Record book
Stiles, Sheffield, Ala.; one uncle, J. H. Alexander, of Selmer, and several
cousins. McNairy County Independent
STILES, ROBERT A. - McNairy County Independent, December 13, 1918 - Robert A.
Stiles died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Henry McCullar, Monday night and his
remains were laid to rest Wednesday morning in the Bethesda cemetery. Funeral
services were conducted by Rev. J. B. Maxedon and Elder J. A. Houston. The
deceased was the junior member of the firm of Goodrum & Stiles for many years one
of the leading grocery firms of Selmer. He was 57 years of age. He was born and
raised near Selmer long before the town was located. He was a son of Evan Stiles,
who reared a large and estimable family. All have passed away except his sister,
Mrs. McCullar. He never married, and was a member of the Presbyterian church at
Selmer since its organization. He was a modest, honest and sincere christian
gentleman. His death was not unexpected, though it came suddenly as was predicted
heart failure was the cause of his death, and for a long time he had been affected
with this fatal malady. Aug 17, 1861 – Dec 10, 1918 Bethesda Cemetery.
PAUL WAYNE STOLTZFUS, 27, of Finger died Aug. 14, 2000, at the Hardin County
General Hospital due to drowning. Mr. Stoltzfus was a machine operator at the
Highway 45 South Sawmill. He is preceded in death by his father, Emanuel
Stoltzfus. He is survived by his wife, Vickie Helton Stoltzfus, one step-daughter,
Jaimie Hallman of Finger, two step-sons, Neal Hallman and Michael Hallman of
Finger, his mother, Lydia King Stoltzfus, four sisters, Katie Yannayon of
Belvidera, Martha Beachy of Finger, Linda Stoll of Finger and Marlene Beachy of
Finger, and seven brothers, Marvin Stoltzfus of Richland, PA, John Stoltzfus of
Bethel Springs, Emanuel Stoltzfus of Finger, David Stoltzfus of Bethel Springs,
Jason Stoltzfus of Bethel Springs, Nathan Stoltzfus of Finger, and Timothy
Stoltzfus of Finger. Funeral services were held at Shackelford Funereal Home in
Selmer with John Beachy and James Smith officiating at 11 a.m. Burial followed at
Christian Fellowship Cemetery in Finger.
STONE, BABY - March 1, 1918, McNairy County Independent. - Died -- last
Thursday, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Stone, of congestion. She was
taken early in the morning and medical skill could not extend her life only for a
few hours. She was a bright little girl about two years old, and the parents
suffered extreme anguish in her untimely death. Service were held at their home
Friday by Elder J. A. Houston, and the beautiful little body in the white casket
was deposited in Oak Hill cemetery. We with many friends join in sincere
condolence to the parents and other relatives.
STONE, CLINT - McNairy County Independent, October 31, 1902 - We are grieved to
hear of the unexpected death of Clint Stone at Sumner Miss., Wednesday night. We
have no particulars of his death as we go to press. November 7, 1902 W. H. Stone
returned Tuesday from Summer, Miss., where he was called by death of D. C. Stone,
who died very suddenly of Bright's disease. His death is lamented by many
acquaintances here where he was raised and well known.
Stout, John Douglas – 56 – died on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998, at Jackson-Madison
County General Hospital of a stroke. He was employed in the maintenance department
at Wal-Mart in Selmer and a member of Old Friendship Baptist Church in Finger.
Services took place at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998 at Shackelford Chapel
in Selmer. Burial was held at Mt. Zion Cemetery in McNairy. Officiating the
services were Ministers Omar Duberry and George Hickman. Pallbearers were Roy
McDaniel, John Beachy, Dewayne Hurst, Tim Mehr, Jerry Dunn, and Joe Rineheart.
