HAMILTON COUNTY

Zona Barker

Zona Cates Barker, 83, of Hixson, answered her call to the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Zona was a Bible teacher for 22 years with a group of ladies who met privately in their homes. She was a member of Open Door Baptist Church. Zona was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a daughter of the late Albert and Dora Cates and was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Agee.

Survivors include her husband, James Leonard Barker; two daughters, Susan Hodges and husband Ron, Chattanooga and Bonnie Standefer and husband Wayne, Crossville, Tenn.; two granddaughters: Michelle Nicholson and husband, Daniel, Chattanooga and Stacy Orman and husband, David, Lebanon, Tenn.; three grandsons, Mike Hodges and wife, Carrie, Chattanooga, Scott Standefer and wife, Chassidy, Los Angeles, Calif. and Kevin Standefer and wife, Gina, Kansas City, Kan.; two great-granddaughter, Amber Nicholson, Chattanooga and Jadyn Standefer, Los Angeles, Calif.; two great-grandsons, Mason Standefer, Los Angeles, and Colt Orman, Lebanon, Tenn.; brother-in-law, Herman Agee; two nieces, Judy Abrams and Sandy Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Tyson officiating.

Interment will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park.

Visit www.llanefh.com to send condolences.

The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. today at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Terry Cambron

Terry Cambron, 46, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at a local hospital.

He was of the Baptist faith and was a loving father and brother. He was preceded in death by his mother, Imogene Cambron.

He is survived by his sons, Blake Cambron, Cris Byington; daughters, Brittani Cambron, Brandi Cambron; brothers, James, Ricky, Lebron, and Teddy Cambron; sisters, Sharon Fitzgerald, Jessie Cantrell, Gretta Orr, Irene Higgins; one grandchild.

A memorial service may be at a later date.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

Frances Cole

Frances Crawford Cole, 96, of East Ridge, died peacefully at home Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 surrounded by loving family.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at First Christian Church of Chattanooga (650 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403) with Pastor Phil Summerlin and Pastor Paul Rebelo officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 404 S. Moore Road.

James Cooper Jr.

James Lesley Cooper Jr., 49, of Greenville, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.

Survivors include mother: Viola Phillips-Cooper; five sisters; one aunt, Christine McClendon; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services, 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at Reuben Strickland Memorial Chapel with Minister Alonzo Johnson, officiating.

Visitation will be Friday, 11-1 p.m. at Reuben Strickland Memorial Chapel.

Interment Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Robert Cooper

Robert L. Cooper, 79, of East Ridge, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010.

He was retired from ADT as a Security Specialist after over 40 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Cooper.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Cooper of Hixson, and R. Joe Cooper of Birmingham, Ala.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Cooper, of Fredricksburg, Va.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Joe Currie

Joe Currie, 74, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at a local hospital.

Mr. Currie was born and raised in Jacksonville, Ala., where he went to elementary school, high school and college. He attended Jacksonville State University on a football scholarship. While in college he was a member of the ROTC program. After graduation he went into the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lt. He spent six years in the military. While there, he attended flight school and became a pilot and also was involved with the guided missile program. After six years, he resigned his military commission and went to work in Aerospace at Cape Canaveral, Fla. He worked there for four years and then went to South Mississippi Missile Testing Facility where he worked for three years. The space program started phasing down during that time and he went to work in Chattanooga for TVA, where he retired in 1996 after 26 years of service.

Mr. Currie was a great family man. He always enjoyed spending time with his family. He was known as Papa Joe to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also loved having his vegetable garden every year.

Joe was a member of Hixson First Baptist Church in Hixson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jabe and Velma Currie; one brother, Jabe Currie Jr.; one sister, Louise Watson; and one niece, Martha Currie.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joyce; two children, Randy Currie and Denise (Clint) Turner; five grandchildren, Brittany (Craig) Dedmon, Jennifer Currie (Jerimi), Brandon Walker, Ashley Currie, Tyler Burt; and a stepgranddaughter, Sandy King; three great-grandchildren, Briana and Hannah Griffith and Autumn Mabe.

