Obituaries

Billy Dorris Thompson, 82, passed from this life into eternity on Jan. 17, 2021. He was the center of our home, living out his Christian faith by a strong example to each family member. He did not like conflict, but he would peacefully meet it when necessary. ...

Rev. Herman Sparks, 81, of the Caney Spring community of Marshall County, died Sunday morning, Jan. 17, 2021, in Lewisburg, TN. Rev. Sparks was born in Irvine, KY and was a son of the late Issac Thomas and Mary Margaret Shearer Sparks. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Blanche Barrett Sparks, who died in 2017; sisters, Marie Culton, Elsie Still, Addie Sparks, Nannie Sparks; brothers, Glendon Sparks, Earl Sparks, Sidney Sparks, John Sparks, James Sparks, William Arthur Sparks, and Delbert Eugene Sparks.. ...

Mr. Antonio S. Avelar, 88, of Chapel Hill, TN, formerly of California, died on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Flores, Azores and was the son of the late Antonio G. Avelar and Filomena G. Freitas Avelar. Mr. Tony was a member of the Catholic/Christian Church and he was a contract painter...

On Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, Leonard Farrar entered into eternity to meet our creator at age 85. He joins those preceded in death, his mother and father; sister, Annie Ruth Blackburn; brother, Howard Farrar; grandson, Robby Dunnavant; and grandson by marriage, Marquis Martin...

Alfred Wayne Doggett, 79, of Lewisburg, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Maury County Regional Health Center. He was a native of Marshall County, the son of the late Shirley and Elsie Nix Doggett. He was a Supervisor of Maintenance at Teledyne and was a member of the New Zion Baptist Church in Pulaski...

Elizabeth Grissom Haley, 95, of Lewisburg, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Maury County Regional Health Center. She was a native of Marshall County, the daughter of the late Myrt and Sarah Bell Liggett Grissom. She retired from Cosmolab and previously worked at Dixie Foods and a member of the Westvue Church of Christ...

Mrs. Eveie Purdom, 78, of Chapel Hill, TN, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Franklin. Mrs. Purdom was born in the Cross Keys community of Williamson County and was the daughter of the late Robert A and Ella Kate Reed Flippen. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Cathey Purdom, who died in 2018, and brothers, Jackie Flippen, Jimmy Flippen and Bobby Flippen...

Patrice W. Vandiver, 87, of Murfreesboro, formerly of Lewisburg, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at Tristar Stonecrest Medical Center. She was a native of Giles County, the daughter of the late George Robert White and Elizabeth Dugger Rhea. She was an accountant for Teledyne and Dixie Foods and was a member of the Church Street Church of Christ and East Main Street Church of Christ of Murfreesboro, TN...

Edwin “Eddie” Neil Lovell, 51, resident of Elkmont, AL, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center. No Services are scheduled at this time. Condolences may be offered online at www.billsmcgaugh.com A Fayetteville native, he was born on July 21, 1969, to the late EN Lovell and the late Magdalene Ables Lovell. Eddie was an avid Alabama football fan. He loved kids and dogs, and enjoyed landscaping...

Kevin LaDon Biggers, born Aug. 7, 1957, to the late Caldwell Biggers and Bettye Biggers Griffin, departed this life Jan. 6, 2021, at the Elk River Healthcare and Rehab Facility in Fayetteville. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Greater First Baptist Church until his health failed him. He was a 1975 graduate of MCHS, attended Columbia State Community College and was employed with the Marshall County School System. He enjoyed coaching Babe Ruth baseball...

Mrs. Katherine Brown, 80, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at NHC Healthcare after an extended illness. She is survived by one daughter, Katrina Brown; two sons, Cedric Taylor and Damien (Angie) Brown; two brothers, Alfred Taylor and Julius Taylor II; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends...

Mr. Chris Gilbert, 73, of Chapel Hill, TN, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, in Franklin, TN. Chris was born in Marshall County and was a son of the late James Edward and Donna Marie Stoskopf Gilbert. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Carl Gilbert, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War...

