OBITUARIES
HAMILTON COUNTY
Norman Betts
Norman Betts, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, in a local hospital.
Arrangements will be announced by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc.
Ardell Cameron
Ardell Cameron, 83, of Chattanooga, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at her residence.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mamie Cooper.
She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Valerie Hayes and Davetta Elmore; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held today, Aug. 18, at 3 p.m. at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating minister Dr. Steve A. Caudle.
Arrangements are entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Franklin-Strickland-Pinkard-BryanSmith Funeral Directors, 1724 McCallie Ave., 423-265-4414.
Horace Curry
Horace Curry, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2015.
Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced by Willis Funeral Home Inc., Dalton, Ga.
Betty Dillard
Betty Dillard, 72, of East Ridge, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. A lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, she was a member of the Ridgedale Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Newman and Daisy Horner and was also preceded in death by her husband, William Dillard.
Survivors include two sons, Skeet Culpepper and Mike (Lisa) Culpepper; four stepchildren, Bill, Wanda, Tina and Marilyn; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two sisters, twin sister, Beverly and Edna and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today in the East Chapel with the Rev. Jack James officiating.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. today before the service at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road. Please share your memories at: ChattanoogaEastChapel.com
Barbara Dykes
Barbara Dykes, 56, of Hixson, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015.
She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Dykes; sister, Debbie Wright; mother Nina Wright.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 37 years, John Dykes of Hixson; two sons, Jason (April) Dykes of Flat Top Mountain and John Dykes of Chattanooga; three granddaughters, Morgan, Kachael and Rylee; two stepgrandchildren, Devon and Michael; father, Samuel Wright; brother, Samuel Wright lll, both of Valdosta; two sisters, Shirley Carroll of Valdosta and Connie Wright, of Milford, Conn.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in the Turner Funeral Home Chapel at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, with Rev. Robert Sharp officiating.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
You may visit the online Guestbook at www.turner familyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by the Highway 58 Chapel of Turner Funeral Home 3913 Webb Road. 622-3171.
Nancy Goss
Nancy Fitzwater Dragoo Goss went to be with Jesus at age 95 on Aug. 15, 2015, just short of her 96th birthday.
Nancy was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1919, and moved to Signal Mountain in 1927 with her parents, John and Julia Fitzwater and her sister Joan. Her father, a civil engineer, was brought to Signal Mountain by Mr. C.E. James to build the road up the mountain.
In 1930, due to the Depression, the family traveled north in a Model T to stay with grandparents in Penn Yan, N.Y. Several years later, when they were able, they returned to Signal Mountain. Nancy and Joan loved swimming at Rainbow Lake and attending dances at “the hotel.” Nancy attended Signal Mountain Elementary and they were charter members of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.
Nancy married her teen sweetheart, Richard “Bud” Dragoo in 1940 and they enjoyed fishing, golfing and winters at a dude ranch in Arizona. They had three children, Anne, Susan and Dick. They raised their family at 308 Brady Point Road, which was active with neighborhood children and pets. The home front was held together by Minnie Davis, who became Nancy’s best friend. Nancy was known for her joy of life, her smiles, and caring for others. She loved gardening, teaching the Bible, and being outdoors — everything from mowing the grass to sledding on the golf course.
Bud’s favorite statement was “Nancy puts dinner on high and then goes out in the yard!” She was not known for her cooking!
Her children were her greatest gift, as were her friends and church. She loved her beautiful Signal Mountain and often said “it’s the greatest place in the world to raise children and dogs.”
After Bud died, Nancy later married her childhood friend, John Goss. They had a wonderful time together, living at Boston Branch and traveling the world. In her later years, she moved to Alexian Village and enjoyed the community and her friends.
Nancy would tell you that her secret of life was taken from Philippians 4. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Anne (Gary) Ramsey and Susan (Jim) Sasse; her sister, Joan Baird; her daughters-in-law, Linda Dragoo and Lisa Dragoo; her grandchildren, Michael Tabb, John and Elizabeth Sasse, Julia and Alex Dragoo, and Gray, Brian and Stephen Ramsey. She loved her nieces and nephews, Julia, Bruce, and Libby Baird; and her Birmingham cousins, the Diethelms.