Mr. Stout was preceded in death by his father, J.D. Stout, and mother, Nellie
Henry Stout McDaniel. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy McDaniel Stout, two
sons, Dewayne Stout and Johnny Stout, both of Bethel Springs, one sister, Janice
Gullett of Selmer, five step-sisters, Faye Forsyth and Geraldine Sweat both of
Selmer, Earlene Gray of Adamsville, Rebecca Poe of Mt. Grove, Mo., and Linda
Harville of Milledgeville, one brother, Donald Stout of Bethel Springs, two step-
brothers, Darrell McDaniel and Eldon McDaniel both of Adamsville, and three
grandchildren. PDG
J R Stovall - the grand old man of Bethel Springs, where he had lived for nearly
a half century, died at his home there Sunday night, May 12, 1929. He had been
sick for a short time. Mr Stovall was born in the west part of McNairy County in
1842, the son of the late Dr W W Stovall. His grandfather was George Pryor
Stovall, who was the son of Bartholomew Stovall, born 1775, a Revolutionary
soldier and in the Battle of King's Mountain. The ancestors of the deceased
settled in the western part of the county in 1820's. The deceased was a stalwart
in body, mind and spirit and his commanding presence attracted attention in any
assemble. He was a gentleman of the old school, of that type that is rapidly
passing away. In the way of the sixties, he was a gallant Confederate soldiers, a
member of the company in which were John Robert Adams, Robert Michie, J T and R S
Houston, A B Hamm and others, all soldiers under Nathan Bedford Forrest. He
followed the fortunes of the Confederacy for four years and when the surrender
came, he accepted the result, determined with others to face the herculean task of
rehabilitating a devastated land. In this work he showed the same unfaltering
faith and splendid courage that had marked his career as a soldier. For many
years he followed the pursuit of farming, and in the 1880's was elected sheriff,
serving the constitutional term. In that office he made a record for faithful and
courageous performance of duty. After his term he removed from old Purdy to
Bethel Springs and entered the mercantile business in which he continued many
years. Later he assisted in organizing the Bethel Springs bank. That was more
than 20 years ago and for a long time he was active president. In 1866 he married
Miss Sarah Hendrix, a representative of another old and prominent family of the
county. To this union several children were born. And the following with their
mother and other relatives survive: Mrs Ada Barnes of Corinth, Mrs Mary Stovall
of Detroit, Carl of Kenton, Mrs Mattie Cantrell of Jackson, Mrs Anne Smith of
Montgomery, Mrs O V Erwin of Selmer, Mrs Pauline Rhodes of Bethel Springs, Ernest
and Albert of Memphis and John R of Chicago. All the children reached the bedside
before death claimed their father, except Mrs Mary Stovall and John R, who arrived
a short time later. He was a life - long member of the Methodist Church and a
Mason. Burial in Bethel Springs Cemetery.
TYLER, ALMA ELIZABETH STRAWN – Mrs. Alma Elizabeth Strawn Tyler, 86, died
September 27, 1982. Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 29 in the
Crump United Methodist Church with Rev. W.H. Granberry officiating. Burial was in
Crump Cemetery, with Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah in charge of
arrangements. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mollie Brown Strawn,
and was the widow of the late Paul Clifford Tyler. Mrs. Tyler was a member of the
Crump United Methodist Church. She leaves two daughters, Miss Linda Tyler and
Mrs. Butonne Phillips, both of Adamsville; four sons, Paul D. Tyler, Jr. of
Adamsville, Carol Wayne Tyler of Crump, Lowell W. Tyler of Washington, Illinois,
and Arnold Tyler of Memphis; three sisters, Mrs. Letha Brown of Adamsville, Mrs.