Mr. Parks Gold, 94, of the Farmington community of Marshall County, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Columbia, TN. Mr. Gold was born in Marshall County and was a son of the late Chesney Clifford and Mae Hastings Gold. He was a life long farmer and member of the Farmington United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gold was also preceded in death by his wife, Martha Elizabeth Thompson Gold, who died in 2000; a son, John Mark Gold; and his sister, Joan Eslick...

Mary Jane Vaughn, 59, resident of Lewisburg, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at her residence. The family visited with friends Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home. A Marshall County native, she was the daughter of the late Bill James and the late Sara Marie Hartley. ...

A.V. Looney, 85, of Lewisburg, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at NHC-Lewisburg. He was a native of Marshall County, the son of the late James Hugh and Francis Welch Looney. He retired as Plant Manager for ICP in 1992 and also was a farmer. He was a past president of Lewisburg Lions Club, served his country in the National Guard as a Captain and Company Commander of the Lewisburg unit. ...

Betty Jo Hollingsworth, age 86, of Lewisburg, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 at Maury County Regional Health Center. She was a native of Marshall County, the daughter of the late Willie Burns and Florence Bledsoe. She was a manager for Sullivans and was a member of the East Commerce Baptist Church...

Mr. Eddie Lloyd Baird, Jr., age 93, of Chapel Hill, TN, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Born in Nashville, TN, Mr. Baird was a son of the late Eddie L. Baird, Sr. and Elizabeth Nave Baird. He retired from AVCO as a supervisor in the production control section. ...

Donny Wayne Rogers, 69, of Lewisburg, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at Marshall Medical Center. He was a native of Marshall County, the son of the late Earl and Wilma Rodgers Rogers. He retired from the maintenance department at Kantus. He is survived by wife, Kathy Ervin Rogers; daughters, Brandy (Mike) Cagle, Sammie Jo (Matt) Brown, Kimberly Rogers; sister, Paulette Thacker; grandchildren, Michael Rogers, Krista Cagle, Ashton Brown, Madeleine Brown, and Margot Brown; niece, Chawna Semafumu; nephew, Julius Semafumu.. ...

Elizabeth Ophelia Slaughter Bollman, 62, departed this life on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Elizabeth Ophelia Slaughter Bollman was born on Nov. 14, 1958, to Roy James and Juanita Glymp Slaughter. She was a member of the MCHS Class of 1977 and loved attending class reunions. Ophelia had a humble and gentle spirt and never met a stranger...

Jessica Hammons McGhee, 46, a native of Lewisburg, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, at her home in Davidson County. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Jessica was born Jan. ...

Margaret Dunaway, 99, of Lewisburg, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at her home surrounded by family. She was a native of Giles County, born April 10, 1921 to the late Roy and Malor George Hobbs. Margaret loved spending time with her family and friends and she was a long time employee and retiree of Genesco. ...

Cree Charles Mason (tua-wi) “Sunboy”, 47, resident of Lewisburg, died on Nov. 30, 2020, at his residence. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home with retired Pastor Paul Bane of New Hope Community Church in Brentwood officiating. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12 p.m. until service time at the funeral home...

Debra Sue Davis Cheatham, 58, resident of Lewisburg, died on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, at Marshall Medical Center. Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. in Lone Oak Cemetery. Debra was born on Sept. ...

JoAllen “Joe” Hundley Joe Hundley, 93, a resident of Lewisburg, formerly of Columbia, died Tuesday morning, Dec. 29, 2020, at Marshall County Medical Center. The family will celebrate his life with a private family funeral service at Heritage Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Polk Memorial Gardens. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements...

William (Bill) Moore, 62, retired employee of Matrix Drilling Products, recently passed away. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, served in the United States Navy, and was a resident of Lewisburg for over 20 years. He is survived by his mother Dorothy, brothers Glenn and Michael, and sisters Kathy and Kelly. He is preceded in death by his father Bob and his younger brother Robert...

LaQuita Mae Weaver, age 87, of Lewisburg, died Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 at Village Manor. She was a native of Giles County, the daughter of the late Eugene Wilkerson and Louella Park Wilkerson. She was an employee of Mead Containers during her working career. LaQuita was a past worthy matron of the Lewisburg Chapter #318 Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the DAR Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Church Street Church of Christ...

