Record book
Services for Harold Seaton, 77, of Adamsville were Tuesday afternoon at the
Adamsville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Leist and the Rev.
Elmer D. Seaton officiating. Burial was in the Adamsville Cemetery. Mr. Seaton
died Sunday, Feb 20, 1978, at McNairy County General Hospital. He was a member
of the Adamsville First United Methodist Church and was a retired farmer and
livestock dealer. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Mamie Scott Seaton of
Adamsville; two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Garrison of Lavergne and Mrs. Mae Mills
of Lacham, Md.; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Lott of Adamsville and Mrs. Katie Burows of
Orlando, Fla.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
SEATON, WILLIAM ELMER - William Elmer Seaton, age 61, died at a hospital in
Memphis on Sunday afternoon, April 27, 1952. He had been in failing health for
some time, but friends and relatives held out hope for his recovery after an
operation performed last week. He was a veteran of World War I. Funeral services,
conducted by Rev. A. B. Harris, were held at the Adamsville Baptist Church on
Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in the Mud Creek cemetery. The
deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Georgia Seaton; two sons, George William
and Elmer D. Seaton, of Adamsville; and one grandson,
Sebring, Jr., Philip A. - 72 – died on Sunday, May 30, 1999 at Jackson General
Hospital in Jackson of heart failure. He was a businessman, a farmer, and a member
of the Methodist Church. Services took place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2,
1999, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Lake Hill Memory Gardens
in Bethel Springs. Officiating the services was Zolon Clayton. Mr. Sebring was
preceded in death by his father, Philip A. Sebring, Sr., and mother, Evalena
Browder Sebring. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Smallwood Sebring of Selmer,
two daughters, Brenda Sebring of Memphis and Phyllis A. McClure of Corinth, Miss.,
and one son, Van Byron Sebring of Selmer. PDG
MILDRED WALLACE SELLE, 89 died on Tues., Nov. 2, 1999, at Cordova Rehab and
Nursing Center in Cordova. She was a retired cafeteria manager at Ramer
School and a member of Ramer Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Services
took place at 2 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 3, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was
held at Ramer Cemetery in Ramer. Officiating the services was Minister David
Baggett. Pallbearers were Kenneth Thomas, Keith Thomas, Perry Mullins, David
Mullins, Don Wallace, and Chad Wallace. Mrs. Selle was preceded in death by her
parents, W. O. and Maude Reeder Wallace. She is survived by two daughters,
Marie Stutts of Ramer and Kay Mullins of Collierville, two sisters,
Frances Branstetter of Selmer and Ruth Patrick of Ramer, six grandchildren, Cindy
Holloway, Kenneth Thomas, Candy Tillman, Kathy Thomas, Perry Mullins, and David
Mullins, and five gr-grandchildren.
SERATT, BRANCEY EUGENE– Brancey Eugene Seratt, 64, of Finger died on January 20,
1988 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital after a long illness. Funeral
services were held at Cave Springs Baptist Church on Saturday morning with Elmer
Weaver officiating. Burial was in Cave Springs Cemetery. He was the son of the
late Jimmy and Lillie Wilson Seratt and was married to Mildred Smith Seratt. He
was a retired farmer. In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Thomas
Seratt of Finger and Jimmy Seratt of Riverdale, GA; two daughters, Mrs. Bonnie
Hailey of Spring, TX, and Mrs. Faye Morrison of Henderson; a brother, Melvin
Seratt of Jackson; two sisters, Mrs. Julia Ferguson of Finger and Mrs. Lenis Smith
of Halls; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SEWELL, HERSHEL H - McNairy County Independent - October 6, 1950 - Mr Hershel H
Sewell, age 58, died at his home near Adamsville On Tuesday, Oct 3, 1950,
following a long illness. Funeral services, conducted by Rev A B Farris were held
at Mars Hill Church on October 4, with interment at the cemetery there. The
deceased is survived by his wife, mrs Jo Sewell and his mother Mrs Ida Sewell.
SEWELL, JOHN I - McNairy County Independent - December 1, 1950 - John I Sewell,
age 87, a former resident of Adamsville, died on Wed Nov 22, 1950 at the Dodds
Nursing Home at Shiloh Park. Mr Sewell had been making his home there for the past
few months. Mr Swell was a merchant at Adamsville for many years, retiring about
15 years ago. Funeral services were conducted by W P Littlefield and Rev Jackson
of Adamsville, and assisted by Elders N B Hardeman and Bishop of Henderson, were
held at the Enville Methodist church on Nov 23. Interment was in the Enville
Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements. The
following served as pall bearers: Hobert Kemp, Shirley Clayton, J D Abernathy,
Raymond Meeks, Franklin Hughes and Howard Tanner. The deceased is survived by one
daughter, Mrs Jennie Mills of Adamsville.
SEWELL, MARY JOSEPHINE - McNairy County Independent - May 19, 1950 - Mrs J I
Sewell, age 86, passed away at her home in Adamsville late Sunday, May 14. She had
not been in good helath for several months. She was a Methodist. Services,
conducted by Revs. Jackson, Harris and Littlefield were held at Enville on Monday
May15, with interment in the Enville Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors in
charge. The deceased is survived by her husband, J I Sewell and one daughter, Mrs
Jennie Mills
SHARON, SUSAN ELIZABETH - Mrs. Susan Elizabeth Sharon died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. C. L. Haynes, on the evening of February 19, 1930. She had been
sick for a long time. Funeral services were conducted in the home the following
afternoon by Rev. A. L. Dickerson and J. W. Wallace. Burial was in Oak Hill
cemetery, R. B. Gooch was the undertaker in charge. The deceased was the widow of
Rev. Thomas Sharon a Methodist minister who died in Kentucky thirty - five years
ago. He served charges in this county preaching here and at Falcon. She is
survived by two daughters and a son, several grandchildren and six great
grandchildren. Jan 25, 1852 – Feb 19, 1930 Oak Hill Cemetery.
SHARP, BRAXTON WALDENE - McNairy County Independent - Nov 9, 1951 - The remains
of Pfc Braxton Waldene Sharp, age 25, who was killed in action in Korea on May 20,
1951, was returned to McNairy County for burial. Services were held by Rev Dickson
Nov 1, 1951 at the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home. A military burial was
carried out for this deceased soldier. National Guard personnel were
pallbearers. The body was laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery. The deceased is
survived by his mother, Mrs Lessie Sharp; one son, Larry Wayne Sharp; and
grandfather W T Walker. (This is the second son Mrs Sharp has buried this year,
William Preston Sharp died in October 1951.)
SHARP, CORNELIUS - McNairy County Independent - Apr 21, 1950 - Cornelius Sharp,
age 68 a resident of the old Wilson-town, near Adamsville, died on Friday, April
14, 1950. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at
Gilchrist. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Albert Plunk, were held in his home
on the afternoon of the day of his death, with burial in the Helbert Cemetery.
Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge. Survivors include three sisters, Miss
Ethel Sharp, mrs Blanche Cochran and Mrs Dusie Nichols and two brothers, A F and
Charles
SHARP, EULA - Services for Mrs Eula M Sharp, 77, widow of Roy Sharp were held at
2:30 PM Wednesday at Gravel Hill Primitive Baptist church. Burial in the Gravel
Hill Cemetery. Mrs Sharp died Tuesday, Sept 11, 1873 at the McNairy County General
Hospital. She is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. She is survived by two
sisters, Mrs Walter Lain of Corinth, Miss and Mrs Pearl Latta of Ramer.
JOHN R. SHARP, JR., 63, of Guys died on Aug. 19, 2000, at Centennial Medical
Center in Nashville due to Leukemia. Mr. Sharp was a retired Art Dealer. He was a
member of the Air Force and had a Master of Arts Degree in History. He is
preceded in death by his mother, Christine Harris Sharp and his wife, Martha Ann
Wright Sharp. He is survived by two daughters, Sarah Reynierson of Gainesville, FL
and Judith Ann Sharp of Berkley, CA, one son, John R. W. Sharp of Nashville, and
his father, John R. Sharp, Sr. of Guys Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Tues.
at Shackelford Funeral Home. Burial followed at Sharp Cemetery in Guys.
SHARP, ORPHA NELL COPELAND - McNairy County Independent -October 5, 1951 - Mrs
Orpha Nell Copeland Sharp, age 25, was killed while starting to cross a street in
Trenton on Sat night, Sept 29, 1951. She had been working at the night shift at
one of the Milan Plants and had returned home from work. As she walked from
behind her parked car, she was struck and killed instantly. Funeral services,
conducted by Bro Albert Plunk, were held at Mars Hill Church and burial in Mars
Hill Cemetery. She leaves one son Tommy James Sharp, parents, Mr and Mrs T E
Copeland; two brothers, James and Charlie Copeland; and grandparents, Mr and Mrs J
M Copeland, all of Adamsville.
SHARP, WILLIAM PRESTON - McNairy County Independent -October 26 1951 - Mr William
Preston Sharp, age 24, of Selmer, died as a result of injuries received in an
automobile accident in Selmer October 20, 1951. Funeral services, conducted by Bro
Frank S Perry, were held at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oak
Hill Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs Grace Moore Sharp, and a
son Kenneth Gene Sharp, his mother, Mrs Lessie Sharp and grandfather Mr Truman
Walker, all of Selmer.
SATTERFIELD, MARY BELLE – Mary Belle Satterfield, 79, of Selmer, died May 4, 1987
at McNairy County General Hospital. Services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday at
Laffertys Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in West Union (Ohio) Cemetery.
Survivors include three sons, Homer Eugene Satterfield of North Syracuse, NY,
Charles Robert Satterfield of Memphis, and James Lloyd Satterfield of Selmer; two
daughters, Mrs. Betty Ruth Darrow of Albuquerque, NM, and Mrs. Mary Bauwens of
North Miami Beach, FL; a brother, Robert Foster of Winchester, Ohio; two sisters,
Mrs. Mildred Chandler of West Union and Mrs. Ruth Wolfe of Winchester, Ohio; 12
grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SHEA, CLARENCE - McNairy County Independent, Friday, May 27, 1949, Ramer Community
News - Friends of the Shea family were saddened by the death of Clarence Shea, at
Spokane, Washington, his home for many years. Less than two years ago, a sister,
the former Sallie Shea, passed away in Seattle and her death was followed closely
by another sister, the former Willie Shea, also of Seattle. Of the immediate
relatives, Mrs. J. J. Raper, sister and George Shea, brother, survive.
SHEA, NANNIE - McNairy County Independent, May 23, 1930 Mrs. Nannie Shea, aged
83 years, died Wednesday, May 14, 1930, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. J.
Raper, with whom she had lived for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Shea and family
moved here from Baldwyn, Miss., more than 30 years ago and took an active part in
thieveries interests of the community. Mrs. Shea was postmistress for a number of
years and was known and loved by all with whom she came in contact. Her life
exemplified the proverb, " To have friends is to be one." She was a great leader,
well informed , and retained a lively interest in public affairs. She is survived
by three daughters, Mesdames J. J. Raper, C. A. Barnes, of San Francesco, and
Charles Bonds of Aberdeen, Wash., and three sons, C. C. of Spokane, Wash., and P.
H. and G. M., who live here. The funeral was conducted by Eld. J. A. Houston,
assisted by Rev. W. C. Phillips, in the presence of a large congregation of
sorrowing friends, and her body laid to rest in the Ramer cemetery beside that of
her husband. 1848-1930 Ramer Cemetery.
SHEA, TIMOTHY – Timothy Shea, 47, of Ramer died on October 23, 1987 at Baptist
Hospital in Nashville after a short illness. Services were held on Monday
afternoon at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with Malcolm George
officiating. Burial was in Ramer Cemetery. He was the son of the late George M.
and Sadie Shelton Shea. He was a member of Antioch Church of Christ and was
employed as a construction worker. Survivors include a son, Timothy Shea of
Seattle, WA; two daughters, Connie Shea and Tammy Shea, both of Seattle; three
brothers, James P. Shea and Charles M. Shea, both of Ramer, and Dennis Shea of
Memphis; five sisters, Mrs. Nan L. Robertson and Mrs. Sandra Bahr, both of Selmer,
Mrs. Wilma Hurley of Stantonville, Mrs. Cornelia Loafman of Flint, MI, and Mrs.
Kay Caudile of Forlis, WA. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
HESTER LUCILLE HAYNES SHEFFIELD, 79, of Morris Chapel, died Sept. 6, 2000, at the
Hardin County General Hospital due to liver disease. She was a homemaker and a
member of Faith Assembly of God. She lived in Hardin County most of her life. She
is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lesley Sheffield. She is survived by
one daughter, Gracie Sheffield Franks of Morris Chapel, four sons, Charles Harold
Sheffield of Savannah, Lloyd O. Sheffield of Luka, Miss, Wade Sheffield of Crump,
and Aldon Lee Sheffield of Selmer, 15 grandchildren, 14 g-grandchildren, and 5 gg
grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah
on Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Crump Cemetery in Crump.
HESTER LUCILLE HAYNES SHEFFIELD, 79, of Morris Chapel, died Sept. 6, 2000, at the
Hardin County General Hospital due to liver disease. She was a homemaker and a
member of Faith Assembly of God. She lived in Hardin County most of her life.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lesley Sheffield. She is survived
by one daughter, Gracie Sheffield Franks of Morris Chapel, dour sons, Charles
Harold Sheffield of Savannah, Lloyd O. Sheffield of Luka, Miss, Wade Sheffield of
Crump, and Aldon Lee Sheffield of Selmer, fifteen grandchildren, fourteen g-
grandchildren, and five g-g-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at
Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah on Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. Burial followed at
Crump Cemetery in Crump.
SHEFFIELD, WM TRUMAN - McNairy County Independent - March 31, 1950 - Mr W T
Sheffield, age 68, died at his home in the Sulphur Springs community on Tuesday,
March 28, 1950. Services were held at the McNairy Baptist Church on Wednesday,
March 29, with burial in the McNairy Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs
Mary Jane Sheffield, one daughter, Mrs Ruby Moore and four grandchildren.
SHEFFIELD, ROSA SMITH - McNairy County Independent, Friday, January 14, 1949 -
Mrs. Rosa Smith Sheffield, age 80, died at her home in West Palm Beach, Florida,
on January 11, 1949. Her daughter Mrs. Maude Lewis will accompany her body back to
Selmer. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home,
Jan 14, with interment in Oak Hill cemetery. She is a sister of J. M. Smith,
formerly of Selmer, and Tom Smith of McNairy, only two survivors of a family of
thirteen children. Mrs. Sheffield suffered a stroke in November which resulted
in her death. (January 21, 1949) Mrs. Rosa Sheffield, age 80, who died in West
Palm Beach, Fla on January 11 was buried in Oak Hill cemetery last Friday.
Services conducted by Rev. Wayne Cox. Pallbearers were: John Hodges, John Swaim,
Earnest Harris, Chester A. Scott, A P Robinson, Montie Smith. The deceased is
survived by one daughter Mrs. Maude Lewis, one grandson Gage Lewis. Two brothers
Tom Smith of McNairy and J M Smith, Sr of Tupelo, Miss.
Vickie Jeanette Shelby was born in Hardin County, Tennessee the daughter of Jimmy
Hollis Sr. and Linda Yvonne Scott Shelby. Ms. Shelby was a member of the Temple
Baptist Church. She had worked for Selmer Apparel. Ms. Shelby enjoyed decorating,
flowers, gardening, and collecting jewelry. She had lived in Hardin and McNairy
County all of her life. Ms. Shelby departed this life on Thursday, April 7, 2011
at the age of 51 years, 9 months, 14 days. In addition to her parents, she is
survived by 4 sons, James Scott Pogue, Jr. of Savannah, Tennessee, Jeremy Lane
Pogue of Arlington, Texas, Daniel Coy Parson of Adamsville, Tennessee and Ryan
Dale Parson of Selmer, Tennessee; 4 grandchildren, Dylan Pogue, Dustin Pogue,
Colton Pogue and Jacob Pogue; 2 brothers, Jimmy Hollis Shelby, Jr. of Morris
Chapel, Tennessee and Tracy Lee Shelby of Adamsville, Tennessee; a sister, Lorinda
Shelby Phillips of Counce, Tennessee; partner, Phillip Byrum of Adamsville,
Tennessee; special dog, Marley. Ms. Shelby was preceded in death by her 1st
husband, James Scott Pogue, Sr.; 2nd husband, Danny Parson; a sister, Kimberly
Dawn Shelby; grandparents, Brownloe and Dorthy Shelby, Hayes and Ruby Scott.
SHELTON, BABY - McNairy County Independent, Friday, April, 22, 1949- Mr. & Mrs.
Willie a. Shelton are grieved today over the loss of their little child. Services
were held at the Indian Creek Cemetery on April 19.
DOROTHY M. “DOT” SHELTON, 75, of Ramer, died of heart failure on July 24, 2000, at
Methodist Healthcare McNairy. She was a homemaker and attended Chewalla Baptist
Church. Services were held on Wed. at 3 p.m. at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer.
Burial was in Henry Cemetery in Corinth, MS, with Richard Doyle officiating. She
was preceded in death by her parents, Will D. and Ella Hopkins Dickey; one
grandson, Richard Devers; one sister, Myrtle Bennett; and one brother, Mancil
Dickey. She is survived by her husband, Elmer C. Shelton; four daughters, Julia
“Boots” Steward of Chewalla, Carlene Butler of Guys, Loretta Crum of Corinth, MS,
Sheila Howell of Chewalla, two sons, Ronnie Shelton and Keith Shelton, both of
Chewalla; one brother, A. C. Dickey of Guys, eight grandchildren and 12 g-
grandchildren.
DOROTHY M. “DOT” SHELTON, 75, of Ramer, died of heart failure on July 24, 2000, at
Methodist Healthcare McNairy. She was a homemaker and attended Chewalla Baptist Church.
Services were held on Wed. at 3 p.m. at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was
in Henry Cemetery in Corinth, MS, with Richard Doyle officiating. She was
preceded in death by her parents, Will D. and Ella Hopkins Dickey; one grandson,
Richard Devers; one sister, Myrtle Bennett; and one brother, Mancil Dickey. She
is survived by her husband, Elmer C. Shelton; four daughters, Julia “Boots”
Steward of Chewalla, Carlene Butler of Guys, Loretta Crum of Corinth, MS, Sheila
Howell of Chewalla, two sons, Ronnie Shelton and Keith Shelton, both of Chewalla;
one brother, A. C. Dickey of Guys, eight grandchildren and 12 g-grandchildren.
SHELTON, JAMES CLAY - Eight years of illness that grew progressively worse and had
confined him to his bed for the past two years, ended yesterday (Feb. 10, 1952)
for James Clay Shelton, who was 19 on January 28. He died at his home in Ramer,
Tenn. He had been in a coma for the past week. The youth's courage in the face of
adversity had endeared him not only to his classmates and neighbors at Ramer, but
had attracted the sympathy, admiration and affection of hundreds of others through
the (community). Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer, Tenn., had eased the boy's
pain and boredom by taking him in its ambulance to various outings and sports
events when he was able to go.
