HARRY FINNEY

FINNEY, Harry “Fred,” age 78, of Decherd, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at his residence while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Franklin County on June 4, 1944 to the late Reuben Finney and Dimple Weddington Finney. Fred worked 38 years at Shaw Industries in the maintenance department. When he was not working or farming, Fred enjoyed horses, hunting and driving four-wheelers, dune buggies and jeeps in the mountains. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, siblings, Cathleen Judge, Margie Weaver, Elizabeth Bratton, Evelyn Turner, Glen Finney, Gordon Finney, John Finney and granddaughter, Jessica Larae Armer. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Geneva Walls Finney; son, Brian Webb (Deborah) Finney of Decherd; daughters, Geneva Marie (Joseph) Stephens of Decherd, and Misty Dawn Finney of Decherd; brother, J.W. (Wanda) Finney of Winchester; sisters, Glenda (Hubert) Perry and Ruby Jo Worley, both of Estill Springs; grandchildren, Tynison Finney, Scarlet Cera Finney, Brandey (Dearl) Pemberton and Kassie (Joshuah) O’Banion; great-grandchildren Joan Ruth O’Banion, Hamilton O’Banion, Addison Thomas Pemberton, Natalia Finney, Rimmie Finney and Lennox Finney. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Watson-North Funeral Home. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the Roy B. Watson Chapel at Watson-North Funeral Home with Eli McCormick and Jerry Finney officiating. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Watson-North Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

JESSIE KING

 KING, Jessie Mossburg, age 98, of Winchester, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at her residence while surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on May 25, 1924, to the late John Henry and Mildred C. (Pfeiffer) Mossburg in Washington, Pennsylvania, where she attended Clark Grammer School and Washington High School.  Jessie was a devoted homemaker and cherished the time spent with her beloved family.  She was a member of Lois Rasar Homemaker Club and Council in Macon, Georgia, AARP and FCE Club of Franklin County, Tennessee.  She was a dedicated member of Liberty United Methodist Church and the Julian Tucker Sunday School Class.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Kenneth King and siblings, Helen Porter, Alice Richmond, Thomas Mossburg, Evelyn Lindsay and Freda Ross.  Jessie is survived by her loving daughters, Alice King (Paul) Williams of Macon, Georgia, and Beth King (Jim) Gaide of Winchester, Tennessee, and beloved nieces and nephews.  A graveside service was held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Macon, Georgia.  The family greeted friends following the service. Snow’s Memorial Chapel at Macon Memorial Park in Macon, Georgia is in charge of funeral arrangements, (478)477-5737. Watson-North Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

NINA PERRY

 PERRY, Nina Jean Walls, 76 of Estill Springs, died Feb. 15, 2023. Survivors: son, Ronnie D. Walls of Winchester; grandchildren, Amanda, Heather, Patrick, Logan; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Darlene Partin of Norton, Ohio, Sue Brown of Estill Springs. Services were held Feb. 21, 2023, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment, Mt. Garner Cemetery.

AMY COX

 COX, Amy Sue Morris, age 99, of Huntland, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Donalson Care Center in Fayetteville. A native of Franklin County, she was born in Huntland on May 13, 1923, to the late James Alexander and Myrtle Sue (Robinson) Morris. A dedicated homemaker, she had been employed as a seamstress at Huntland Shirt Factory and Serbine’s in Fayetteville until her retirement. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Davis Cox; daughter, Martha Cox; and siblings, Dennis Morris, Buford Morris, AJ Morris, Bill “Whitt” Morris and Norman Morris. Amy is survived by her loving children, Nancy (Robert) Gilliland of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Faye (Bill) Akers of Franklin, Aaron Davis “A.D.” Cox, Jr. of Columbia, and Bruce (Beverly) Cox of Huntland; grandchildren, Tim Akers (deceased), James David Akers, Richard “Rusty” Russell, Bill Russell, April Luttrell, Adrian Cox, and Aaron Cox; great-grandchildren, Camille Blinn, Chase Akers, Zachary Akers, Taylor Akers, Kelsey Maybrey, Caleb Maybrey, Adriana Cox, Kaylee Cox, Torrey Russell, Kristen Amy Russell, Meagan Cox, Sheldon Cox, Ayden Cox and Desyrai Cox; great-great-grandchildren, Lucy Blinn, Adaline Blin and Ella Grace Maybrey; and siblings, Leona “Sis” Morris, Kenneth Morris, Barbara Stubblefield, Fannie Bolden, James Morris, Charlie “Buck” Morris, Linda Little, Glynda Morris, Truman Morris and Geneva Robinson. Visitation was held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with services following at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Robertson and Bill Akers officiating. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

