Obituaries for January 12, 2010

HAMILTON COUNTY

Geneva Bedford

Geneva Bedford, 91, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, in Chattanooga.

Survivors include husband, Walter Bedford, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be in Baltimore, Md., and will be facilitated by Joseph L. Russ Funeral Home.

Local arrangements entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.

Louella Blanks

Louella Christine Blanks, of Hixson, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. She was loved dearly by so many and will be missed by all who knew her.

Born on July 10, 1942, she was raised and resided in Hixson. She was a dedicated Christian and was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church of Hixson. She graduated from Highland Beauty Academy and was a cosmetologist for all of her life.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Artie Bell and Ray Vandergriff; brothers, Jacky and Thomas Vandergriff.

Christine is survived by her four daughters Cindy (Bobby) Williams, of Hixson, Patty (Tommy) Marsh, of Hixson, Penny (Tony) Collingwood, of Red Bank, and Cristy Hicks, of Red Bank; two siblings, Ray Lamar(Betty) Vandergriff Jr., of Hixson, and Marie Vandergriff, of Hixson; seven grandchildren, James (Wendy) Williams, of East Ridge, Kim Williams of East Ridge, Carrie (Daniel) Headrick, of Ringgold, Ga., Hannah and Holly Marsh, of Hixson, and Jade and Echo Hicks, of Hixson; five great-grandchildren, Angel, Travis, Faith, Maddy, Cherish and a great-grandchild on the way, Bella due in February, many nieces, cousins, and lifelong friends.

A very special thank you to Dr. Arrowsmith, Tina Harris, Dr. Kimsey, Avalon Hospice and the very precious staff for all the compassion they showed towards Mom and our family during this very difficult time. Also special thanks to our Life Group class, Branches of the Vine, at Abba's House of Hixson for all your prayers, support and visits to Mom.

We are comforted to know that Mom has a new body and is in heaven. No More pain or sickness for her sweet body to endure.

Memorial services will be Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at 2 p.m. in the Old Sanctuary at Abba's House (Rm H222) with the Rev. Joe Guthrie officiating.

Your thoughts and memories may be shared at www.javery bryan.com.

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

Paul Bunch

Paul S. Bunch, 78, of Hixson passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

He was of the Baptist faith. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving 20 years, and he was retired from TVA after 20 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Bunch; sons, Frank Bunch, Michael Zimmerman, Frank Zimmerman, Steven Zimmerman, William Zimmerman, and Fred Zimmerman; daughter, Marie Turner; sisters, Linda Ferry and Brenda Dewine; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14.

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

Arrangements are by Williamson & 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.

She was born March 1, 1913, in Tallapoosa, Ga., to parents Julia Head Crawford and Charles Edward Crawford.

She graduated from Tallapoosa High School, attended La Grange College, La Grange, Ga., The Atlanta Conservatory of Music School, branch of the University of Georgia in Americus, Ga., The University of Chattanooga, graduating from U.C.

She taught in Georgia and Mississippi before coming to Chattanooga, where she taught at the Anna B. Lacey School in Hamilton County for 23 years.

Frances was a former member of the American Association of University Women, Kappa Kappa Iota Teachers Sorority, Kosmos Women's Club and Retired Women's Teachers' Fellowship. She was a member of Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers, Tennessee Retired Teachers and Anna B. Lacey Retired Teachers.

Her church affiliation was with First Christian Church of Chattanooga, where she had been a member for 64-plus years. She served there as teacher and pianist in the Children's Department. She was a charter member of the KEY Sunday School Class where she served as pianist.

Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Alonzo Fred Cole, and sister, Florence C. Barnes.