Last July 4th, he planned a picnic for his family at Pickwick Dam and
Shackelford's took him to the dam and back. He enjoyed the trip very much,
relatives say, spending much of the day on a boat belonging to some of his
friends. Again last fall, he was brought to Memphis for the Mid-South Fair and
Livestock Show, being taken around on a stretcher to the various shows he wanted
to see and to which he was admitted free. Monte Blue dedicated the Sportsman's
Show to him that day. The son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Thetus Shelton of Ramer, James
graduated from Ramer High School despite the fact he was unable to attend school
in his senior year. His principal and class came to his home on Graduation Day to
present him with his diploma. He was also presented with the Babe Ruth
Sportsmanship Award that day. He maintained his keen interest in sports and
current events until the last, keeping up by reading the papers as long as he was
able and by radio and television at his bedside.
Last summer, Gov. Browning was in the vicinity of Ramer to make a speech and
learning of James' condition, made a trip to Ramer to visit him, a visit which
thrilled the young man greatly. Gov. Browning was influential in getting the road
past his house blacktopped in order to keep the dust from bothering him so
much. He was a member of Ramer Church of Christ. His family and friends never told
him that his illness would prove fatal and they do not know whether he realized he
would die or not. In recent months he had been paralyzed from the waist down and
this paralysis had been a blessing relatives say, in that it had eased his pain
He leaves his parents; two sisters, Mrs. J. L. Darby of Memphis, and Mrs. Wilson
Tenry of Cookeville, Tenn., and two brothers, John Howard Shelton of Memphis, now
with the Army stationed at Camp Rucker, Ala., and Robert Gooch Shelton, of Ramer.
He was a grandson of Mrs. Lou Shelton of Memphis and Mrs. H. C. Gooch of Ramer.
Because the Church of Christ at Ramer is so small, and so many of his friends and
neighbors expressed the wish to attend his funeral, services were held Feb. 11 in
the Ramer High School Auditorium. Burial in Ramer Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral
Home in charge. McNairy County Independent, Memphis Press Scimitar (Feb. 11)
Katie Pearl Shelton of Selmer, 74, died November 14, 2002 at Country Cottage in
Corinth, MS. Mrs. Shelton was a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist
Church in Selmer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver Huse and Myrtle
C. Coleman Moore; four brothers, Allie B. Moore, Cecil Moore, Hurshel Moore, and
J.D. Moore; and two sisters, Vallie Bell and Marie Presley. She is survived by two
sisters, Louise Horton of Corinth, MS and Maverine Kennedy of Selmer; four
nephews; and nine nieces. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 16,
2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Max Walker officiating.
Burial followed at Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
SHELTON, LOTTIE MAE SMALLWOOD – Lottie Mae Smallwood Shelton, 79, of Bethel
Springs, died on November 26, 1987 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital
after a long illness. Funeral services were held at Second Baptist Church on
Friday afternoon with Rev. Frank Whitman officiating. Burial was in New Salem
Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandson, Paul M. Shelton, Phillip Shelton, Gary
Shelton, James Roosevelt Shelton, Jr., Rodney King, and Harvey King. She was the
daughter of Charlie and Callie Inman Smallwood and the widow of M.H. Shelton. She
was a housewife and a member of Second Baptist Church. Survivors include three
sons, Thomas Shelton and Roosevelt Shelton, both of Bethel Springs, and Paul
Shelton of Selmer; a daughter, Mrs. Evelyn King of Kossuth, Miss.; a brother,
Wallace Smallwood of Tuscumbia, Ala.; two sisters, Mrs. Jennie McCormack of
Selmer, and Mrs. Birdie Mae Mitchell of Tuscumbia; 13 grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SHELTON, MARY JANE - McNairy County Independent, February 28,1908 - Mrs. Mary
Jane Shelton died at the home of her son, Mr. Sidney Shelton, in Selmer, Sunday of
consumption, and was buried at Mt. Gilead. She was about 70 years old and an
excellent woman. She leaves a number of grown children.
(McNairy County Independent, March 13, 1908). Where as, it has pleased God in his
infinite wisdom and love to have the death angel, on Feb 22, claim the mother of
Sidney Shelton, who was a member of Dewy Camp, NO 78, Woodman of the World. Mrs.
M. J. Shelton had reached the age of 67 years, having been born and reared in
McNairy county. She professed faith in Christ in her early childhood, having been
united with the Baptist church about 12 years. Mrs. Shelton possessed all the
faith of a true Christian woman. She leaves children and relatives and friends to
mourn her loss. Be it resolved, by Dewey Camp NO 78 WOW, that we extend our
sympathy to the bereaved ones, and say, weep not for our loss is her gain. Submit
to him whose depth all things well and be consoled by her pure Christian
character, that we may live to clasp her hand on the eternal shore, where parting
no more. 1840 - Feb 22, 1908 Mt Gilead Cemetery.
Milford S. Shelton, 86, of Bethel Springs, died of heart failure Sunday, June 3,
2001, at Methodist Healthcare McNairy in Selmer. Mr. Shelton was a retired mail
carrier and farmer who was a former elder at Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, a member of the Purdy-Bethel Masonic Lodge, and a third degree master
mason. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Sydney and Mary Roxie Anna
Robinson Shelton, one sister, Gyneth Etheridge, and one brother, Thurman Shelton.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Moore Shelton, one son, Mark Shelton of
Lewisville, Texas, and one granddaughter, Anna Shelton. Funeral services were held
at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer with Ken McCoy and
Charles Pruitte officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory Garden in Bethel
Springs. Memorials may be made to Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
Selmer.
Shelton, Paul M. - 62 – of Selmer, died July 28, 1996 at his residence. Services
were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday in Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with Frank
Whitman officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were
Floyd Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins, Rudy Moore, Holly Sanders, Ralph King and Jack
Cheshier. The son of the late Lottie Smallwood Shelton and Marvin H. Shelton, he
was retired from Selmer Utility Department, a machine operator, member of the
National Guard and Second Baptist Church, a mason and member of Purdy Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Patterson Shelton, one son, Paul Michael Shelton
of Selmer, (the rest of the obit was missing from my copy) PDG
SHORT, DAVID M. – Services for David M. Short, 92, were held at Shiloh Methodist
Church on Sunday afternoon. Burial was in Shiloh Methodist Cemetery. He died on
March 19, 1987 at Baptist Central Hospital in Memphis after a long illness. The
retired carpenter was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and lived in Walnut,
Miss. He was the son of the late Ozzie M. and Sally Penny Short. Survivors include
three sons, Bernie Short of Elinville, Mich., O.V. Short of Walnut, and R.I. Short
of Millington; four daughters, Mrs. Lucille Plaxico of Walnut, Mrs. Eula Mae
Thornberry of Bells, Mrs. Deanna Moore of Millington, and Mrs. Ruth Warren of St.
Louis; two brothers, Berdie Short of Amory, Miss. and Wesley Short of Shreveport,
La.; 26 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Robert Earl ‘Bob’ Sibley - died Dec 10, 1969 in a Memphis Hospital after a brief
illness. He was 37. Born in Adamsville, he had lived in Selmer for the last 25
years, where hr had taken part in the business and active affairs of the
community. At the time of his death, he was general manager of Sibley Chevrolet-
Pontiac Company, and perhaps more than any other individual was responsible for
the creation of the McNairy County Airport. He was a veteran of the US Air Force
and was a licensed pilot in his own right. He was a Methodist. Services were
conducted at Shackelford Funeral Chapel by the Rev Frank Bulle and Rev John
Wintermute and burial was in Lake Hill Memorial Gardens. He leaves his wife, Mrs
Otera Sibley; a son Robert Earl Sibley, Jr; two daughters, Sandra and Sylvia, all
of Selmer; two sisters, Mrs Peggy Heard of Memphis and Mrs Brenda Haynie of
Nashville; and his parents Mr and Mrs Grover Sibley of Selmer.
SILER, EDMON H, SR - McNairy County Independent - Feb 9, 1951 - Mr Edmon H Siler,
Sr, age 73 died at his residence in Bethel Springs Feb 2, 1951. He was a
missionary Baptist. Funeral services were conducted by Rev Wayne Cox and held at
the Bethel Springs Baptist church on Feb 5 with interment in the Oak Hill
Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Mrs Melissa Jane Siler, four daughters, Mrs
Irene Tull, Mrs Marie Noe, Mrs Ira Archer and Mrs allen Burks; four sons, Curtis
Siler, J R Siler , E H Siler Jr and E Siler, 32 grandchildren and 21 great
grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
SIMMONS, PHILLIP WAYNE – Phillip Wayne Simmons, 26, of Finger, died Thursday,
September 24, 1982, in an automobile accident in Olathe, Kansas. Funeral services
were held Sunday, September 26, at Rocky Knob Church with Bro. Aubrey Chandler
officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. He was employed as a painter. He
leaves his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Joel M. Simmons of Finger; two sisters,
Mrs. Brenda Kay Kirkman of Adamsville, and Mrs. Sandra Mitchell of Finger; one
brother, Joel M. Simmons, Jr. of Arkansas; and two sons, Wayne Anthony Simmons and
Lincoln James Simmons, both of Missouri. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SIMPKINS, I D - McNairy County Independent - June 16, 1950 - Mr I D simpkins, age
68, died at his residence on route 5, Corinth, Miss on Thursday, June 1, 1950.
Services were held at the Acton Church of Christ on Friday, June 2, with interment
in the Liberty Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs I D Simpkins,
one daughter Mrs Idotha Calvery and one brother E B Simpkins of Corinth. (May be
error in obit - I D Simpkins is buried at New Hope Cemetery.)
Allen Troy Simpson, 93 died January 2, 2001 at Methodist Healthcare McNairy from
heart failure. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Basham Simpson, father
and mother, A.T. and Maggie Simpson, three brothers, Robert, Dee Witt and Hubert
Simpson, two sisters, Sallie Griffin and Mary Belle Mitchell. He is survived by
one brother, John B. Simpson of Memphis, two sons and daughters-in-law, Don A. and
Sharon Simpson of Gilbertsville, KY, Jimmy B. and Linda Simpson of Selmer, three
grandchildren, David Simpson of Gambia, West Africa, James Simpson of Charlotte,
NC and Elizabeth Hoffman of Reelfoot Lake and one great-grandchild, Autumn
Hoffman. Services will be held Saturday, January 6, 2001 at Shackelford Funeral
Home in Selmer at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lake Hill Memory Garden in
Bethel Springs.
Simpson, Elsie B. - 90 – died on June 11, 1998 of heart failure in McNairy County
General Hospital in Selmer. Mrs. Simpson was a retired school teacher and served
as a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the Eastern Star and Argonaut
Book Club. She was a member of the Selmer First United Methodist Church and the
Crusaders Sunday School Class. Services were held at 3:00 p.m. , with Dr. Paul
Mullikin officiating, on Saturday, June 13 at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer, Tn.
Burial took place at Lake Hill Memory Garden in Bethel Springs. She was preceded
in death by her parents, James F. Basham and Heneretta Hicks Basham. Mrs. Simpson
is survived by her husband, Allen T. Simpson, of Selmer, two sons and daughters-
in-law, Don and Sharon Simpson of Union City, Tn., and Jimmy B. and Linda Simpson
of Fayetteville, N.C., three grandchildren, David Simpson of Union City, Tn.,
Elizabeth Simpson of Union City, Tn., and James Simpson of Fayetteville, N.C.,
four step-grandchildren, Laura Cornelison of Oaktown, In., James D. Stewart of
Oaktown, In., Dale Stewart of Oaktown, In., and Trisha Smith of Bicknell, In, and
eight step-great-grandchildren. PDG
Freddie Sweat Simpson of Selmer, 95, died December 24, 2003 at McNairy Regional
Hospital. Mrs. Simpson was a homemaker. She was a member of Friendship Baptist
Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dee W. Simpson; two sons, J.D.
Simpson and Joe Lloyd Simpson, and a grandson, Joe Dan Simpson. She is survived by
a grand-daughter, Linda Horton of Selmer; and several nieces and nephews. Services
were held at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home
Chapel, with Ministers Doyle Petty and Larry Lancaster officiating. Burial
followed at Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs.
J.D. Simpson of Selmer, 77, died May 27, 2003 at McNairy County Regional Hospital.
Mr. Simpson was a supervisor in the U.S. Army Corps Engineers, where he served for
27 years, and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member and Deacon of
Friendship Baptist Church and a member of Selmer Masonic Lodge 743. He was
preceded in death by his father, Dee W. Simpson. He is survived by his mother,
Freddie Sweat Simpson; nieces and nephews. Services were held at 1 p.m. on
Thursday, May 29, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Doyle
Petty and Larry Lancaster officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory
Gardens.
SIMPSON, MAGGIE MAE - McNairy County Independent - Friday, October 14, 1949- Mrs
Maggie Mae Simpson, age 72, who resided in the Moore School House community, died
on October 11, 1949. Services conducted by Rev Lloyd Ramer, were held in the
Methodist Church in Selmer on Oct 12 with interment in Oak Hill
cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangement.
Pallbearers were: Grady King, Milford Shelton, Howard Robinson, Robert Johnson,
Ward Mitchell and Thurman Tull.
Funeral services for Mr. William Eddie Simpson, 29, will be held at 1:00 P.M. on
Thursday, October 19, 2000 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Selmer, TN. Burial will
follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer, TN. Mr. Simpson died Sunday, October 15,
2000 in Selmer. Mr. Simpson was an Attorney for Simpson & Simpson in Selmer and
Napcom in Adamsville. He was a member of Selmer 1<sup>st</sup> Baptist Church,
Vice President of Selmer Lions Club, past President of Selmer Jaycees, City Judge
for Bethel Springs, TN, Volunteer for American Cancer Society & Relay for Life,
was recently named Pro Bono Volunteer Attorney of the Year by Legal Services. He
is survived by his wife, Aimee Seaton Simpson of Selmer, TN; one son, Jack Matthew
Simpson of Selmer, TN; his parents, Paul and Jackie Matlock Simpson of Selmer, TN;
two sisters, Amber and husband Len Phegley of Stephenville, TX and Sallie and
husband Derek Bodiford of Cleveland, MS; one brother, Adam and wife Kristen
Simpson, nephew and niece, Caleb and Katelyn Simpson (overseas missions); maternal
grandmother and step-grandfather, Myrtle Matlock Kiser and L.D. Kiser; uncle and
aunt, J.D. and Brenda Matlock, and cousins, Delise, Elizabeth and Jana Rae Matlock
all of Selmer, TN and aunt Joyce Young from Thibodeaux, LA. He was preceded in
death by his maternal grandfather, Jack Matlock; paternal grandfather, John Taylor
Simpson and paternal grandmother & step-grandfather, Minnie and Brett Keeter.
Memorials may be sent to the Selmer First Baptist Church Sound Committee.
SIMS, JOHN HENRY - McNairy County Independent - August 24, 1951 - Mr John Henry
Sims, age 76, who resided on route 2, Selmer, died August 8, 1951. He was a member
of the Missionary Baptist church. Funeral Services were held at Gravel Hill
church and burial was in the Gravel Hill Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his
wife Mrs Lillie Bell Sims; two daughter Mrs Nellie Carman and Mrs Jewell Blakely;
five sons, H E Sims, L J Sims, J T Sims, Nolan Sims and Kelcie Sims; 27
grandchildren and 6 g-grandchildren.
Mrs. J. H. Sinclair, aged 78 years, died April 8, 1930 at her home in Beebe, Ark.,
after a week's illness of pneumonia. The Sinclair family lived in McNairy county
for many tears, removing to Arkansas about twenty years ago. While here they lived
at the John Gib Combs place on the old stage road west of Adamsville. Deceased is
survived by her husband, who is 82 years old, and two daughters, Mrs. G. M.
Beckham, of Ward, Ark. and Miss Callie Sinclair, of Beebe, Ark. and nine grand -
children, among the latter being Herman Wallace, who attended the funeral last
Wednesday at Beebe. Mrs. Sinclair was a devoted member of the Methodist church
for many years. The passing of this splendid woman will cause sorrow among her
many friends here, and the Independent extends its condolence to the relatives in
their sad hours of bereavement.<b> </b>(Given name unknown
SINGLETON, PAUL A. - McNairy County Independent, Friday, January 28, 1949 -
Staff Sergeant Paul A. Singleton, age 21, who was killed in action in Germany in
1944, was returned to this country for burial last Saturday, January 23. Sgt
Singleton was a native of Adamsville, the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Singleton, who
survive. Services were held in the Old Union Church, near Adamsville, with burial
in the cemetery there. Members of Company D. National Guard, served as
pallbearers. Besides his parents, the deceased is survived by four brothers, T. F.
Singleton of Selmer, Elvis Singleton of Adamsville, Aaron Singleton of Cactus,
Texas and Carlton Singleton of Houston, Texas, and two sisters, Mrs. Clyde White
of Adamsville and Mrs. Ruth Orr of Memphis. Monument says Apr 12, 1945.
John P Sipes - 73 - co-owner of West Main Motors of Jackson, and retired brakeman-
conductor for the GM&O Railroad died Thursday night, Dec 11, 1969 at the Jackson
Madison County Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Funeral services were
held at the Chapel of George A Smith and Sons, with Rev Paul Clark, pastor of
Calvary Baptist Church and Dr David Q Byrd, pastor of West Jackson Baptist Church,
officiating. Burial followed in Ridgecrest Cemetery. He was born in McNairy
County near Adamsville, son of the late John P and Annie Farris Sipes. He had
lived in Jackson since 1924. He retired from the GM&O Railroad in 1961 after 35
years service. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and Brotherhood Railroad
Trainmen. He was married in 1914 to the former Nora Mae Carroll who survives.
Other survivors are: three sons, Lt Col Arnold Sipes (Ret) of Riverside, Calif,
Houston Sipes and Gordon Sipes both of Jackson; two daughters, Mrs Leon Grace of
Jackson and Mrs Fay Hearn of Memphis; one brother, Henry W Sipes of Jackson and
one sister Mrs Myrtle Wilkerson of Selmer; 13 grandchildren and 3 g-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were: Roy Grace, Bill Sipes, Irby Graves, Lynn Moore, Charles Coleman
and Howard McCoy. Honorary pallbearers were: Jim W Price, Oscar James, Cecil
McLemore, John Carpenter, Lucian Hastings, Leslie Grace and personnel of the GM&O
Railroad.
SIPES, WILLIAM ERNEST - McNairy County Independent - Friday - July 1, 1949 - Mr.
William Earnest Sipes, known to all his friends as ‘Will’ passed away at his home
on Friday June 24, 1949. He was 57. A heart attack was given as the cause of his
death. Mr. Sipes was a retired merchant, and at the time of his sudden illness was
engaged in truck farming on a small scale. Funeral services conducted by Revs.
H. S. Kolb and Heston Milligan were held in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral
Home on Sunday, June 26, with interment in the Combs Cemetery, near
Adamsville. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sally Davis Sipes of
Selmer; two daughters, Carolyn Ann Sipes of Selmer and Mrs. Earnestine Phillips of
Atlanta, Ga; two sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Wilkerson of Selmer and Mrs. Lillie Wolfe of
Tyronza, Ark; and four brothers, J. P. And G. H. Sipes of Jackson, Tenn, Henry M.