MARY MASINGILLE

 MASINGILLE, Mary Geneiva “Gena,” age 38, of Winchester, passed away on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.  A native of Franklin County, she was born in Winchester on May 3, 1984.  Gena had previously been employed at Tepro, Skip’s, and Bennett’s Pharmacy.  She was a devoted homemaker, always putting her family’s needs above her own.  Gena enjoyed listening to music, diamond painting, cooking out and playing cards, but most of all she cherished the time spent with friends and family, especially her precious daughter, Madison.  She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Allen Masingille and stepdad, Bernie Hill.  Gena is survived by her loving daughter, Madison Paige Bright (Kasey Smith) of Winchester; mother, Tammy (Danny) Evans of Winchester; siblings, Jerry (Danielle) Quick of Winchester, Jamie Clark (Griselda Flores) of Manchester, Cody Evans of Winchester, Jason Hill (Peggy Wallace) of Winchester, Jeremy (Pamela) Hill of Winchester, and Natalie (Jesse) Baker of Winchester; and several nieces and nephews.  Visitation was held on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.  Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Ricky Taylor officiating.  Interment followed at Keith Springs Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

BILLIE PATTERSON

 PATTERSON, Billie Stephenson, age 90, resident of the Presbyterian Village in Austell, Georgia, died on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. She was born in Athens, Tennessee on July 4, 1932 to the late James and Cammie Skelton Stephenson. Mrs. Patterson was the middle of seven children who grew up on a small family farm in Athens, Tennessee. Her modest family beginnings influenced her belief in the role of education as a path out of poverty. She attended Tennessee Wesleyan College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Teaching. Later she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. She valued her time growing up on the family farm and was an avid gardener her whole life, growing vegetables that fed the family and were shared with neighbors and those in need. Her yard was always beautiful. She proudly grew flowers and shrubs that she shared as pass-along plants and tended with love and care. She was also an excellent cook and was well-known for her summer vegetable plates and cornbread muffins. Mrs. Patterson married the late Reverend A. Guy Patterson in 1958. She taught elementary school early in their marriage and then became a stay-at-home mom, volunteering with the Red Cross and the American Association of University Women. As her children grew, she went back into the workforce part-time, working at the Johnston Memorial YMCA in Charlotte, North Carolina and as a substitute teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carthage, North Carolina and Piggott, Arkansas. Her work was a testament to her love of her family and her belief that education was the best tool to help anyone to improve their circumstances. During her marriage, her husband’s role as a Presbyterian pastor took them to different cities throughout the Southeast, but eventually they moved back to their beloved Tennessee in retirement. They lived in Winchester, Tennessee where they served at Decherd Presbyterian Church and were members of First Presbyterian Church Tullahoma. Mrs. Patterson moved to the Presbyterian Village in Austell, Georgia after Mr. Patterson’s death to be closer to her children. Mrs. Patterson, though shy and reserved, was well-known and loved by residents and staff at the Presbyterian Village in Austell. She loved to read, enjoyed being a scholar of the Bible and later loved to sing. She was a member of the Village Book Club along with the Bible study group, chair exercise class and the Tai Chi class for almost 10 years. Her family is grateful to the numerous staff and friends throughout The Village who cared for and loved her through the years. She is survived by her children, Sarah (Joshua) Patterson-Pope of Columbia, South Carolina, Andrew (Rachel) Patterson of Aberdeen, North Carolina, and Mary Carol (Samuel) Sheffield of Cartersville, Georgia; four grandchildren, Peyton Patterson, Abram Patterson, Maggie Sheffield and David Sheffield; sisters, Una Bullock of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Carol Frost of Stone Mountain, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. All of her children and grandchildren are grateful, proud and inspired by her strong witness of faith in action to bring the love of Christ to those they serve and interact with each day. Visitation was held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with graveside services following at 3 p.m. at Franklin Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Patterson’s memory to the Caring Hands Fund at Presbyterian Homes of Georgia, P.O. Box 926, Quitman, Georgia 31643 or online at https://www.phgainc.org/donate/general-caring-hands/. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