She is survived by daughter, Julia Cole Wood, and her husband, Roy T. Wood, and their son, Christopher M. Wood, of Charlotte, N.C.; and son, Joseph E. Cole Sr., and wife, Bette, of Baltimore, Md., and Joe's children, Rebecca Anne Nell Cole, of Bel Air, Md., and her daughter, Sadieanne Cole, and Joseph E. Cole Jr., and wife, Beth, of Chattanooga. Also surviving are her younger brother, Charles G. Crawford, and his wife, Geri, of Birmingham, Ala.; nephews, Ed Crawford and his wife, Carol, of Clanton, Ala., and John D. Crawford, of Montgomery, Ala.; and a number of great-nephews and nieces as well as great-great-neices and nephews.

The family expresses their gratitude to Hospice of Chattanooga for helping to make Mrs. Cole's last days as peaceful and comfortable as possible at home. The family also express their thanks and appreciation for the caring and professional staff of Memorial Hospital; the physicians, nurses, and staff of Memorial's Emergency Department; the nurses and staff of MICU, 1st, 2nd and 4th floors; the compassionate physicians of Memorial Hospitalist Program. The EMTs and staff of East Ridge Fire and Rescue, the nurses and staff of Memorial Home Health. Her longtime physician, the late Don Cannon, her current physician, Dr. Allison Cannon, physicians of the Chattanooga Heart Institute and Chattanooga Urology Association, P.C. and the sitters who cared for her at home

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday 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.

Eloise Custer

Eloise Elizabeth Custer, 90, of Birchwood, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, from her earthly home. She attended Gamble Road Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Porter Custer; one son, James W. Custer.

She is survived by one daughter, Patricia Kecskes, of Birchwood; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at 1 p.m. in the Highway 58 Chapel of Turner Funeral Home with the Rev. Josh Cornelius officiating.

Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Thursday up to the hour of service at the funeral home.

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

George Foster Sr.

George Lane Foster Sr. passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2010.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

Visit www.lanefh.com to send condolences.

A Memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. today at the Church with the Rev. Robert Childers and the Hon. and Rev. Sam Payne officiating.

Jonathan Lawrence

Jonathan Lawrence passed away in Chattanooga on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.

Charles Ledbetter

Charles "Sonny" Ledbetter, 76, lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area and known to many as "Pepaw," died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

Born Oct. 14, 1933, he was raised in the Signal Hills community and was a graduate of Red Bank High School where he played football and was a Golden Glove boxer. Charlie worked at Mayfield Dairy Farms and Tri-State Security. As he and Memaw raised their five kids, they all enjoyed many camping, hunting and fishing trips together. As a young father, he was very involved at Signal Hills Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School. He spent years tirelessly working at Lakeside Recreation Center helping to mold and mentor young men. He played fast pitch softball for many years while working at Mayfield Dairy Farms and was a founding member of Dizzy Dean Baseball in Chattanooga and was inducted into the Dizzy Dean Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000. Charlie was an Eagle Scout as well as a Scout Master. His most recent favorite pastime was spending time with his family and especially his grandkids- wherever they were playing sports or performing, you would find Pepaw in the stands or audience.

He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Ledbetter; parents, Charlie and Berthenia Williams; and a sister, Betty Bell.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Veolia Ledbetter; daughters, Vickie (Carl) Seagle and Sandra (Richard) Cook; sons, Mike (Susan) Ledbetter and Tim (Robin) Ledbetter; nine grandchildren: Page (Sean) Harrison, Allison (Douglas) Elkins, Josh (Laura) Ledbetter, Leigha (Lloyd) Montgomery, Todd Ledbetter, Jason (Katie) Ledbetter, Jeremy Seagle, Chad and Jake Ledbetter; three great-grandchildren; Grace Harrison, Cooper and Cameron Ledbetter; sisters: Bea (Leo) Brown, Gail (Jerry) Hicks and Louise (Rex) Pendergrass.

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the many caring doctors, nurses and staff who took care of Pepaw during his illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or to Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Lane Funeral Home with Dr. Adam Dooley officiating.

Interment will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park with his six grandsons serving as pallbearers.

Please visit www.lanefh.com to send condolences.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour before services Wednesday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Mabel Mall

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

Arrangements will be announced by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.