Sipes of Memphis, and H. L. Sipes of Corpus Christi, Texas.
SISK, JOHN PAUL – John Paul Sisk, 34, of Selmer, died Monday, October 11, 1982, at
the Fire Fighters Burn Center in Greenville, Mississippi, of injuries sustained in
an explosion of his home on September 15. Funeral services were held Wednesday,
October 13, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Brothers Frank Whitman
and Dovey Stafford officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. He was
employed at Bolivar Wood Works, and was a member of the Baptist Church. He leaves
a son, John Robert Sisk, and a daughter, Angela Lynn Sisk, both of Hornsby; his
mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sisk of Selmer; his grandfather, John H.
Murphy of Selmer; one sister, Mrs. Jenise Russell of Selmer, and three brothers,
Huston E. Sisk of North Hampton, Massachusetts, Teddy C. Sisk of Selmer, and
Virgil Leon Sisk of Memphis. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Mr. Paul Sisk of Selmer, 80, died April 2, 2002 at McNairy County Health Care
Center. Mr. Sisk was retired from tannery work in Bolivar. He was a member of
Second Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by two sons, Ted Sisk and Johnny
Sisk. He is survived by his wife, Essie Sisk; a daughter, Jenise Smith of Finger;
two sons, Houston E. Sisk of Bethel Springs and Virgil L. Sisk of Corinth, MS; one
brother, Dewitt Sisk of Selmer; and one sister, Inez Brown. He had 11
grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Services were held at 11 a.m. on
Thursday, April 4, 2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Aaron
Moss officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memorial Gardens.
TED SISK of Bethel Springs, 51, died of cancer Aug. 7, 2001 at his home. Mr. Sisk
was a retired business owner. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Nixon Sisk, two
sons, Mike Sisk of Memphis and Jason Sisk of Adamsville, his parents, Paul and
Essie Murphy Sisk of Selmer, one sister Niecy Smith of Finger, two brothers, Gene
Sisk of Bethel Springs and Leon Sisk of Memphis, and five grandchildren, Sarah,
Sidney, Jacob, Lexie, and Kaylan. Funeral services for Mr. Sisk were held at 3
p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 9, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer with Jeff Young
officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory Gardens in Bethel Springs.
SHIRLEY KAY SKINNER, 62, died on Wed. Jan. 26, 2000, at Jackson Madison
General Hospital. She was born in McNairy Co. Daughter of the late Clydus and
Gertie Stennitt Harwell. She attended schools in Hardin Co., graduating from
Morris Chapel High School in 1955. She was married to Raymond J. Skinner in
1955. Mr. Skinner died in 1989. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 28,
at Leon Johnson Funeral Home. Burial was held at Milledgeville Cemetery.
Officiating the services was Rev. Loyd Blankenship. Mrs.. Skinner was preceded
in death by one son, Raymond Jay Skinner, Jr. She is survived by fours
daughters, Carolyn Dewry of Oakland, Syble Skinner, Janice Henry, and Denise
Tacker all of Savannah, one son, David Skinner of Savannah, three sisters, Sonja
Lewis and Patricia Gaddy both of Milledgeville and Glenda Cherry of
Memphis,, two brothers, Bill Harwell of Lexington and John Harwell of
Middleton, Six grandchildren and two gr-grandchildren.
SMALLWOOD, CLAUDE FRANKLIN – Claude Franklin Smallwood, 60, died May 23, 1983,
at his home. Funeral services were held at Casey Funeral Home Chapel in Henderson
with Dr. Billy Joe Naylor officiating. Burial was in the Refuge Cemetery. He was
born and reared in Tuscumbia, Alabama, son of the late Charlie and Callie Inman
Smallwood. He moved to the Bethel Springs community in 1942 and served in the
U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre of Operations for two and a half years. Since
returning from service, he had lived in the Refuge community, where he farmed and
was employed by Brown Shoe Company of Selmer. He was a member of the Refuge Church
of Christ. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Maxine Gee Smallwood; one son, Morris
Smallwood of Bethel Springs; a daughter, Mrs. Jo Ann Black of Bethel Springs; two
brother, Wallace Smallwood of Tuscumbia and Edward Smallwood of Decatur, Alabama;
three sisters, Mrs. Lottie Mae Shelton, Bethel Springs, Mrs. Birtie Mae Mitchell,
Tuscumbia, Alabama, and Mrs. Jennie Maude McCormick, Selmer; and one
grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMALLWOOD, J. M. - Funeral notice from Crockett Co - Funeral services were held
Sunday at 2:30 pm, at the Providence Baptist Church for J. M. Smallwood who died
at his home in the Nance Community, Friday (Jan 14, 1949) with burial in the
Province Cemetery, Crockett County, Tenn. He was born in McNairy County and was a
member of Providence Baptist Church. He was 72. He leaves one son, W. J. C.
Smallwood, two daughters Mrs. Earnest Peace and Mrs. L. A. Lewis; three sisters,
Mrs. Lee Woods of Almo, Mrs. Ida Warren of Almo and Mrs B. O. Green of Luxora,
Ark. One Brother, Harlie Smallwood of Almo. (Later notice) Obit states his home
was near Crockett Mills, his birthday was Jan 19, 1876. His sisters names were
Lou Woods and Audie Green (gave husband's name in original obit) daughters are
Mary W Lewis and Lillie Maie Peace. Also 12 grandchildren and one great grand
son. January 19, 1876 - Jan 14, 1949, Providence Cemetery, Crockett County, Tenn.
SMALLWOOD, JIM BELL - McNairy County Independent - Friday, November 11, 1949 - Mr
Jim Bell Smallwood, age 80, a resident of the Purdy community, died on Friday, Nov
4, 1949. Services were held at the Bethesda Church on Sunday, November 6,
conducted by Bro Dixon. He was a Presbyterian and a Mason. Burial was in the
Bethesda cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs Barnie Reed, Hattiesburg, Miss and Mrs C R
Inman of Purdy. Ten grandchildren also mourn his passing.
SMALLWOOD, PARALEE - Mrs. Paralee Smallwood, age 75, a resident of the Old Purdy
community, died at her home on Sunday, January 20, 1952. She was a Presbyterian.
Services, conducted by Rev. R. M. Dickson, were held at the Bethesda Presbyterian
Church on Monday, January 21st. Burial was in the cemetery there. The deceased is
survived by her husband, C. L. Smallwood; two sons, Francis Smallwood and Roy
Holmes; four daughters, Connie Smallwood, Mrs. Ludie Larue, Mrs. Sudie Gann and
Mrs. Sallie Hubanks; one brother, C. C. Bias, and one sister, Mrs. Nettie
Bias. McNairy County Independent
SMITH, AARON HOWARD - 71, of Adamsville, died on July 17, 2000 at Jackson Madison
co. General Hospital due to heart failure. Mr. Smith was a Methodist and a
veteran of WWII. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Beecher and Ida
Lou Coker Smith. He is survived by one sister, Emogene Scott of Adamsville and one
nephew, Michael Scott. Funeral services were held at 130 p.m. on Wed. at
Shackelford Funeral Home in Adamsville. Burial followed at Pine Hill Memorial
Gardens in Adamsville.
LLINE SMITH - age 64, died on Tues., Jan. 4, 2000, at Jackson Madison County
General Hospital. She was a member of Bethel Springs United Pentecostal Church in
Bethel Springs. Services took place at 11 a.m. on Fri., Jan. 7, at Bethel Springs
United Pentecostal Church. Officiating the services were ministers, Rev. Don.
Johnson, Rev. Jeff Young, Sr., and Rev. Charles Johnson. Mrs. Smith was preceded
in death by her father, Eber Smith, her brother, Roy Z. Smith, her sister, Thelba
Villar, and one grandchild, Alan Aubert Loyacana. She is survived by her
mother, Rosie Bell Miller Pace of Selmer, her husband, Donald Lee Smith of Selmer,
five sons, Roger Dale Aubert and wife Renee of Popularville, Miss, Robert David
Aubert and wife Lisa of Ramer, Ronald Den Aubert and wife Ann of West Union, SC.,
Donald Lee Smith, Jr. of Corinth, Miss., and David Michael Smith and wife Linda
of London, KY, three daughters, Conchita Faye Peyton and husband Ray of Bartlett,
Latricia Ann Hubanks and husband, Ron of Selmer, and Donna Suzanne Smith Essary
and husband Chris of Corinth, Miss. One brother, J. D. Smith of Counce, fifteen
grandchildren, Scotty Peyton, Miranda Foster, Nicole Aubert, Crystal Aubert, Audra
Aubert, Erin Aubert, Nathan Aubert, Alex Aubert, Tina Berard, Kasey Berard, Elena
Aubert Loyacana, Christopher Aubert Loyacana, Michelle Aubert, Brianna Essary,
and Brandon Essary.
SMITH, ANGIE NAOMI – Angie Naomi Smith, 79, of Stantonville died on April 28, 1988
at McNairy County General Hospital after a short illness. Services were held on
Saturday afternoon at Good Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Joe Stewart
officiating. Burial was in Good Hope Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late
John E. and Mary Devault Landerth and was married to John Henry Smith. She was a
housewife and a member of Good Hope Baptist Church. In addition to her husband,
survivors include four sons, John Wayne Smith of Selmer, Thomas Neil Smith of
Shiloh, Dalton Theodore Smith of Stantonville, and Billy Harold Smith of Columbus,
GA; four daughters, Reba Nell Browder of Selmer, Alva Dell Browder and Betty
Carroll Browder, both of Michie, and Janice Sue Cosby of Stantonville; 11
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, ANNA L - McNairy County Independent - February 10, 1950 - Miss Anna L
Smith, age 32, died on Jan 29, 1950 at her residence in Gas City, Michigan. Her
remains were brought back to McNairy County and funeral was held in Adamsville
Baptist church. Burial in the Adamsville Cemetery. The deceased is survived by
her mother, Mrs Maude Young Smith; one sister Madge Surratt of Winchester, Ind;
two brothers, Charles L smith of Gas City, Mich and John of New Mexico
BETTYE CAROL SNYDER SMITH, 59, died on Fri., Mar. 31, 2000, at her home of cancer.
She was a salesperson at Wal-Mart in Selmer. Services took pace at 2 p.m. on
Sat., Apr. 1, at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial Was held at
Roby Cemetery. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by Lloyd Snyder. She is survived
by one daughter, Sonia Lynn Smith of Finger, her parents Robert A and Ruby Snyder
Ray of Finger, and one brother, Ronnie Christopher of Adamsville.
SMITH, BETTY RACHEL – Betty Rachel Smith, 39, of Selmer was dead on arrival at
McNairy County General Hospital on September 25, 1987 after being involved in a
fatal auto accident. Services were held at the Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel on
Sunday afternoon with Bro. Les MacDairmid officiating. Burial was in Lebanon
Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Joe Walder and Mattie P Carroll of
Selmer and was married to Murry Wendell Smith. She was a Jehovah’s Witness and was
employed by Cleaning Service. In addition to her mother and husband, survivors
include three sons, Wendell G. Smith, Christopher G. Smith, and Jason Timothy
Smith, all of Selmer; and a brother, Billy Joe Carroll of Selmer. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, BIRL - Birl Smith, 66, of Bethel Springs, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1986 at
Veteran’s Hospital in Memphis after a long illness. Funeral services were held
Wednesday afternoon in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer with Rev.
J.H. Patterson officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery. A farmer, Mr. Smith
was the son of the late Marion and Doshie Bryant Smith. He was a member of the
American Legion, Masons Purdy Lodge No. 157, a veteran of World War II, and a
member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Loraine
Williams Smith; two daughters, Mrs. Glenda Rogers of Henderson, and Mrs. Joan
Morgan of Jeffersonville, Ind.; a brother, Oliver Smith of Bethel Springs; three
sisters, Mrs. Ozell Oliver and Mrs. Hazel Gadberry, both of Bethel Springs, and
Mrs. Raymell Taylor of Memphis; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, CARL – Carl Smith, 73, of Selmer died Monday, March 7, 1983, at McNairy
County General Hospital. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 9, in the
Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home, with Marvin Woods officiating. Burial was in
Oak Hill Cemetery. He was the son of the late Robert Lee and Margaret Hurst
Smith. Mr. Smith operated a sawmill. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Betty Young of
Memphis and Mrs. Carolyn Harris of Selmer; four sisters, Mrs. Ethel Hicks, Mrs.
Flossie King, and Mrs. Erly Mullins of Selmer, and Mrs. Jo Edna Howell of Hornsby;
two brothers, Ezra Lee Smith of Selmer and Billy N. Smith of Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
CHRISTEEN MOSS SMITH, 89, died on Sat., June 5, 1999, at Methodist LeBonheur
Healthcare in Jackson of a stroke. She was a homemaker. Services took place at
3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, at Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah. Burial was
held at Center Hill Cemetery in Counce. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her
husband, Warner Riley Smith. She is survived by two sons, Charles R. Smith of
Stantonville and Jimmy T. Smith of Michie, six grandchildren, and three g-
grandchildren.
Coleman Smith, a country banker in Adamsville from 1942 to 2004, died at his home
on November 26, 2004,. Associated with the Farmers & Merchants Bank for 62 years,
Smith was best known as a friend to the common man. As a financial adviser-banker
he worked closely with the rural people of McNairy County. Smith was a member of a
banking family, a tradition that extended well back into pre-depression days.
After college he had began a teaching career at Stantonville School about 1935
then entering World War II to serve in New Guinea with the U.S. Army Corp. of
Engineers. Smith was immensely interested in his town, is credited with the phrase
“Biggest Little Town in Tennessee” that he applied in a description of Adamsville.
He served in city government, was a member of the McNairy County Commission, a
supporter of the Boy Scouts and the United Way of McNairy County, past president
of the Lions Club and a supporter and MC of the Adamsville Horse Show Association.
Smith was a strong advocate of better government and dedicated himself to the
improvement of the society in which he lived.
SMITH, DILLE (PRUDENCE) - McNairy County Independent - Jan 19, 1951 - Mrs Dillie
(Prudence) Smith, age 75, died at her residence in Holland, Missouri on Jan 8,
1951. Her remains were brought to McNairy County for burial. Funeral services
were held at the Pebble Hill Church and interment in the Pebble Hill Cemetery. The
deceased is survived by five daughters: Mrs Lille Hall, Mrs Meada Horner, Mrs
Effie Ferrell, Mrs Myrtle Hunt and Mrs Mamie Wood and three sons: Roy, Everett and
Kenneth Smith.
SMITH, DOCIE L. – Docie L. Smith, 74, of Selmer, died on December 28, 1987 at Tri-
County Convalescent Home after a long illness. Services were held at Shackelford
Funeral Home Chapel on Friday afternoon with burial in Falcon Cemetery. Rev. F.T.
Huckabee officiated. She was the widow of Aubra L. Smith and a retired cafeteria
worker at Selmer Elementary School. Survivors include a son, Billy Alton Smith of
Santa Barbara, CA; a daughter, Frances Mercer of Los Angeles; a brother, Amos
Knight of Memphis; a sister, Amy Simpson of California; three grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, DONA ROBINSON - McNairy County Independent, Friday January 28, 1949 - Mrs.
Dona Robinson Smith, age 71, passed away at her home in -Selmer early Sunday
morning, January 23, 1949. She is survived by two sisters, Anna Shelton and Rettie
Carothers of Selmer. Two brothers, D. G. And Jess Robinson, also of Selmer.
Funeral services, conducted by Bro. H. T. Sanson, were held in the Buena Vista
church with interment in the cemetery there. Pallbearers were: Arlie, Due, Slater,
Vernon, Albert, Frank and Noah Robinson and Frank Higginbottom. Feb 17, 1878 – Jan
23, 1949 Buena Vista Cemetery.
DONALD LEE SMITH, 52 , died on Tue., Apr 25, 2000, at Foryce, AR of a truck
accident. He was a truck driver for Gary's Trucking in Medon and was a member of
Chapel Hill Baptist Church were he was a Sunday School Teacher. Services took
place at 1 p.m. on Sat., Apr. 29, at Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Burial was held
at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Officiating the services was Minister Bro. Frank Bell.
Pallbearers were Billy Wilson, Paul Childers, J. C. Cooper, Acie Plunk, Steve
Weeks, and Jasen Weeks. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father, Chester
Lee Smith, He is survived by his mother, Nora Christine Thurman Smith of
Chattanooga, his wife, Barbara Wilson of Selmer, one son, Chester Smith of
Chattanooga, two sisters, Sharon Crowe and Theresa Walker both of Chattanooga,
Five nieces and three nephews.
Services for DONALD R. "DON" SMITH, 57, of Lufkin, Texas, will be held at 10 a.m.,
Thurs. In the Gipson-Metcalf Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin with Rev. Jimmy Hedges
and Rev. Lloyd Bowden officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse
Cemetery. Mr. Smith was born Jan. 7, 1943, in Adamsville, to the late Wilma
(Martin) and Lee Roy Smith. He died Tues., Apr. 11, 2000, in a Lufkin hospital.
Mr. Smith was a retired machinist for Lufkin Industries. He was a member of
Calvary Baptist Church. Mr. Smith had been a resident of Lufkin for 37 years.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Smith of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Andrew
and Patricia Smith of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Felicia and Joseph Richard
of Pollok; daughters, Dorlisa Sullivan, and Sandi Smith, both of Lufkin; grandson,
Colton Smith of Lufkin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha and Les Gates of
Houston, Nancy and Jimmy Lee Plunk of Adamsville; father-in-law and mother- in-law
Hollis and Mildred Cox of Lufkin; three nephews; one great niece and four great
nephews. Pallbearers will be David Morgan, Rick Buchanan, Larry Cloyd, John Jay,
Michael Floyd and Lynn Floyd. The family will receive friends from 6 - 9 p.m.
Wed. evening a the Gipson-Metcalf Funeral Home.
SMITH, DONALD E. (PETE) – Donald E. (Pete) Smith, 58, of Adamsville, died April
22, 1987 in McNairy County General Hospital. Services were held at 3 p.m. Friday
in Christian Assembly Church, where he was a member. Burial was in Mt. Vinson
Cemetery with W.D. McCollum officiating. Pallbearers were L.D. Briley, Danny
Keymon, Donnie Crotts, Carl Smith, John Howell, and Freddie Thomas. He was the son
of Mrs. Lena Lane Smith, who survives, and the late Willie Smith. He served in
the Army for 21 years and was active in the American Legion Post #97, and Disabled
American Veterans. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Mary Frances Smith; a son,
Raymond Smith of Selmer; a daughter, Janice Morris of Memphis; two brothers,
Maynard Lee Smith and Billy Smith, both of Adamsville; four sisters, Ava Nell
Grant, Elbertine Gray, Brenda Scott, and Kay Young, all of Adamsville; one
granddaughter, Bethany Smith of Selmer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, DOU - March 8, 1918, McNairy County Independent. Gravel Hill Community -
Mr. Dou Smith, 73 years old, was buried here last Thursday. (Couldn't determine
who this man was.)