 PHIL SYLER

SYLER, Phil M., age 99, of Winchester, passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Elk River Health and Rehabilitation. A native of Franklin County, he was born on Nov. 12, 1923, in Cowan to the late Charles and Annie (Shockley) Syler. Phil served his country in the United States Army. He owned and operated several different businesses and restored antique furniture. He enjoyed antique and classic cars and was a member of Tims Ford Region Antique Car Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eula Clark Syler. Phil is survived by his son, Philip (Geraldine) Syler of Ft. Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Declan (Ashley) Syler of Durham, Maine, and Bridgette Marie Syler of Ft. Worth, Texas; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, from 10-11 a.m. at Watson-North Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens with Rev. Chris Nolen officiating. Watson-North Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

  MARIE STOVALL

 STOVALL, Marie Watson Sullivan, age 87, of Jackson, Georgia, formerly of Huntland, Tennessee, departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. She was born in Huntland, Tennessee on Jan. 3, 1936, to the late Robert Buford Watson and Vicie Green Watson.  Ms. Stovall joined the U.S. Air Force soon after she graduated from Huntland High School.  She met her husband, Bruce Sullivan while she was enlisted.  Mr. Sullivan passed away in 1980.  She was employed as the Huntland City Recorder until her retirement at the age of 72. She was a member of the Huntland First Baptist Church.  She enjoyed basketball and played for the Air Force Ladies Basketball Team when she was in service.  She played and taught basketball with her children when they were young.  She liked all sports.  Ms. Stovall enjoyed crafting and most of all music, especially Elvis. She was known for her “green thumb” and her violas and pansies, which are still blooming today.  Ms. Stovall moved to Jackson, Georgia to be close to her daughter in 2012.  She was a sweet lady with a beautiful smile and skin that many people envied.  She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, Bruce Sullivan and Calvin Stovall; sister, Van Melton; brothers, Douglas, Clyde and Charles Watson; and son-in-law, Gary Drury. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Sullivan of Jackson, Georgia; son, Michael Sullivan and wife, Mary O’Connor of Providence, Rhode Island; granddaughter, Meredith Drury of Winterville, Georgia; grandson, Conor Sullivan, U.S. Navy, Key West, Florida; sisters, Margaret Ashley and husband, David of Elora, Tennessee and Eula Moorehead of Fayetteville, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the chapel of Grant Funeral Services. Services will be conducted on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 1 p.m. immediately following visitation in the chapel of Grant Funeral Services. Interment will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Huntland, Tennessee with military honors bestowed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ms. Stovall’s memory to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Greater Southeast Affiliate, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

  CATHERINE VANDIVER

 VANDIVER, Catherine Jean Steakley, age 85, of Elora, departed this life on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at STRHS-Winchester following a brief illness.  Mrs. Vandiver was born in Huntland, Tennessee, to the late Howard “Doc” Steakley and Clara Burks Steakley on June 17, 1937.  She was a retired, self-employed beautician of 30 years, operating her shop at her home all of those years. She enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking and caring for all of those around her.  She was a member of the Elora Church of Christ.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Vandiver; two sons, Gary and Ricky Vandiver; two brothers, Thomas and Donald Steakley; and son-in-law, Ricky Morrow. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Todd of Huntland, Tina Morrow of Belvidere and Judy Maddox of Elora; sister, Peggy Neal of Estill Springs; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service was conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. at McClure Cemetery in Huntland, Tennessee, with Eulogist Ian Todd, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ms. Catherine’s memory to the American Heart/American Stroke Association, Greater Southeast Affiliate, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX  75284-0692.