Doris Sibley of Crump, and Mrs. Clara Carroll of Hollywood, California; two
grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
STRICKLAND, BERTHA ESTA NEFF– Bertha Esta Neff Strickland, 68, of Bethel Springs,
died on January 3, 1988 at McNairy County General Hospital after a long
illness. Funeral services were held on Tuesday morning at Casey Funeral Home
Chapel and burial was in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandchildren,
Walter Wills, Jr., Estell Willis, Dennis Allen Morris, Curtis Morris, Robert
Strickland, Danny Strickland, Jimmy Strickland, and Michael Strickland. She was
the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Bryant Neff and was married to the
late Orville Strickland. She was born and reared in Fayette County and moved to
the Finger Community in 1968 and had been ill since July 1987. She was a homemaker
and a Baptist. Survivors include 4 sons, Leslie Kenneth (Buddy) Strickland, Masel
Strickland, Cecil Strickland, and Albert Strickland, all of Bethel Springs; 3
daughters, Mrs. Bethel Smith of McKenzie, Mrs. Louella Willis of Henderson, and
Mrs. Wilma Morris of Bethel Springs; a brother, Cecil Neff of Ansted West
Virginia; a sister, Mrs. Loretta Sparks of Edmond, West Virginia; and 16
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Strickland, Sr., George W. - 46 – Sudden death came toGeorge W. Strickland, Sr.,
on Saturday evening at 7 o'clock at the home of Mr.& Mrs. J. Lacey on Poplar
Street. Mr. Strickland had been to town thatafternoon transacting business and had
only been at the home of his sister ashort time when demise came from a heart
attack. He was a native of McNairyCounty, being born there November 3, 1895, and
was 46 years of age. He had beena resident of this community many years and was a
good citizen. He lost hiseyesight several years ago, but continued on in a jovial
and pleasant mood.Surviving is a son, George W. Strickland, Jr., his father, J.H.
Strickland, andstepmother, also several half brothers and sisters and a host of
friends.Deceased was a member of the Methodist Church and last rites were held
Mondayafternoon at the McKenzie Methodist Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev.
T.H.Minga. Burial was made at Oakwood Cemetery. (died February 28, 1942) PDG
STRUDER, MATTIE A. - Death of Mrs. Struder, January 18, 1918, McNairy County
Independent Appeal - Mrs. M. A. Struder died Saturday night, January 12, 1918, at
her home on Adams street. She was 68 years old, and for several weeks had been in
failing health. She was a good woman and a devout member of the Baptist
church. She was buried at Oak Hill cemetery Tuesday. Rev. J. W. Wallace held
services at her home. She leaves one son, John Struder, and one daughter, Mrs.
John E. Vires. We extend condolences to the bereft. June 9, 1848 – Jan 12, 1918
Oak Hill Cemetery.
John W Stumph - A telegram from Wynn Stump, son of John W Stump, conveyed the sad
news that his father died in the home of his daughter Mrs Lou Anderson, in
Gulfport, Miss on the morning of March 28, 1927, and he would be buried there the
following day. Mr Stumph, as he was known to hundreds in McNairy, was a former
citizen of this county, living here nearly half a century. He came to Purdy
before the Civil War and took a prominent part in the history of the county from
his arrival until he left his home of his children in Mississippi. He was born in
Illinois (other records say Pennsylvania, although his father moved to Illinois
and died there) July 1835. He came to Savannah as a young man and lived there for
a short time, removing to Purdy. There he married and reared a large family. He
occupied various positions of honor and trust during the years he lived here. He
was justice of the peace and for a long time one of the most efficient chairmen
of the county court this county ever had. After he came to Selmer in the early
1890's, he was made a United States Commissioner and held that position as long as
he lived here. He was postmaster at Purdy nearly fifty years ago. He was a man of
few words, positive and firm and possessed great courage, moral and physical. Mr
Stumph conducted a jewelry store and repair shop for many years. He always took
an active part in the communities he lived in.
Frank Wesley Stumph - son of John F and Ethel Stumph was born Feb 3, 1910 and
died Nov 1, 1911, age 1 year 9 months and 28 days. Buried at Mt Gilead.
Lockie Stumph - news reached Selmer yesterday of the death of Miss Lockie Stump at
her home at Crainesville. Miss Lockie was the daughter of Esq John W Stumph and
until afflection confined her at home, she spent much of her time at Selmer with
her father. She was well known and highly esteemed in Selmer, and the report of
her death has caused a feeling of deep sorrow in the entire community. She has
been affected for about two years and for half of that time, she has been almost
totally blind. She died in April 1903. No day in the paper or on the tombstone.
The tombstone says born 1864, but she was born 1874.
STUTTS, HIRAM G. - Mr. Hiram G. Stutts, age 70, a resident of the Michie
community, died on Friday, April 11, 1952. Funeral services were held at the
Michie Baptist Church on April 12, and burial was in the Carter cemetery.
Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements. The deceased is
survived by one brother, Sam Stutts; three sisters, Mrs. Florence Farris, Mrs.