SMITH, EDGAR C. - Daily Corinthian - Edgar C. Smith of Sheffield, Ala, formerly of
Wenasoga, died today (July 1, 1969) at 3 am in the Colbert County Hospital in
Sheffield. He was 85. Mr. Smith was a retired farmer and landowner in Alcorn
County. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 4:30 pm at the Holly Baptist
Church with Jim Beck of Sheffield officiating. Burial will be in Holly Cemetery.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. M. E. Pratt and Mrs. I. L. Haynes, both of
Sheffield; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. McPeters Mortuary is
in charge of arrangements.
SMITH, ELLA TENNESSEE – Mrs. Ella Tennessee Smith, 86, of Guys, died Sunday,
August 8, 1982, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth after a long illness. Funeral
services were held Tuesday, August 10, at New Hope Methodist Church with Rev. Pat
Ludlum and Rev. Sam Pace officiating. Burial was in the church Cemetery, with
Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer in charge. She was the daughter of the late
Jesse and Birdie Holmes Deatherage, and the widow of the late John N. Smith. Mrs.
Smith was a member of New Hope Methodist Church. She leaves four daughters, Mrs.
Frances Smith of Corinth, Mrs. Dorothy Smith of Ramer, Mrs. Elosie Hale of
Columbus, Mississippi, and Mrs. Grace Gullett of Jeffersville, Indiana; three
sons, Vestal Smith of Corinth, Leslie Smith of Memphis, and John Smith of Memphis;
one sister, Mrs. Jessie Rogers of Corinth; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-
grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, ELLIS RAY - Ellis Ray Smith, age 20, of the U. S. Navy, lost his life in
the auto accident hear Corinth on the morning of July 22, 1952. He was the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Sid Smith, who reside near Michie. Funeral services, conducted by
Rev. A. C. Byrd and Rev. Moore, were held at Shiloh National Cemetery, on July 25,
with burial in the cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer were in
charge. Sailors from the Millington Naval Base served as pallbearers. Besides his
parents, the deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Robert Higgins, and Mary
Smith; seven brothers, George, Allie
SMITH, ELLSWORTH LOVE – Ellsworth Love Smith, 85, of Memphis, died Thursday,
January 13, 1983, at Baptist Hospital. Funeral services were held Saturday,
January 15, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer with Rev. Glenn
Scott officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. He was the son of the
late William P. and Jane Longnecker Smith. He was a retired salesman of
Lowenstein’s, and belonged to the Methodist Church. He leaves one brother, Alva
Smith of Memphis and several nieces and nephews. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
ELVIS BRODIE SMITH, 93, died on Monday Feb. 14, 2000, at his home of heart
failure. He was born and reared in Cave Springs Community of Chester County, son
of the late Alonza Farline and Gainey Hurst Smith. He attended schools at
Hickory Corner and Cave Springs and in 1925 was married to Romie Patterson of
the same community. As a young man he operated a Saw Mill and worked in the
Timber. In 1943 he was employed by Firestone Rubber Co. In Memphis, where he
worked until he retired in 1963. He was an avid fisherman and a deacon at Little
Hatchie primitive Baptist church, and was an organizer and faithful member. He
was also treasurer for many years. Services took place at 1 p.m on Wed., Feb. 16,
at Little Hatchie Church. Burial was held at Little Hatchie Cemetery.
Officiating the services was Elder Elmer Weaver. Mr. Smith is survived by
wife, Romie Sidney Patterson Smith, a son, Hughie Elvis Smith of Shiloh, one
grandson, Rick Sullivan, and three g-grandchildren.
SMITH, ERNEST M. - Dr. Ernest M. Smith, age 63, prominent doctor, farmer and
political leader of the Republican Party, died at his home here Wednesday night,
Oct. 8, 1952. He had been in failing health for several months. Funeral services
were held at the First Presbyterian Church here Thursday afternoon, and burial was
in Oak Hill Cemetery. Dr. Smith, who felt that it was his duty to answer a sick
call whenever it came, night or day, was born at Falcon, Tenn. He travelled the
roads and highways all over the county to care for the sick. His creed was to go
when he received a call. Dr. Smith received his early education in Selmer, and
received his M.D. degree from the University of Tennessee. He started his
practice of medicine at Bethel Springs about 40 years ago, and moved with his
family to Selmer some 15 years ago: the time of his death he was chairman of the
McNairy County Republican Executive Committee, and had held the post of chairman
of the Seventh District Republican Committee for five two-year terms. He was a
member of the Selmer Presbyterian Church, the American Medical Association, the
Tennessee Medical Association and the West Tennessee Consolidated Medical
Association. He was a Shriner. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. E. M.
Smith; three sons, Preston, Wm. E. (Bill), and Jerry Smith; and two daughters,
Mrs. John Lee Powers of Selmer, and Mrs. Keith Alexander, of Tuscumbia, Ala. The
Independent joins the many friends of the family in expressions of deep sympathy
in their hour of bereavement. McNairy County Independent
Smith, Essie Basham – 96 – died of heart failure April 8, 1998 at Quitman County
Hospital in Marks, Ms. Mrs. Smith, who was an avid gardener and lover of flowers,
was a member of Tunica United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her
husband, B.R. Smith, one son, Roy C. Smith and one grandson, Roy Christopher
Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Mildred s. Gray of Clarksville, Ms., her
son, Ray Smith of Dundee, Ms., her sister, Elsie Simpson of Selmer, five
grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mrs. Smith were held Friday, April 10, at Oakwood Cemetery
in Tunica, Ms. Funeral arrangements were handled by Nowell Memorial Funeral Home,
also in Tunica. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunica United Methodist
Church. PDG
SMITH, ELLA TENNESSEE – Mrs. Ella Tennessee Smith, 86, of Guys, died Sunday,
August 8, 1982, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth after a long illness. Funeral
services were held Tuesday, August 10, at New Hope Methodist Church with Rev. Pat
Ludlum and Rev. Sam Pace officiating. Burial was in the church Cemetery, with
Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer in charge. She was the daughter of the late
Jesse and Birdie Holmes Deatherage, and the widow of the late John N. Smith. Mrs.
Smith was a member of New Hope Methodist Church. She leaves four daughters, Mrs.
Frances Smith of Corinth, Mrs. Dorothy Smith of Ramer, Mrs. Elosie Hale of
Columbus, Mississippi, and Mrs. Grace Gullett of Jeffersville, Indiana; three
sons, Vestal Smith of Corinth, Leslie Smith of Memphis, and John Smith of Memphis;
one sister, Mrs. Jessie Rogers of Corinth; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-
grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, EVA D - McNairy County Independent - Nov 16, 1951 - Mrs Eva Dewberry Smith,
wife of Bob Smith of Rt 2, Selmer, died at her home Nov 12, 1951, after an
extended illness. She was a member of the West Shiloh Baptist Church. Funeral
services were held at West Shiloh Church and burial was in the cemetery there. The
deceased leaves her husband, four daughters, mrs A L Cagle, Mrs L D Jordan, Mrs
Paul Depoyster, and Miss Marie Smith; four sons, W C Smith, Jerald Smith, Ted
Smith and J R Smith, jr; 14 grandchildren and one niece Mrs Howard Moore.
SMITH, EVERETT D. – Services for Everett D. Smith, 72, of Michie were held at
10:30 a.m. last Thursday at Clear Creek Baptist Church. Burial was in Clear Creek
Cemetery with Shackelford in charge. Mr. Smith died Tuesday, April 11, 1967, at
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis. He was a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Leora Smith of Michie; four sons, L.E. Smith of
Helena, Mont., Billy Smith of Michie, Branson Smith of Tyronza, Ark., and Ralph
Smith of Cleveland, Miss.; two daughters, Mrs. Jewell Lawson of Corinth, and Mrs.
Jennell Hurley of Memphis; five brothers, Kennie Smith of Marked Tree, Ark., Roy
Smith of Ramer, Earl Smith of Gober, Mo., Norbin Smith of Stantonville, and Troy
Smith of Memphis; four sisters, Mrs. Middie Horner of Michie, Mrs. Myrtle Hunt of
Cottage Hill, Ill., Mrs. Effie Parnell of Gober, Mo., and Mrs. Marie Woods of
California.
Services for Ferrell H. Smith, 68, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Shackelford
Chapel in Selmer. Burial will be in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Ramer. Mr. Smith,
retired from Reynolds Aluminum, was dead on arrival Wednesday, Nov 29, 2000, at
Methodist Healthcare McNairy in Selmer of injuries received in a four-wheeler
accident. He is survived by a sister and brother, Sarah Barclay of Ramer and
Robert Smith of Guys.
SNIDER, FLOYD WM - McNairy County Independent, January 7, 1949 - PFC Floyd W
Snider, age 26, who was killed in action in France on October 13, 1944, was
returned to this county for burial Dec 30, 1948. He was a son of Mr. And Mrs. U.
L. Snider of Finger. Services were conducted at Roby church and interment in the
Roby cemetery. Besides his parents, he was survived by five brothers,
Lloyd, Alton and Buford of Finger, Glynn of Henderson, Raymond of Nashville. Three
sisters Burnace Walker and Lynda May Snider of Finger and Nell Taylor of Meadon,
Tenn.
SMITH, GEORGIA PEARL – Georgia Pearl Smith, 76, of Finger, died June 16, 1987 at
McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness. Funeral arrangements were
incomplete as of Wednesday. She ws the daughter of the late John L. and Alice A.
Crowe Brooks and the widow of J.L. Smith. Survivors include two sons, John L.
Smith of Berkley, CA and Lindon Smith of New York; one daughter, Patricia Paxson
of Navoto, CA; a sister, Mattie Brooks of Henderson; and two grandchildren, Sallie
Dawn Paxson and William Dalton Paxson III. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, GILES BURTON - McNairy County Independent - Friday March 25, 1949 - Mr.
Giles Smith, age 72, died at his home in McNairy County on last Thursday, March
17. He was a Presbyterian. Services were held in the chapel of the Shackelford
Funeral Home, burial in the Falcon Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Dillia Smith of Corinth, Miss and three daughters, Mrs. Lessie Whitten, Mrs Julia
Sanders of Selmer and Mrs Roten of Calif.
SMITH, HOLLIS D - McNairy County Independent - Friday, April 15, 1949 - PFC Hollis
D. Smith to be returned here for burial April 18. Pfc Hollis D. Smith, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Everett Smith, of the Acton community, who was killed in France on Sept
23, 1944, will come home this weekend. His body is expected to arrive here on
Saturday with individual escort. Shackelford Funeral Directors will be in
charge. Services will be held at Shiloh National Military cemetery on Monday,
April 18th at 2:00 pm.
McNairy County Independent, Friday, April, 22, 1949-PFC Hollis D. Smith, who was
killed in action in France on Sept 12, 1944, was returned for burial last
Saturday. He is a son of Mr & Mrs. Everette Smith of Corinth, Miss. Services were
held at the Clear Creek Baptist Church conducted by Rev. P. E. Claybrook. The
National Guard burial unit from selmer assisted in the Military funeral. Burial
was in Shiloh National Military Cemetery. Besides his parents, the deceased is
survived by four brothers, L. E. Smith of Tuscon, Ariz; Billy Smith, Corinth;
Branson Smith, US Air Force; Ralph Smith, Corinth and two sisters, Mrs. Junell
Lawson of Corinth and Mrs. Jenell Petty of Corinth.
SMITH, HORACE - Beauty Hill by Mrs E C Holland - the many relatives and friends
of Horace Smith were shocked last Saturday to hear of his sudden death by heart
attack at Iuka, Miss. His remains were brought to Combs Graveyard for his final
resting place. August 16, 1910 - Aug 2, 1951.
SMITH, J. M. SR - McNairy County Independent - Friday, March 18, 1949 - J. M.
Smith, retired Selmer merchant, passed away March 16, at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. C. W. Rutherford in Tupelo, Miss. The deceased would have been 83
years old April 7th. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 18, 2 pm at
Shackelford’s Funeral Home with burial in Oak Hill cemetery. Mr. Smith was born
and reared northwest of McNairy, the son of William A and Mary Yelverton
Smith. His grandfather, Stephen Smith came from North Carolina and was one of
McNairy County’s first settlers. Of a large family of brothers and sisters, only a
brother, Tom Smith, of McNairy survives. Much of Mr. Smith’s early years were
spent in Arkansas, where he operated business in Brookland, Lake City, Reyno and
Success.
For a brief period around the turn of the century, he located in Selmer and in
1917 returned to establish one of the county’s largest mercantile firms in the
Adams building, where R. O. Horner and Kroger stores are now located. In retired
in 1932 but for several years had a tourist court in Hot Springs, Ark. Mr. Smith
played a role in the establishment of several Selmer business institutions,
including Selmer Bank & Trust Co, and the ice plant. He was also an officer of
the old First Nation Bank. In early life he married Melissa Garner, who died in
1915. Subsequently he re-wed, this time to Pearle Walters, who preceded him in
death a little over a year ago. Of this union were born three children all of
whom survive. They are Mrs. C. W. Rutherford, Tupelo, Miss; J. M. Smith, Jr of
Knoxville; and Loren of Paris. He also leaves two grandchildren and a host of
other relatives.
SMITH, JAMES L. (DR) - McNairy County Independent June 14, 1918 - Dr Jas. Smith
Passed To His Reward. Beloved Physician and Splendid Citizen Dies Monday, June
10. Dr. Jas. L. Smith, died at his home Monday at one o' clock p. m .June 10,
1918. His death was not unexpected. For several weeks he has been considered
liable to die any hour. The Doctor was 68 years old last September. He leaves a
wife, three sons and three daughters. Two of his sons,, Dr. Jon R. and Dr. Ernest
M., are leading young physicians. Few men in the county were better known than
Dr. "Jim " Smith. He was actively engaged in the practice of medicine for nearly
forty years and until he couldn't stand the travel no longer. He perhaps has done
more charity practice than any other doctor in his day. He never asked "can you
pay me " when he was called, even from a warm bed to the saddle on a cold, rainy
night.
SMITH, JAMES ROBERT (OPAL) – James Robert (Opal) Smith, formerly of Selmer, died
April 22, 1987 in Pell City, Ala., where he lived. The 66 year-old retired sales
manager from Nash-Kelvinator, Inc., was owner of Smith Tackle Co., in Pell City.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Friday in Elmwood Valley Chapel. He was a
World War II veteran and member of the First United Methodist Church in Pell
City. Survivors include a son, Robert Smith of California; three sisters, Mrs.
Jesse Todd of Birmingham, AL, Mrs. Zena Wright of Selmer, and Mrs. Louise
DePoyster of Burnsville, Miss.; and two brothers, Ted Smith and Cletus Smith, both
of Selmer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, JEROME -McNairy County Independent - Jerome Smith, aged 79, died march 9,
1929, at the home of his son near Guys. He was buried in the old Sulphur Springs
burying ground the following afternoon. Rev Wallace and Barnes conducting the
funeral. The deceased was reared in the southwest section of McNairy county and
belonged to a pioneer family. For a long time he had been in failing
health. Surviving him are several children and many other relatives. In the Ramer
Community: Jerome Smith died at the home of his son Arthur Smith, at Guys,
Saturday, after an illness of several weeks. A son, W N Smith lives here, in
Ramer.
SMITH, JERRY BROWN, SR . – Jerry Brown Smith, Sr., 55, of Selmer, died Friday,
April, 8, 1983, at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, after a short illness. Funeral
services were held Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Shackelford
Funeral Home of Selmer, with Revs. R.M. Dickson and Wayne McClain
officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were James
Ernest Alexander, Dr. Ernest Ross Smith, Talton Douglas Enoch, Joe McAdams Enoch,
and David Wagner. Serving as honorary pallbearers were former members of Selmer
High School basketball teams. The son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Smith,
Jerry Smith graduated from Union University, and received a Masters degree from
Memphis State University. He was a veteran of World War II, where he served in the
Coast Guard, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a third degree Mason.
He was known best as Basketball Coach of Selmer High School from 1949 through
1965; he coached the team that was runner-up to the state championship team in
1951, and the state champion team in 1952. He then served as Assistant
Superintendent of McNairy County Schools from 1966 until 1969. Mr. Smith was
principal of McNairy Central High School from its opening in 1969 until 1972. In
1973, he joined the State Department of Education, serving as West Tennessee
School Plant Coordinator until his death. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Jean McAdams
Smith; two daughters, Jeanie Smith Cartwright of Memphis and Martha Alicia Smith
of Selmer; one son, Jerry Brown Smith, Jr. of Jackson; one granddaughter, Sarah
Jane Smith of Jackson; two sisters, Sara Alice Smith Alexander of Sheffield,
Alabama, and Johnie Eileen Smith Powers of Selmer; and two brothers, James Preston
Smith of Selmer and William Ernest Smith of Selmer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
JEWEL MYRTLE MILLER SMITH, 94, died on Wed., Dec. 8, 1999, at Hardin County
General Hospital in Savannah of a heart attack. She was a homemaker and a member
of Shiloh Church of Christ. Services took place at 3 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 21, at
Shackelford Chapel in Savannah. Burial was held at White Sulphur Cemetery in
Pickwick. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband Wilburn Raliegh Smith.
She is survived by one son, Carl Richard Smith and his wife, Clara of Michie, one
grandchild, Janell Cartwright and husband, Ronnie of Michie, and one gr-grandchild
Rodney Cartwright of Michie.
SMITH, JIMMY D. - Jimmy D. Smith, of Route 2, Selmer, died Saturday night, August
10, 1974, at the Jackson Madison County Hospital from injuries received in an auto
mishap July 11. Funeral services for Mr Smith were held Sunday at Shackelford
Chapel and burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Survivors were his widow, Mrs Sharon
Smith; a son Jimmy D. Smith, Jr; his parents, Mr and Mrs Arnold Smith of Selmer,
his grandmother, Mrs Mollie A. Smith and grandparents Mr and Mrs Homer Sims. (Typo
- there was also a brother Jerry Arnold Smith.)
SMITH, JOHN EARNEST - McNairy County Independent -October 5, 1951 - Funeral
services for Pvt John Earnest Smith were held at the Falcon Church. Rev Lloyd W
Ramer, ex-chaplain of the Army, officiated the military funeral. Pvt Smith lost
his life in Korea, Mar 12, 1951, while fighting a tent fire, which was filled with
ammunition. He was the son of Mr and Mrs P R Smith of Selmer. Besides his
parents, he is survived by four sisters, Mrs Perry D Forsythe, Evelyn Smith, Mary
Alice Smith and Waydene Smith; five brothers, Morland Smith, Acie E Smith, London
Smith, Loyal Glenn Smith and George W Smith, and grandmother Mrs A B Smith of
Selmer.
SMITH, JOHN JACKSON - McNairy County Independent - Friday, November 18, 1949 - Mr
John Jackson Smith, age 79, of Chewalla, Tenn, died Monday, November 14, 1949. He
was a member of the Baptist denomination. Services, conducted by Rev Bolding,
where held at the Chewalla Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 15. Interment was
in the Indian creek cemetery. He leaves one daughter Mrs Mary Martin of Chewalla.