Mr. Currie will participate in the Tennessee Donor Society as a tissue donor per his wishes.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Shannon, the Rev. Myron Wilkins, and the Rev. Joel Wood officiating.

Burial will be at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Share your thoughts and memories on line at www.mem.com.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 8 p.m. today and from noon until 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga, Crematory & Florist.

Thelma Dyer

Thelma Dyer, 100, Chattanooga, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, ending the life of an extraordinary lady.

"Granny", as she was known to her family and many friends, lived 100 full years! She was born and raised in Athens, Tenn., to Fred and Ella Alloway, a family that owned a country store. Soon the depression of the 20's changed their lives and Granny began her long career as a tailor working into her 90's. Her reputation and skills were her strengths.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Phyllis Trotter, Chattanooga, Kirma Riddle, Rossville, and Sandra Morgan, Lawrenceville, Ga.

Survivors are her grandchildren, Roy (Paula) Deason III, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Kathy (Tom) Dunnigan, Hixson, Tenn., Mike (Judy) Trotter, Dalton, Ga., Joy (Mike) Phillips, McDonough, Ga., Sonja Ayers, Rossville, Ronnie (Kim) Riddle, Chattanooga, Tansy Riddle, Chattanooga, and Donna (Irwin) Citrin, Lawrenceville, Ga.; several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.

Gladys Folkner

Gladys Folkner, 90, of Hixson, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, in a local hospital.

Gladys loved life, her family and her God. She was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church. Gladys was born in Lenoir City, and spent most of her life in the Chattanooga area. She was an avid baker and until the decline in her health she decorated numerous wedding cakes and catered many weddings and special events.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Porter L. Folkner; and a daughter, Portia L. Folkner McCroskey.

She is survived by four children, Ann Folkner, Carol Gill, Anthony (Pamela) Folkner and Kelly McCroskey; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; special friend, Betty Dunn and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the North Chapel.

Services for Gladys will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the North Chapel with Rev. Henry Groseclose officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gladys name to Fairview United Methodist Church, 3901 Hamill Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

Joe Gawrys

Joeseph Patrick Gawrys, 55, a resident of Chattanooga for over 29 years, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2010.

Joe was born in Indianapolis, Ind., to Kathleen and Joseph Gawrys.

Joe taught at the Baylor School for 291/2 years. He graduated from Wasbash College and Harvard Divinity School.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Gawrys and nephew, Benjamin Farber.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sue Gawrys; two daughters, Nancy (Ken) Masengil, Flintstone, Ga., Jennifer Morris, Tuscon, Ariz.; father, Joseph H. Gawrys, Indianapolis, Ind.; five sisters, Mary Gawrys, Dekalb, Ill., Eileen Gawrys (John Rogers), Honolulu, Hawaii, Sharon Brown, Indianapolis, Ind., Patricia Gawrys (Craig Bixler), St. Charles, Ill., and Nancy Gawrys, Indianapolis, Ind.; one brother, Kevin Gawrys (Karen) Indianapolis, Ind.; one grandson, Jackson Parham; one granddaughter, Emmeline Parham, of Chattanooga; and his beloved dog, Al.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Baylor School Student Scholarship Fund.

Family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday at the Baylor Chapel.

Visit www.lanefh.com to send condolences.

Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, 877 3524.

Nancy Gracy

Nancy Burkhart Gracy, 71, of Daytona Beach Shores, passed away on her birthday, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

Ms. Gracy worked as a counselor in the health industry. She was an avid reader, enjoyed the beach and eventually settled in the community of Daytona Beach Shores, Fla.

Ms. Gracy was preceded in death by parents, George Jackson Burkhart Sr. and Julia Zieman Burkhart; siblings, Jack Burkhart Jr., Peggy Harris, Rita Wolfe; and her beloved son, Mike Gracy.