Ella Farris, and Miss Lessie Robbins. McNairy County Independent
STUTTS, TIMOTHY WAYNE – Timothy Wayne Stutts of Michie died as a result of
injuries suffered in a car accident around 11:30 p.m. on May 12, 1987 on Childers
Hill Road in Hardin County. According to the state trooper’s report, Stutts was
southbound when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. Passenger
Timothy J. Smith was hurt in the accident. Stutts was a 23 year-old construction
worker and carpenter helper. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Billy Stutts of Michie.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Michie First Baptist Church, where he was
a member. Burial followed in Lebanon Cemetery with Rev. L.L. Bray officiating.
Other survivors include a brother, Gregory Eugene Stutts of Michie; two sisters,
Mrs. Karen Barer and Miss Alisha Stutts, both of Michie; and his grandmothers,
Mrs. Nellie Jane Stutts of Michie and Mrs. Mary Annie Cummings of Corinth, Miss.
McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Ruth Wallace Suggs - age 86 - Funeral services are set for Thursday at Chewalla
Baptist Church with Rev Richard Doyle officiating and burial at Indian creek
Cemetery. Ms Suggs, a retired employee of ITT, died Monday Oct 15, 2007, at MS
Care Center. She was born May 17, 1921 in McNairy County. She was a member of
Chewalla Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for 60 years. She enjoyed
crocheting and quilting. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lucy
Wallace; her husband B C “Tebo’ Suggs; a daughter, Merlyn Williams and a brother
Dale Wallace. Survivors include two sons, Jackie Suggs and wife Judy of Eastview
and Ricky Suggs and wife Wanda of Selmer; three daughters Teva Barnes and husband
Arnel of Corinth, Linda Suggs of Chewalla, Judy Messner and husband Gary of
Florence, Ala; a brother, Kenneth Wallace of Chewalla; three sisters, Charlene
Hurley and Doris Barnes, both of Corinth and Maxine Barnes of Decatur, Ala; 12
grandchildren, 18 g-grandchildren and one gg-grandchild. Grandsons will be
pallbearers.
Sullivan, Judy S. - 44 – died on Sunday May 30, 1999. She was secretary at TM
Financial Services in Selmer, President of McNairy County Drug Alliance, Treasurer
of Library Board, and past bank employee of Home Banking Co. in Finger and the
former Volunteer Bank in Selmer. Services took place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
June 2, 1999, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer, Burial was held at Bethesda
Cemetery in Selmer. Officiating the services was Minister Robert Henry. Mrs.
Sullivan was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Willie Mae Austin
Stephens. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Sullivan of Bethel Springs , two
daughters, Jana and Jennifer Sullivan of Bethel Springs, a brother, Teddy Stephens
of Adamsville, a niece, Trina Nelms of Corinth, Miss., and a nephew, Barry
Stephens of Memphis. PDG
SUMMERS, SAM - Sam Summers, a neighbor of Mr. Johnson, left the Johnson home at
bedtime Tuesday night, went home and retired, and death came to him during the
night. Mrs. Summers found him lifeless when she awoke Wednesday morning, Nov. 12,
1952. His death, an account of which appeared in last week's Independent, was a
shock to the community and friends elsewhere. Mr. Summers was probably as well
known in this section as any man not in public life. He was a craftsman of
ability, and through the years made hundreds of chairs which are being used in
homes throughout this part of the country. McNairy County Independent.
SUMMERS, SAMUEL HENRY - Funeral services for Samuel H. Summers were held in the
Ramer Baptist Church on Thursday, Nov. 13th, with Rev. M. E. Hines and Rev. J. E.
Bolding officiating. Burial was in the Gravel Hill cemetery. Mr. Summers was 68
years old at the time of his death. He passed away at his home near Eastview on
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 1952. He was a member of the Ramer Baptist Church. The
deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Zona Bell Summers; three daughters, Mrs.
