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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 Wednesday, April 17
Annie Louise Byrd, age 93 of Cookeville, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at her home. Arrangements are Incomplete.
Mr. Robert Carl Marshall, affectionately known as Bob, age 76 of Sparta, passed away Monday evening, April 15, 2024 at his residence. Bob was born December 4, 1947 in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late Carl Absolam and Sidney Kathryn Connolly Marshall. He was a retired Master Optician which allowed him to teach and train Opticians. Bob will fondly be remembered for his love of pets, his collection of antiques, as well as his sense of humor. Those who knew him best will be sharing stories about his infamous lead foot and always being late for many years to come. Family members left to cherish his memory include his wife of 31 years Diane Marshall; Son: Damien Mashall of Columbus, OH; Daughter: Katherine Marshall of Athens, OH; Step-son: Steven Kiral and wife Cynthia Dollberg, Michael Kiral and Ryan Kiral; Grandchildren: Kaloyan, Kyrina, Steven, Ayrianna, Keena and Emery; Brother: Thomas Fluharty and wife Barb; Bonus daughter: Kelli Jones. In honor of Bob’s wishes, Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with his cremation and no services are planned.
Funeral services for Mrs. Wilma Joyce LaFever Bray, age 84 of Sparta, will be conducted 1pm Thursday, April 18, 2024 in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial is Saylors Cemetery. She passed away Monday, April 15, 2024 at her residence. Mrs. Bray was born August 26, 1939 in White County to the late Hugh LaFever and Geneva Price LaFever. She retired from Emerson (Mallory) with 35 years of service and was a longtime member of Bethel Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Wilma is also proceeded in death by sisters Clara Helen LaFever, Opal Spivey (Albert), Loretta Griffin (Leonard); brother Hugh Lee LaFever; son-in-law Daryl Hickey. Wilma is lovingly survived by Husband: Billy Bray; Daughters: Donna Hickey and Pam Moore (Jeff); Sisters: Wanda Catherine Dunn (Carl), Irene Lawson and Shirley LaFever; Brother: James LaFever (Earlene). The Bray family would like to add a special thank you to Jennifer Mitchell for the love and care she gave during Wilma’s illness. The family will receive friends after 11am on Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Ruby Evelyn Bilbrey, age 67, of Cookeville, will be conducted on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 2:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Rev. David Harris will officiate with interment to follow in the Welch Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Bilbrey was born on Tuesday, September 25, 1956, in Crossville, to the late Fred and Hazel Baker Scarlett. Mrs. Bilbrey passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at her home. Mrs. Bilbrey was a CNA previously working with Life Care and Country Place in Crossville. She loved music, dancing, and watching Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, and HGTV. She was Missionary Baptist in Faith. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Randall Bilbrey of Cookeville; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Brandon Walker of Monterey; son, Kevin Lanigan of Monterey; 3 grandchildren, Gracie Wallker, Leah Lanigan, and Joseph Wright; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; sister, Ellen Almonrode; brother, Fred Scarlett; and caregiver, Amy Utterback. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Helen Lewis and Mary Scarlett; brother, Clarence Scarlett; step children, Boone Bilbrey and Carol Cross; step grandson, Randall Bilbrey. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 12:00 PM until time of services at 2:00 PM.
Funeral Services for Mr. Jason Todd Dunn, age 51, of Monroe will be conducted 2 p.m., Thursday April 18, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Orbin “Dog” Lane will officiate. Burial to follow in the Whited Cemetery. Jason passed form this life on Sunday evening, April 14, 2024, from the comforts of his home in Monroe. He was born in Sparta, on September 9, 1972, to Doris Hodge Dunn and the late Elmer Joel Dunn. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting every chance he had. His wife and children were his greatest joy in life. Jason leaves behind his wife, Amanda Mihelic Dunn of Monroe; mother, Doris Hodge Dunn of Sparta; sons, Jaxon, Arel, and Jo Luke Dunn; step-daughter, Julie Raines of Rickman, sister, Gina Dunn of Cookeville, and nephews, Jayce Weatherspoon and wife Natalie, Tucker Massa, Jacob Dixon, and Tyler Dixon. Jason was preceded in death by his father. The family will welcome friends on Wednesday from 5 until 9 p.m. then on Thursday from 1 p.m. until time of services.
