OBITUARIES
HAMILTON COUNTY Thomas DeWitt Ayers Jr.
Thomas Dewitt Ayers Jr., 87, of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017.
Dewitt was born in Chattanooga and as a young child, sang for a local radio station. He had a lifelong interest in music, playing the ukulele, and was an old movie buff.
Dewitt graduated from Tyner High School and joined the U.S. Army. He retired as a movie projectionist from the Chattanooga area theaters.
Dewitt enjoyed his church, Concord Baptist, where he was a member. Dewitt was a loving husband, father and brother.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas D. Ayers Sr., Irene Norris and Herman Norris.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife and sweetheart of 63 years, Barbara; son, James (Chris) Ayers; sisters, Sharon (Wayne) D’Agostino and Stella Siong Norte and cousin, Patsy Myhan.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the funeral home chapel with Pastors David King and Bill Mason officiating.
Interment will follow in Tyner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37416.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort and to view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Feb. 21, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
Rose Fitz
Rose Fitz, 96, of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017. Rose was born in New York City on Jan. 21, 1921.
She was married to Roscoe Linton Fitz Jr., for 52 years.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Harry and Minnie Sheikowitz; sisters, Jeannette, Pauline, Vivian and Shirley; brothers, Zachary and Arnold; nephews, Paul Sherman and Robert Stein; niece, Carol Sherman.
Rose worked during WWII as a server where her future husband, Roscoe, was stationed in Miami Beach with the U.S. Army. A mutual friend, Leroy Lightheart, introduced them at a military dance, and she told her sister that evening, “Roscoe is the man I’m going to marry.” The following year they married in New York on May 21, 1945.
A native Chattanoogan, Roscoe brought home his beautiful bride and raised their family. Rose was baptized in Northside Baptist, and she was a longtime member of Red Bank Baptist and its Mary-Martha Sunday school class. She worked at the Three Sisters shop downtown.
Rose was an outgoing person who never met a stranger. She loved her family and was a stay-at-home mom with her three daughters. She adored being a mother, then “Nana” to her grandchildren and, eventually, great-grandchildren.
Having a desire to return to Florida, she and “Ross” moved to Jacksonville in 1977. He worked as a credit manager at Roux/Revlon. Three sisters lived in the Daytona area where they relocated. She became a widow in 1997. When she came back to Chattanooga in 2003, she lived at John Calvin Presbyterian Apartments. Rose had many happy friendships there, and she liked living “close to the mall.”
In 2012, she went into assisted living and, later, nursing care at Summit View. She was especially fond of Rachael, one of several kind caregivers. Dr. Ted Franklin was one of Rose’s favorite physicians. How wonderful to hear someone well into her nineties say, “I’ve had a great life!”
Rose is survived by sisters, Beatrice Farber and Rochelle Franklin; children, Linda (John) Ludington, Cheri (Flay) Welch and Loretta (Raymond) Tessmer; grandchildren Wendy (Clay) Hunnicutt and Brian (Erin) Welch; stepgrandchildren, Aubry (Todd) Panek and John (Fiancé, Andrea) Ludington; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Austin Hunnicutt, Hannah, Haven and Hallie Welch; stepgreat-grandchildren, Christian, Joseph, and John Michael Panek.
The family will receive friends today, Feb. 21, 2017, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Lane Funeral Home-Ashland Terrace.
Funeral service for Rose will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. today in the funeral home chapel.
Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37415, 423-877-3524 www. lanefh.com.
Nora Hampton
Nora Hampton, 65, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, in a local hospital.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995.
Lynda Lovelady
Lynda Lovelady, 68, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Minnie Garner Dobbs; husband, Wayne A. Lovelady Sr.
Lynda was a member of Middle Valley Church of God.
Survivors include her son, Wayne A. Lovelady Jr.; daughter, Darlene Lovelady; brothers, Howard Garner and James Dobbs; sisters, Peggy Hester and Carolyn Nunley; grandchildren, Zachery R. Lovelady and Angela Lee; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the chapel of Legacy Funeral Home with Rev. Mitch McClure officiating.
