando, FL, and Denise Anderson of Ashland City, TN. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Michelle Long; brother, Robert Jim Danner, stepmother, Joyce Danner; son-in-law, Kevin Dyer; and father-in-law, Gene Robinson. The family will welcome friends on Saturday evening from 6 until 9 p.m. at Speck Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Sarah Johnnie Webb, age 85, of Cookeville will be conducted 3 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2023, from the West End Church of Christ. Bro. Kerry Duke will officiate. Burial to follow in the Overton County Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Johnnie passed from this life on Tuesday morning, November 7, 2023, from the Livingston Regional Medical Center. She was born at home on May 24, 1938, in Overton County to the late John and Alma Carr Kirby. She was a 1956 graduate of Livingston Academy and a member of the West End Church of Christ. Family was Johnnies life from her children to her great-grandchildren. She took great joy in cooking for her family every chance she had. Johnnie leaves behind her sons, David Webb and wife Jen of Cookeville, Michael Webb and wife Amy of Livingston, and Donnie Webb and wife Trish of Rickman; grandchildren, Kristen Webb, Kelsey Potts and husband Ty, Autumn Webb, Katelyn Akina and husband Travis, Alex Webb and wife Kellie, Owen Webb, and Benjamin Webb; great-grandchildren, Jacey Akina, River Akina, Kagen Akina, Evvy-Kate Akina, Reid Webb, Lelon Webb, Lane Webb, and Leo Potts. In addition to her parents, Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Webb and several siblings. The family will welcome friends on Sunday from 1 p.m. until time of services at the West End Church of Christ.
Funeral Service for Benjamin “Ben” LaFate Bradley, 69, of Cookeville, will be held Monday, November 13, 2023, at 11:00 am from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Clarence Jared and William Webb officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He entered God’s Kingdom on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. He was born Tuesday, June 8, 1954, to Victor and Lizzie Bradley of Cocke County. Ben was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Shirley Bradley; sons Stacy (April) Clouse and Eric (Mandy) Clouse; daughters Peggy Snyder, Cristy (Darian) Mann, and Beth Bradley; 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Upon graduation from Cumberland County High School, Ben worked for DACCO as an over-the-road truck driver for 35 years until he retired in 2016. Ben was an active member of Cookeville Baptist Temple where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Monday, November 13, 2023, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mrs. Clarice Omega McCormick West, age 98 of Livingston, will be conducted Monday November 13th at 1 p.m. from the chapel of Hall Funeral Home of Livingston with Bro. Randy Maynord officiating. Interment will follow at Overton County Memorial Gardens. Mrs.West passed peacefully from this life on Monday evening November 6th at Livingston Regional Hospital. She was born in Livingston to the late Walter and Dellas McCormick on April 9th, 1925. She attended Livingston Academy and was a member of the Okalona Methodist Church and the American Legion Post 0004 Auxiliary. She and her husband “Big John” had a passion for Rickman Bulldogs basketball during the 70’s and early 80’s and attended the games cheering on John and Mike wearing the purple and gold. When their grandkids got involved in sports, next to their parents, they were their biggest fans. Clarice loved to be outside much more than inside, she loved gardening and keeping her yard immaculate. She also loved family reunions and just being with family anytime, anywhere. She also loved cooking and baking. Over the years many folks have been the recipients of her delicious fried apple pies, chocolate chip cookies, banana puddings and rum cakes. You could tell by the size of Big John that she knew her way around the kitchen. She leaves behind sons John West and wife Amanda, Mike West and wife Myra, grandchildren Alison Mason and husband Luke, Adrian McGill and husband Jon, Brad, Clint, and Jazmine West, great grandchildren, Evie, Luie, Ike and Eli Mason and Bennett and Brooks McGill. Sister-in-law Anna Ruth and husband Rellon Bennett, sister-in-law Helen West, nieces Debbie Summers, Rela Richardson, Rita Apple, nephews Jack McCormick, Bill McCormick, Larry McCormick, Bob Bennett, John West and Jeff West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years John E. West, brothers Cloyce and Claudus McCormick and a great grandson Gabriel Isaac Mason. The family will receive friends on Sunday November 13th from 5 to 8 p.m, and from 11:00 a.m. Monday until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rickman School, the American Legion Post 0004 or a church or charity of your choice.
A Celebration of life for Madge “Maggie” Walker McCray, 82 of Algood, will be held November 19, 2023, 2-4pm, at Wilhite Baptist Church in Cookeville. She peacefully left this life behind on Thursday, November 2, 2023. She was a 5 year resident of Algood, and former longtime resident of Nashville, Tennessee. Maggie was born in Madison on November 20, 1940, the youngest child of Charles Walker and Marie Trouillas Walker. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Walker Hall and brothers, Jeane Walker and Jack Walker. She is survived by her loving and cherished family. Husband, Tom McCray; Daughter, Janelle (Bob) Welch; Son, Terry (Cathy) Bowersox; 7 Grandchildren, Adam Distefano, Terry Bowersox, Jr, Daniel Bowersox, Christine Baxter, Melissa Svendson, Christopher Proudfoot and Cassie Proudfoot; 13 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. Maggie had many different rolls in her life. She was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, head of household, mentor, friend and sometimes minister and teacher. She was a single mother in a world before being a single mother was ‘cool’. It was before the world knew of all the times and trials and mountains a single mother would need to overcome just to be a mother to her children. She worked two jobs at a time just to be sure her children had what they needed. Any time she was knocked down by the problems of life and her load got heavy, she just took it as one of life’s lessons and stood up taller each time she got back up. She was knowledgeable about many things, quick witted, hardworking and tried to do her best at any challenge. She loved traveling, cooking, writing short stories, acting in local live theatre, reading or listening to books, ballroom dancing, dressing up for social events, splurging occasionally for fine dining and driving to the ocean and beaches. In the early 1980’s she lost her sight, but never missed a beat. She never complained but just made all the adjustments in her life to learn to live independently. She studied and became a Massage Therapist. She had many clients because she excelled at her profession. She also studied holistic healing. She truly was a ‘lifelong learner’. She was admired by all who knew her and witnessed her determined, strong willed spirit and resolved faith in the Lord. In 2007 she was awarded the ‘Bootstrap Award’. She fiercely loved her family and they were always her first priority. She adopted her 3 caregivers, Joyce, Amber and Lisa into her family. She always appreciated and loved them for their wonderful care for 5 years. Amber has said caring for Maggie was the biggest blessing in her life and she will always treasure every moment spent with her. Each and every person exposed to her spirit and heart walked away from her with a different attitude and perspective on life. Maggie always ended phone conversations with, “Let’s mark our place…”
A memorial service for Mrs. Dawn Dewana Harris Sevier, age 59 of Celina, formerly of Sparta, will be conducted 6:00pm Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. She passed away at 1:53pm Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Summit Medical Center. Dawn was born March 23, 1964 in Gary, Indiana to the late Donald Crockett and Patrician Ann Burden Harris. She was a former Wal-Mart Associate. Dawn loved working with her hands whether she was doing crafts or gardening with her flowers. Her other hobbies involved taking care of her pets. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her brother Mark Harris. Survivors include her husband of 17 years Gary Sevier; Son: Christoper Harris; Daughter: Casey Whitworth and husband Jesse; Grandson: Damon James. The family will receive friends after 4:00pm on the 21st at Hunter Funeral Home.