She is survived by daughters, Lisa (Rich) Morris, Orlando, Fla., Jaime (Tony) Sipe, Benton, Tenn.; sister, Carol Meyer, Daytona Beach Shores; six grandchildren, Nate, Ashley, Amber, Dallas, Heather and Nick; and three great-grandchildren, Gavin, Finn and Kaylee.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Steve Ross officiating.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family and view the memorial tribute.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

James Huff Jr.

James Lee Huff Jr., of Chattanooga, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, in a local hospital.

He is survived by his mother, Laura Richardson.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 14, at Cofer Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Hardwick & Sons Funeral Home.

Donny Hutsell

Donny Hutsell, 55, of Chattanooga, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, in a local hospital.

A lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, he was of the Baptist faith and was a self-employed brick mason. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and was preceded in death by his father, Francis Hutsell.

Survivors include his former wife, Joed Hutsell; stepson Trey and stepdaughter, Lydia; mother, Peggy Malone Hutsell; sister and her husband, Teresa and Doug Little, Fort Mill, S.C.; two nephews, Daniel and Michael Little.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East, with a White Rose ceremony to follow.

Active pallbearers will be John Kelle, Rusty Russell, Frank Blair, David Liner, Michael Hutsell, Terry Williams, Rick Mathis and Warren Daniel.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Tim Guin and Charlie Kelly. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga or to Sigma Chi House Foundation, c/o House Corperation, 905 Siskin Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37403.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at mem.com.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson, 69, of Chattanooga, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

He was a member of Terra Vista Baptist Church.

Paul was retired from the Chattanooga Fire Department and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Fire Fighters.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, L.B. and Clara Johnson; two brothers, Tom and Bob Johnson; four, sisters, Marie Johnson, Louise Garrison, Louell Warren, Leola Gowens.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Johnson; two sons, Noah and Nick Johnson, all of Chattanooga; two brothers, Leonard Lee Johnson, of Fort Walden Beach, Fla., Mike Johnson, of Dallas, Ga,; four sisters, Peggy Smith, of Gadsden, Ala.., Nancy Mount and Frances Pope, both of East Ridge, Suzie Beeman, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Terra Vista Baptist Church with the Rev. Gurney Beard officiating.

Burial will be "Private".

The family will receive friends on Saturday from noon until the hour of service at Terra Vista Baptist Church, 4412 Oakwood Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home Inc., Highway 58 Chapel 622-3171.

Matthew Kreger

Matthew Kreger, 28, passed away at his home in Ooltewah Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

He is survived by his mother, Cheryl Kreger, of Chattanooga; his father, Mike Kreger; one brother, Michael E. Kreger; one sister, Melissa Roberts; two nephews, Tyler and Blake Roberts; and four nieces, Kaitlyn Roberts, Angel, Gabriella and LilyAnn Kreger, all of Ooltewah; and his maternal grandmother, Bobbie Meeks, of Hattiesburg, Miss.

A memorial service will be held at Collegedale Community Church located at 4995 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale, on Friday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.

All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Arrangements by Covenant Funeral & Cremation Service, Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com.

Hillis Layne

Hillis Layne, 91, passed away at his daughter's home on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

Born on Feb. 23, 1918 in Whitwell, Tenn., he was a resident of Chattanooga for most of his life.

He was a longtime member of East Ridge Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for many years.

Mr. Layne enjoyed a 37 year career in professional baseball. He was signed by Joe Engel to play in the Washington Senators organization, and played for the Chattanooga Lookouts before being called up to the Washington Senators in the 1941 season. After his major league career, he led the Pacific Coast league in batting in 1947. He played in nearly 2,000 professional games, with a lifetime batting average of .335. After his playing days, he was a minor league manager, a minor league director for the Senators, and a baseball scout for the A's, Mets, Senators and Rangers. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.

