We Remember: Obituaries For Tuesday, March 26

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 Tuesday, March 26

Mickey Ray Stafford, 65 of Gainesboro, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born June 05, 1958, in Jackson County. He was the son of the late Grover Cecil Stafford and Flora May Stafford. He was disabled the majority of his adult life. Survivors include his daughter: Angela Stafford of Gainesboro; brothers: James (Helen) Stafford of Gainesboro, Grover Stafford of Gainesboro, Danny Stafford of Gainesboro; sisters: Dece Key of Cookeville; Mary Lou Carmack of Gainesboro; and mother: Flora May Stafford of Gainesboro. He was preceded in death by his father: Grover Cecil Stafford; wife: Shirley Stafford; brother: Bobby Stafford of Gallatin; sister: Dottie Jean Dawes of Gainesboro. The family has chosen cremation at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help assist the family with the cremation expenses by contacting the business office of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home.

Mrs. Nancy Carol Whiteaker, 69 of Cookeville, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete.

Funeral Service for Robert Ray Jackson, 74 of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11:00 am from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with family officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro. Robert was born Wednesday, August 31, 1949, in Cookeville, and he was the son of the late LO and Ruth Jackson. Robert served in the Army and was medically discharged. He struggled throughout his life with Schizophrenia but we all made the best of it. Robert was a gentle giant with his 6’5″ height, very rarely saying a cross word. As his health declined in the last year he told Melinda he was ready to go. He will be missed especially by his loving sister Linda who has faithfully cared for Robert for many years. Robert is survived by his sister, Linda Tinch of Cookeville; Brother, Jimmy (Vera) Jackson of Pensacola, FL; Nieces, Melinda (Ken) Pendleton, Mary (Mike) Williams, and Janet (David) Winsted; Nephew, Gary (Teresa) Huddleston. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by, his nephew Paul Jackson. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Phillip Lee Robinson, 51 of the Union Hill Community of Jackson County, will be conducted on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 2 pm at the Union Hill Church of Christ with Bro. Jimmy Anderson and Bro. Steve Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in Union Hill Flatt Cemetery. He was born June 28, 1972 in Jackson County, and he passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Phillip was the son of William David Robinson and Bessie Lee Birdwell Robinson. On July 13, 1989 he married Dana Leigh Wade for a total of 34 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Randy Robinson, father-in-law Freddy Wade, brother-in-law, Scotty Wade and niece, Heather Robinson. Survivors include his wife, Dana Wade Robinson of Bloomington Springs; son, Daniel Lee (Chelsea) Robinson of Baxter; Tiffany Nicole (Lee Flatt) Robinson of Bloomington Springs; bonus children, Alex Ragland of Gainesboro and Teola Ragland of Baxter; brother, Dwayne (Misty) Robinson of Bloomington Springs; brother in law Joey (Tonya) Wade of Silver Point; mother-in-law Linda Jackson of Gainesboro; grandchildren, Isaiah, Landyn, Gracyn, Jasmine, Wyatt, Oaklyn, Owen and Jase. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 4-8 pm at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home and Wednesday, 12 noon to 2 pm at Union Hill Church of Christ. Memorial donations may be made to Union Hill Community Center or Union Hill Flatt Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.

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.

Celebration of Life for Janet Uyvonne Palmer Apple, 80 of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 3:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bros. Eddie Turner, Bob Sotis, and Ted Kocher officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed peacefully at home in the arms of her adoring husband Ted and surrounded by her family on March 23, 2024, late in the evening. Jan was born on May 14, 1943, to Ewin and Winnie Palmer of Baxter. Anyone who knew Jan, knew her great love for Jesus, her husband Ted, her 2 kids, and her grandsons. Her life was blessed with so many friends met through church, from her tight-knit group of young mothers turned lifelong friends she met during their time at Cookeville Church of God to the large groups of seniors at the ladies’ Bible Study at Life Church. Jan was married to her sweetheart and best friend, Teddy Milo Apple, on June 1, 1962. They remained devoted to each other for 61 years. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Debby Cumby and Rex Palmer. She is survived by her husband Ted Apple, daughter Stephanie Price (Dana Buell); son Jeff Apple (wife Kerri); Grandsons: Chance Price (Tiffany Gearhart), Eli Apple, Cade Apple, and Carter Apple; and Great Grandchildren Dawson and Myra. Jan is also survived by her brother Gary Palmer; sister-in-law Sylvia Gambrell, and a host of nieces and nephews who all loved their Aunt Jan. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

The family of Jimmy Doyce Babcock, 65 of Cookeville, will host a celebration of his life on Thursday, March 28th at 5:00pm at Collegeside church, small auditorium. Jim made the choice of cremation. He passed away March 22, 2024 at his home with his wife Gina by his side after a brief and sudden illness. Jim was born April 10, 1958 in Temple, Texas to Foy and Dorthy Babcock. He was proud to be a Texan and would frequently enjoy meeting fellow Texans wherever he might travel. Following high school, Jim briefly attended Texas State Technical Institute pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. Seeing that career would not meet his deep longing to serve, Jim decided to attend Whites Ferry Road School of Preaching in Monroe, LA. He later completed his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University. He lived in Uganda and in Kenya for eight years working as a missionary. Upon returning to the states he continued to work part time in ministry. Jim realized while visiting the sick that he was envious of the nurses who were able to provide physical comfort to their patients. When the opportunity presented itself, Jim attended nursing school. He completed his LPN and his RN degrees. He loved working with his patients and their families. He is remembered by countless families in the Upper Cumberland as someone who took care of them and loved them during some of their most challenging times. Jim loved working with his fellow caregivers. He was a fierce team player, always supporting and encouraging his teammates. He was proud to become a member of the Nurse Honor Guard. Even while working as a nurse, Jim continued part time in ministry preaching once a month at the Arcot church of Christ in Celina. He continued this ministry until November of 2022. His work serving others and service to Christ did not stop when he left the pulpit. He continued to look for ways to show God’s love, mercy and full dependence on God’s grace. Jim loved meeting people and making friends. He loved singing, fishing and wood working. He was extremely knowledgeable about a number of various topics and was always eager to learn more. Jim and his wife were active members of Collegside church of Christ. Jim is survived by his wife of almost 17 years, Gina; by his mother Dorthy, brothers Alan and Larry as well as half brother Randy. Jim leaves behind two children, son Daniel (Rachael) and daughter Arielle (Andrew) Roberson. He was a loving and devoted father. He was proud to be Babu to Ember and Parker. He cherished every moment he had with them. Visitation will be held from 3p – until the time of service at Collegeside church, small auditorium. In lieu of flowers, it is Jim’s request that you consider a donation to Mustard Seed Ranch or Happy Haven Children’s Home.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Martha Bain Morabito, 90 of North Augusta, South Carolina, formerly of Sparta, will be conducted Friday afternoon, March 29th, at 3 o’clock 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 2 o’clock Friday at Hunter Funeral Home.

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.

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.

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