Regenia Martin

Regenia C. Martin departed this life early Thursday morning, Jan. 7, 2010.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William W. "Chief" Martin, and eldest son, William E. Martin. She was the youngest child, born March 31, 1923, to George and Laura Calhoun.

For more than 50 years, she was an inspirational and faithful member of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. She was a fruitful part of the Gospel Choir, Mass Choir and Bus Ministry for many years. She enjoyed the Beautifying Guild and Mothers' Board; her favorite missionary duties included caring for the sick and elderly. She served as an election precinct worker at the Carver Community Center voting precinct for many years. She was a neighborhood leader for the Bushtown Community, and was actively involved with the 1943 class of Howard High School. She was a Christian wife and mother who guided her family with the spirit of love and courage.

To cherish her memories, she leaves five children, Ms. Mayme D. Martin, North Carolina, Dr. Oneida Martin, Tennessee, Mr. Robert L. Martin, Georgia, Mrs. Rhoda (James) Martin Steptoe, Texas, and Mrs. Amanda O. Martin, Tennessee; and three special daughters, Mrs. Gloria (Lee) Lacy, Betty Melton and Joyce Goodwin. To continue her legacy, she leaves a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, also a very special friend, Mrs. Lucille Malone, who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Harold K. Lester officiating.

Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The body will lie in state after noon today, and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.

Charles Mincey

Charles Alen Mincey, 55, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

Mr. Mincey was a longtime member of IBEW Local 175 and worked at US Pipe for over 33 years. He was of the Baptist faith.

His father, Mr. Maynard Mincey preceded him in death.

Survivors include mother, Flora Mae Parsons; son, Brian Mincey; brother, Chris Mincey; and grandchildren, Weston and Tucker Mincey, all of Soddy-Daisy.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. James Dotson officiating.

Interment will follow in Hamilton County Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends after 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by locally owned and operated Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Soddy-Daisy. We invite you to share your thoughts and memories at www.legacyfuneral home.com, 24-hour obituary line, 843-5055.

John Naile

John Naile, 68, of Benton, Ark., and former resident of Chattanooga, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, in a local hospital.

He retired from ABF Trucking after 20 years and was known as "Little John".

Survivors are his wife, Betty Naile; daughters, Jeana Cromer, Adora and Andrea Naile, Deborah and Talma Graham; sons, Wesley Graham, Jonathan Naile and Earl Smith; sister, Betty Plank; brothers, Doug Nail and Bobby Milligan; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is pending.

Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace.

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 God 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.; and 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; and one great-great-granddaughter.

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

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday 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.williamson andsons.com.

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

Winton Preston

Winton Russell Preston, 81, businessman, churchman and advocate for education, died at his home in Ooltewah on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

A native of New England, Preston attended Southern Missionary College, today known as Southern Adventist University in Collegedale. While attending school, he got a job at College Press and worked his way up to become manager. A career in printing was the fulfillment of his boyhood dream, after receiving a small, lead-type printing press on his ninth birthday.

In 1955, he established Preston Printing Co. in Cleveland, Tenn., and erected a printing plant on North Lee Highway that he owned and operated until 1988 when he sold the business. Under his leadership, the company forged a regional and national reputation for high-quality printing, particularly in four-color work. His business grew with the addition of other printing plants in Manchester, Ga., and Knoxville, Tenn., and introduced a magazine called Outdoor Living.

In 1960, Preston and his brother, Forrest L. Preston, created a company called Hospital Publications to produce patient booklets and public relations materials for the nation's hospitals. That business continued until 1972.

Preston was a devout member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a founder of Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, and previously belonged to Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he served as chairman of deacons.

He was a benefactor of Faith for Today, based in Thousand Oaks, California, the very first television ministry established in the United States, and served on its advisory board for years.