Following his baseball career, Mr. Layne managed the downtown Chattanooga Ira Trivers clothing store for 15 years.

Mr. Layne was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Graham Layne; parents, Elijah and Dolly Hudson Layne; and brothers Harrell, Meredith, Seth and Jewell Layne.

Survivors include a sister, Leona Graham, Whitwell; a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Pennie Layne, Kingsport; a daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Brian Dowling, Signal Mountain; and four grandchildren, Lori Layne, Clemson, S.C., Andrew Layne Johnson City; and Maggie and Jack Dowling, Signal Mountain.

Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 15, at East Ridge Church of Christ with Minister Charles Cochran officiating.

Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the benevolent room at East Ridge Church of Christ.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 4-8 p.m. today, Jan 14 at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel.

Mabel Mall

Mabel Iris Mall, 79, of Chattanooga, passed on to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, in a local hospital.

She was born on Dec. 27, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Jiwan G. and Rahim Mall; beloved sister of Gilbert Cecil and Dorothy Taj, aunt and mama to Jonathan and David Cecil and Sheeba Parvez.

She has moved to her permanent heavenly residence and is now closer to her family friends and those who preceded her to her Father's mansion. She will be immensely missed for her love, devotion and care that she so selflessly poured on her family and those she came across. In prayers, praises and song she will always be closer to those who loved her and whose lives she touched.

She was preceded before her departure by her father, Jiwan G. Mall; mother, Rahim Bibi; brother, George Merrill; nephew, Kailash Peter Merrill; sisters-in-law, Victoria Cecil and Khurshid Merrill.

Survivors include Gilbert Cecil, Anoose and Dorothy Taj, Jonathan and Nighat Cecil, David and Farah Cecil, Sheeba Parvez; nieces and nephews and the extended family members include, Neena and Charles Clevenger, Sujeel Taj, Ramona and Michael Hendrix, Pamela Mandody, Paul and Robina Merrill, Patrick Merrill, Phillip and Aqeela Merrill, Primrose and Khalid Rashid; grandchildren, Jasmine and Rebekah Cecil, Sarah, Joshua and Jonathan Cecil, Sharoon and Joy Gill, Asha and Isaac Clevenger, Solomon, Zephyr and Sullivan Hendrix, Jivan Taj, Akash and Dimple Merrill, Samuel Mandody and several others living in other U.S. cities and abroad.

She moved to the United States in 1987 and became a member of Tyner United Methodist Church that same year. She also served on the Carebear Ministries of the church selflessly.

She retired as a Teacher from the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Pakistan and was greatly admired and loved by her colleagues and students. She touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with and prayed for those in need. She was a model of virtue, goodness and patience. "Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may go through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14)

Memorial contributions may be made to Tyner United Methodist Church's Carebear Ministry.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Tyner United Methodist Church with Dr. Robert Haskins and the Rev. Younis Farhat officiating.

Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The body will lie in state at the church one hour before the service on Saturday.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at mem.com.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.

Willie Moon

Willie Moon, of Chattanooga, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

Arrangements are by Franklin-Strickland Funeral Directors.

Mary Mumm

Mary Louise Shull Mumm, 91, of Chattanooga passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at her home.

She was born Sept. 26, 1918.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Mumm Sr. and eight brothers and stepbrothers. Louise was a longtime member of Brainerd Baptist Church and the Grace Sunday School Class.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Maples, of Chattanooga; her sons, Robert G. (Jan) Mumm Jr., of Ringgold; Paul Frederick Mumm and his fiancé, Kim Payne, of Chattanooga; five grandchildren, Rick (Jill) Dell, Barbie (Jeff) Painter, Amy Thurman, Laura Desgro and Dawn (John Davis; nine great-grandchildren, Christia, Marissa, Alexa, R.J., Bailey, Kelsey, Lacy, Ty, and Ian; great-great-grandson, Sammy.