Entombment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Legacy Funeral Home.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Soddy-Daisy, 843-2525.
Please share your memories, stories and photos at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.
Charles Parker
Charles W. Parker, 83, of Chattanooga, passed away early Monday morning, Feb. 20, 2017, at the Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center.
Charles was born in Hixson, Tenn., to the late Ray and Clara Parker. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1957, and was retired from TDOT after 40 years of service.
Charles was preceded in death by his brother, E.L. (Everett) Parker and wife, Jean; grandson, Chris Parker; brothers-in-law, Herman Owens and John Lambert.
He is survived by Irene Parker, his wife of 25 years; son, Douglas (Regina) of S.C.; daughters, Darla Bowman, Atlanta, Ga., Belva (Jim) Adams, Acworth, Ga., and Teresa Weddle, Chattanooga; sisters, Jeanette Lambert, Jasper, Tenn., and Wanda Owens, Ringgold, Ga.; brother, Oscar (Peggy) Parker, Jasper, Tenn.; grandchildren, Matt Parker, Carissa Donges, Jace Bowman, Dave Adams, Caroline Adams and Emily Weddle; great-grandchildren, Anna and Ella Donges.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in the funeral home chapel with private burial at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Charles will be greatly missed by his family and his many neighbors and friends.
The family would like to thank Erlanger East Hospital, Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Chattanooga for their care.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37421.
Raymond Pirtle
Raymond (Ray) Hopkins Pirtle, 89, of Chattanooga, passed from this life on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, to his eternal home.
He was born in Tracy City, Tenn., to the late William Lee Pirtle and Malinda Lappin Pirtle. He was a resident of the Chattanooga area for more than 60 years, where he was employed with General Electric before establishing and operating his own Real Estate Company, Ray Pirtle & Associates, for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of the Brainerd Church of Christ for more than 40 years, serving as a Deacon and an Elder. Later, he attended the East Brainerd Church of Christ until the time of his death.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis, of 42 years; and by 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include two sons, Paul (Penny) Pirtle and John Pirtle; three grandchildren, Mallory Laurel Pirtle, Evan Alexander Pirtle and Ethan Blake Pirtle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in the funeral home chapel.
Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in St. Elmo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Martin-Boyd Christian Home, Boyd-Buchanan School and Healing Hands, of Nashville, Tenn.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family and the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.
Joshua Sutton
Joshua Daniel Sutton, 24, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his father, Darrell (Melanie) Sutton Jr.; mother, Sandie Myers Sutton; brothers, Brandon and Collin Sutton; sisters, Tammy Sutton, Kendra Panchot; grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 24, from noon to 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. in Advantage Chapel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Advantage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37404. www.advantagefunerals.com.
Timothy Lee Swafford
Timothy Lee Swafford, 55, of East Ridge, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017.
He graduated from Kirkman Technical High School in 1979 and then attended Cleveland State on a baseball scholarship. He worked for Charles King Architectural Firm before beginning his own business, Swafford Construction. In over 30 years of remodeling and homebuilding, Tim received the Remodeler of the Year awards every year from 2008 to 2013 and the national Remodeler of the Year award in 2013 for his professionalism, continued education, and quality of work. He served as President of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chattanooga and Director of the National Association of Home Builders Board of Trustees for several years.
He was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and will be remembered for his love of family, adventurous spirit, and giving nature.
Tim was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Swafford and his sister, Bobbie Freeman.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Travis) Richards; his sons, Tommy (Melissa) Swafford and Adam (Samantha) Swafford; his grandchildren, Tinley Card, Page Swafford, Mason Richards, Davis Swafford and Baby Swafford (due in August); his father, Robert Swafford; his sisters, Susan (David) Newell and Linda Swafford; special friend, Caroline Decosimo; jive turkey, Jesse Taylor; former wife and mother of his children, Cathy Burnette Swafford; several nieces and nephews as well as many friends and coworkers.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel.
The funeral will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Dr. Bill Owens officiating.
