We Remember: Obituaries For Wednesday, March 20

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, March 20

Funeral services for Mrs. Laura Mae Parsons age 85 of Livingston, will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12 Noon at Hall Funeral Home in Livingston. Burial to follow in the Poplar Springs Cemetery. She passed from this life on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the Livingston Regional Hospital. She was born in Livingston, on Wednesday, July 13, 1938 to the late Bert Johnson and Gladys Lorene (Edmonds) Barnes. Laura was a Christian. She loved her family very much; she loved spending time with them. She will be greatly missed. Survivors: 3 Daughters: Lela Carol Beaty, Georgie Maybleane Ayers, Sharon Jean Ray; 2 Sons: Jeff Hammons, Robert Timothy Covey; 5 Sisters: Jean Sells, Mary Catherine Ray, Justine Kidd, Janet Maynord, GearldDean Ray; 2 Brothers: Thurman Barnes, Grover Barnes; 17 Grandchildren: Amanda Reece, James Allen, Lucan Smith, Jennifer Smith, Jamie York, Emily Rush, Joey Ogletree, Wayne Hammons, Shawn Ray, Ethan Ray, Brandon Breeding; 54 Great Grandchildren; A host of Great Great Grandchildren also survive. Preceded in death: In addition to her parents; Husband: Andrew Parsons; 3 Sons: Roy Raymond Covey, James Paul Rush, Joseph Hammons; 3 Grandchildren: Kelly Hill, Ashley Rush, Charity Grace Hammons; 2 Brothers: , R J Barnes, Infant Bay Barnes; 3 Sisters: Opal Ray, Christine Stewart, Bobby Waller. The family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, March 19th starting at 5 PM to 9 PM, Wednesday 20th starting at 9 AM to 9 PM, Thursday 21st starting at 9 AM until service time.

The funeral service for Linda Ann Thomas, 53 of Cookeville, will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Linda will be laid to rest at Algood City Cemetery. A cherished soul known for her boundless love and kindness, she passed away at the age of 53 on March 17, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. She departed this world at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family. Born on June 6, 1970, in Searcy, Arkansas, Linda’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and her devotion to those she held dear. Linda’s journey through life was marked by her entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to the community. As the owner of River Road Auction House, she built not just a business, but a gathering place that reflected her outgoing and caring nature. Her work was more than a career; it was an extension of her passion for bringing people together and enjoying each other’s presence. Linda was baptized early in life in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her outgoing personality shone through in every aspect of her life, making her a beloved figure within her community and beyond. Linda’s independence and caring nature were evident in her devotion to her children. She was a beacon of love and support, always putting their needs and dreams at the forefront. Linda is survived by a family who adored her: her husband, Shannon Thomas; her daughter, Krystal Phillips and son-in-law, Richard; her sons, Kristopher Short and James Thomas; her mother, Bonnie Jones; her brothers, Charles Jones with his wife, April, and Mark Barnett Sr. with his wife, Laurie; and her treasured grandson, Zaian Short. Each of these individuals was a precious part of Linda’s world, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and caring that will forever be their guiding light. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Jones; her daughter, Kayla Jones; her brother, James Jones; and her sister, Bonnie Jo-an Biden. Each of them held a special place in Linda’s heart, and their memories will continue to be honored through the lives of those who loved them. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn Eller Swindell, age 80 of Walling, will be conducted 2:00pm Thursday, March 21, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Shady Grove Cemetery. She passed away Sunday evening March 17, 2024 at Bailey Manor in Cookeville. Carolyn was born October 3, 1943 in Sparta to the late Franklin Boyd and Edna Magdalene Matheny Eller. She was a 40 year employee of Caney Fork Electric. She was an active member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. At home she enjoyed gardening and working with her flowers however, her most treasured time was spent with her family. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Benjamin Keith “Ben” Swindell who died July 31, 2020. Survivors include her daughter Lynn Swindell Jones; Grandchildren: Amber Cantrell and Peyton Wallace; Great-granddaughter: Sterling Paige; Brother: Mike Eller and wife Sherolyn. The family will receive friends after 12:00pm Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home.

Memorial service for Mr. Gaylord John Mlsna, age 80 of Sparta will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 5:00 pm in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Bro. Robert Haynes will officiate the service. He passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born December 16, 1943 in Cazenovia, Wisconsin to the late John and Clara Herricks Mlsna. He was also preceded in death by his wife: Jewel Christine Smith Mlsna, 2 Brothers: Kenneth & wife Donna, and Gerald & wife Dorothy, Sister: Julia & husband Joe and Sisters-in-law: Sharon and Linda. Mr. Gaylord was a U.S. Army Veteran and was a Auto Glass Technician. He is survived by his brothers: Eugene Mlsna, Cletus Mlsna, and Dennis Mlsna; Sister: Bernice Mueller; Grandchildren: Brent Williams, Leah Earhart, Jeff Williams, & Cody Williams; 9 Great-Grandchildren; Special Friend and Dance Partner: Ovean Phifer; along with all the Smith family. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation.

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

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 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.

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 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