Nancy, Bob and Fred would like to express our gratitude to Hospice of Chattanooga and a special thanks to Pam, Keisha, Christy, and the wonderful Hospice (Central Team) that took care of our mother.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the East Chapel with Chaplain Christy Bonner officiating.

Burial will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. today and Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga.

Willis Murdock Jr.

Willis James Murdock Jr. departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Murdock was born July 11, 1929 in Joliet, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis James and Helen Kiep Murdock; and sisters, Marion Murdock Abbott and Jane Murdock Holland.

He is survived by Patricia Enright Murdock, his devoted wife of 51 years; and his children, Susan Murdock Egan (Bill), of Edina, Minn., Elizabeth Ann Murdock, of Nashville, Willis James Murdock, III (Tara), of Lookout Mountain, Ga. and Michael George Murdock (Susannah), of Signal Mountain. His grandchildren are Michael, Claire and Kathleen Egan, of Edina, Minn., Riley and Will Murdock, Lookout Mountain and Anna and Jack Murdock, Signal Mountain. His sister, Ann Murdock Kane (Jack), of Joliet, Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Bill received a degree in Business Marketing from Marquette University. Upon his completion, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp where he was awarded the rank of Captain.

He had a long and successful career in the carpet industry, retiring from the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for West Point Pepperell in 1987.

Bill was a devoted husband and father. He took pride in his children and grandchildren's many accomplishments, and served as an inspirational mentor to each of them.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, and the SERRA Club, and a volunteer at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, and Signal Mountain Library.

He will be remembered and lovingly missed for his faith, his work ethic and his endearing character.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Hospice of Chattanooga for their thorough and compassionate care.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.

The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 15, from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 16, from 11 a.m.-noon at the church.

Funeral Mass will be held at noon on Saturday with interment immediately following the mass.

Visitation and all services will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1716 Anderson Pike, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are made by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Irene Olive

Ellen Irene Reeves Olive, 89, of Hixson, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at a local hospital.

She was of the Church of Christ Faith. She was an avid gardener and her favorite flowerer was the Iris.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Olive; daughter, Doris Nelson, of Nashville; son, Bruce Reeves of Columbia, Tenn.; parents, Sidney and Virginia Sterry.

She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Martin, of Hixson, Brenda (John) Kirtley, of Columbia, Tenn.; sisters, Frances Jeanette, Louise Major, both of Nashville; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service today at the funeral home.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff on the 2nd floor at Memorial North Park Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Heart Association.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

Elsie Raglin

Elsie Raglin, 102, of Chattanooga passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Mary Sharp

Mary Elizabeth Sharp, 79, of Lookout Valley passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, in a local hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Linda Carden, sister, Frances Keith, brothers, Bill and Robert Carden; grandson, Barry Lynn Sharp.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Sharp; children, Carolyn Cabrera, Linda Sharp, Louise Smith, Thomas Sharp Jr., Mary Ann Sharp; brother, John Carden; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, in the J. Avery Bryan Chapel with Rev. William Jones and Rev. Doug Tate officiating.

Burial will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens, West.

Visitation will be today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Your thoughts and memories may be shared at www.javerybryan.com.

Arrangements are by J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, 1914 McCallie Ave., 423-266-2131.

Catherine Wilhoite

Catherine Gail Wilhoite, 57, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at her home.

A Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home.

Visit www.lanefh.com to send condolences.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 6 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Lebron Wright

Lebron Wright, 59, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, in a Nashville hospital.

He was a 1967 graduate of Notre Dame High School and was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, C.L. Wright; brothers, Bruce and Stephen Wright.

Survivors: mother, Pauline H. Wright, of Chattanooga; sisters-in-law, Connie Wright, of Atlanta, and Nettie Wright, of Chattanooga; other relatives and friends.

Funeral: Friday at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Father Schmidt officiating.