Mr. Gregory A. Everhart, age 65, of Parsons, TN, died Monday, December 28, 2020. Visitation with the family will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Swanson Cemetery in Chapel Hill, TN. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 PM on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Interment will follow in Swanson Cemetery in Chapel Hill, TN...

Patricia Ann Whitehead, age 62, of Rockvale, died Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 at Tennova Healthcare- Shelbyville. She was a native of Marshall, the daughter of the late Odie Whitehead and Dorothy Whitehead Chilton. She was a supervisor of janitorial services for Enovate Medical of Murfreesboro and was a member of the Baptist Church...

Mr. Arthur Wentzel, age 87, a resident of Cornersville, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 1, 2021 at 11:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Richard VanCleave officiating. Burial will follow at Rock Springs cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements...

Graveside funeral service for Mr. Keith LaShawn Winsett, age 46, of Petersburg, TN, will be held at 12 PM on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Talley Cemetery. Dr. Jon Hathcock, Bro. Chad Hancock, and Bro. Jim Mike will officiate. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service...

James Franklin (Jim/Jimmy) Thomas, age 88, of Caney Springs Community died December 28, 2020 at NHC Lewisburg. Jim was born in the Enterprise Community of Maury County to Walter Claude Thomas and Ella Mae Clifton Thomas on February 27, 1932. He attended Enterprise Elementary and graduated from Hay Long High School in 1950. ...

Frances Murrel Collins, age 99, of Lewisburg, died Friday, December 25th, 2020 at her residence. She was a native of Giles County, the daughter of the late Francis and Minnie Bell Church Pruitt. She retired from Genesco and was a member of the Church of Christ...

Grace Marie Moorehead, age 84, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, died Thursday afternoon, December 24, 2020 in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Mrs. Moorehead was born in the Verona Community of Marshall County and was a graduate of Marshall County High School. She along with her late husband, Wilburn Moorehead, retired in 1996, after 33 years as the co-owners of Moorehead’s Foodland in Chapel Hill. ...

Betty Lou Russell, 91, of Lewisburg, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at her residence. She was a native of Greenbrier, TN, the daughter of the late Joe and Bettie Bollinger Jones. She was a homemaker and a member of the East Commerce Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Russell, Sr. in 2009...

Hellen Irene Smith, after a long battle from Alzheimer’s related conditions, held the hand of Jesus as she passed through the Golden Gates into Heaven on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. Hellen Irene Smith, almost 62 years old, was born Jan. 15, 1959, in Leonard’s Hospital in Lewisburg...

Mary Lucille “Lucy” Tate, 98, of Lewisburg, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at Maury County Regional Health Center. She was a native of Bedford County, the daughter of the late Lee Floyd and Daisy Belle Jones Pyrdum. She was a long-time bookkeeper for Dixie Foods and a member of the Church St. Church of Christ...

Mr. Marcus “Mark” E. Tate III, 73, of Dalton, GA, passed away Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at Hamilton Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his father, Marcus Eugene Tate, Jr. Mark is survived by his wife, Kay Blanks Tate; mother, Mrs. Gene (Lucille) Tate of Lewisburg, TN; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Steve Nix and Kristie Tate-Paul all of Murfreesboro, TN, Brandee and Matt McCollum of Gray, GA and Amanda Ponders of Dalton; son and daughter-in-law, Bart and Tara Ponders of Dalton; grandchildren, Justin and Jamie-Lee Suttles, Trevor Ponders, Kaylee Ponders, Chesney McCollum and Emme Paul; great-grandson, Jaxon Suttles; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Tom Santel of Columbia, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Gail Tate of Columbia, TN; several nieces and nephews.. ...

Mrs. Edna Dorlene Winsett Hart, 86, of Lewisburg, TN, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at home surrounded by her husband and two daughters. A native of Marshall County, she was born on Aug. 25, 1934, to the late Jonas and Cora Lee Winsett.  On Aug. 11, 1951, she married the love of her life, Russell Keith Hart, and together, they enjoyed 69 years of marriage.  Mrs. ...