The service will be held at 1 p.m. today, Aug. 18, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian’s Marr Chapel with burial following at Forest Cemetery.
Donations can be made in her name to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www. chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Joseph Hall
Joseph Hall, 61, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, in Chattanooga.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Sarah Kines
Sarah A. Kines, 87, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015. Mrs. Kines grew up in St. Elmo and graduated from Chattanooga High School.
She was retired from Weight Watchers as a lecturer, was organist at Brainerd Hills Baptist Church for 38 years, and was a longtime Sunday school teacher.
She was preceded in death by her husband William M. Kines.
She is survived by her daughter, Meredith (Michael) Hales; sons, David Kines of Albuquerque, N.M., and Alan Kines (Joe Potter) of Sylva, N.C.; four grandsons, Dylan Hales (Jennifer Von Rudenborg); and great-granddaughter, Emma Hales, all of Charleston, S.C., Drew Hales, of Charleston, S.C., and Dustin Hales and Devon Hales.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Life Care of Ooltewah, The Bridge Assisted Living and Preferred Care at Home.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Rev. Richard Mason officiating.
Visit www.heritage chattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Frankie Olivas
Frankie Guffey Olivas, 82, of Hixson, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015.
The family will receive friends 10:30-11:30 a.m. today at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service for Frankie will follow at 11:30 a.m. today at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steve Cape officiating.
Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www. chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Dena Reno
Dena Reno, 52, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at her home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Jean and Patricia Henson; brother, Wesley Jean.
Survivors include her husband, Andy “Tot” Reno; sons, Jeremiah Zamarripa, Luke Reno and Daniel Reno; daughter, Tosha Perales; brother, Charles Jean; sisters, Donna Galentine and Deara DeVaney.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today, Aug. 18, 2015, at the funeral home.
Share your memories, stories and photos at www. legacyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Judy Riddle
Judy K. Riddle, of Cleveland, Tenn., passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, after her battle with cancer.
Born in Chattanooga and a graduate of Ooltewah High School, Judy retired from Whirlpool after over 20 years of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Opal Grimes; and brother, Leslie Grimes.
She is survived by her two children, Juston Grimes and Autumn Combs; brothers, James “Whitney” Grimes, Jerry Grimes and Ricky Grimes; nieces and nephews, Tory and Patrick Grimes, Channing and Shawn Grimes, Russ and April Grimes, Rodney Grimes and Larissa Hicks.
Services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the chapel.
Burial will follow at Old McDonald Cemetery.
Visit www.heritage chattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
The family will receive friends today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.
Donald Smith
Donald Lee Smith, 61, of Hixson, went home to be with our Lord on Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. Don was born in Chattanooga and was a 1971 graduate of Hixson High School. He served in the National Guard and was a welder and worked in maintenance at several shops in the Hixson area.
Don attended Burks United Methodist Church of Hixson. His later years, he loved reading and studying the Bible. He loved attending church with his mother. He was an avid supporter of the organization, “International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.”
He was preceded in death by his father, Terrell Smith.
Don leaves behind to cherish his memory three children, Jennifer, Daniel and David Smith; his mother, NaJean Smith; two brothers, Terry (Glenda) Smith and Gary (Michelle) Smith; sister, Renee (John) Grant and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A celebration of Don’s life will follow at 4 p.m. today at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Reggie Lisemby officiating.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Avalon Hospice and to the staff at Soddy-Daisy Healthcare Facility.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, PO Box 96105, Washington, D.C. 20090-6105.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www. chattanooganorthchapel. com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Iris Stigall
Iris Starks Stigall, 66, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. Iris was a retired music teacher with the Hamilton County Department of Education. She was one of six children born to the late Charles Alvin Starks and the late Margaret Paris Starks. Iris graduated from Howard High School, and had a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University along with a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis).
After completing her formal education, Iris taught elementary music in schools all across Chattanooga. She married the late John Stigall in 1982. John and Iris had two children, John Stigall Jr. and Johnnia Stigall.
Later in life Iris attended East Ridge Seventh-day Adventist Church, but she had close friends and church family from Orchard Park Seventh-day Adventist (where she married John), Collegedale Church, The Well and several other churches.