Burial: Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The body will lie in state today after 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

TENNESSEE

Joe Bettis

GEORGETOWN -- Joe Perry Bettis, 70, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at his residence.

He retired in 2004 as an electrician with McKee Foods. He was of the Church of God faith.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Dorothy Lane Bettis and Ruth Slaughter Bettis; parents, Joseph and Pearl Bettis; brothers, William, Harrison, Perry and Paul Bettis; and sister, Gladys Cranfield.

Survivors include his son, Steve Bettis and wife, Charlene, of McDonald; daughter, Linda Waddell and husband, Paul, of McDonald; three grandchildren, Kim Rollins and husband, William, of Cleveland, Heather Carson and husband, Brett, of Cleveland and Hannah Waddell, of McDonald; two great-grandchildren, Addison Page Rollins and Emma Grace Rollins, both of Cleveland; sister, Lillian Allison, of Georgetown; several nieces and nephews; and Leveta Harden, his very dear and loving friend and his angel here on earth.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 14, 2010, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Sears and Pastor Paul Lee officiating.

Interment will follow in Bettis Cemetery with William Rollins, Brett Carson, Roger Holcomb, Dennis Allison, Mike Tatum and Mark Westfall serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

We you to send a message of condolence and view the Bettis family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.

Aileen Brown

ETOWAH -- Florence Aileen Collins Brown passed away Monday evening, Jan. 11, 2010, at her residence.

She was a daughter of the late Charles Hobart Collins and Docia June Hutson Collins, and was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Dr. W. Theodore Brown.

After graduating from Business College in November 1942, she worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., for two years before marrying W. Theodore Brown in November 1944. Five years later, the couple moved to Etowah, where Dr. Brown practiced dentistry for nearly 50 years before his death in 1996. She was a talented and productive painter who excelled in works rendered in both oils and watercolors. She also was a skillful gourmet cook. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Etowah and a longtime member of the Etowah Friendly Garden Club.

Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-law, W. Theodore Brown Jr., of Knoxville, and Dr. Charles David and Deborah Bivens Brown, of Etowah; one grandson and fiancee, Matthew David Brown and Catie Boring, of Etowah; one granddaughter and spouse, Mary Beth Brown Bain and spouse, Jerreth, of Etowah; six brothers and one sister-in-law, William Joseph Collins, of Athens, Robert L. and Shirley Collins, of Etowah, Charles Hobart Collins Jr., of Houston, Texas, Jack K. Collins, of Etowah, Wayne B. Collins, of Etowah, and Jerry L. Collins, of Tellico Plains; six sisters-in-law, Charlotte Brown, of Athens, Muriel Brown Brewer and spouse Clayton, of Knoxville, Maria Brown Thompson, of Knoxville, Elizabeth Brown Lynch, of Knoxville, Irene Brown Stratton, of Birmingham, Ala., and Shirley Brown Norman, of Pioneer; one brother-in-law, James Brown Jr. and spouse Mary Jane, of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service is scheduled for Friday morning, Jan. 15, and the family will receive friends later that day, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the residence of Dr. David Brown, 111 County Road 782, in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, c/o Office of Development, 1520 Cherokee Trail, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920-2205.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Carroll

ATHENS -- Nancy Jane Carroll, 59, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Friday in the chapel.

Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday at McMahan Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation 5-8 p.m. Friday at Ziegler Funeral Home.

Marjorie Morgan

ENGLEWOOD -- Margorie Jean Morgan, 81, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 14, at Chestuee Baptist Cemetery.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements.

James O'Donnell

TURTLETOWN -- James A. O'Donnell, 56, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010.

Arrangements will be announced by Covenant Funeral & Cremation Service, Crox family owned and operated, www.Coven antFuneral.com.

Floanna Padgett

DUNLAP -- Floanna Harden Padgett, 80, died at her home Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

She was of the Baptist faith. Floanna was preceded in death by her husbands, Bill Harden and Lansing Padgett; son Charles David Bell.