Funeral services for Anna Marie Atkinson, age 67 of Clarkrange, will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. Burial will follow in the Price Cemetery. She passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at her home. Anna is survived by her: Mother, Doris (Price) Gooding; Daughter, Melinda (Atkinson) Stephens and husband Scott; Grandchildren, Brianna (Stephens) De La Torre and husband Grant, Briley Stephens and fiancée Jaycee Hammock; Step Grandchildren, Millie Rae (Stephens) Beaty and husband Wesley, Marissa (Stephens) Cox and husband Gage, Alyssa Stephens; Great-Grandchildren, Aubri, Adeline & Allie De La Torre, Step Great-Grandchildren, Hayden Raelee & Ella Marie Beaty, Brother, Richard Gooding, Sister, Kathy Reagan, Special Niece, Shelby Reagan, A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends; She is preceded in death by her: Husband, Rodney Bruce Atkinson; Father, R.L. Gooding; Sisters, Angela Gooding, Brenda Gooding; Brother, David R.L. Gooding. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown.
A Funeral service for Johnny Ray Gribble, age 61 of Sparta, will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home located at 1786 Smithville Hwy Sparta, Tennessee 38583 with Bro. Marty Gribble officiating. Interment will be in Doyle Cemetery. He passed from this life on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Johnny was born Monday, March 18, 1963 in Sparta, he was the son of the late Hollis Gribble and the late Viola Carrick Gribble. Johnny is survived by his: wife, Susie Gribble; sons, John Tyler Gribble and Sam Gribble; 10 grandchildren, McKenzie Gribble, Kora Gribble, Hayden Gribble, Audree Marie Gribble, John Tyler Gribble Jr., Joshua Wayne Gribble, Jaxson Ray Gribble, Jesslyn Renee Gribble, Jaden Gardner, Tristian Allen, and Tianna Allen; brothers, Loyd Keith Gribble and Mark Gribble; sister, Susie Gribble; Many other family members and friends also survive. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home.
Graveside services and interment for Patricia Ann Boles, age 86 of the Pleasant Ridge Community, will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Bro. Sam Davis will officiate. Her final resting place will be alongside her husband and family members who have gone before her, in the serene surroundings that she always loved. A seamstress, devoted churchgoer, and beloved matriarch, she passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024 in Cookeville. Born on August 14, 1937, in Mount Juliet, Patricia lived a life marked by love, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Maddie Chambers Rippetoe; her husband of 52 years, William “Harold” Boles; her caring son, Danny Boles; her brother, Buddy Rippetoe; and her sister, Frances Bates. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving daughters, Pam and her husband Frank McCowan, and Terri and her husband James Roberson, all of Cookeville; her loving daughter in law, Donna Boles, of Cookeville; her sister, Brenda Phillips; her brother, William Rippetoe; her treasured grandchildren, Josh (Tiffany) McCowan, Samantha (James) Chambers, Brittany Bryant, Chelsea (Brady) Orick, Rachel Roberson, and Olivia Roberson; and her adored great-grandchildren, Jackson McCowan, Kevin Tollison, Jameson McCowan, Daisy Chambers, Silas Chambers, and Millie Bryant. Patricia’s work life was spent as a talented seamstress at the former Monterey Shirt Factory. Patricia’s involvement with Pleasant Ridge Church spanned over five decades, where she was a steadfast member, offering her time and talents to various church activities. Her faith was an integral part of her life, providing her with strength and solace through the years. Visitation will follow the service at the cemetery. Memorial contributions are asked to be made to Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, c/o Terri Roberson, 6294 Baker Mountain Rd., Cookeville, TN 38506.
A Funeral service for Sarah Lou Dodson, age 84 of Sparta, will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with Mike England officiating. She passed from life on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. Sarah was born Friday, March 8, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Roy Looney and the late Frances Russell Looney. She loved reading and cooking, was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, Sarah worked at Mallory Timer for 30 years, She loved her job, many friends, coworkers. She was a U.T. Vols and Atlanta Braves fan. She loved her family especially her grandchildren. Her love of the Lord and her church family at the Shady Grove Methodist Church. Sarah is survived by her: daughter, Jacqueline Whitaker, Donette England and husband Michael, Tonya Dodson; son, Kenneth Dodson and wife Tammy, Russell Dodson and wife Angie; grandchildren, Laci Hale, Ayla Whittaker, Brody Whittaker and wife Maria, Memphis Dodson, Ashlyn Dodson, and Rylee Dodson; great grandchild, Jovie Ann Whittaker; Many other family members and friends also survive. In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Donald Lee Dodson, 2 brothers Joe and Russell Looney, and a sister Lorena McKay. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, the family requested that books be donated to the White County Public Libary in Sarah’s name.