Iris enjoyed vegan cooking and exercising, and applied Adventist health principles to her personal life. Iris had deep love for music, and she greatly enjoyed singing and playing piano.
She was preceded in death by her father Charles Alvin Starks; her mother Margaret Paris Starks; and her husband, John Stigall Sr.
Survivors include: son, John Stigall Jr., Clarksville, Tenn.; daughter, Johnnia Stigall, Baltimore, Md.; brother, Reginald Starks, Marietta, Ga.; twin brother, Eric (Marie) Starks, Mount Juliet, Tenn.; sister, Lucile (William) Phillips; brother, Gerald (Gail) Starks, Marietta, Ga.; sister, Karen (Ronald) Glenn; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 20, at noon at East Ridge Seventh-day Adventist, located at 2105 Dabney Drive, with Steven Grabiner officiating.
Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
The body will lie in state on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from noon to 6 p.m., the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on the same day at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Carrie Styles
Carrie Maxine Styles, 80, of Sale Creek, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015. She was of the Baptist faith. Carrie liked to knit, being outside with her flowers and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Styles; son, Jimmy Styles and grandson, Jason Hineman.
Survivors include her sons, Roy (Sherri) Styles, Bobby (Peggy) Styles and Tommy (Clara) Styles; daughter, Darlene (Tommy) Hineman; brother, Bud Bailes; grandchildren, Johnny Styles, Bobby Styles, Tommy Styles, Will Styles, Shawn LeCroy, Michael Potter, Andy Potter, Sherri Bowman and Candice McHone; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at noon in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Darrell Winters officiating.
Burial will follow at Welsh-Rogers Cemetery.
Visitation is today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www. williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.
Mildred Sullivan
Mildred Conner Sullivan, 85, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015.
She was born in Sale Creek, Tenn., to the late Elmer and Mamie Jane Fuller Ownbey.
Mildred grew up in Sale Creek and graduated from Sale Creek High School in 1947. She and her late first husband, Beecher Conner, then moved to Levittown, Pa., for many years. They returned to Sale Creek before moving to the Old Washington Community outside of Dayton to live on their farm.
Mildred was an avid gardener and enjoyed living on the farm where she spent many hours caring for her rabbits, ducks and pigeons. She also loved quilting and reading.
Mildred owned and operated Mildred’s Beauty Salon and Sullivan Grocery in Old Washington for several years. She attended Sale Creek Church of God and Old Washington Baptist Church.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Andy “Junior” Conner.
Mildred is survived by her daughter, Pamela Pyle and husband, Tom; grandchildren, Nicole Trimmell, Jimmy and Kelley Conner, Aimee Pyle, Andrew Pyle and Alison Wessner; nine great-grandchildren; husband, Lewis Sullivan and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Vanderwall Funeral Home, 164 Maple St., Dayton, TN 37321.
A celebration of Mildred’s life will follow at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, at Vanderwall Funeral Home with Rev. Rusty Revis officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, at Rhea Memory Gardens where she will be laid to rest by her first husband.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/donate.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www. chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
TENNESSEE
Gary Dent
JASPER — Gary Dent, 64, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eula Lewis Dent; and brothers, Carlos and Earl Dent.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Conaway Dent, of Jasper, sister, Mary Dent Williams, of Soddy-Daisy; brother, Edward H. Dent, of Hixson; son, Stacy and Yunhui Dent, of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughters, Windy and Chad Rackley, of Rock Spring, Ga., and Michelle Schrader, of Trenton, Ga.; stepchildren, Amanda Condra, of Jasper, Jonathon and Kyla Condra, of Trenton, Ga.; grandchildren, Ethan Smith, Kayla Dent, Caleb Dykes, Taylor Schrader and Khylynn and Maddie Condra.
Funeral services will be conducted from the funeral home chapel at noon CDT on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, with Brother Tom Morrison officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of the service.
To send online condolences visit www.tatefh.com
Arrangements by Tate Funeral Home, LLC, Jasper, Tenn., 423-942-9500
Brantli Tarbush
ATHENS — Brantli Craig Lee Tarbush, infant son of Tabatha Tarbush, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Ziegler Funeral Home.