SMITH, JOHN MILTON - Mr. John Melton Smith, age 76, died at his home in the Guys
community on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1952. He was a member of Guys Christian
Church. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Vernon Church on Thursday, Oct. 23,
at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in the Mt. Vernon cemetery, with Shackelford Funeral
Directors in charge. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Alice Smith; five
daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Gammel, Corinth, Mrs. Lessie Tanner, California, Mrs.
Violet Huggins, Corinth, Mrs. Freddie Mae Smith, Ramer, Mrs. Katherine Newcomb,
Gary, Ind.; 5 sons Rupert, of Guys, Arthur, of Ramer, Johnny, of Memphis, Howard,
also of Guys, and J. D., of Oak Ridge; sixteen grandchildren, and three great-
grandchildren. McNairy County Independent
SMITH, JOHN W. – John W. Smith, 23, a commercial fisherman from Adamsville, died
February 22, 1987 at his residence as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot
wound. Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Shackelford Funeral Home Adamsville
Chapel. Burial was in Mt. Vinson Cemetery with Cecil Robinson and W.D. McCollum
officiating. Pallbearers were Will Sanders, Steve Howell, Rickey Howell, Anthony
Plunk, Billy Ray Young, Stacy Rinks, Teddy Hughes, and Lionel Berryman. He was
preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Doppler Smith, and a sister. Survivors
include his father, Donald E. Smith of Adamsville; a brother, Raymond Smith of
Selmer; and a half-sister, Janice Morris of Memphis. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, JOSEPH RANDY – Joseph Randy Smith, 30, of Stantonville, died Feb 19, 1987
in a traffic accident on I-40 near Dickson. Services were held at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday in Shackelford Funeral Home Adamsville Chapel. Burial was in
Stantonville Cemetery with Danny Eubanks officiating. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Smith of Stantonville, he was a farmer and truck driver. He was a member of
Stantonville Church of Christ and Alpha Gamma Rho ag fraternity at Austin Peay
State University. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Cathy Rose Smith; a son, Kyle
Smith; a daughter, April Smith; three brothers, Nyles Smith, Jamie Smith, and
Dwayne Smith, all of Stantonville; a sister, Mrs. Janniece Ferguson of Houlka,
Miss.; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Exie Smith of Stantonville; and maternal
grandfather, Barnie Smith of Adamsville. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
JOYCE DUNN SMITH, 57, of Michie died Aug. 19, 2000, at Magnolia Regional Health
Center due to heart failure. Ms. Smith was a garment factor employee and a member
of Kendrick Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by one son, Keith Smith, one
daughter-in-law, Debby Smith, one sister, Connie Dunn, two brothers, Tommy Dunn
and Billy Dunn, and her father, Baxter Dunn. She is survived by one daughter,
Brenda Eilkins of Corinth, Miss, one son, Wade Smith of Michie, her mother, Edna
Plaxico Dunn of Corinth, Miss., three sisters, Barbara Wood of Counce, Betty Gray
of Corinth, Miss., and Carolyn Dunn of Corinth, Miss., three brothers, Bobby Dunn
of Corinth, Miss., Wayne Dunn of Corinth, Miss., Donald Dunn Belmont, Miss., her
son-in-law, Joey Wilkins, companion with whom she lived, Jimmy Riddell, and four
grandchildren, Rachel Smith, Shane Smith Hathcock, Dakotah McCann, and Amber
McCann. Funeral services were held at Shackelford Funeral Home on Mon. at 3 p.m.
Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery at Pickwick Southside.
SMITH, JULIA ALICE - Mrs Julia Alice Smith, age 80, widow of D T Smith, died in
the home of her son, Carman, in Selmer, May 2, 1946. Services were conducted at
Shackelford Funeral Home and interment in the Falcon cemetery. Mrs Smith was a
devot member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She moved from Falcon to
Selmer many years ago, and spent the remaining years of her long and useful life
in Selmer, rearing her children. It is said of Mrs Smith that she never said a
harmful word about anyone in her life. Her oldest son, Arthur, preceded her in
death about 10 months ago. Sruvivors include: two sons, R Cart Smith and C Carman
Smith; one daughter Mrs Glaciel Weatherford; one sister Mrs Horry Hill and two
brothers Tobe Carmen and Henry Carmen, all of Selmer.
SMITH, JULIA ALICE - As we go to press, complete details are lacking regarding the
funeral services of Mrs Julia Alice Smith, age 80, wife of the late D. T. Smith,
who died at the home of her son Carman, in Selmer on May 2, 1946. From
information at hand, Rev. Carl M. Robbins, of the First Methodist Church, Selmer,
will conduct the services in the chapel of the Shackelford Funeral Home at 3:00
o'clock p.m., Friday, May 3, and interment will be in the Falcon cemetery. Mrs.
Smith was a devout member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She moved from
Falcon to Selmer many years ago, and spent the remaining years of her long and
useful life in Selmer, rearing her children. It is said of Mrs. Smith that she
never said a harmful word about anyone in her life. Her oldest son, Arthur,
preceded her in death about ten months ago. Survivors include tow son, R. Carter
Smith and C. Carman Smith; one daughter Mrs G. F. Weatherford; one sister Mrs
Horry Hill; two brothers, Tobe and Henry Carman; five grandchildren and three
great grandchildren, all of Selmer. .
SMITH, KIM – Kim Smith, 20, of Henderson, died on February 28, 1988 at Regional
Hospital in Jackson after a long illness. Funeral services were held at Casey
Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday afternoon with burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Bro.
Chris Warren and Bro. Aubrey Chandler officiated. She was the daughter of Doris
Laverne Grisswell Lipford of Henderson and was employed as a waitress at M.&M.
Restaurant in Henderson. She was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church. She
was born in Chester County and reared in McNairy County, and attended McNairy
County schools. In addition to her mother, survivors include a daughter, Shasta
Nicole Smith; her fiancé, Kenneth Stewart; grandmothers, Mamie Grisswell of
McNairy and Jodie Smith of Henderson; three brothers, Joey Lipford of McNairy,
Keith Lipford of Rose Creek, and Alan (Buck) Lipford of Jackson; two sisters,
Deborah Harrison of McNairy and China Banks of Bethel Springs; two half-brothers,
Joey Smith of Montgomery, Ala., and Barry Keith Smith of Henderson. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, L. E. - L E 'Smitty' Smith, 70, of Helena, Mont. died Feb 11, 1991 at his
home after an extended illness. Services were held last Thursday at 3:30 pm at the
Hagler-Anderson in Helena. A Selmer service was held Sat at Shackelful Funeral
Home Chapel. Burial in Milledgville City. Pallbearers were nephews Tony Smith,
Todd Smith, Ricky Smith, Dewayne Petty, Jimmy Kennedy, Dannie Kennedy. Born in
Selmer, the son of the late Leora Clark Smith, he attended school in McNairy
County. He was a bricklayer for over 50 years in almost every state in the west.
His family settled in the Helena area in 1858 where he was a masonry contractor
until 1970 when he started his own business, Smitty’s Fireplace Shop. An avid
outdoorsman, fly fisherman and hunter he spent much of his time at his cabin in
the Deep Creek Canyon near Townsend. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church,
serving as Deacon for many years. He was a member of King Olomon’s Lodge
#9. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Kennedy Smith, a son, Leland Smith;
grandchildren Shaun Smith and Robyn Smith, all of Helena; three brothers, Billy
Smith of Michie, Ralph Smith of Cleveland, Miss and Branson Smith of Tuscon,
Ariz., Ralph Smith of Cleveland
SMITH, LANIE - McNairy County Independent - November 3, 1950 - Mr Lanie Smith, age
50, died at his home near Selmer, on Saturday, October 28, 1950. He had been in
bad health for some time and a heart attack was given as the cause of death.
Funeral services were held at the Pebble Hill church on Sunday, October 29 with
interment in the cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of
arrangements. Mr Smith was a Missionary Baptist. He is survived by his wife, mrs
Lanie smith; one daughter, Gladys Smith; three sons, Raymond, Alton and Billie
Smith; and one grandson, Leon Smith.
SMITH, LENA MAE - (died Oct. 9, 1952) Mrs. Lena Mae Smith passed away at her home
here Thursday night, after a long illness. She was 74 years and 10 months of age.
She underwent surgery in January of this year which failed to halt the ravages of
the disease which claimed her life. Mrs. Smith was the former Miss Lena Browning,
daughter of S. A. and Paralee Browder Browning. She was married to Benton Smith
about 58 years ago, and with the exception of a period of time in Oklahoma, they
spent these years in Ramer. She united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church
when a young girl. Known to friends and neighbors as "Miss Lena," she enjoyed a
wide acquaintance, having operated a grocery store and filling station until about
six years ago when she retired to enjoy her home and flowers which she loved.
She was agent for the Commercial-Appeal at the time of her death, and had been for
a long time. She leaves her husband, a daughter, Mrs. Bernice Smith, of Memphis;
a son, Harold Smith, of Ramer; and two grandchildren, Anita Sue Smith, of Ramer,
and Glenn Gage, of Memphis. The funeral was held in the Ramer Cumberland
Presbyterian Church Saturday afternoon. Rev. M. E. Hines, pastor. McNairy County
Independent
SMITH, LEORA - Services for Leora C Smith, 90, will be held Sunday at Shackelford
Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Smith died Friday June 10, — at the Magnolia
Hospital in Corinth. She was the widow of Everett D Smith, and a member of Clear
Creek Baptist Church. Burial was in the Clear Creek Cemetery. Officiating
ministers were the Rev Dennis Smith and Rev Lamar Ball. Survivors include one
daughter Mrs Jewel Lawson of Corinth, Miss; four sons, L E Smith of Helena Mont,
Billy Smith of Michie, Branson Smith of Tuscon, Ariz, Ralph Smith of Cleveland;
two brothers, Ethel Clark of Memphis and Dewey Clark of Adamsville; seven
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Ricky Smith,
Dewayne Petty, Toney Smith, Raven Clark, Robert Willingham and Bill Driskell.
SMITH, LOCKIE JANE - McNairy County Independent - March 17, 1950 - Miss Lockie
Jane Smith, age 69, a resident of the McNairy community, died on March 11, 1950.
She was a Missionary Baptist. Funeral service, conducted by Rev Roberts, were held
at Mt Zion on March 12, with interment in McNairy cemetery. She is survived by one
sister, Mrs W F Ashlock; three brothers, Kin, Marion E and Logan Smith.
Martha Ann Smith - Mrs. Dolp Smith, aged 67 years, died Saturday night, June 22,
1930, at her home one mile north of McNairy, following a stroke of paralysis. Her
remains were laid to rest Sunday afternoon in the old McNairy cemetery, Rev.
Burkhead conducted the funeral. Mrs. Smith was a Christian woman, and was loved
by all who knew her. Beside her husband, the deceased is survived by nine
children, all grown and married. Her husband is a brother of our townsman, J. M.
Smith. The Independent extends its condolence in the great loss the family has sustaine
MARTHA SMITH - With saddened hearts, relatives and friends gathered at 2:00
o’clock Thursday afternoon, Oct 20, 1955 at Liberty Church (Probably the cemetery
close to Bethel Springs) to pay final tribute to a beloved pioneer family of the
Liberty community, who died at 6:00 o’clock Tuesday, Oct 18, 1955, evening of
last week at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital, following three weeks of
critical illness. The solemn rites were conducted by Rev R M Dickson, pastor of
the Bethel Springs Presbyterian Church. The Jordan Singers sang three songs.
Burial was in the Liberty Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home in charge.
Serving as pallbearers were six grandsons, Leon Smith of Okolona, Miss, Johnny
Smith of Pontotoc, Miss, Don and Dale Smith of Finger, Tenn, Ralph Smith of
Mobile, Ala and Eric Plunk of Florence, Ala. The flower girls were her
granddaughters, Mrs Edd Lamb and Mrs Howard Cross of Mobile, Ala, Miss Bobbie
Smith of Florence, Ala, Misses Shirley, Martha and Jane Smith of Adamsville, Tenn
and Miss Emma Jo Smith of Finger, Tenn. Mrs Martha was born March 29, 1872. She
was the daughter of the late M C and Dezanna Henry Plunk and was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. She is survived by four sons, Marvin Smith of Okolona, Miss,
Cordie Smith of Mobile, Ala, Grady Smith of East Chicago, Ind, and Frank Smith of
Finger. Four daughters, Mrs J R Reeves of Amory, Miss, Miss Ida Smith of Bethel
Springs, Mrs H L Plunk of Florence, Ala and Mrs John Hester of Bethel Springs; one
half brother, J T Rosser of Belmont, Miss; 24 grandchildren, 11 g-grandchildren;
several neices, nephews and cousins.
SMITH, MATTIE HOPKINS – Mattie Hopkins Smith, 78, of Memphis, died Sunday, July
11, 1982, at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, after a long illness. Funeral services
were held Tuesday, July 13, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer
with Rev. Jack Kwok officiating. Burial was in Falcon Cemetery. She was the
daughter of the late Marion and Ada Sarrett Ernest, and a member of Temple Baptist
Church in Memphis. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Marcelle Deatherage and Mrs.
Madge Wright, both of Memphis; two sons, Ruben Hopkins of Clarkston, Washington,
and Hansford Hopkins of Hickory Withe, Tennessee; one sister, Mrs. Wren Huggins of
Corinth; eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, MATTIE WILMA – Mrs. Mattie Wilma Smith, 66, of Adamsville, died Wednesday,
March 16, 1983, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held
Thursday, March 17, at Mt. Sharon Presbyterian Church, with burial in Mt. Vinson
Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Ed and Bertie Gilchrist Martin, and the
widow of the late Lee Roy Smith. Mrs. Smith was a member of the Presbyterian
Church. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Martha Jane Floyd of Houston, Texas and
Mrs. Nancy Plunk of Adamsville; one son, Don Smith of Lufkin, Texas; four sisters,
Mrs. Lora Ozment of Bethel Springs, Mrs. Evelyn Williams of Donaldson, Mrs.
Loudean Inman of Memphis, and Mrs. Faye Donaldson of Adamsville; three brothers,
Gilcie Martin of Adamsville, Kennie Martin of San Bernadino, California, and Ruble
Martin of Clinton, Ohio; seven grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, MAVOUREEN - 76, died on Tues., Jan. 11, 2000, at Jackson Madison County
General Hospital of heart failure. She was a machine operator at ITT Automotive
Plant, a member of World of Truth Pentecostal Church, and Senior Citizens Club.
Services took place at 11 a.m. on Thurs., Jan. 13, at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Eastview.
Officiating the services was Ministers Larry Cooksey and Jearl Hunley. Mrs. Smith
was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Lee Smith, her parents, John Allen and
Winnie Pearl McMahan McCoy, one son, Roy Allen Smith, and a daughter, Mattie Pearl
Smith. She is survived by one son, Jerry Lee Smith of Ramer and one grandson,
Shawn Smith of Ramer.
MELVIN SEVIER SMITH of Stantonville, TN, 81, died on Oct. 13, 2004 at Jackson-
Madison County General Hospital. Mr. Smith was a member of First Baptist Church of
Adamsville, TN and an avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener. He worked as a
machinist for General Electric in Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his
parents, William Barnie and Edna Smith; a daughter, Gail Young; a sister, Laurene
Conaway; two brothers, Edward Smith and J. D. Smith. He is survived by his wife,
Quida Mayo Smith; two brothers, Sammie Smith of Stantonville and Derald Smith of
Bolivar; two sisters, Maxine Smith of Stantonville and Muriel Pettigrew of
Adamsville; a son-in-law, Greg Young of Oak Ridge; two granddaughters, Christine
Beavers and husband, William, Jr. of Oak Ridge and Donna Adams and husband, Ryan
of Chattanooga, TN; and three g-grandchildren, Ashley Adams of Chattanooga and
Sara and Alan Beavers of Oak Ridge. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on
Fri., Oct. 15th at First Baptist Church of Adamsville with Phil Mitchell, Harold
Conaway, and Wade Taylor officiating. Burial followed at Stantonville Cemetery.
SMITH, NOLA BROWDER - Nola Browder Smith, 89, of Selmer, died Saturday (April 12,
1986) in Hardin County General Hospital following a long illness. Tuesday morning
services were conducted at First Presbyterian Church in Selmer, with Rev Roy
Charles Murphy officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were
grandsons: James C Dobbins, Bill Dobbins, John Dobbins, Robin Smith, Tom Smith,
Danny Smith, Tom Eldredge, Ed Eldredge. The daughter of the late Benjamin and
Idella Mccullar Browder, she was the widow of R Carter smith and a member of the
First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a son, Robert Browder Smith of
Savannah; two daughters, Mrs Mary Alice Dobbins of Germantown and Mrs Nell Carter
Eldredge of Cleveland, Tenn; a sister Mrs Gladys Cartwright of Booneville, Miss;
15 grandchildren and 11 great grand children.
SMITH, NOVA ELMER - McNairy County Independent - August 24, 1951 - Mr Nova Elmer
smith, age 43, died August 2-, 1951. Funeral services were conducted by Rev W E
Bailey at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Burial was in Olive Hill Cemetery. The
deceased was a member of the Chewalla Baptist Church and he is survived by his
wife Mrs Hattie Smith; three sons, Leamon Smith, George H Smith and Murry W Smith;
mother Mrs T M Smith; three brothers, Clarence Smith, Hubert Smith, Johnny smith;
and two sister, Mrs Lois Wren and Mrs Pattie Lee Cooksey
SMITH, OTIS, L ‘BOSS’ - Corinthian - JAN 8, 1971 - McNairy County, Tenn. Clifford
Coleman said this morning that ice on a bridge in what is known as ‘Byrd’s Bottom’
about 10 miles south of Selmer, on Hwy 45, was the apparent cause for a head-on
collision Friday afternoon around 3:15. The collision claimed the lives of two
area men, Otis L. ‘Boss’ Smith, 54, an employee of Magnolia Hosiery Mill, Corinth,
and Barney Lancaster, 44 of Rt 5 Corinth. ‘We can only speculate as to what
happened,’ Sheriff Coleman said. ‘It appears that Lancaster, in a panel truck lost
control on the bridge and veered into the path of the oncoming pickup driven by
Smith who was approaching the bridge. Smith, died on the operating table at
Memphis Baptist Hospital around 10:30 Friday night (Jan 8, 1971). Magnolia
Hospital officials state that he was given initial treatment in the local
emergency room for chest injuries and lacerations of the forehead and scalp. He
was then transferred to the Memphis facility. Funeral services for Smith were
Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church with Rev. Billy Dancer and
Gerald Hunley officiating. Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer had charge of
arrangements. Burial was in Gravel Hill Cemetery. He leaves his wife and a son,
Jerry Smith of Eastview; along with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Smith, also of
the community; four brothers, James Smith, Winfred Smith, Emmett Smith, all of
Eastview, and Bill Smith of Corinth; and sister, Mrs. Polly Crum of
Corinth. Pallbearers were nephews. Honorary pallbearers included co-workers, Roy
Pardue, Tate Young, Frank Taylor, Troy Bumpas, Harry Steen, Alvon Hardin, R.L.