Jim Rogers of Shiloh, Mrs. Aubrey Farris, of Sheffield, Ala., and Mrs. Eugene
Cardwell, of Ramer; two sons, Orien, of Eastview, and Lonnie, of Ramer; and 21
grandchildren. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of
arrangements. McNairy County Independent
SURRATT, ALEX - McNairy County Independent, May 2, 1930 - Alex Surratt, 67 years
of age, died Saturday at his home ten miles east of Selmer on the old Stage road,
after having been in feeble health for a long time. Mr. Surratt was a member of
one of the oldest families last century, his parents having settled in this part
of the last century, where they reared a large family of children. The deceased is
survived by his wife and five children, Mrs. J. H. Hair and Chester Surratt, of
Sanderson, Texas. Will Surratt, Mrs. Everett Plunk and Mrs. Hugh McArther, who
lives near the old Surratt home stead, and two brothers, Charlie and Jack Surratt,
who also reside in their old neighborhood. The Independent deeply sympathizes
with these bereaved relatives in the death of their loved ones. Sunday afternoon
the remains were laid to rest in the old Combs cemetery. June 28, 1863 – Apr 27,
1930 Combs Cemetery.
SURRATT, C. C.- McNairy County Independent - June 20, 1930 - C. C. Surratt, 82
years old, died suddenly at his home on the old stage road 4 miles west of
Adamsville, on June 13, 1930. The next day his body was laid to rest in the old
Combs cemetery, just west of the John Gibb Combs place, on the same old road. In
the old cemetery, sleep the ashes of many of his kindred, his father and mother,
brother and sister. Only a brother, Jake Surratt, of that once large family
survives. There were twelve children of this splendid family. He leaves several
children and other relatives in the county and other sections. Mr. Surratt was a
unique character, a man of strong convictions, and of vigorous expression. He
always led a very active life and the day of his sudden death had been working on
his farm. He had lived for a long time where he died, his home being the old -----
place, once a famous stopping place. Across from the old home in war times and
before was one of the old stage stands. Right after the Civil War he married a
daughter of the late Thomas Devault, and she died some time ago. His father was
the late Mack Surratt, a pioneer settler, and was born and reared in the community
where he died. Mar 14, 1850 – June 13, 1930 Combs Cemetery.
EUFA THELMA SURRATT, 83, died on Fri., Apr. 14, 2000, at Tri-County Convalescent
Home of heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Site Baptist
Church. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Mon., Apr. 17, at Shackelford Funeral
Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Pleasant Site Cemetery. Mrs. Surratt
was preceded in death by her parents, Alvie N. Garner and Lena Mae Hopkins Garner,
her husband, Gilbert Surratt, and a brother, Elmer Garner. She is survived by one
daughter, Monette Lamar-Tores of Stantonville, one sister, Lillie Mae Harris of
Selmer, two grandchildren, and two gr-grandchildren.
SURRATT, JAMES GRADY- McNairy County Independent - November 17, 1950 - Mr James
Grady Surratt, age 59, a resident of Adamsville, died on Monday, Nov 13,
1950. Funeral services, conducted by Bro Albert Plunk and Rev W P Littlefield,
were held at Mars Hill Church with interment in the Mars Hill
cemetery. Shackelford Funeral directors were in charge. The deceased was a
Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Mrs Minnie surratt, three daughters, Mrs
Mary Ruth Tacker, Mrs James Opal Hughes and Mrs Marie Arp and three sons, James
Joe Terry and George Robert Surratt.
SUTTON, LESTER LELA – Lester Lela Sutton, 82, of Ramer, died Tuesday, September 7,
1982, at his home. Funeral services were held Thursday, September 9, in the
Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Rev. Brent Terpen officiating. Burial was
in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Her grandchildren served as pallbearers. She was the
daughter of the late Lewis P. and Martha J. Hinton Morris, and a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She leaves her husband, Willie W. Sutton; three
daughters, Mrs. Fannie Jane Knight of Robards, Kentucky, Mrs. Gladys Wardlow of
Selmer, and Mrs. Betty Kirk of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; one son, Burl Sutton of
Ramer; sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
SWAIM, JOHN R. - December 1965 - McNairy County Independent - Funeral services for
John R. Swaim, 90, former mayor of Selmer, were held at the Court Avenue
Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert Rush officiating. Burial was
in Oak Hill Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge. Large crowds
jammed the church and funeral home in silent respect and tribute to a man loved by
the entire county. Mr. Swaim died Nov 20, 1965 at his home in Selmer. For over 70
years he served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was McNairy County
Court Clerk for 16 years, a former members of the county court and served eight
years as city judge until his retirement two years ago.