Burial will be at Spivey Memorial Cemetery, Dayton, Tenn.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank members of the East Ridge Fire and Police Departments for special care shown during this difficult time.
Leslie Kay Vinson
Leslie Kay Vinson, 45, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, in a local hospital.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995.
Steve Wiggins
Charles Steven “Steve” Wiggins, 61, of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017.
He graduated from South Pittsburg High School and a Technical School in Electronics. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and enjoyed electronics and computers.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettye Earvin Wiggins; and Bradley Green, one of Steve’s closest friends.
He is survived by his father, Charles Richard Wiggins and stepmother, Mary Pope Wiggins, of Bridgeport, Ala.; brother, James (L’Tanya) Wiggins, of Gainesville, Ga.; stepbrothers, Cornelious Pope and Chris Pope, of Louisville, Ky.; sister, Leila (Kevin) Helmholtz, of Chattanooga; his aunt, Betty (Howard) Palmer, of Chattanooga; nieces, Je’Leah Wiggins and Geneise Glenn, of Gainesville, Ga.; nephew, Carlin Phillips; devoted cousin, Pricilla Paschal-Murphy, of Chattanooga; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted from the South Pittsburg Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, with visitation from 1 p.m. until service time.
Interment will follow at Cumberland View Cemetery in Kimball, Tenn.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. rogersfuneralhome.com.
Mary Wright
Mary Nell Ferguson Wright, 81, of Chattanooga, Tenn., went to be with her “Best Friend”, her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 16, 2017.
Mary was born to Pete and Willie (Belk) Ferguson on July 16, 1935, in Fackler, Ala. The family moved to Jasper, Tenn., where Mary graduated from Marion County High School. She married Floyd Ray Wright on May 30, 1952, living in numerous places in Tennessee as they traveled with Ray’s job with TVA, until settling in Hixson, Tenn., in 1965. Mary retired from Kroger after 25 years as a Deli Manager. Then, she cared for her husband for 17 years. She was active in the community, serving as a Union Rep, Recording Secretary for the Executive Board of IBEW, and volunteered for United Way. She was a faithful member almost 50 years of the Delashmitt Road Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, VBS and Christmas play director, chaired the Benevolence Committee, and sang in the choir. Mary enjoyed gardening, vacationing, cooking, and shopping. She loved spending time enjoying her family and friends. In her younger days, she liked to water ski, camp, fish and picnic with her husband and children. She was the best Mom and a “fun” Nana that had the ability to laugh, play and love on a child’s level.
She was Mama to Dennis (Karen) Wright and Sharon (Dale) Hensley; grandmother to Jeremy (Katey) Wright, Josh (Beth) Wright, Wesley Wright, Shea Hensley (fiancé Ben Vetterick), Adam Files, Ariel (Allen) Hirzel, and Noah (Kristin) Files; great-grandmother to Jacob, Bailey, Jaden, and Trevor Wright, Jace Wright, Maeli, Kaelyn, and Larae Hirzel; and greatgreat-grandmother to Gracelynn Wright. She was survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years; her parents; all her brothers and sisters; granddaughter, Amanda Denise Wright; and great-granddaughter, Amber Denise Wright.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The funeral will follow at the chapel at Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike.
Burial will be at the National Cemetery following the service.
Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, 423-531-3975.
Geoffrey Young
Geoffrey Gardiner Young, of Chattanooga, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, in a local hospital.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Muriel Schwab and Gardiner Young.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Burke Young; his children, Matthew Gardiner Young and wife, Amy Danielle, Geoffrey Logan Young and wife, Marget Yuspeh, all of Chattanooga, Jennifer Burke Traynor, Knoxville, Tenn., and Zachary Lawrence Traynor, Delray Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Hayes Freeman and Andie Rayson Young, Chattanooga; sister, Deborah Hawthorn, Woodstock, Vt.
Geoffrey was a graduate of Groton School, a graduate of Princeton University, with honors, and received his JD from Vermont Law School.
Geoff enjoyed a full and extensive legal career at Witt, Gaither & Whitaker, PC, Shumacker, Witt, Gaither & Whitaker, PC and Miller and Martin. Recently, he was involved in a startup business to manufacture bicycles.