Cook, Howard Pitman, Buel McMahan.
SMITH, PAMELA DAWN – Pamela Dawn Smith, 23, of Selmer, died Tuesday, March 8, 1983
at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital of injuries suffered in a horse-back
riding accident last week. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 9, in the
Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Brother Bill Ackerman officiating. Burial
was in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. She was the daughter of Billy Joe and Carolyn
Gann Sanders of Pocahontas. She was employed as a laboratory assistant at
Kimberly Clark in Corinth. She was a member of the First Christian Church. She
leaves her mother and father; her husband, Richard Smith; her paternal
grandfather, J.H. Sanders of Pocahontas; and her two sisters, Miss Penny Denise
Sanders and Miss Perry Danette Sanders, both of Pocahontas. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
SMITH, PAULINE – A memorial service for Mrs. Pauline Smith, a former resident of
Selmer, will be held here Thursday, January 20, 1983, at 2 p.m. at the First
Presbyterian Church of Selmer, with the Rev. R.M. Dickson officiating. Mrs. Smith
died Friday, January 14, at a nursing home in Nagodoches, Texas, at the age of
94. Funeral services and burial were January 19, with Laird Funeral Home of
Nagodoches in charge. Known as “Miss Pauline” to her many friends in Selmer, she
was raised in Bethel Springs, the daughter of the late John Randall Stovall, the
12th Sheriff of McNairy County, and the late Sarah Jane Hendrix Stovall. She was
the widow of the late Dr. E.M. Smith, who died in 1952. She was a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Selmer. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Sara Frances
Bagby of Lexington, Kentucky; 3 sons, J.C. Rhodes of Sun City West, Arizona,
Randolph S. Rhodes of Nagodoches, and Thomas H. Rhodes of Houston, Texas;
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, PAULINE – Pauline Smith, 67, of Selmer died on December 18, 1987 at
Regional Hospital in Jackson. Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Max Walker officiating. Burial was in
Oak Hill Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Kennie S. and Myrtle Curtis
Davis and was married to Ted Smith. She was a member of the First Baptist Church
and a retired Division Sales Manager for World Book Encyclopedia. In addition to
her husband, survivors include a son, Steve Smith of Selmer; a daughter, Mrs.
Venita Pailette Kaiser of Germantown; and a brother, Knox Davis of
Michie. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, PEARLIE MAE ESSARY – Mrs. Pearlie Mae Essary Smith, 75, died Friday, August
6, 1982. Services were held in the Milledgeville Pentecostal Church and Burial was
in the Milledgeville Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home in charge. She was
born October 3, 1906, in Chester County, daughter of the late George and Arbie
Bivens Essary. She leaves her husband, Ivy G. Smith; 8 daughters, Miss Brenda
Smith and Mrs. Maxine Organ, both of Reagan, Tennessee, Mrs. Jimmie Sue Carnes of
Alexandria, Louisiana, Mrs. Ruby Crowell of Enville, Mrs. Bobbie Helms of
Adamsville, Mrs. Dorothy Davis of Walls, Mississippi, Mrs. Wanda Johnson of
Lexington, and Mrs. Betty Lunce, of New Carlisle, Ohio; 4 sons, Glen and Paul
Smith of Memphis, Sam Smith of Midland, Texas, and Fay Essary of Gleason,
Tennessee; 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Lela Hart
of Martin; two brothers, Joe Neal Essary of Martin and Kenneth Essary of Finger; 2
step-daughters, Mrs. Mildred Benton of Enville and Mrs. Arlene Ebny of Cynthia,
Indiana; 2 step-sons, Ivy D. Smith of Tullahoma and J.T. Smith of Decaturville.
McNairy County Independent
Services for Phillip Guy Smith, 43, will be held at 3 p.m. today at Shackelford
Funeral Directors in Selmer. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in
Selmer. Mr. Smith, a construction worker, died Saturday, Feb 24, 2001, at Hardin
County General Hospital of injuries received in an automobile accident. He is
survived by a daughter, Jill Smith of Selmer; his mother, Billie Smith; and a
sister, Mary Rorie of Selmer.
Services for Preston Smith, 88, will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 10, 2002, at
Shackelford Chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Smith, a retired
FHA Appraiser, died Friday, November 8, 2002, at his home. He was a member of the
First Presbyterian Church, a former McNairy County Register of Deeds and Tax
Assessor and also worked for U.S. Core of Engineers. He was preceded in death by
his wife, Martha Rice Smith; his parents, Dr. Ernest M. and Cordie Brown Smith;
and two brothers, Bill Smith and Jerry Smith. Survivors include one daughter,
Molly Cherry of Selmer, TN; one son, Dr. Jamie Smith of Selmer, TN; three
grandchildren, Leanne Wood of Salem, AL, Holly England of Booneville, MS and John
Smith of Selmer, TN; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Sara Alice Alexander
of Sheffield, AL and Johnie Powers of Selmer, TN; and one sister-in-law, Jean
Smith of Selmer, TN. The family ask that any memorials be directed to the Selmer
First Presbyterian Church or the Selmer First United Methodist Church. Shackelford
Funeral Directors
SMITH, R CARTER - Former McNairy County Judge R. Carter Smith died here Monday,
Oct 29, 1962, after a brief illness. Funeral services were held at 3 Tuesday
afternoon at the Selmer Methodist Church. Burial was in Selmer’s Oak Hill
Cemetery, with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge. Judge smith was a life
long resident of Selmer. He served as McNairy County Judge for more than 20 years,
and later was special auditor for the McNairy County Board of Education. He was a
member of the First Methodist Church, Selmer, was a Mason and Shriner. He leaves
his wife, Mrs Nola Browder Smith of Selmer; one son, Robert B Smith of Savannah,
three daughters, Mrs C Ray Dobbins, of Memphis, Mrs John Simpson of Dallas Texas,
Mrs Bud Eldridge, of Cleveland, Tenn; and a brother Carman Smith of Selmer.
SMITH, ROBERT FRANK – Robert Frank Smith, 55, of Selmer, died suddenly, Saturday,
July 31, 1982, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held
Monday morning, August 2, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Dr. Matt
Tomlin officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were
John Louis Jones, P.J. Maxedon, Wilbert Sanders, Pete Kirk, Ray Hamm, and Ezra
Locke. He was the son of Mrs. Loraine Hagy Smith of Selmer and the late Montie E.
Smith, Sr. Mr. Smith was a rural mail carrier. He was a veteran of World War
II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and
Sunday School teacher. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Bobbie Smith; his mother; one
daughter, Miss Cindy Smith; and two brothers, Dr. Montie E. Smith, Jr. and Dr.
James H. Smith, all of Selmer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, ROBERT WILLIAM – Robert William Smith, 83, of Selmer, died March 29, 1987
at McNairy County General Hospital. Services were held at 3:30 p.m. Monday in Mt.
Zion Baptist Church. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The son of the late Mary
Wilson Smith and Steve Smith, he was the husband of the late Mary Lou James
Smith. He was a retired farmer. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bobbie Lou
Smith of Savannah; three brothers, Joe Smith of Selmer, Wes Smith of Bethel
Springs, and Jess Smith of Adamsville; two sisters, Mrs. Martha Henry of Bethel
Springs and Mrs. Emma Durbin of Portageville, Mo.; and four
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, SARAH RUBY – Sarah Ruby Smith, 74, owner of Smith’s Grocery, died April 22,
1987 at her residence in Guys. Services were held at 1 p.m. Friday in Shackelford
Funeral Home Selmer Chapel. Burial was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery with Rev. Scott
Fowler officiating. She was the daughter of the late Loribell Huggins Curtis and
Ed Curtis and the widow of Sherman D. Smith. Survivors include two sons, Robert
W. Smith and Ferrell H. Smith, both of Guys; a daughter, Mrs. Sarah P. Barclay of
Ramer; a brother, Charlie Curtis of Memphis; two sisters, Mrs. Maggie Evans of
Tupelo, Miss, and Mrs. Lola Mae Ahlberg of Waukegan, Ill.; and a granddaughter,
Karen Barclay of Ramer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, SHIRLEY FAYE – Shirley Faye Smith, 50, of Bethel Springs, died June 24,
1987 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital after a long illness. Services
were held at 3 p.m. Thursday in Shackelford Funeral Home Selmer Chapel with Rev.
David Hawkey officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memorial Gardens. She is the
daughter of the late A.D. McCann and Mrs. Annie Shirley Doak of Henderson, who
survives. She was a retired factory worker and member of the Oak Grove Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Other survivors include her husband, Leon Smith; two sons,
David Smith of Finger and Mark Wade smith of Memphis; two daughters, Mrs. Joyce
Plunk and Mrs. Gloria Connor, both of Finger; a brother, Vernon Ray McCann of Horn
Lake, Miss.; three sisters, Mrs. Ava Jewell Keough of Coldwater, Miss., Mrs. Mary
Ann Hurst of Selmer, and Mrs. Beulah Lee Carlin of Hornsby; and seven
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, SIM S - McNairy County Independent - Sept 29, 1950 - Mr Sim S Smith, age
81, who resided in the Gravel Hill community, died on Monday, Sept 18,
1950. Funeral services, conducted by Rev W E Bailey, were held at the Gravel hill
Missionary Baptist Church on Sept 19, with interment there. Survivors include: one
son, Charlie W Smith and one daughter, Miss Eva Parlee Smith.
SMITH, TOM - McNairy County Independent, February 18, 1949 - Mr. Tom Smith,
Milledgeville, banker, and well known in banking circles of Tennessee and
surrounding states, died at his home in Milledgeville on Monday, February 24,
1949. He had been in failing health for some time. He was 76. Funeral service,
conducted by Rec. Harold Townsend, and assisted by Rev. J. D. Canaday, was held at
the Milledgeville Methodist Church last Tuesday, at 2:00 pm. Burial was in the
Milledgeville cemetery. Mr. Smith had spend his entire life in Chester and
McNairy counties, and looked after business interest in other parts of the
State. He was a stockholder in some 20 banks in the midsouth. ‘Uncle Tom’ as he
was known, served as president and cashier of the Enville bank for 34 years, and
was president of the Jack’s Creek and Sardis banks at the time of his death. Mr.
Smith was a Methodist and gave generously to his church and to the needy. He
leaves one brother, Dr. L. C. Smith of Henderson, and three sisters, Mrs. John
Spencer of Finger, Mrs E. K. Bridges of Milledgeville and Mrs. A. P. Smith of
Henderson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
SMITH, TROY M SR. – Troy M. Smith, Sr., 69, of Memphis, formerly of McNairy
County, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 1986 at Veteran’s Hospital in Memphis after a
short illness. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Curtis Hill Church
with Revereands David Riggs and Norman Fonta officiating. Burial was in Curtis
Hill Cemetery. A brick layer, Smith was the son of the late William Acie and
Prudence Smith. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of Newberry Church
of God of Prophecy. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bernice Prewitt Smith; two
sons, Troy (Kenneth) Smith, Jr. of Georgetown and Eddie Gene Smith of Memphis;
three daughters, Mrs. Linda Carroll Fonta of Cleveland, Mrs. Brenda Faye Minnix of
Chesapeake, Va., Mrs. Barbara Jo Riggs of Taylor, Mich.; a brother, Norbon Smith
of Stantonville; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SMITH, TROY M, SR - Independent Appeal - Troy M Smith, Sr. Age 69, of Memphis,
formally of McNairy County, died Thursday, Dec 11, 1986 at Veterans Hospital in
Memphis after a short illness. Funeral services where held Saturday afternoon at
Curtis Hill Church with reverends David Riggs and Norman Fonta officiating. Burial
in Curtis Hill Cemetery. A brick layer, Smith was the son of the late William Acie
and Prudence Smith. He was a veteran of WWII and a member of the –ewberry Church
of Prophecy. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Bernice Prewitt Smith; two sons, Troy
(Kenneth) Smith Jr of Georgetown and Eddie Gene Smith of Memphis; three daughters,
Mrs Linda Carroll Fonta of Cleveland, MRs Glenda Faye Minnix of Chespeake, Va, Nrs
Barbara Jo Riggs of Michigan; a brother Norvon Smith of Stantonville; two
grandchildren and five great grand children.
SMITH, W. B. - McNairy County Independent - February 28, 1919 - W. B. Smith
passed away last week at his home near Stantonville, death being caused from the
effects of flu. He was a Christian gentleman and his death is regretted by
all. May 2, 1854 – Feb 12, 1919 Mt Vinson.
SMITH, WILLIAM ACEY - McNairy County Independent - Friday Feb 25, 1949 - Mr.
William Acey Smith, age 78, died at his home near Michie this week, Feb 23,
1949. Funeral services were incomplete when we went to press. He was a farmer and
a member of the Baptist church. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Wm
Smith; two brothers, Lonnie Smith of Selmer and John Smith of Corinth, Miss; two
sisters Roxie Littlejohn and Ridda Humphrey of Ramer. Five daughters: Mrs. Lillie
Hall, Meada Horner, Effie Renell, Myrtle Hunt and Monnie Wood. Six sons: Roy,
Everett, Kermit, Earl, Troy and Norman. Shackelford Funeral Directors are handling
arrangements.
SMITH, WILLIAM JAMES - McNairy County Independent - Friday - July 15, 1949 - Mr.
William James Smith, age 75, died at his residence in Stantonville on July 3rd. He
was a retired farmer. Funeral services, conducted by Reb. Plunk, was held at the
MT Vinson Church on Monday, July 4th. Burial was in the cemetery
there. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements. The deceased
is survived by his wife, Mrs. Nellie Smith; four daughters, Mrs. Ulma Tidwell,
Mrs. Carrie Bell Hicks, Mrs. Velma Sharp and Mrs. F. Channell; one son, James D.
Smith; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were: Less
Thrasher, Ernest Coats, Cleatis Smith, Elmo Holland, Robert smith and James
Henson.
WILLIE HAMPTON SMITH, age 89, died Wed. Mar. 24, 1999, at Methodist Healthcare
McNairy of heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of Finger Church of
Christ. Services took place at 11 AM on Sat. Mar 27, 1999 at Shackelford Chapel
in Selmer. Burial was held at Finger Cemetery in Finger. Pallbearers were Bobby
Smith, Keith Smith, James Smith, Barry Henson, Lin Smith, and Brandon Moore.
Honorary Pallbearers were David Smith, Paul Henson, Justin Moore, and Larry Smith.
Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her husband Frank P. Smith, her father, G. W.
Hampton, and mother Martha Elizabeth Ross Hampton. She is survived by her
daughters, Emma Henson of Guys and Elaine Moore, of Finger, four sons, Dale Smith
and Danny Smith both of Adamsville and Don Smith, and Mac Smith, both of Selmer,
one sister, Sue Robison of Finger, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-
grandchildren.
SNELLING, RICKY - McNairy County Shopper Dec 1991 - Ricky Snelling, 31, of
Rochester, In., died Nov 30, 1967, of injuries suffered from an early morning auto
accident on Thanksgiving morning on I-65 in Louisville, Ky, enroute to his parents
home in Adamsville, Tenn. He is survived by 2 sons, Ricky, Jr and Greg Snelling of
Rochester, In; his parents, Mr and Mrs Earl W Snelling of Adamsville, Tn; 1
brother, Wayne ‘Boskey’ Snelling of Adamsville and 1 sister, Mrs Nanette Bucher of
Elkhart, In. Funeral services and burial were held December 2nd in Hebron, Ky.
SNYDER, ERMAL S. – Ermal S. Snyder, 78, of Bethel Springs died Deember 23,
1987. Graveside services were held on Wednesday afternoon with burial in Holmes
Cemetery. He was the son of the late Daniel and Dolly Adams Snyder and was
married to Mrs. Maude Misegadis Snyder. He was a retired shoe repairman. In
addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Donald R. Snyder of
Huntingdon, Stanley O. Snyder of Antioch, and Wayne A. Snyder of Corinth; two
grandchildren, three step-grandsons, and three step-great-grandchildren. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SOUTH, ANDREW S - CORDELL BEACON, JANUARY 6, 1921 - Cordell, Okla. - Andrew W.
South was born in Tenn. April 17, 1845, departed this life December 28, 1920, at
the age of 75 years 8 months. Bro. South excepted Christ at the age of 27 years
and was faithful to his Savior ever after living a noble Christian life ever to
the last, expressing his willingness and readiness to go. But still having a
desire to warn the unsaved of the coming judgment. He requested that the 23 Psalm
be read as a scripture lesson at the funeral service. He leaves to mourn his
departure his aged but faithful wife, three sons, Bob and John South of Leedy,
Okla., and Billy South of Los Angeles, Cal. Three Daughters, Mrs. May Trotter and
Mrs. Mattie Bowie of Port, Okla., and Mr. Fannie Berrie of Rollie, Texas. Three
children have gone on before, Mrs. Mollie Hale, and Mrs. Scyntha Harper. One died
in infancy. There was a large crowd following him to his last resting place in
this world in the South Burns cemetery. He lived with his son John at Leedy, Okla,
at the time of his death.
SOUTH, GILBERT ‘JOE’ - The Ann Arbor News, Sunday Mar 7, 1999 - "Gilbert ‘Joe’
South, Age 72, passed away Saturday, Mar 6, 1999, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
He was born July 6, 1926 in McNairy County, Tenn, the son of Odell and Louvade
(Farris) South, who preceded him in death. On November 8, 1947, he married
Ernestine Carothers. Mr. South retired from General Motors Hyrda-Matic with 37
years of service. He attended Trinity Baptist Church. Survivors include his
wife, Ernestine; a daughter, Susan (Rick) Halcomb of Ypsilanti; grandchildren,
Brian (Jennifer) Holcomb and Kimberly S. Halcomb of Ypsilanti, on great grandson,
Brendon; one brother Noah M. South; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will
be Tuesday, march 9, 1999 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist church with Pastor John
Pyche officiating. Burial will follow in Arborcrest Cemetery. Contributions in
Mr. South's memory may be made to Trinity Baptist church or the American Heart
Association. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4-9, Monday from 2-4 and
6-9 and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time fo service.
SOUTH, INA RUTH – Corinth, Miss. – May 11, 1952 - Little 6-year-old Ina Ruth
South, who had received the hopes and prayers of people throughout the country,
died peacefully at her home in Michie, Tenn., Sunday afternoon. The miracle which
her parents had hoped would save her from the effects of cancer of the lung and
liver failed to happen. She had been ill since last June 7. Ina Ruth’s services
will be held at 2 Monday afternoon at the Tula Baptist Church at Michie. The Rev.
Herman Moore will officiate and burial will be in the Carter Cemetery. Hundreds
of people throughout the country heard of Ina Ruth last February and answered her
plea for help wiping away the lonliness of a cheerful little girl who had nothing
to do but stay in bed and wait for death.