A strong proponent of education, Preston was a founder of the Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist School in Cleveland, and was a leader in the development of Cohutta Springs Conference Center and Youth Camp in Crandall, Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ethel Preston; a sister, Shirley Horne; and a daughter, Wynene L. Preston.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lourene Sykes Preston; a sister, Beverly Fletcher and her husband, Dr. Weldon Fletcher, of Winchester, Ore.; a brother, Forrest L. Preston, and his wife, Kathleen, of Cleveland, Tenn.; a grandson, Brook Preston, and his wife, Jessica, of Chattanooga; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 12, in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Dwight Herod of Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church officiating.

A private graveside service for the family will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Cleveland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist School, 300 Westview Drive, NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

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

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7454 East Brainerd Road.

Carl Shakelford

Carl Shakelford passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, in Decatur, Ala.

Arrangements will be announced by Jackson-Memory Funeral Home in Town Creek, Ala.

This is a courtesy announcement by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc.

Danny Spence

Danny Spence, 65, passed away Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, in Chattanooga.

He leaves to cherish his memory brother, Monroe Dunlap, Waudegan, Ill.; sister, Mary Spence Green, Stonewall, Miss.; and aunts, Leslie Kilgore, Chattanooga, and Gladys Hines, Detroit, Mich.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the funeral home chapel.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The body will lie in state after noon today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.

Virginia Thiem

Virginia C. Thiem, 86, of Hixson, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

She was born July 1, 1923.

Virginia was USA's Tennessee Mom-of-the-Year and past president of the Valleybrook Community Club. She was married to the late John Thiem for 29 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Irene Pitcher; and a sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Marvin Markert, all of Cincinnati, Ohio.

She is survived by her daughter, Judith Thiem (Kenneth) Barker, of Hixson; son, Jon (Barbara) Thiem, of Fort Collins, Colo.; granddaughters, Emily Barker, of Memphis, and Julie Barker (Bradley) Hancock, of Memphis; grandsons, Benjamin (Mitsuka), of Los Angeles, Calif. and Nathaniel (Claudia) Thiem, of Boulder, Colo.; niece, Marcy (Dan) Ross and sons, of Baton Rouge, La.; and nephew, Kim Markert, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

There will be a private memorial service for family and family friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First-Centenary United Methodist Church's Intercity Program.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamson andsons.com.

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

William Thurman

William Francis Thurman, 81, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

He was of the Christian faith. He graduated as an accomplished pianist from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from TVA. He was an experienced pilot and built numerous experimental aircrafts. He was a faithful and supportive husband and father and will be dearly missed.

He was preceded by his parents, Wesley Mitchell Thurman and Frances Cosper Thurman, and brother, Mitchell Thurman Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia Thurman; children, Brenda (Roy) Steele, William Thurman Jr., Donna (Dale) Benson; grandchildren, Allison (Aaron) Benson, Tyler William Steele; great-grandchildren, Reese Benson; and brother, James Thurman.

Graveside service are at 1 p.m. today at Hamilton County Memorial Park.

The family will meet at the funeral home at noon today.

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

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

TENNESSEE

Joseph Avera

JASPER -- Joseph Conrad Avera passed away on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his home.

A graveside service will be held today at 11 a.m. CST at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens, Jasper.

Arrangements are by Tate Funeral Home, Jasper. 423-942-9500. www.tatefh.com.

Robby Glasner

DECHERD -- Robby Glasner, 55, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at Erlanger in Chattanooga.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. CST Wednesday from the chapel of Watson-North Funeral Home.

Interment will be in Winchester Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be sent to www.watsonnorth.com.

Visitation is today from 5 to 9 p.m. CST.

Emma Haney

ETOWAH -- Emma Sue Haney, 87, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at NHC Health Care, Athens.

Service will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the South Chapel, with visitation 6 to 8 p.m. prior.

Burial: 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Green Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Bordwine Funeral Home, Etowah.

Gay Holland

DAYTON -- Gay Holland, 64, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday in the funeral home chapel.

Burial will be in Rhea Memory Gardens.