Survivors include daughters, Linda Sue (Ted) Johnston, Whitwell, Wanda Carol (Bobby Gene) Brown, Pikeville, Violet Ruth (Thomas) Adams, Dunlap, Charlotte Ann (Bernard) Mears, Pikeville, Evelyn Newby, Dunlap, Gail (Jerry) Layne, Dunlap, Betty (James) Desjardin, Michigan; adopted daughter, Jane (Ronnie) Shaver, Dayton; 32 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Garett, Carthage; several nieces and nephews.

Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. CST in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. James Dunn officiating.

Burial will be in Sequatchie County Memorial Gardens in Dunlap.

Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, Highway 127 South, Pikeville, Tenn.

Visitation is today 9 a.m.-9 p.m. CST and until service time Friday.

Donald Pugh Sr.

DAYTON -- Donald Lynn Pugh Sr., 61, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his home.

Funeral at 1 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Larry Potter and Pastor Gary Johnson officiating. Visitation from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Burial in Smith-Wilkey Cemetery.

Arrangements by Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home.

GEORGIA

Sam Crough Jr.

ROSSVILLE -- Samuel G. Crough Jr., 79, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, in a local hospital.

He was a member of East Ridge Baptist Church and the Go Getters Sunday School Class. Sam was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was president of the Siskin Stroke Support Group. He was a member of Harrison Lodge 114 F&AM and had worked for John Hicks Oldsmobile as a salesman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Crough; son, Robert Crough; and his parents, Sam and Mabel Crough.

Survivors include two sons, Michael (Dawn) Crough, of Chattanooga and Johnny Crough, of Mims, Fla.; two daughters, Susan Lee (Victor) Icenhower, of Fort Riley, Kan., and Valerie Hickman (Larry Hawk), of Harrison; five grandchildren, Alex, Jaden, Sean and Jason Crough and Kenny Hickman Jr.; one great-granddaughter; caregivers, Angela Rennolds, Fredia "T.T." Bell, Betty Smith and Michelle Wright.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Ronnie Mitchell officiating.

Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Masonic graveside services.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Rev. Leon Hullender

TUNNEL HILL -- Rev. Leon Hullender, 70, a pastor whose influence ranged far beyond its traditional congregation, passed away at his home Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

Rev. Hullender, known to most as simply, "Preacher", was, for over 47 years an iconic Christian presence within the North Georgia area.

Rev. Hullender was recognized for his preaching and singing with the Hullender Family and most recently with the New Bethel Quartet.

He was pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, Nellie Head Memorial Baptist Church and at other area churches. Rev. Hullender loved his family, and everyone he came in contact with. He was a humanitarian who always gave of himself, whether it was with humor or prayer.

Rev. Hullender served the boys and girls of Catoosa County for 27 years as a school system bus driver. He was a spirit of optimism and of joy even when there were so many negative things happening within the community. The glass was always half full to Leon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nita and Carl Hullender.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Peggy Hullender; son, Rodney Hullender; daughter, Pam Hullender (Robin) Womack; and granddaughter, Ivy Kate Chambers, all of Ringgold; brothers, Morris (Jeaneane) and Wayne (Linda) Hullender of Ringgold; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Don Self officiating.

Interment will follow the service at Lee's Chapel Cemetery.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to view the memorial tribute and share words of comfort with the family.

The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. today and 1-3 p.m. Friday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

Danita McDowell

RISING FAWN -Danita Blevins McDowell, 47, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

She was a graduate of Northwest Georgia High School and formerly was a chef.

Survivors include her daughter, Andrea Nicole McDowell, Rising Fawn; her parents, Dan and Juanita Blevins, Rising Fawn; two sisters, Daphne Blevins, California and Devera (Tim) Tinker, Chattanooga; three brothers, Dan (Susan) Blevins II, Danny (Angela) Blevins and David Blevins, all of Rising Fawn; granddaughter, Kayleigh Britton.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Trenton Chapel.