Geoff’s commitment to the community was one of the highest priorities of his life. Among the many organizations he served were board President of The Fortwood Center, now Helen Ross McNabb Center, board President of the Girl’s Inc., board member of Bright School, board Chair at Memorial Health Care System Foundation, Executive Committee at Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Chairman of the Alumni Schools Committee for Southern Tennessee for Princeton University, Founding Board Member for The Chattanooga Community Kitchen, board Chair and board member for over 20 years for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, board Chair for Rosewood Supportive Services Inc., was a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, The Chattanooga Bar Association and a vestry member of St, Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Geoff will best be remembered for his love of his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and many friends. He will also be remembered for his gentle spirit and kind heart.
Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305
W. 7th Street, Chattanooga, with Rev. Brad Whitaker officiating and Rev. Hunter Huckabay assisting.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Community Kitchen of Chattanooga, Memorial Hospital Foundation,
or YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga Ocoee Capital Campaign.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.
TENNESSEE Etta Davis
CARTWRIGHT — Etta Bernice Davis, 89, passed away Sunday Feb. 19, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elizabeth Davis; brothers,
Grady, John, Haskel, Basil and J.B. Davis; sister, Sadie Davis Brown.
Survivors include her daughter, Daryl Williams, of Cartwright; granddaughter, Lindsay (Chad) Roden, of Hixson; several nieces and nephews;
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. CST Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, in the Ewton Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Wayne Blake officiating.
Burial will be at Collier Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today.
Gregory Michael Hammer
JASPER — Gregory Michael Hammer, 55, passed away, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017.
He had worked at Herb Adcox Chevrolet as General Manager in Chattanooga for several years.
Greg loved coaching The Cobra’s Select Softball Team and was preceded in death by his father-n-law, Harry Joe Atterton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife for over 30 years, Kim Atterton Hammer; daughters, Brittany Hammer, Lauren Hammer and Haley Hammer, all of Jasper; parents, Charles and Mildred Hammer, of Chattanooga; brother, Eric Hamer, of Chattanooga; granddaughter, Nora Rollins; mother-n-law, Carrie Atterton, of Whitwell.
Family will receive friends 2 to 8 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb 22, 2017.
Funeral service is 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Michael Shrum officiating. Interment to follow at Kilgore Family Cemetery in Whitwell, Tenn.
Share memories and photos at www.whitwellmemorialfunerealhome.com
Arrangements by Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. (423)658-7777
Miranda Moore
SOUTH PITTSBURG — Miranda Moore of South Pittsburg, TN died Feb. 11, 2017.
Services are Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Central at Rogers Funeral Home, South Pittsburg.
Bettye Partin
SOUTH PITTSBURG — Bettye Jo Young Partin, 83, passed away peacefully the evening of Feb. 18, 2017, surrounded by her family.
She and Joseph Partin were married June 12, 1957. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was known for her Christian character and the loving care she gave to so many both young and old.
She was a lifelong member of the South Pittsburg Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, W.H. and Ruth C. Young; her sisters, Darrell Cannon and Hilda Hughes; her brothers, Bill and Ben Young; and her great-granddaughter, Dallas Faith.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years; her children, Jennifer and Bill Thomas, Kimberly and Rob Woodfin, Phoebe and Charles Haynes, and Jeff and Kristy Partin; grandchildren, Blake and April Thomas, Jill and Eric Tubberville, Joe and Carly Woodfin, Abby and Tommy Berryman, Aubrey Woodfin, and Hannah and Lauren Partin; nine great-grandchildren, including Laney Jo who should arrive in July; a host of nieces, nephews and numerous little lives who were touched by Bettye Mama.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Church of Christ in South Pittsburg at 11 a.m. CT on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, with Ron Gilbert officiating.
Interment will be in Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends for visitation today, Feb. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. CT at Rogers Funeral Home in
South Pittsburg and on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004 (jdrf. org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast TN Chapter, 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Suite 8, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37421 (alz.org).