Share your memories online at www.vanderwallfh.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family expense fund.

Visitation: today after 5 p.m. at Vanderwall Funeral Home.

Linda Morgan

DUNLAP -- Linda Faye Morgan, 59, formerly of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Sunday Jan. 10, 2010, in an area hospital.

Funeral services are at noon CST today in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Steve White officiating.

Interment will follow in Hamilton County Memorial Park.

Arrangements are by locally owned and operated Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy-Daisy.

Share your thoughts and memories at www.legacyfuneral home.com, 24-hour obituary line, 843-5055.

Sandra Neely

WINCHESTER -- Sandra A. Neely, 51, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at her residence.

Services will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania.

Online condolences may be sent to www.watsonnorth.com.

Arrangements are by Watson North Funeral Home.

Martin Partin

TULLAHOMA -- Martin B. Partin, 74, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at Harton Regional Medical Center.

Funeral was at 1 p.m. CST Monday, Jan. 11, from Moore-Cortner Funeral Chapel with Brother Buck Myers and Brother Jinks Partin officiating.

Burial was in Mount Garner Cemetery.

Melvin Pitcock

NIOTA -- Melvin Wayne Pitcock, 53, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his residence.

Celebration of life service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in Beulah Chapel Church of Nazarene with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church.

Ziegler Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Stafford

ATHENS -- Ralph David Stafford, 76, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his residence.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel.

Burial will be in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ziegler Funeral Home, Athens.

Georgia Steele

BELVIDERE -- Georgia Mae "Woody" Steele, 75, died Sunday, 10, 2010.

The funeral is at 2 p.m. CST today, Jan. 12, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, Winchester, Tenn., with the Rev. Howard Riddle officiating.

Burial will be in Little Mountain Cemetery.

Erma West

BRAYTON -- Erma Prater West, 74, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at her home. She was a native of East Ridge, but lived in Brayton the last 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Lois McDonald and Jonas Prater, of East Ridge, and one brother; Vernon D. Prater, of Columbus, Ga.

She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, William F. "Bill" West; two daughters, Teresa (Scott) Richeson, of Brayton, Sheri (David) Harris, of Fort Oglethorpe; two grandchildren, Derek Harris and Kevin Harris, both of Fort Oglethorpe; one great-grandson, Aidan Harris; one brother, David (Wanda) Prater of East Ridge; also surviving are two stepdaughters,Sherry (Howard) Bradley, and Vicki Jennings; one stepson, Bill (Debbie) Jennings, all of Ormond Beach, Fla.; five stepgrandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; several nices; along with a host of friends.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with special friend, Kenny Whitworth officiating.

Family will receive friends from noon to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonan dsons.com.

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

GEORGIA

Sally Barkley

ROSSVILLE -- Sally Mae Barkley, 72, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

She is survived by her sons, Mark, Terry, Frank Barkley; sisters, Joyce Parks, Barbara Boyd, Anita Flatt; and brother, Lynn Jenne.

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

Scottie Edwards

ROSSVILLE -- Carl Scott "Scottie" Edwards Sr., 49, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, in Roanoke, Va.

He was born on Nov. 1, 1960, in Danville, Va., a son to Hardin Edwards of Martinsville and the late Becky Marie Hollingsworth Hampton. He was also preceded in death by a brother Robert Eugene "Bump" Edwards; stepfather Billy T. Hampton; grandmother Wynonia Ferguson, and grandfather Fletcher C. Edwards. He was a member of Springs Church.

In addition to his father he is also survived by his wife, Vickie and three sons, William Scott Edwards, Carl Scott Edwards Jr. and Aubrey Lewis Scott Edwards, all of the home in Rossville; brothers, Frank Graves Edwards, of Oakdale, Calif., Billy Joe Hampton, of Bassett, Va., Jay Tilton Hampton, of Martinsville, Va., Stephen Gene Hampton in the military in Mississippi, David Gene Edwards, of Martinsville; sister, Sandra Wells in Oklahoma; stepmother, Judith Faye Edwards, of Martinsville, Va.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

Visitation has been scheduled for today, Jan. 12, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bassett Funeral Service and at other times in the home of Scottie's father, 810 Forest Lake Dr., Martinsville, Va.