Visitation 10-11 a.m. Friday.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton, Ga.

Dallis Patten

LaFAYETTE -- Dallis Lanier Patten, 86, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

Survivors include sons, Gordon Smith, Florida, James Patten, Ringgold; sisters, Margie Dilbeck, Gracie Oliver, both LaFayette; brother, Ed Lanier, Chickamauga; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside 11 a.m. today at LaFayette Cemetery with the Rev. Cecil Bryant.

Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Millard Rutherford

SUMMERVILLE -- Millard Stephens Rutherford, 87, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

Visitation will be today, Jan. 14, 2010 from noon to 2 p.m. at Erwin-Petitt Funeral Home.

The funeral will be today, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. from the Chapel.

Private Interment in Summerville Cemetery.

Robert Whitworth

RINGGOLD -- Robert J. Whitworth, 78, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at his residence.

Born Jan. 6, 1932, in Greenville, S.C., he was a graduate of Greenville High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and held the rank of Sergeant upon his discharge and was also the recipient of two Bronze Stars. For the past 40 years, he had been a resident of Chattanooga and north Georgia and was employed as a truck driver with Burlington Industries for more than 30 years and also with Shaw Industries before his retirement in 1996.

Mr. Whitworth was of the Baptist faith and a longtime sports fan, enjoying NASCAR and the Atlanta Braves.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Norma Jean Whitmire Huff Whitworth, who also grew up in Greenville, S.C.; sons, Steve (Barbara) Huff, Cleveland, Tenn., Doug (Susan) Huff, Chattanooga; daughter, Donna (Jim) Barnett, Decatur, Ala.; grandchildren, Tiffany Huff (Justin) Braden, Knoxville, Dustin Huff, Knoxville, Matthew (Michelle) Barnett, Pelham, Ala., Leslie Barnett (Jon) Aldrich, Nashville, Lindsay Huff (Andy) Hughes, Cleveland, Tenn., Sarah Barnett (Justin) Fields, Florence, Ala., Katie Huff, Cleveland, Tenn., and Jessica Barnett, Decatur, Ala.; three great-grandchildren, Justin Shook, Knoxville, Sean and Zachary Barnett, Pelham, Ala.

Funeral services will be held Friday at noon in the South Crest Chapel with Chaplain Pat Davis officiating.

Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.

To share your memories, visit www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family will receive friends Friday from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.

ALABAMA

Marcus Dowdey

BOAZ -- Marcus Frerick "Mark" Dowdey, 48, formerly of Geraldine, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. CST today, Jan. 14, from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be in Haney Cemetery.

OTHER AREAS

Ann Weatherby

GILMER, Texas -Ann Weatherby, 71, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, in a Gilmer hospital.

Mrs. Weatherby was born Aug. 22, 1938, in Ringgold, Ga., to John and Eva Eslinger. She was a retired office worker with Eastern Airlines and a member of First Baptist Church of Gilmer.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Weatherby, of Gilmer; daughters and son-in-law, Tasha and Randy Wittebort, of Gilmer and Amber Weatherby, of Dallas; brothers, John Eslinger Jr., of Georgia; sisters, Joyce Atchley, of Georgia and Francis Johnson, of Georgia; grandchildren, Erick J. Hubbard, Tyer Weatherby, Chase Wittebort and Christopher Wittebort; great-grandson, Caysen McPherson-Wittebort.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. today, Jan. 14, 2010, at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer with Brother Ricky Rigsby officiating.

Interment will be in Enoch Cemetery, in Upshur County.

Pallbearers will be Danny Shattles, Eric Hubbard, Erick Jackson Hubbard, Jason Barber, Loyd Dodd and Chase Wittebort.

Memorial contributions may be made to Matt's House in care of Kinsman Foundation, Attn: June, 100 Buffalo St., Gilmer, TX 75644.

Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.