He was a school teacher in McNairy County for 25 years and was a charter member of
the board of directors of the Selmer Bank & Trust Co., and was an avid sportsman
and fox hunter. Mr. Swaim organized the tri-state singing convention and served as
its president for 35 years. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Ed A Brown of
Cheynne, Wyo, Mrs. Paul McAlpin and Mrs. Robert Johnson, both of Selmer, and Mrs.
Verrell Teague of Robins, Wyo; a son, John R. Swaim, Jr of Selmer; a sister Mrs.
Bruce Mitchell of Jackson, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
SWAIN, CHARLOTTE ANN - Services for Mrs Charlotte Ann Swaim, 90, will be at 1 pm
Friday at Shackelford Funeral home in Selmer with the Revs James Powery and Tommy
Wilder officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer. Mrs Swain,
widow of Jessie Lloyd Swain, died Tuesday, Jan12, 1982, at McNairy County General
Hospital in Selmer, after a long illness. She was a Baptist. Surviving are five
daughters, Mrs Ilene Taylor of Ramer, Mrs Irene Wolfe and Mrs Opal Steed, both of
Memphis, Mrs Verlee Smith of Wichita, Kansas, and Mrs Jewell Ellis of Bethel
Springs, a brother Buster Peak of Goshen, Ind, and 30 grandchildren.
SWAIN, LOYD P - McNairy County Independent - Feb 9, 1951 - the family of Pfc
Lloyd P Swain were notified a few days ago of his accidental death on January 21,
1951. According to Mrs W R Whitaker, sister of the deceased, they were told that a
carbine which a buddy was cleaning accidentally discharged, killing Mr Swain
almost instantly. He was 28 years old. He entered the service of his county one
year before the united States entered WWII. He was in the Navy for seven years.
After being discharged for about four months he enlisted in the Army and has seen
service in Korea during the current war. At the time of his death he was stationed
on Okinawa. He is survived by one daughter, Teresa of Memphis; his mother Mrs J L
Swain of Bethel Springs; five sisters, Mrs emmit Taylor and Mrs Irene Teague of
Ramer, Mrs Howard Ellis of Bethel Springs, Mrs C C Smith of Witchita, Kansas and
Mrs W R Whitaker of Selmer.
SWAIN, WILLIAM - McNairy County Independent, Friday Sept 4, 1908 - William Swain,
aged 53 years, died at his home at Ramer last Saturday, aaUGUST 29, 1908, nd was
buried Sunday in Ramer Cemetery. He was a good citizen and prosperous farmer. He
leaves a wife and several children, and a host of friends to mourn his
death. William M Swain 1857 – 1908 Ramer Cemetery.
JAMES DAVID SWANNER, JR, 49, died on Wednesday., Feb. 16, 2000, at VA Hospital
in Memphis off cancer. He was a diesel mechanic for Selmer truck and trailer
and a Vietnam Veteran for the United States Army. Services took place at 3 p.m.
on Sat., Feb. 19, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Lake Hill
Memory Garden in Bethel Springs. Mr. Swanner was preceded by his parents, James
David and Gertrude Swanner, Jr. He is survived by is wife, Dianna Swanner, one
sister, Shirley K. Tunnell of Memphis, and two brothers, Ronald Swanner and
Dwight B. Swanner both of Memphis.
SWEAT, ALLEN - McNairy County Independent, July 15, 1904 - Allen Sweat was a Rev
Soldier, who died in McNairy County the first Saturday in April 1844. He was
buried in what is known as the E A Sweat field, two miles south of Bethel
Springs. He came to McNairy County in 1827. Respectfully W M Sweat.
Asa Lee Sweat of Bethel Springs, 84, died August 28, 2003 at her residence. Mrs.
Sweat was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Asa Hudson and
Willie Belle Nixon Lain; her husband, William McKinley Sweat; a son, Larry Sweat;
and two daughters, Glenda Brewer and Alma Moffett. She is survived by two sisters,
Lois Gilchrist of Adamsville and Lessie Pounds of Gilchrist; and six
grandchildren, Jeff Brewer, Greg Brewer, Reggie Moffett, Ronnie Carpenter, Kenneth
Sweat and Debbie Carpenter. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 30,
2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with the Reverend Frank Whitman
officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs.