Celebration of Life Services for William Briton “Bill” Burn, age 85, of Crawford, will be conducted on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM from the Chapel of Goff Funeral Home with Full Military Honors provided by the Veterans Honor Guard. Pastor Steve Looper will officiate. Mr. Burn was born on Monday, October 3, 1938, in South Beloit, Illinois, to the late Briton Barlow Burn and Mildred Losey Burn. Mr. Burn passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home. Mr. Burn was a police officer working with Fort Myers Police Department and retiring from Ft. Lauderdale Police Department where he served as Captain. He continued to serve as a school Resource Officer in the Florida Keys. He was a United States Air Force Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Adelaida Quileste Burn of Crawford; 2 daughters, Kim (Paul) Guisler of Gurley, AL, Monique Burn of Davie, FL; 1 son, Rick Burn (Nancy Buckland) of Gordon, AL; 5 grandchildren, Brandon Burn, Charlie Buckland, Dani Buckland, Matthew Guisler, and Melissa (Dustan) Williams; 3 great grandchildren, Brandon Jr., Jolee, and Libby; 1 sister-in-law, Barbara Burn of Chattanooga. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 6 siblings. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM until time of services at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Funeral Services for Mr. Douglas McArthur Wright, age 84, of Monroe will be conducted 3 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Pastor Joel Norris will officiate. Burial to follow in the Nelson Cemetery, with Military Honors provided at graveside by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Douglas Wright passed from this life on his farm on Sunday evening, April 14, 2024, in Monroe, with his family and friends surrounding him. He was born at home in Monroe on November 21, 1939, to the late Varner and Eunice Linder Wright. Douglas was known for his charm, wit and storytelling. He enjoyed the work he did as a Brick and Block Mason. He also worked as a maintenance supervisor at TCAT for 14 years and owned and operated Jessies Market in Monroe for 15 years. He loved his family and working and living on his farm. Douglas leaves behind his son, Steven Wright of Monroe; daughters, Sherry Wright Prowse of Cookeville, and LaDonna Wright Elder and husband Josh of Monroe; grandchildren, Jordan Killmon, Jessica and (Charles Galfsky), Peyton Prowse and wife Allison, Dawson Crabtree, and Chance White; great-grandchildren, Kennedi Annette Tubbs, Romeo Luca Galfsky, and Jack Charles Prowse; brothers, Kenneth Wright and wife Imogene, and Leon Wright and wife Lillian; sisters, Joyce Rich and husband Daniel, and Jonell Sells; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Douglas was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mrs. Patsy Hammock Wright, and sisters, Billie Faye Winningham, and Bobbie Carol Shook. The family will welcome friends on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until time of services.
The celebration of life for Herman Ray Curtis, age 78 of Sparta, will be held on Saturday, April 27th 2:00 pm at Christian Life First Assembly of God. He passed from this life on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Life Care Center of Sparta in Sparta. Herman was born Monday, April 30, 1945 in Tomato, Arkansas, he was the son of the late William Curtis and the late Lula Muriel Moss Curtis. He was a devoted member of Christian Life First Assembly of God, a gun enthusiast, an avid Bowler, and a loving father and grandfather. He served proudly in the First Cavalry Division of the Army. Following he was a jack of all trades. “You name it I did it”. He is being survived by Kathie Curtis, Jason and wife Ashlee Roberts, Donald and wife Stefanie Curtis, Crisan Curtis, Vanessa May, Kevin Curtis. His grandchildren TJ Curtis, Jesse Green, Austin Roberts, Tristan Roberts, Lucas Sherrer, Braylon Roberts, Madylon Roberts, Layla Curtis, Noah Curtis, Lavarius May, Symia May, Kaine Curtis and Kaci Curtis. Great grandkids Athena Curtis, Caden Roberts, Anzley May, and Kinslee McCurry. He was predeceased by his eldest son Timothy Curtis. In lieu of flowers, the memorial donations may be made to Christian Life First Assembly of God, 117 N Spring St, Sparta TN 38583.
