JULIE DUTTON

 DUTTON, Julie (Farmer), 70, died July 13, 2023. She was born on Jan. 20, 1953, in Knoxville, to Roy and Margaret Farmer, who preceded her in death. She graduated from FCHS in 1971 and went on to earn a bachelor and master’s degree. She was employed with Alabama Cooperative Extension Office as a 4-H and office coordinator. Survivors: husband, Barry Dutton; son, Daniel Dutton; daughter, Jennifer Pritchett; brothers, Dennis Farmer and Duane Farmer; sisters, Linda Buckner and Susan Arnold; and three grandchildren. Graveside services were held on July 15, 2023, at Friendship South of Danville with Peck Funeral Home, Hartselle, Alabama, directing.

LAURA NANFELDT

 NANFELDT, Laura Jeanne (nee Money), passed peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Goodyear, Arizona, at the age of 86.  Laura Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, James and Thelma Money, as well as her husband, Gene Nanfeldt.  Laura Jeanne leaves two children, Valerie Svenningsen nee Nanfeldt (Robert) of Goodyear, Arizona, and her son, Jeffery Nanfeldt (Lori) of Schererville, Indiana.  Laura Jeanne leaves four grandchildren, Chris Svenningsen (Erika) of Los Angeles, California, and Douglas Nanfeldt, Daniel Nanfeldt and Donovan Nanfeldt of Schererville, Indian; one great-grandchild, Owen Svenningsen of Los Angeles, California; her furry grand-pups, Grace and Bryce and her grand-kitties, Higgins, Molly, Raven and Simba. Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home with funeral services following at 1 p.m. from the Roy B. Watson Chapel. Interment followed in Franklin Memorial Gardens. Laura Jeanne has always had a soft heart for all animals in need. In lieu of flowers, please donate to RUFF a local animal rescue in Goodyear, Arizona, www.ruffemr.org. Watson Funeral Home 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

REBECCA SANSOM

 SANSOM, Rebecca “Becky” Vann, age 78, of Decherd, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, at St Thomas Rutherford Medical Center in Murfreesboro. A native of Franklin County, she was born in Huntland, on Aug. 8, 1944, to the late Thomas Edward and Lucy (Rorax) Vann. She spent most of her life as a devoted homemaker, caring for those in her beloved family. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, as well as traveling in their RV with her late husband, Billy. But most of all, she loved spending time with her beloved neighbors, friends and family whom she truly cherished, and her dogs, Paco, Coco and Bubba. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Sansom and sister, Billie Jo Bryant. Becky is survived by her son, Jeff (Ruth) Minor of Panama City Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Jordan Minor of Panama City Beach, Florida, and Katie (Jerry) Walter of Murfreesboro; great-grandchildren, Keegan Walter, Isaac Walter, Kinsley Biggs, Aubrey Walter and Sadie Minor; brother, Rev. Thomas Vann of Centerville; several nephews and a niece; and beloved dog, Bubba. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel with her brother, Rev. Thomas Vann and Rev. Tony King officiating and music provided by her nephew, Rev. Tommy Vann. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

FRANK VANZANT

 VANZANT, Frank Hamilton, age 74 of Estill Springs, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at his residence while surrounded by his loving family.  A native of Franklin County, he was born on Aug. 10, 1948, to the late M.L. and Mary (Maurer) Vanzant.  Frank graduated from the University of Tennessee with a master’s degree, as well as an Ed. S. degree.  He taught for 14 years at Franklin County High School and at Tullahoma High School for 31 years.  After 45 years of teaching math in public schools, he retired in 2018. Frank was an active member in his community and was an organizer of the Taylor Creek Greenway in Estill Springs, as well as a member of the Estill Springs Lion Club.  A dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Estill Springs where he served as a deacon, he enjoyed working with the church children’s programs, Wednesday night activities and “Team Kid.” In his leisure time, he enjoyed planning the next trip for himself and his wife, Sylvia.  Some of their favorites included: Alaska, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, but they also enjoyed trips to the Smoky Mountains.  He also enjoyed working in the yard and creating stained glass.  Frank was an avid University of Tennessee sports fan and enjoyed cheering for the Volunteers.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Glenn Vanzant and Ronnie Vanzant. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sylvia Vanzant of Estill Springs; children, Jennifer Vanzant (Richard) Howard of Chattanooga, Karen Vanzant (Christopher) King of Tullahoma, and David Andrew (Alison) Vanzant of Chattanooga; and grandson, Elliott King of Tullahoma.  Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with a celebration of life following at 6 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