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.
Rogers Rush
GRAYSVILLE — Roger Curtis Rush, 82, passed away Saturday Feb. 18, 2017.
A native of Nashville, he has lived in the Graysville area for the past 7 years and was formerly of Chattanooga.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former employee of Quality Battery, where he worked for 4 years.
Roger was of the Southern Baptist faith and loved fishing and golf.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlene Rush; and parents, Winfred Alexander and Mary Pearl McAllister Rush.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann “Judy” Works Rush, of Graysville, Tenn..; three children, Ronald E. Rush, Merri Carol Gardenhire and Kimberly Faith Rush, of Boston, Mass.; step-daughter, Robin Sawvell, of Graysville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, one great- grandchild.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, in the funeral home chapel, with Ministers Leonard and Janie Heatherly officiating.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m., at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold, Georgia.
An online register book may be signed at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. GEORGIA
William Allen
TRENTON — William Guinn “Slim” Allen passed peacefully in the early hours of Feb. 20, 2017.
He was 94-years-old and enjoyed a loving relationship with his savior Jesus Christ.
He looked forward to joining his lovely wife of 70 years, Louise, in their heavenly home. He lived in the Edgewood Community of Trenton for the past 60 years and enjoyed many wonderful neighbors and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Green Allen; precious grandson, Samuel Guinn Allen; parents, Ora Octa and William Alonzo Allen; and sisters, Dreva, Josie, Lola and Jessie Mae.
He is survived by his eight children, Helen Cooper (Wayne) Gibson, Vicki (Steve) Mitchell, Bill Allen, Becky (Bill) Worley, Patti Allen, Tony (Carroll) Allen, Michael Allen and Beth McCarver. He is also survived by Mitchell Hill, the first of 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Ina Eslinger; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mr. Allen sacrificed greatly as he lied about his age in order to voluntarily serve his country in World War II a year earlier than was legally allowed. He volunteered again to serve in the Korean War and suffered such financial losses in so doing that he and Louise lost the beautiful farm they had just purchased and had such hopes of raising their family on. After being a blacksmith and serving in the wars, he enjoyed a career of more than 40 years in the construction industry as an ironworker working on missile bases, skyscrapers and power houses. His retirement years were spent on heavy equipment repair, fishing, gardening and family.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, in the chapel of Ryan Funeral home with Rev. Reece Fauscett officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Interment will be in the Bethlehem Cemetery, Ider, Ala., following the service with full military honors.
Visit www.RyanFuneralHome.net to share memories and condolences.
Lois Forester
ROCK SPRING — Lois Broom Forester, 96, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, in a local health care facility.
Mrs. Forester was born in Chattooga County, Ga., on June 8, 1920, to the late Joseph M. and Nancy Naomi Broom and has resided in the Rock Spring area for several years.
She was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church where she loved to sing in the choir. She also loved teaching Sunday school and helping with the church’s A.W.A.N.A. program. She loved traveling with the senior group from her church and was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.
She was a homemaker and was a godly example to her children and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph M. and Nancy Naomi Atkins Broom; her husband, Arthur Elbert Forester; brothers, Joe Broom, Hill Broom; sisters, Sally Hudson, Jessie Tittle, Mattie Mae Gilreath, and Boots Brown.
Survivors include her sons, Steven “Randy” (Sally) Forrester, Richard “Rick” Forester; daughter, Sarah Forester Richardson; grandchildren, Steven (Elizabeth) Forrester, Andrew Forrester, Alison Forrester (Davey) Smith, Susan Raines, Sharon Flowers, Kelsey Forester, Morgan Forester; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in the South Crest Chapel with Pastor David Brown officiating.
Interment will follow at Rock Spring Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at lane-southcrestchapel.com.
A special thanks to the CNA’s and other staff members at National Healthcare of Fort Oglethorpe for their compassionate and exceptional care.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
James Guy III
ROSSVILLE — James William “Jim” Guy, III, 58, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017.
He was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas and was a member of Fresh Word Ministries Church in Chattanooga.