Visitation 10-11 Thursday at Ziegler Funeral Home, Athens.
Jean Thurman
SPRING CITY — Edna Jean Thurman, 83, passed away peacefully at Rhea Medical Center on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015.
Jean was born on May 16, 1932, in the Bonham community near Spring City, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters and she was the last surviving child of the late Callie and Nettie Newby Harris.
Jean retired from the La-ZBoy Corp. after 25 years of service. She was of the Church of God faith.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Clint Winford Thurman; sons, Randall and Richard Thurman; two granddaughters; and one grandson.
Left with her memory are her daughters, Pauline Reed and Lisa (Chuck) McCampbell, both of Spring City; sons, Norman (Bobbie) Thurman, of Sale Creek, Robert, Jerry, Tommy, Johnny and Charles Thurman, all of Spring City; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Her children invite you to join them as they honor their mother and celebrate her homegoing on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Schafer officiating.
Interment will follow in the Spring City Memorial Gardens with Jean’s grandsons serving as pallbearers.
Her family will receive friends today, Aug. 18, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements. www.vaughnfuneralhome.com
GEORGIA
Nettie Davis
TRENTON — Nettie Ruth Davis, 86, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2015.
She was a homemaker and member of Hooker Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, four brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her loving husband, Nelson Davis; daughter, Barbara Solomon and Nancy Smith, both of Trenton, Ga.; son, Jerry (Vonda) Davis, Bryant, Ala.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in the Bryant Chapel of Moore Funeral Home with Brother Mike Manning and Brother David Plank officiating.
Burial will be held in Hooker Cemetery.
Visitation will be held today 4-8 p.m. EDT; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Please share your thought and memories at www.moorefuneralhometrenton.com. Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, Ala.
Mary Lou Langston
RINGGOLD — Mary Lou Langston, 79, passed from this walk of life on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, to be in the presence of her Lord.
Her passion in life was singing for her Lord. She recorded over 220 songs on 16 different CDs and started choral groups in every church her husband pastored. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ooltewah.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, James M. Langston; sons, Danny Langston, Phil (Sharon) Langston and Bryan (JoAnn) Langston; sister, Agnes Lawson; and special friend, Donald Duck; grandchildren, Michael, Phillip, Jessica, Brett, Kaleb, Michael T. and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Emma, Josiah, Kevin, Melody, Abby, Hannah, Luke, Layla, Ezra, Brody and Katy and several nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to www.lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
A Worship and Praise Service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 6120 Hunter Road, Ooltewah, at 7 p.m.
Entombment will be held at Lakewood Memory Gardens, South, on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at 10 a.m. Grandsons Michael, Phillip, Brett, Kaleb, Jeremy and Michael T. will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, from 4 p.m. until the funeral hour at the church.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, Building Fund.
The family would like to thank Rosewood Assisted Living and Tapestry Hospice for their wonderful care and kindness.
Arrangements by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory located at the end of Historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
ALABAMA
Gladys Bearden
GERALDINE — Gladys Brunette Bearden, 69, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2015.
Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.
Burial in Dekalb Memorial Gardens.
Visitation 5 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Allie Holcomb
HIGDON — Allie Holcomb, 90, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, at her residence.
Funeral services today, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. CST from Kerby Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery with Kerby Funeral Home directing.
Visitation today, Aug. 18, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST.
Tommy Walker
IDER — Thomas Ray “Tommy” Walker, 61, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, at his residence.
Survivors include wife, Peggy Walker; seven children, Jon Walker, Chad Reeves (April), Cody Gilbert (Taylor), Emily Avery (Keith), Danny Swader (David), Brenda Page (Eddie); 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandson; sisters, Gail Reeves (Jerry), Bobbie Buttram (Griff), Rose Thompson (Kenneth), Kathy McAdams (Dale); several nieces and nephews.
Tommy was a 1972 graduate of Ider High School and had worked at Kenco warehouses.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Dorothy Boydston Walker; and sister, Brenda Hastings.
Leave condolences online at www.cornerstonefuneralchapel.com.
A memorial service is today at 6 p.m. CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Brother Kelly Buttram officiating.
Family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until service time.