Betty Louise Sweat, 61, of Selmer, passed away on March 2, 2005, at McNairy
Regional Hospital. She was retired from GE. Mrs. Sweat was preceded in death by
her parents, Bob and Ester Neal Taylor, six sisters and 4 brothers. She is
survived by her husband, James Roy Sweat; four daughters, Mona Duncan, Heather
Sweat and Jeri Ann Sweat of Selmer and Rhina Weatherbee of Booneville, MS; one
son, Greg Sweat of Ramer; four sisters, Peggy Sloan and Jimmie Taylor of St. Joe,
MO, Debbie Stahal of Camdenton, MO, and Gwen Thornton of Stwartsville, MO; four
brothers, Billy Neal of Los Angeles, CA, Doug Taylor of Selmer, Marvin Taylor of
Parkin, AR, and Tommy Taylor of TX; one aunt, Wilma Neal of Stwartsville, MO; and
five grandchildren. Services were Saturday, March 5, 2005, at 11 AM at Shackelford
Funeral Directors of Selmer with Aaron Moss officiating. Burial followed in Falcon
Cemetery in Selmer. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer were in charge of the
arrangements.
SWEAT, CLAUDE L. - Wold War II Veteran Dies in Kennedy Hospital - Claude L.
Sweat, World II veteran of Finley, Tenn., died at 5:15 yesterday at Kennedy
Veteran’s Hospital where he had been a patient since Dec 8. He was 49. A farmer,
Mr. Sweat was born in McNairy County, Tenn., and had lived in Finley for the past
20 years. He attended the Pentecostal Church at Finley. From McNairy County
Independent: Mr. Claude L. Sweat, age 40, who resided at Finley, Tenn, died at
Kennedy Veterans Hospital at Memphis on Tuesday March 17, 1953. Funeral services,
conducted by Bro. Jack G. Taylor, were held at the Falcon Church on Wednesday,
March 18, 1953 at 2:00 pm. Burial was in the Falcon cemetery with Shackelford
Funeral Directors in charge. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Orah
Sweat of Finely, Tenn; one son, Raymond Lee Sweat, Memphis; one daughter Mrs. Earl
McClain (Jo Etta) of Memphis; two brothers Ross and Montie Sweat, Memphis; two
sisters Mrs. Artie Thorne and Mrs. D. Witt Simpson (Freddie) of Selmer.
Mrs. Effie Pearl Sweat of Selmer, 89, died Saturday, July 27, 2002 at her
residence. Mrs. Sweat was a homemaker. She was a member of Jasper Baptist Church
in Fairfield, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Maudine
Crangle Willis. She is survived by her husband, James Sweat; a son, Jimmy Wayne
Sweat of Fairfield, Ill.; three sisters, Jeri Cain of Stantonville, Mary Henson of
Whiteville, and Bertha Moore of Selmer; two brothers, A.C. Willis of Newport News,
Va. and Howard Willis of Ramer; four grandchildren, Sabbrinna, Jamie, Chrissy and
Lucas; and four great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Dakota, Brittney and Brianna.
Services were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home
Chapel, with Minister Jetta Forsythe officiating. Burial followed at Falcon
Cemetery in Selmer.
Floyd (Ben) Sweat, 81, died May 8, 2005, at a decedent’s residence. He was a
former grocery store owner and operator in both Stantonville and Selmer. He was a
member of Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a World War II Army
veteran. Services were held May 10<sup>th</sup> at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer
with burial in the Hope Cemetery in Selmer, Tn. He leaves his wife, Ann Maxedon
Sweat; daughter, Barbara Durbin of Adamsville, step-daughter Diann Sherron of
Selmer; sons, Jimmy N. Sweat of Atlanta, Ga., Johnny L. Sweat of Stantonville,
Randall F. Sweat of Selmer and Robert Anthony Sweat of Counce; sisters, Georgia M.
Hurst of Atlanta, Ga., and Dorothy F. Sweat of Selmer.
