Obituaries

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.

Nov 22, 2024

Esther Judd Altizer, age 87, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024.

She loved hunting, fishing, horseback riding, gardening, water skiing, being on the lake, and traveling. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late Dora and Marie Clark Jenkins.

She is preceded in death by...

Nov 21, 2024

Phyllis Ann Brown Meadows, of Decatur, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

She was a daughter of the late Hubert and Dona Mae Brown and a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband: William “Wick” Grady Meadows; brother: Robert Brown; son: Adam Clay Meadows.

She...

Nov 21, 2024

Larry Dewayne Johnson, age 55, of Decatur, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

He was a son of the late Earl David and Betty Patterson Johnson. He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed logging, watching the Falcons play football, and fishing.

He is preceded in death by his son: Jackson Dewayne Johnson.