Early in February this year she wrote a letter to Buddy Bain, Corinth, Miss. disc
jockey and singer. “Dear Buddy,” she said, “I am a little sick girl. I cannot go
to school but have school at home. I cannot play with other children very much. I
get lonesome sometimes. I like to listen to the radio and like your program very
much. I would like for you to ask all your listeners to send me a card with a
picture on it or something to help me pass the time. Will you please do this for
me?” There was a postscript on the letter, written by her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
J.K. South. It explained their little girl had cancer. Mr. Bain then went to work
telling his listeners about the little girl daily over his radio program.
Within a few days, stacks of mail began pouring in to Michie, all for Ina
Ruth. There was money and gifts, too. Communities and churches throughout the Mid-
South held special benefit parties of Ina Ruth. Most of the money went to help
pay for the big doctor and hospital bills and the cards and letters kept Ina Ruth
busy many days. In all, Ina Ruth, received some 5,000 cards and letters from
people in 24 states. THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL, Memphis, Tenn.
SOUTH, INA RUTH - Little Ina Ruth South, age 6, who stirred the hearts of many
folks in this area a few months ago for with her appeal to a radio announcer at
Corinth for friends who would send her picture post cards, because she was sick
with cancer, departed this life on Sunday, May 11, 1952. Ina Ruth's requests were
granted and she spent her remaining days knowing that she had friends. Ina Ruth
was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe K. South, of Michie. Funeral services were
held at Tulu Church on Monday, May 12, conducted by Bro. Herman Moore. Burial was
in the Carter cemetery. Besides her parents, she is survived by two sisters, Mary
Bess and Sylvia Jean South; two brothers, Jimmy and Joe Wayne South; and
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. South and Mrs. Mary Browder. Friends in Selmer
extend deep sympathy to the bereaved family. McNairy County Independent
SOUTH, JOE KIRGUS – Joe Kirgus South, 67, of Michie, died Saturday, September 11,
1982, at Baptist Central Hospital in Memphis. Funeral services were held Monday,
September 13, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with the Revs. L.L. Bray
and Chester Harrison officiating. Burial was in the Carter Cemetery. He was the
son of the late Willie Cleveland and Bessie Petty South. He was a retired
farmer. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ruth South; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Bess Gilmore
and Mrs. Sylvia Suitor, both of Corinth; two sons, Jimmy Don South and Joe Wayne
South, both of Michie; two sisters, Mrs. Odessa Harville of Michie and Mrs. Mattie
Lou Stoddard of Memphis; two brothers, Harris South of Michie and W.C. South of
Memphis; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
SOUTH, LUVADA - Daily Corinthian Newspaper dated June 13, 1972 - Mrs. Luvada
South, 76, died June 12th at her residence in Corinth. Services will be Tuesday at
2:30 p.m. at Michie Church of God of the Prophecy with burial in Gravel Hill
Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Carl Lipford, Corinth; four sons,
Wilburn Gore South, Sumpter, South Carolina, Milton South, Ann Arbor, Michigan,
Ola Dee South and Hoyal South, both of Ypsilanti, Michigan; 3 sisters, Mrs. Ella
Mae Smith, Michie, Tennessee, Mrs. Minnie Pratt, Corinth, and Mrs. Ora Harville,
Counce, Tennessee; 4 brothers, Otis Farris and Floyd Farris, both of Selmer,
Leonard Farris and Obie Farris, both of Michie; 3 half-brothers, Ellie Hugh Farris
and Elgin Farris, both of Corinth and Herbert Farris, of Bolivar, Tenn. She is
also survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Shackleford Funeral Directors of Selmer is in charge of arrangements
SOUTH, LUVADA - Mrs. Luvada South, 76, died June 12, 1972 at her residence in
Corinth. Services will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Michie Church of God of the
Prophecy with burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs.
Carl Lipford, Corinth; four sons, Wilburn Gore South, Sumpter, South Carolina,
Milton South, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ola Dee South and Hoyal South, both of
Ypsilanti, Michigan; 3 sisters, Mrs. Ella Mae Smith, Michie, Tennessee, Mrs.
Minnie Pratt, Corinth, and Mrs. Ora Harville, Counce, Tennessee; 4 brothers, Otis
Farris and Floyd Farris, both of Selmer, Leonard Farris and Obie Farris, both of
Michie; 3 half-brothers, Ellie Hugh Farris and Elgin Farris, both of Corinth and
Herbert Farris, of Bolivar, Tennessee. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren
and 10 great grandchildren. Shackleford Funeral Directors of Selmer is in charge
of arrangements Submitted by Shari D Moore
SOUTH, MARTHA. - McNairy County Independent, October 10, 1919 - After a long
illness Mrs. Martha South died at home of her daughter, Mrs. Dock Armstrong last
Thursday. Her remains were interred in the Gravel Hill cemetery Friday, Rev.
Chenault conducting the funeral service. Jan 27, 1854 – Oct 1, 1919 Gravel Hill
Cemetery.
SOUTH, NANCY REBECCA HAMM: - SENTINEL LEADER, NOV. 7, 1940 Cordell, Oklahoma -
Funeral services for Mrs. Nancy Rebecca South, mother of Mrs. R. T. Bowie and
Mrs. A. C. Trotter of Sentinel, Friday from the First Methodist Church with Rev.
J. C. Watson pastor officiating. Mrs. South was 90 years, eight months and 6 days
of age at the time of her death. She had been in ill health for several years.
Born Feb. 25, 1850, at Ramer, Tenn., she united with the Cumberland Presbyterian
church at the age of 13 years. She was married to A. W. South in 1872 and to this
union eight children were born. Her husband and four children preceded her in
death. Survivors include four children, Mrs. R. T. Bowie and Mrs. A.C. Trotter,
both of Sentinel, J.P. South of Leedey and W. H. South of Ontario, Cal., 26
grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Other survivors include two sisters,
Mrs. T. J. Prather of Mountain View, Mrs. Fannie Reeder of Ramer, Tenn, and two
brothers, John M. Hamm and Mack Hamm, both of Ramer, (McNairy County, Tenn)
. Interment was made at the South Burns cemetery. Death Oct 31, 1940.
Ruth B. South of Michie, 89, died October 4, 2003 at her residence. She was a
homemaker. She was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Joe K. South; her father, A.F. Browder; her mother Mary D.
Baker Browder; and a daughter, Ina Ruth South. She is survived by two sons, Jimmy
South and Joe W. South, both of Michie; and two daughters, Mary Bess Gilmore of
Corinth, MS and Sylvia J. Suitor of Kossuth, MS. She had seven grandchildren, nine
great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Services were held at 3:30
p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel of Acton.
Burial followed at Carter Cemetery in Michie. The family requests that memorials
be sent to the American Cancer Society.
SOUTH, RUTH B - Ruth B South, of Michie, 89, died Oct. 4, 2003 at her
residence. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe K. South; her father, A.F. Browder;
her mother, Mary D. Baker Browder; and a daughter, Ina Ruth South. She is survived
by two sons, Jimmy South and Joe W. South, both of Michie; and two daughters, Mary
Bess Gilmore of Corinth, MS and Sylvia J. Suitor of Kossuth, MS. She had seven
grandchildren, nine gr-grandchildren and two gr-gr-grandchildren. Services were
held at 3:30 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 6th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, in Acton,
with Glenn Miller and Dwayne Kirk officiating. Burial followed at Carter Cemetery
in Michie. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer
Society. Submitted by Shari D Moore.
SOWELL, WALTER - Fatal Accident - Walter Sowell, aged 27 years, while hunting
last Friday (January 14, 1918) , in crossing a ditch, his gun accidentally fired,
shooting to fragments his, hand and arm. He did not reach home for an hour, and
was so weakened by loss of blood that he died soon afterward. He was an
industrious farmer with a wife and two children. He lived near Falcon. 1891- Jan
17, 1918 Falcon Cemetery.
SPARKS, CINDY MAXINE - 35, died on Sept, 29,2000, at Memphis Medical Center,
Memphis due to pneumonia. She was disabled and a Baptist. She is preceded in death
by her father, Mr. A. D. Sparks, her grandparents, Mr. Ira D. Sparks, Mrs.
Celestia Sparks, and Mr. Carl D. Wilson. She is survived by her mother, Mrs.
Christine Sparks, of Bethel Springs, , 2 brothers, David Sparks of Bethel, John
Lee Sparks Athens, AL, and her grandmother, Mrs. Vernie Wilson, of Bethel Springs.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. on Sunday with graveside services at Mt.
Gilead Cemetery in Bethel Springs. Pallbearers were Ward Ray, Jimmy Ray, Tom Hill,
Danny Hill, John Mitchell, and Johnny Lowrance.
Oliva J Sparks - Mr J O Sparks died last week, Feb 10, 1931. He had been sick for
3eight years. He left three children, mother, two sisters, three brothers and
many friends. The Rose Creek community extends its sympathy to the family and
many friends. Buried at Mt Gilead.
SPENCER, LULA BELL - McNairy County Independent - April 28, 1950 - Mrs Lula Bell
Spencer, age 71, resident of Adamsville, died on Wednesday, April 19,
1950. Services conducted by Rev Rosco Plunk were held at the Crump Church on
Thursday, April 20, with burial in the cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral
Directors were in charge of arrangements. She is survived by her husband, L B
Spencer, one daughter Mrs Janie Thacker, five sons, John, Charlie, Frank, Tommy
and Everett Spencer.
RICHARD H. SPENCER of Michie, TN, 66, died on Oct. 11, 2004 at Magnolia Regional
Health Center. Mr. Spencer was a Baptist and retired employee of ITT after 30
years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Maudie Spencer; two sisters,
Vera Miller and her husband, Hershell, and Lola Norton and her husband Carlos; and
a brother, Darrell Spencer.
He is survived by a daughter, Susie Moss and her husband, Todd of North Augusta,
SC; two sisters, Era Mae Putt of Corinth, MS and Elaine Allen and husband, Wayne
of Counce, TN; a grandchild, Chad Moss; and a special friend, Mary Schallhorn of
Michie. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 13th at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
with Bro. Pete Wooley officiating. Burial followed at Forrest Memorial Park.
SPENCER, VELMA G – Velma G. Spencer, 81, of Michie, died on March 1, 1988 at
McNairy County General Hospital. Services were held at Shackelford Funeral Home
Chapel on Thursday afternoon with Martin Lewis officiating. Burial was in Michie
Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Lewis and Victoria Horne Jones and the
widow of Troy Spencer. She was a housewife and a member of Greenlaw Baptist
Church. Survivors include a brother, Fred Jones of Memphis; a sister, Lucille
Franks of Chicago; and a niece, Reba Franks of Chicago. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
B. J. SPETH - 53, an Alabama-Coushatta Indian, died Tues., Dec. 28, 1999, at her
home. She was a graduate of Big Sandy High School in Dallardville, Texas, and
Massey Business College in Nacagoches, Texas. She was a member of First Baptist
Church in Selmer. B.J. And her husband, Jim, owned and operated Jim's Best Stop in
Selmer and Jon's Pier Restaurant at Pickwick. She is survived by her husband, Jim
Speth of Selmer, two sons, Jimmy Speth of Knoxville and Jason and his wife,
Shannon Speth of Selmer, and her father, E. O. Burden of Atoka, Okla. She was
preceded in death by her mother, Stella Abbey, sister, Monnie Mae Langley of
Houston, Texas, Zolene Welch, Livingston, Texas, (Indian Reservation), her
maternal grandfather, the late Alabam-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Chief
Abbey. Grandparent were the late Bursie Ah-boo Battise and John Ahwoo Battise,
step-grandson, Austin McCarter of Selmer and a host of relatives in Texas and
Louisiana Indian Reservations. Services were held Fri., Dec. 31, 1999, at 11
a.m. at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at McNairy County Memorial
Cemetery in Selmer.
SPIVEY, AGNES D 95, died on Sat., Jan. 15, 2000, at her home in BethelSprings
of heart failure. She was a homemaker, member of the new Salem Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, and graduate of Winthrop College in South Carolina. Services
took place at 11:30 a.m. on Wed., Jan. 19, at First United Methodist Church,
Eatonton, GA. Burial was held at Pine Grove, Eatonton, GA. Officiating the
services was minister Earl Phelps. Mrs. Spivey was preceded in death by her
husband, Julian Green Spivery and her parents William Patrick and Lou Anna Norris
Dickson. She is survived by one brother Dr. Bonneau H. Dickson of Atlanta, GA. Memorial
contributions if any to be made to the Myrtis & R.M. Dickson Memorial Scholarship
Fund.
SPRINGER, A T. January 25, 1918, McNairy County Independent - A. T. Springer,
the oldest and one of the most prosperous citizens of our community, died (January
14, 1918) at the home of his son, J. W. Springer, Jan. 14th, at the age of 87
years and 3 months. His remains were interred in the Gravel Hill cemetery the
15th, in the presence of a small crowd owing to the severe weather. He was born in
Giles county, Tenn. and moved to this county when small and has lived in this
immediate community ever since. He served 1 year in the Confederate army and as
justice of the peace of this county for a number of years. He joined the
Cumberland Presbyterian church at Mt. Vernon just after the Civil war, where he
lived a consistent member till his death. His life and character need no eulogy,
as it speaks for itself to those who knew him. He leaves one sister, Mrs.
Elizabeth Huggins, who is 84 years old, two sons and three daughters and a number
of grandchildren to mourn his loss, his wife preceding him about 10 years ago. Oct
13, 1830 – Jan 14, 1918 Gravel Hill Cemetery.
SPRINGER, BERTHA LEONA - McNairy County Independent - Friday, August 26, 1949 -
Miss Bertha Leona Springer died at her home in the Gravel Hill community on last
Friday, August 19, 1949. Services were held at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church the
next day at 3:30, conducted by Rev. Elbert Bolding. Interment was in the Gravel
Hill Cemetery. Survivors include two brothers, Lacy L and Vester Springer of
Ramer; three sisters, Zelda Mccullar, Selmer; Zonie Summers, Ramer and Cennie
Springer, Selmer.
SPRINGER, CONNIE - Miss Connie Springer, age 80, died at McNairy County Home on
Friday, August 1, 1952. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. M. E. Hines, were
held at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church on August 2, 1952, at 2:00 p.m.
o'clock. Burial was in the cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in
charge. The deceased is survived by one brother, Lacy Springer, of Selmer; two
sisters, Mrs. Zeldie McCullar, Selmer, and Mrs. Zona Summer, Ramer. McNairy County
Independent
SPRINGER, CORA - McNairy County Independent - February 22, 1924 - Mrs. Cora
Springer, aged 67 years, the widow of J. C. Springer, died at her home near Gravel
Hill on the morning of February 19, 1924. She was the sister of Esq. J. B.
Huggins, and the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Huggins, 89 years of age. The
deceased is survived by the following children; Cleveland, Clarence, Claud, Carl
and Mesdames Emmons, Latta McBride and Smith and Miss Dora Springer. The remains
were laid to rest beside her husband in the old burial grounds of the family, Rev.
Hammond preacher the funeral, and R. B. Gooch was the undertaker in charge. Mar
16, 1858 - Feb 19, 1924 Huggins Cemetery.
SPRINGER, J. C. - McNairy County Independent - March 21, 1919 - J. C. Springer,
one of our best citizens, died at the home Saturday morning at 4 o'clock, at the
age of 66. His remains were laid to rest in the family cemetery Saturday
evening. Rev. Carmack conducting the funeral services. He leaves a wife and ten
children to mourn his loss, five of whom are married, four at home and one in the
army, the youngest child is 15 years old. He has been a faithful member of the
Missionary Baptist church for twenty - six years. His life has been honesty and
upright, always holding up for the right. Many young men will long remembers his
good advice and such men as he will be sadly missed. Our hearts go out in
sympathy to the bereaved family, may each of them be made to realize that their
loss is his eternal gain. Submitted by J. B. Huggins Dec 1, 1852 – Mar 15, 1919
–Huggins Cemetery.
Services for Kenneth M. Springer, age 72, were Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 1 p.m.
at Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer, with the Reverend Mike Pilcher officiating.
Mr. Springer died Thursday, July 24, 2003 at McNairy County Regional Hospital,
after a lengthy illness. Mr. Springer was born on August 21, 1930, the son of
Vonley and Weltha Springer of Gravel Hill. He is survived by his wife of 51 years,
Helen Marie Phillips Springer; two daughters, Debbie Nerren and husband Harold of
Jackson and Ann Manley and husband Bruce of Selmer; four grandchildren, Kelly
Barnes and husband David, Nick Nerren, Daniel Roten and Christy Roten; and three
sisters, Mrs. Ann Hamm and Mrs. Dale Ayers, both of Ramer, and Mrs. Carolyn Powell
of Tupelo, MS. Mr. Springer was a retired SM/Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force, being a
member of the medical team for the original seven astronauts at Cape Canaveral,
Fla. After his retirement, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Selmer.
He was Mason and a Shriner, and a member of the First United Methodist Church of
Selmer. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
SPRINGER, LUDIE HURLEY - Mr. and Mrs. Burgess Hamm, Mrs. P.H. Shea, and Mrs. M. C.
Key attended the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. Ludie Hurley Springer, in Corinth,
Thursday afternoon. Ludie Hurley Springer died June 18, 1952. Mrs. Springer was
82, the last of twelve children born to the late Jack Hurley and wife, life-long
residents of the Chewalla community. She had suffered from a heart ailment several
months, and her death was not unexpected. She is survived by her husband, Willie
Springer, of West Corinth, and numerous nieces and nephews, besides other
relatives. The funeral was held at McPeters Funeral Home. Elder Allen, of the
Christian Church, assisted by Elder Clifford Roland, a nephew, of Henderson,
conducted the service. Interment was in the Henry cemetery. McNairy County
Independent
SPRINGER, MOLLIE FRANCES – Mollie Frances Springer, 87, of Ramer, died May 17,
1987 at McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness. Services were held
at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where she was a member. Burial
followed in Grave Hill Cemetery with Reverends Duail Corbett and Mike Bell
officiating. She was the daughter of the late Bettie Hill McCormack and John
McCormack, and the widow of Claude Springer. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs.
Doyle Pety of Ramer; a sister, Mrs. Minnie Sims of Selmer; two grandsons, David
Lynn Petty and Jessie Petty; and two great-grandchildren, B.J. and Olivia
Petty. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Omar Beatrice Springer - age 71, of Corinth, died Monday, June 21, 1982 at McNairy
County General Hospital. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 23 in the
Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer with Bro Randy Bynum officiating.
Burial was in the Gravel Hill cemetery and family members served as pall bearers.
She was the daughter of the late John and Martha Houston Chenault, and the widow
of the late Bill Springer. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church. She
leaves one sister, Mrs Nola Lee Browder of Selmer.
SPRINGER, VESTER - McNairy County Independent -Dec 7, 1951 - Mr Vester Springer
age 61, a resident of the Eastview Community died Dec 1, 1951. Services, conducted
by Bro J E Bolding, were held at Gravel Hill and burial was in the Mt Gilead
Cemetery near Burnsville, Mississippi. Mr Springers was a veteran of WWI. He is
survived by his wife Mrs Effie Springer.