He was previously employed with The Roofing & Supply Company, for more than 16 years as a truck driver and enjoyed playing the bass guitar and singing at his church.
He was a huge Tennessee VOLS Football fan and loved watching NASCAR.
He was always a mentor to the young men around his neighborhood and always put others’ needs before his own. He was preceded in death by his father, James Guy, II; son, Benjamin Gray; and brother, Clifford Guy
Survivors include his loving wife of more than 33 years, Maggie Radford Guy, of Rossville, Ga.; mother, Betty Ellison, of LaFayette, Ga.; children, George Gray, of Rossville, Ga., Missy Guy, of Chattanooga, and Angel Wiekle, of Pennsylvania; two brothers, Ron Guy, of Chattanooga, and Mark Guy, of Atlanta, Ga.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild, numerous extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, in the Fort Oglethorpe Chapel with Bro. Jesse Hall officiating.
Burial will follow in the Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends after 4 p.m. today, and prior to the service on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Online guest book at www. wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Melissa Sue Jones
RINGGOLD — Melissa Sue Jones, 28, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017.
She was born in to South Bend, Ind., and lived the majority of her life in the Chattanooga, Tenn., area.
She was a member of the Philadelphia Baptist Church and served as Sunday school teacher there. She enjoyed her children, crafting hairbows and photography. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, who will be truly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Dyer and grandmother, Jewel Damron Mahan.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Jones; mother, Vernie Dyer; children, Shelby (Michael) Teems, Brett Jones, Gabriella Jewel, Karmin Gean; brother, Frank Lyons; sisters, Jamie (Mardoqueo) Lopez and L’Rae (Tim) Delaney; grandson, Carson.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in the Fort Oglethorpe Chapel of Wilson Funeral Homes with Bro. Jeremy Fincher and Bro. J.T. Sanders officiating.
Burial will follow in Anderson Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and prior to the service on Thursday.
Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral HomeFort Oglethorpe Chapel.
Ida Perry
ROSSVILLE — Ida B. Perry, 96, went home to be with her heavenly father, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017.
Mrs. Perry was born in Floyd County, Ga., on June 24, 1920, a daughter of the late William and Bertha Riddle Ivey. Mrs. Perry served alongside of her late husband Dr. LeRoy Perry, who was the founding pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Rossville, where she was a member for more than 60 years.
She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Juanita Perry and a loving son, Dr. Bill Perry and his wife, Sylvia; brothers, Lewis Ivey, Vance Ivey; sisters, Margaret Payne and Betty Ingle.
Survivors are son, Rev. Damon (Rhonda) Perry, of Rossville; daughter, Martha (Bert) Vanoer, of Fort Oglethorpe; eight grandchildren, Larisa, Tammy, Bryan, Lori, Greg, Heather, Brandon, and Nathan; 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday at Victory Baptist Church with Dr. Ernest Groce and Rev. Damon Perry officiating.
The body will lie-in-state at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Interment in Lakewood Memory Gardens South.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Victory Baptist Church Missions Fund, 1013 LaFayette Road, Rossville, Ga., 30741.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share words of comfort with the family.
The family will receive friends today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
Edith Studdard
LaFAYETTE — Edith Stubbard, 92, passed away Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her husband, O D Studdard; grandson, Cecil Ray Suddard, Jr.; parents, Thomas Sumner and Malinda Sumner; nine brothers and two sisters; and daughter-in-law, Mary Studdard.
Survivors are son, Cecil Ray Studdard, Sr., of Lyerly; daughter, Linda (Ronzie) Carroll, Sr., of LaFayette; grandchildren, Tammey and Buddy Davis, of Ringgold, Deedee and David McCormick, of LaFayette, Kimmey and E.J. Jones, of Ringgold, Patricia and Dennis Bolton, of Lyerly, and Ronzie and Rena Carroll, Jr., of LaFayette; 11 great-grandchildren; ten great great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services 2 p.m. today, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel, with Kevin Norton officiating.