MARTHA SOWERS

 SOWERS, Martha Nell, age 89, of Elora, Tennessee, passed this world to be with her Lord Jesus on Friday, July 21, 2023. Martha was proud of her humble beginnings as a country girl, being born on Sept. 23, 1933, to Noland Elbert and Mattie Lou (Brewer) Rutledge in Elora, Tennessee. She remained a farmer’s daughter until she married her city boy, Donald Lee Sowers, and they moved to Illinois in December 1951. While in Illinois, Martha had five children and found time to drive a school bus for the Chicago area until her retirement. Martha and Don moved back to Tennessee in June of 1993 to enjoy their life together. Martha spent much of her time with crafting. She was an expert at knitting, sewing, crocheting, woodworking and ceramics, to name a few. However, her favorite pastime was reminiscing of the old times with family and friends. Her laugh was infectious, her smile contagious, and the twinkle in her eyes were all signs of a life full of joy and happiness. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Noland and Mattie Rutledge; her husband of 50 years, Don Sowers; a daughter, Sue Gorman; son-in-law, Roger Roeder; daughter-in-law, Lyn Sowers; and brother, Jesse Rutledge. Remaining to cherish her memories here on earth are her daughter, Lou Ann (Emilio Jr. “Chief ”) Zarate of Elora; sons, David (Nancy) Sowers of Winchester, Robert (Regina) Sowers of Ragland, Alabama, and Bryan (Carin) Sowers of Hixson, Tennesssee; two sisters and a brother, Gladys Lee, Elnor Jo Walker and Harry (Patsy) Rutledge, all of Huntland; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her church family at Huntland First Baptist Church where she was a member. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. followed by services at 3 p.m. at the Huntland First Baptist Church.  Martha was laid to rest beside by her beloved husband in the Moore Memorial Cemetery in Huntland. Jasper Memorial Funeral Home, 150 Cornerstone Dr., Jas per, TN 37347, 423-942-7777.

TED WILLIAMS SR.

 WILLIAMS, Ted Houston, Sr., age 76, of Winchester, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Southern Tennessee Regional Medical Center.  A native of Franklin County, he was born in Winchester, on June 18, 1947, to the late Oscar Jacob and Emmie Irene (Fanning) Williams.  Before his retirement, he was employed for 24 years as an industrial oiler at AEDC.  In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars, especially street rods and riding horses.  But most of all, he loved spending time with his beloved family.  Ted’s kind-hearted and outgoing personality allowed him to never meet a stranger.  He also had a great sense of humor and was considered the family prankster.  Ted was a member of Winchester First Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Williams; brother, Ryland Williams; and sisters, Agnes Holt and Ina Elliott.  Ted is survived by his sons, Teddy (Shannon) Williams, Jr., and Jordan (Kelly) Williams; granddaughters, Abby Williams and Alexandria (Ronnie) Manus; great-grandchildren, Kyeson Manus and Serenity Manus; sister, Juanita (Virgil) Palmertree; several nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Carter Smith; and sisters-in-law, Patsy Rigsby and Pam Brown.  Visitation was held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. with services following at 2 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment followed at Mt. Garner Cemetery with Jordan Williams, Teddy Williams, Ronnie Manus, Lonnie Palmertree, Stephen Matthews and Bobby McMillon serving as pallbearers.  Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.