The funeral will be Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at 11 a.m. also at Bassett Funeral Service with the Rev. Gary Edwards officiating.

Burial to follow in Highland Burial Park, Danville,Va.

A memorial service has also been scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m. at Springs Church on Battlefield Parkway.

Bassett Funeral Service in Bassett, Va., is in charge of the arrangements.

William Owens

ROSSVILLE -- William A. "Bill" Owens, 70, passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at a local hospital.

Mr. Owens was a native of Wilmington, Del., and had lived the past 40 years in the Rossville area. He was a member of Brainerd Baptist Church where he attended Ken and Kay Marie's Sunday School Class. He retired from Electric Systems in 2003 as a Senior Design Engineer with over 30 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jeanette Owens, and brother, Robert Owens.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Wanda Owens; two sons, Anthony (Laura) Owens, of Knoxville, and Dr. Edward (Mishelle) Owens, of Seattle, Wash.; four grandchildren, Connor, Carly, Quinn and Sage Owens; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering at 300 Brookfield Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37411, or to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen at P.O. Box 11203, Chattanooga, TN 37401-2203.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with the Rev. George Clark officiating.

Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery on Lookout Mountain.

The family will receive friends today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.

Dorothy Pettyjohn

LaFAYETTE -- Dorothy Nell Pettyjohn died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

Survivors: sons, John Wallace Hanson, Ronald Vincent Hanson, Edward Ray Pettyjohn; daughters, Clara Darlene Towns, Anna Marie Thomason, Rhonda Faye Pendergrass; brother, William David Evans; sister, Sara Woodall; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Mason Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Subligna Cemetery.

Visitation: from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Mason Funeral Home.

Effie Robinson

ROSSVILLE -- Effie Beatrice "Bea" Robinson, 95, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at a local hospital.

Arrangements will be announced by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.

Charles Ware

TRENTON -- Charles Lee Ware, 57, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

Survivors: stepmother, Clara Ware; stepfather, Budgie Martin; nephews, Adam (Lynn) Gorham; Chad (Brandy) Campbell; two great-nephews and three great-nieces.

Services will be 3:30 p.m. today, Jan. 12, at Mason Funeral Home.

Interment will be in West Hill Cemetery.

Cecil Watts

LaFAYETTE -- Cecil Watts, 90, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

Survived by daughters, Brenda Brindle, of Dalton, Patricia Irwin, of Cleveland, Tenn., Ruth Spencer, of Dalton, Judy Lawson, of Chickamauga, and Shelia Ponders, of Hixson; sons, Ronnie Watts, of Lookout Mountain, Pete Watts, of Chatsworth and Mike Watts; and sister, Dot Strickland, both of LaFayette. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral: from the Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. Thursday conducted by the Rev. Melvin Bridges.

Interment: LaFayette Cemetery.

Visitation: at the funeral home Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Iris Williams

RINGGOLD -- Iris Williams, 78, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, in a local health care facility.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Catoosa County and was a daughter of the late Paul and Nell Foster Snyder. Mrs. Williams was retired from J.C. Penney where she was a sales credit clerk.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest "Hammer" Williams Sr.

Survivors are son, Ernest (Janice) Williams Jr., Ringgold; daughters, Carol (Gary) Belew, East Ridge, Candy (Terry) Sullivan, East Ridge; grandchildren, Scott Williams, Allison Hill, Jason Sullivan, Shannon Sullivan and Chris Belew; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Mike Sims officiating.

Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. today at the Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

ALABAMA

Herbert Brown

PLEASANT HILL -- Herbert Brown, 80, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at DeKalb Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services are at noon CST today, Jan. 12, from Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens.

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