Obituaries

Jan 12, 2025

Edward Lee “Blue” Jennings, lifelong resident of Decatur, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the age of 85.

He was born on November 7, 1939, to the late Perry and Edna Varnell Jennings. On June 22, 1957, he married Helen Murphy and started a devoted partnership of 67 years. Edward owned and operated Jennings Truck Parts...

Jan 7, 2025

William “Bill” Schaefer passed away on January 7, 2025 at the age of 84 at his home in Decatur, TN. His battle with serious medical issues in the past showed his tremendous courage in facing life’s challenges. Despite the pain, Bill stayed strong until the end. He was born in Martinsburg, WV on November 21, 1940 to Edna Pauline...

Jan 3, 2025

Joyce Ann Chumley Monroe, age 87, of Decatur, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025.

She was a devoted member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a loving mother and grammy. She enjoyed baking, going on family vacations to the mountains, and spending time with family.

She is preceded in death...

Jan 2, 2025

Robin Dalphine Varnell, age 63, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Decatur, TN, where she touched many lives with her kindness and compassionate nature. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and be with family and friends. Robin was an excellent cook...

Dec 30, 2024

Michael Shane Jones, age 46, of Ten Mile, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024.

He enjoyed being outdoors, listening to music, and spending time with his kids.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Leon and Wanda Walden Jones; brother: Leroy Pete Jones; wife: Susie Letner.

He is survived by his...

Dec 27, 2024

Fred Thomas “Tommy” Wyatt Jr., age 72, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024.

He was the son of the late Fred and Kitty Holland Wyatt. He worked for Hudson of Tennessee for 25 years and built the McDonald’s in Decatur, He loved to ride his motorcycle, golfing, and being around his friends and family,...

Dec 23, 2024

Laura Michelle Stephens, age 59, of Decatur and formerly of Tampa FL, passed away at her residence on December 23, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

She is survived by her parents; Donald and Charmion Stephens of Decatur.

A private memorial service will be held later.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored...

Dec 22, 2024

Richard Lee King, age 78, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024. He was a son of the late William and Mildred Leonard King. He was a member of Meigs Lodge #213 F.&A.M. for 33 years, Local 43 Plumbers and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, and Hiwassee Chapter Sons of American Revolution in Athens. He joined the Air Force in...

Dec 22, 2024

Betty Carolyn Ward, age 88, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

She was a daughter of the late Albert and Ruth Gregory Ward. She was a Librarian at Meigs County High School for many years. She was an avid fan of Dolly Parton and was very active in the Imagination Library Books. She was...

Dec 20, 2024

Kristi Lynn Ricker, age 48, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024.

She was a daughter of the late Joseph “Joe” and Bonnie Kennedy Ricker. She was outgoing and liked to camp.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents: Buck and Bessie Kennedy, Stella Ricker.

She is survived by her...

Dec 20, 2024

Edith Lucille Chaffins Manns, age 92, of Dayton, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024.

She was a daughter of the late Ance and Effie Blair Chaffins. She loved the Lord with all her heart. She loved singing gospel music and sang with many groups. She was a member of Little Dove Baptist Church in Belo, WV....

Dec 18, 2024

Steve Norman White, age 76, of Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

He was a son of the late RN and Billie Dannel White. He had a passion for riding horses, raising cows, reading and gardening.

He is preceded in death by his brother: Danny White; daughter: Tammy Wright.

He is...

Dec 15, 2024

Lorella Jane Breeden Jennings, age 52, of Grimsley, TN, formerly of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Lorella was a 1990 graduate of Meigs County High School and Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, TN with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. She was employed with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for 15 years until she became disabled....

Dec 15, 2024

Kimberly Green Godsey, age 42, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

She was a devoted and loving mother and daughter. She loved being outdoors in nature and on the lake. She also loved playing Fortnite and darts with her girls and shopping with her mom. She was of the Christian faith. She worked in...

Dec 8, 2024

Kimberly Yvonne Jones Banther, age 58, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

She worked at Storm Power for 23 years. She loved Alabama Football (Roll Tide Baby!). She loved fishing, being at the lake, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children: Brandy Skyles, Brandon Thomas, Tricia Goines,...

Dec 8, 2024

Ruby Gale Harris Holloway, age 69, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024. She enjoyed going to church at Cedar Ridge Seventh-Day Adventist Church and sewing.

She is preceded in death by her daughter: Laura Mathews.

She is survived by his daughter: Paige Holloway; grandchildren: Scarlett and Jonathon Mathews.

A memorial...

Dec 8, 2024

Phyllis Dean Slaven Moore, age 62, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and spending time with her grandkids. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church. She loved singing gospel music.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Willie and Rachel Gregory Slaven; siblings: Lee Allan...

Dec 7, 2024

Linda Ann Wilson, age 77, of Decatur, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Linda was a 1966 graduate of Meigs County High School. Linda was the owner of Lawson’s café in Decatur, which opened in 1992 and closed in 2009.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Coy and Grace Lawson; sister, Margie...

Dec 3, 2024

Paul Edd Howard, age 75, of Decatur, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

He was a son of the late George and Nancy Irene Goforth Howard. He collected hats and knives. He loved making walking sticks, fishing, hunting, working in the flower bed, and doing puzzles. He sat on the board of Negotiation for Local 175....

Nov 23, 2024

Janet Marie Sexton, age 73, of Ludowici, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

She was a daughter of the late Iva Clingan and Otis Clingan.

She is survived by her children, Todd Long and Charles Long; sisters, Sandra Sarrell and Gina Hughes; grandchildren, Sarah Hughes, Jennifer Ragusa, Michelle Long, and Gabriella Long.