Interment to follow in LaFayette Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers are Lee McCormick, Ronzie Carroll, Jr., Andrew Carroll, Miles Bolton, Coby David, and BJ Davis.
Visitation at the funeral home today, until time of service.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Terry Williams
LAKEVIEW — Theron “Terry” Williams, 69, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017.
He was a lifelong resident of the Lakeview area and served in the U.S. Army where he was wounded in Vietnam.
Terry worked at DuPont, then 12 years at Combustion, and also 24 years in Dalton at American Sample Book and then spent the last 6 years working as custodian at Lakeview First Baptist Church where he was a lifelong member. He played Santa Claus for the past 12 years. Terry was a proud member of the Mountain City Corvette Club. He loved life to the fullest and fought pancreatic cancer to the end and was involved in pancreatic cancer trial studies to help others win this battle.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Edward Williams.
Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Kaye Torbett Williams; mother, Carla Sue Williams; daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Williams; son, Seth Carter Williams; brother, John Lenus (Fay) Williams; grandson, Austin Edward Dale Broderick; he loved and was proud of his brothers-in-law and sistersin-law and he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and his loving cousins.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Lakeview with Pastor Patrick Cooper officiating.
The body will lie-in-state from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Interment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CIA at First Baptist Church of Lakeview.
The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
ALABAMA Buford Burrows
BRIDGEPORT — Buford Burrows, 101, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017.
Funeral services will be conducted from the First Baptist Church, South Pittsburg today, Feb. 21, 2017, at 2 p.m. CT with visitation from noon until service time at the church.
Interment will follow at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.
Rayburn Ellis
GERALDINE — Rayburn H. Ellis, private family grave side services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, from Geraldine Cemetery, www. geraldinefuneralhome.com.
Brenda O’Dell
PISGAH — Brenda Fay Shavers O’Dell, 69, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, at Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services are Wednesday, at 2 p.m., ct at New Home Baptist Church at Pisgah with Bro. David Smith and Bro. Kenneth Higgins officiating.
Burial will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p.m. today, at Corner Stone and 11 a.m. until service time Wednesday, at the church.
Survivors include husband, Michael O’Dell; son, David O’Dell (Kristin); sister, Sandra Ledford(Roger); brother, Quinton DeLane Shavers(Judy). Serving as pallbearers are, Chip O’Dell, Jeff O’Dell, Todd O’Dell, Barry Price, Aaron Shavers and Dale Ledford.
Mrs. O’Dell was a 1965 graduate of Kirkman Tech in Chattanooga, a member of New Home Baptist Church and a retired Beautician.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Quinton “Bubber” and Cora Ophelia Gaither Shavers.
In-lieu-of flowers, contributions may be made to New Home Relay for Life, P.O. Box 340, Pisgah, Al 35765.
Leave condolences online at www.cornerstonefuneralchapel.com
Billy Joe Williams
FLAT ROCK — Billy Joe Williams, 71, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at his home. Funeral services are Wednesday, at 11 a.m., ct at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel, with Bro. Jim Hixon officiating.
Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and 9 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.
Survivors include wife, Kathy Williams; children, Joey Williams, Tracie Williams, Tammie Cooper (BJ), Dusty Hale, Nickie Davis; grandchildren, Alea Thornhill (Chris), Casey Williams, Jessica Williams, Justin Wright, Jacob Elliott, Luke Elliott, Josey Williams, Joleigh Williams; great-grandchildren, Camden, Shelby, Jonah; sisters, Betty Gene Childress(Sonny), Louise Marrow (Edward), Diann Nicks, Judy Merritt (Jerry); brothers, Jimmy Williams, Rickey Williams; step-children, Christy Wooten (Greg), Rhona Lee (Joe), Melisa Giles (Jason), Jonathon Holland, Miranda Franks (Eric); step-grandchildren, Sonny, Branson, Paris, Kolby, Skye, Sam and Kasey.
Mr. Williams was a retired Saddle Maker and was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Margie Myrle Edwards Williams; son, Tony Williams; brothers, Wayne and Danny Williams.
Leave condolences online at www.cornerstonefuneralchapel.com