SRYGLEY, Cora Lee- McNairy County Independent -October 12, 1951 - Mrs J T Srygley,
age 66, passed away at her home in Guys, Oct 4, 1951. Mrs Srygley was carried
for by her grandparents from a very young child, having been left an orphan. While
still a young girl she lost her grandmother and was then cared for by an aunt. She
spent the 49 years in the wenasoga and Guys communities. She was preceded in
death by a son Elgin, who was killed in a car wreck in California in 1943. Members
of the Christian Church, Mr and Mrs Srygley raised a large family. Funeral
services were held at the Guys church and burial in Holly Cemetery, Wenasoga,
Miss. Survivors include her husband, Mr J T Srygley, Mrs Etheridge Suggs, Clyde
Srygley, W T Srygley, Grady Lee Srygley, Mrs Clarence Nichols, Mrs Mansel Dickey,
Mrs Howard Capooth, Mrs Warren Jones, and 20 grandchildren.
Arlie Jobe Stanfield - a retired farmer died Wednesday, Dec 9, 1982, at McNairy
County General Hospital in Selmer Services were at Shackelford Funeral Home in
Selmer and burial in Indian Creek near Chewalla. He leaves his wife, Mrs Virgie
Stanfield; a daughter Mrs Gladys Derryberry of Ramer; three sisters, Mrs Evelyn
Bennett of Memphis, Mrs Ella Mar Coke of Stantonville and Mrs Zelma Norman of
Corinth; four brothers Buford Stanfield, James Stanfield and Warren Stanfield, all
of Ramer and Charles Stanfield of Denver. (Death day may not be right.)
ESSIE LEE STANFIELD, 87, died on Tues, Oct. 5, 1999, at McNairy County Healthcare
Center in Selmer of heart failure. She was a homemaker. Services took place at 1
p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 7, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Ramer
Cemetery in Ramer. Pallbearers were Bryce Stanfield, Brain Stanfield, Kevin
Stanfield, Kenneth Stanfield, James Stanfield, and Jeff Gibson. Officiating the
services was Minister Orvill McMahan. Mrs. Stanfield was preceded in death by her
husband, Buford Stanfield, three sons, O'Neal Stanfield, Mac Stanfield, and Payton
Stanfield, and her parents, Clarence and Mamie Price Lowrance. She is survived by
five daughters, Julean Coomer and Elizabeth Miller both of Tiskilwa, Ill., Mary
Gibson of Rolla, Mo., Jane Bogatitus of Neponset, Ill, and Elaine Stanfield of
Dixon, Three Sons, Tom Stanfield and Frank Stanfield both of Ramer, and Ernest
Stanfield of Pochontas, three sisters, Fern Hodge of Michie, Alcie Austin of
Chewalla, and Vernease Majors of Bolivar, twenty-one grandchildren, and thirty-one
g-grandchildren.
Charles Peyton Stanfield, 76 of Wheat Ridge, Co., died November 27, 2000 at the
Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Co., due to heart failure. He was a
retired Armed Forces U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. He was also a member of the Mason-
Selmer Lodge, VFW, and the American Legion. He is preceded in death by his
parents, John Thomas and Julia Prather Stanfield. He is survived by cherished
longtime companion, Bonnie Burgess of West Ridge, Co., one sister, Evelyn Bennett
of Memphis, one brother, James C. Stanfield of Ramer, and several nieces and
nephews. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Shackelford
Funeral Home with Orville McMahan and Tim Tudor officiating. Burial followed at
Indian Creek Cemetery in Ramer.
Stanfield, Mrs. Julia, 89, widow of John T. Stanfield, died yesterday at McNairy
County General Hospital. Services at 2:30 p.m. Tomorrow in at Shackelford
Funeral Home in Selmer; burial in Union Creek Cemetery. She leaves four sons,
Buford Stanfield, Warren Stanfield, and James Stanfield, all of Ramer, and Charles
Stanfield of Denver, Colo; a stepson Arlie Stanfield of Ramer, and three
daughters, Mrs. Zelma Norman of Corinth, Miss. Mrs. Ella Mae Coke of Stantonville
and Mrs. Evelyn Bennett of Memphis. (Info may be Nov 2, 1973 buried at Indian
Creek Cemetery.)
STANFIELD, MONTIE B - McNairy County Independent - Jan 19, 1951 - Mr Montie B
Stanfield, age 43, died on Jan 14, 1951 at the result of gunshot wounds. He
resided in the Chewalla community. Funeral services conducted by Bro Bertie Moore
were held at the Chewalla Church with interment in the Indian Creek Cemetery. Tghe
deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs Charline Huggins and Mrs Gale
Stanfield. Two sons, Rex and harry Stanfield. Parents, Mr and Mrs John T
Stanfield. Five brothers: Buford, Warren, Clifford, Charles and Artie
Stanfield. Four sisters: Mrs Zelma Harmon, Mrs Hazel Dixon, Mrs Ella Mae Coke and
Mrs Evelyn Bennett.
CARL NUTE STANFILL, 83, brickmason, died of pneumonia Tuesday, (Feb 2000), at
Hardin County General Hospital. Services will be at 1 pm today at Crump
Pentecostal Church, where he attended, with burial in Adamsville Cemetery.
Shackelford Funeral Home has charge. He was a World War II Navy veteran, and a
member of the American Legion and the Brickmason Union. Mr. Stanfill, the husband
of Millinea Scott Stanfill, also leaves three sons, Billy Stanfill of Huntsville,
Ala., and Roy Stanfill and Hugh Stanfill, both of Savannah; a brother, Charles E.
Stanfill of Adamsville; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a step-
grandchild. Carl Nute Stanfill and Millinea Scott were married on 11 Apr 1936 in
McNairy County, Tennessee.
Mr. Jessie M. Stanfill, age 40, who resided near Adamsville, died August 12, 1951.
Services were held in the Adamsville Baptist Church, conducted by ministers Harris
and Golf. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church. He is survived by his wife,
Mrs. Sue Stanfill; two sons, Garey T. Stanfill and Terry Martin Stanfill; two
brothers, Carl Stanfill and Charles Stanfill; three sisters, Mrs. Hazel Houch,
Mrs. Claris Wilkins, and Mrs. Helen Tilby; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis
Stanfill. Burial was in the Adamsville Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Home in
charge.
STANFILL, JESSIE M - McNairy County Independent - August 24, 1951 - Mr Jessie M
Stanfill, age 40, who resided near Adamsville, died Aug 12, 1951. Services were
held in the Adamsville Baptist Church, conducted by ministers Harris and Golf. He
was a member of the Pentecostal Church. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Sue
Stanfill; two sons, Garrey T Stanfill and Terry Martin Stanfill; two brothers,
Carl Stanfill and Charles Stanfill; three sisters, Mrs Hazel Houch, Mrs Claris
Wilkins and Mrs Helen Tiby; his parents, Mr and Mrs Ellis Stanfill. Burial was in
the Adamsville Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Home in charge.
Millinea Stanfill, 84, of Savannah, died Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at Park Rest
Nursing Home. She was born in McNairy County, the daughter of the late Hugh Arther
and Roxie Weathers Scott. She was united in marriage to Carl N. Stanfill, who
preceded her in death. Mrs. Stanfill was a homemaker and a member of the First
Methodist Church of Adamsville. Services were held Thursday, March 9, in the
Shackelford Chapel with Max Franks officiating. Burial was in Adamsville Cemetery.
She is survived by two sons, Billy Ray of Huntsville, Alabama, and Hugh Stanfill
of Savannah; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-
grandchildren. She was also preceded grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and
three great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two sons,
Dwayne and Roy Stanfill; eight brothers and sisters, Ruby Williams, Virginia
Moffett, Ray Scott, Taft Scott, Amy Scott, Tracy Scott, Teddy Scott and Mamie
Seaton; and one grandchild.
Sue Evora Wolfe Stanfill, 86, homemaker, died Friday, (Apr 1997), at Jackson-
Madison County General Hospital after a stroke. Services will be at 5 PM today at
Adamsville Funeral Home with burial in Adamsville Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral
Home in Savannah has charge. She was a member of Adamsville Pentecostal Church and
a former member of Home Demonstration Club. Mrs. Stanfill, the widow of Jessie
Martin Stanfill, leaves two sons, Gerry Stanfill of Crump and Terry Stanfill of
Corinth, Miss., six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and five great-grandchildre
:
STANSELL, RADER MAE - McNairy County Independent -October 12, 1951 - Mrs Rader Mae
Stansell, age 67, died at her home in Bethel Springs, Oct 6, 1951. Services were
held at Estes Church in Chester co and interment in the cemetery there. Survivors
are: three daughters: Mrs Mary Parker, Mrs Margie Kilzer, Mrs Lula Mae Stansell,
26 grandchildren and ten g-grandchildren.
WILLIAM (Bill) STANSELL. Catholic funeral rights were conducted on Fri,., Jan.
28, 2000, at 10 a.m. at St. Clemente Mission for William (Bill) Stansell, 73 of
Bakersfield, Calif., who passed away on Jan. 26, 2000, after a long illness.
Msgr. Ralph Belloumini officiated. Interment was at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Bill was a long time resident of Kern County, but was originally from Chester
and McNairy Counties, with relatives still living in this area. He owned and
operated Bakersfield Flower Shop and Wedding Chapel for 37 years. He was a member
of the Hillcrest Lions Club, Bakersfield Elks Lodge, and of The Bakersfield
Country Club. Bill was survived by his wife Velia of Bakersfield, two sons,
Billy Stansell of Stoneyford, CA, Rodney Stansell of Minnesota, and two
daughters, Joyce Ferdinand of Benicia, CA, and Sherry Barfield of Houston,
Texas. He has one sister, Robbie Jean Stansell McCoy of Adamsville, one half
sister Evelyn Nelson of Longview, Texas, and one half brother, Aaron Nelson of
Henderson. He had several grandchildren and gr-grandchildren also of California.
Bill was preceded in death parents William Stansell and Loadie Stansell Nelson,
a brother Tommy, and grand daughter Shirley. Also, the day after he passed
away his sister Robbie of Adamsville passed away.
STARKS, TENNIE W. - Tennie W. Starks, 89, of Peoria, IL died on November 13, 1987
at Sharon Regency Nursing Home in Peoria. Services were held on Sunday afternoon
at Shackelford Funeral Home with Rev. Duke officiating. Burial was in Mt. Carmel
Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons. She was the daughter of the late Edward A.
and Mary J. Mitchell Woracheck. She was married to the late Sam Phillips and the
late John Starks, respectively. She was a retired hospital aide at Jacksonsville
State Hospital in Jacksonville, IL where she was employed for 16 years, and a
Baptist. A sister, June Butsch preceded her in death. Survivors include four sons,
Edward Phillips and Bill Starks, both of Bethel Springs, Frank Starks of
Henderson, and John Starks of Sheffield, AL; two daughters, Mrs. Melba McCanless
of Orlando, FL, and Mrs. Betty Joyner of Peoria; a sister, Mrs. Eula Whiteside of
E. Alton, IL; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-
grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
STEADMAN, LAURA M - McNairy County Independent - April 14, 1950 - Mrs Laura M
Steadman, age 69, died at her home in Memphis on Saturday, April 8, 1950. Funeral
services conducted by Rev H S Kolb of Selmer, were held at the Sulphur Springs
church on Sunday, with burial in the cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral
Directors were in charge of arrangements. She is survived by her husband, T F
Steadman; four sons, Victor, Hallie, Clyde, and Everett Steadman; one daughter,
Grace Steadman and nine grandchildren.
STEADMAN, MARY - McNairy County Independent, February 11, 1949 - Mrs Mary
Abernathy Steadman, last of the children of the late Mr and Mrs. M. R. Abernathy
to depart this life, succumbed to the Grim Reaper Tuesday morning February 6. She
was 71. ‘Miss Mary’ as she was known to everyone, was a member of the Christian
Church, and had maintained her residence here for many years. Services were held
in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 9, conducted by
Rev. Steadman Bagby, and assisted by Bro Frank S. Perry. Interment was in Oak Hill
cemetery. Pall bearers were: Will Terry Abernathy, Will Tom Abernathy, Alex
Garrison, Matthew Bigger, Gerald Reynolds, Erbie Basinger, Joel Parker and Joe
Hamilton. The deceased is survived by one son, Dr. Hunter M. Steadman of
Henderson; and grandchildren Margie and Virginia Steadman of Selmer, and Hunter
Moore Steadman Jr and Melinda Steadman of Henderson. The Independent extends
sympathy to the bereaved.
STEADMAN, VESTUS L. – Vestus L. Steadman, 72, of Ramer, died Feb. 9, 1987 at
Baptist Central Hospital in Memphis. Services in Selmer were held at 11 a.m.
Wednesday in Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Sulphur Springs
Cemetery with Rev. Foy Huckabee officiating. The son of the late Lula Leonard
Steadman and Orda C. Steadman, he was a World War II veteran. He retired from
Ridgeon-Thomas Iron Works after 20 years of service. Survivors include nieces and
nephews. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
ALLIE MAE STEPHENS, 83, died on Wed., Dec. 29, 1999, at Tri-County Convalescent
Home in Adamsville of heart failure. She was a retired nurse's assistant at
Western Mental Health Institute and a member of Fourth Street Church of Christ.
Services took place at 3 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 31, at Shackelford Chapel in
Selmer. Burial was held at Mars Hill Cemetery in Adamsville. Officiating the
services was Minister Malcom George. Pallbearers were Jay Redmon, Kevin Redmon,
Chad Gary, Adam Hicks, Carey Stephens and Don Mitchell. Mrs. Stephens was
preceded in death by her husband, Paul Leonard Stephens, her parents, John
C. and Maude Hutcherson Mitchell, and two brothers, O. V. Mitchell and Hal
Mitchell. She is survived by five daughters, betty Rogers of Atlanta, Ga., Katy
Redmon and Patsy Stephens both of Selmer, and Brenda Stephens and Peggy
Richardson both of Savannah, two sons, Bobby Stephens of Selmer and Eddie
Stephens of St. Petersburg, Fla., three brothers, John L. Mitchell of Henderson,
F. C. (Ted) Mitchell of Sacramento, Calif, and George Wayne Mitchell of Jackson,
thirteen grandchildren and thirteen gr- grandchildren
STEPHENS, WILLIAM ARTHUR - McNairy County Independent - March 3, 1950 - Mr
Williams Arthur Stephens, age 66, died on Feb 25, 1950 at his home near Leapwood.
Funeral services were held at the Mars Hill church on Feb 26, with interment in
the cemetery there. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs Marie Horton, Leapwood
and Mrs Lorine Harris of Columbus, Miss; two sons, Howard Stephens, Leapwood and
Leonard Stephens, Chattanooga, Tenn, Eleven grandchildren. Shackelford Funeral
Directors had charge of arrangements.
STEPHENS, WILLIAM - Services for William Howard Stephen, 74, will be Wednesday at
Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer with Malcom George officiating and burial in
Mars Hill Cemetery. Mr Stephen died Monday afternoon, May 11, 1981 at Decatur
County General Hospital in Parsons. He was a retired merchant and a member of the
Church of Christ. Surviving are his wife, Mrs Willie Mae Stephens; a daughter,
Mrs Judy Sullivan of Bethel Springs; a son, Teddy W Stephens of Adamsville; a
sister, Mrs Lorine Harris of Selmer and four grandchildren.
STEPHENSON, JAMES H - McNairy County Independent - October 13, 1950 - Mr James
Harrison Stephenson, age 61, died at his residence near Corinth, Miss on Thursday,
Oct 5. Services were held at the Tate Street Baptist Church on October 6, with
burial in the Henry Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs Lillie
Stephenson; four daughters: Mrs A W Broows, Mrs Howard Droke, Mrs Clarence Cook
and Mrs Jones Wommack.
DORA STEWART - 94, died on Tues, Dec. 28, 1999, at Methodist Healthcare McNairy of
heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of West Shiloh Baptist Church.
Services took place at 1 p.m. on Thur., Dec. 30, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer.
Burial was held at West Shiloh Cemetery in Stantonville. Officiating the services
was Minister Jerry Woods. Pallbearers were Alton Farley, Steve Howell, Jimmy
Rickman, Fred Sowell, Jamie M. Rickman, and Larry Sowell. Mrs. Stewart was
preceded in death by her husband Tommy Stewart, and her parents David and
Elizabeth Littlejohn Sowell. She is survived by two daughters, Lois Rickman of
Stantonville and Bernice Martin of Corinth, Miss., one son, Tony Gene Stewart of
Adamsville, one brother, Lawrence Sowell of Michie, five grandchildren, and nine
gr-grandchildren.
ELVIN O'NEAL STEWART, 68, of Adamsville, died on May 18, 2000, of cancer at his
home. He was with Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union, retired, involved with the
church of Christ, Lions Club, Leapwood Fire Department, and R.S.V.P. President. He
was also past president of Leapwood Community Center, Chairman of Democratic
Committee, and an Army Staff Sgt. In the Korean War. Services were held Sat., at
1 p.m. at Shackelford Chapel in Adamsville. Burial was in Mars Hill Cemetery in
Adamsville with Jerry Smith and Eddie Walker officiating. Mr. Stewart
was the son of the late Ross E. and Lucy A. Brewer Stewart. He is survived by his
wife, Wahnell Hair Stewart; two sons, Billy Mark Stewart and Stanley Keith Stewart
of Adamsville; one sister Ruby Cole of Stanton; five brothers, Bobby G. Stewart of
Cordova, Tommy R. Stewart of Ashford, Nelson Stewart of Huntington, Jerrold
Stewart of Memphis, and Ricky Stewart of Jackson, and three grandchildren,
Melissa Gayle Stewart, Adam Keith Stewart, and Austin Zachary Stewart, all of
Adamsville
J D ‘Dave’ Stewart, age 79, died Saturday, Dec 21, 1968 at Hardin County general
Hospital, after a long illness. Services were held Dec 23 at Crump Methodist
Church. Burial in the church cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah
in charge. He leaves a son Merle Stewart of Adamsville.
STEWART, MARK - 44, of Adamsville died Sept. 27, 2000, at the U.T. Bowld Hospital
in Memphis due to heart failure. He was a care salesman and a member of the
McNairy Co. Democratic Committee, the Leapwood Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Lions
Club. He is preceded in death by his father, Elvin Stewart and grandparents, Ross
Stewart and Lucy Stewart Pyron. He is survived by wife, Becky Smith Stewart, one
daughter, Melissa Stewart of Adamsville, one
brother Stanley Stewart of Adamsville and his grandparents Terry and Pauline Hair
of Adamsville. Funeral services were held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Mount Carmel
Methodist Church, with burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
STILES, JAMES T. - Mr. James T. Stiles, age 53, of Chattanooga, Tenn., a veteran
of World War II, died November 4th, 1952, after a long period of ill health. He
was born in Selmer, Tenn., the son of the late J. E. and Alice Alexander Stiles.
Funeral services were held in the chapel of the National Funeral Home at
Chattanooga, on Friday, November 7, with Rev. L. A. Harmon officiating. Burial was
in the National Military Cemetery there. He leaves one brother, R. E. Stiles,
Chattanooga; two nephews, Robert Sidney Stiles, Arlington, Va., and James Earl