J.B. Sweat of Selmer, 80, died October 19, 2003 at McNairy Regional Hospital. Mr.
Sweat was a retired heavy equipment mechanic for the Shelby County Penal Farm. He
was a World War II Navy Veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, Job
Winfield and Minnie Kiser Sweat; and his wife, Merle Evelyn Sweat. He is survived
by two daughters, Glenda Ann Foster of Ramer and Linda Faye Fisher of Selmer; and
a sister, Bertha Rickman of Horn Lake, MS. He had six grandchildren and thirteen
great-grandchildren. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at
Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Ministers Bryan Kirby and Brian
Jackson officiating. Burial followed at Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
James Elmer Sweat, Jr. of Selmer, 71, died on July 13, 2004 at Baptist Memorial
Hospital East in Memphis. Mr. Sweat was a truck driver for Chapion Laboratories in
Albion, Ill. He was a member of the National Guard. Mr. Sweat was also a member of
Faith Baptist Church in Selmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, James
Elmer and Nettie Jewel Clifton Sweat; and his wife, Effie Pearl Sweat. He is
survived by a son, Jimmy Sweat of Fairfield, Ill.; three sisters, Lura Evelyn
Jones of Adamsville, Betty Sue Rickman and Ella Mae Martin, both of Stantonville
and two brothers, Joe W. Sweat of Fairfield, Ill. and Paul D. Sweat of Adamsville.
Mr. Sweat also has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral
services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2004 at Shackelford Chapel
with Jetta Forsythe officiating. Burial followed at Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
JESSIE W SWEAT - age 93, died in Memphis, Friday, Dec 20, 1969. Services were
held Dec 22 at the Harper Rd Christian Church in Corinth with interment in
Bethesda Cemetery. She is survived by two sons, Cletus Sweat of Corinth and A D
Sweat of Memphis; four daughters, Mrs Mary Ruth Kommne, Mrs Doris Hall and Mrs
Fannie Parker, all of Memphis, and Mrs Aline Littlejohn of Corinth; and one half
sister, Mrs Edna Hurst of Selmer.
SWEAT, LUDIE FRANCES - 92, died on Sun., Jan. 9, 2000, at Jackson Madison County
Skilled Nursing Center in Jackson of heart failure. She was a homemaker and the
oldest charter member of Lakeview Baptist Church. Services took place at 1 p.m.
on Wed., Jan. 12, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Oak Hill
Cemetery in Selmer. Officiating the services was Minister Frank Whitman. Mrs.
Sweat was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Sweat and her parents, John
and Mary Etta Barnes King. She is survived by four daughter, Nancy Tull, Mary
McCullar, Judy Tacker, and Brenda Robbins all of Selmer, one son, Johnny E. Sweat
of Pawcatuck, Conn., twelve grandchildren, and sixteen gr-grandchildren.
SWEAT, MINNIE MAE – Mrs. Minnie Mae Sweat, 96, of Bethel Springs, died Saturday,
April 9, 1983, at her home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 14, in the
Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer with Rev. R.M. Dickson officiating.
Burial was in Bethesda Cemetery. She leaves two sons, Kennie Sweat and John Sweat,
both of Bethel Springs; one brother, Frank Odom of Deer Park, Alabama; four
grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
SWEAT, SAMMIE J - McNairy County Shopper Dec 1991 - Sammie J Sweat, 75, Michie,
retired farmer, died Nov 29, 1991, at Jackson Madison Co Gen Hospital. Services
were held Dec 1 at Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah with burial in Landmark
Pentecostal Church cemetery. He was a member of Landmark Pentecostal Church. He
leaves his wife, Omega Sweat, a son Harlon Sweat of Michie, two sisters, Offie
Kennedy of Adamsville and Fay Dickey of Stantonville and a brother, Carthell Sweat
of Stantonville.
Sweat, Thomas D. - 80 of Ramer died June 7, 1993 at Tri-County Convalescent Home
in Adamsville. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. In Shackelford Funeral Home chapel
with Foy Huckabee officiating, Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery. The son of
the late Ziporia Evans Sweat and Jobe Winfield Sweat, he was a retired farmer and
a WWII veteran. Survivors include one son, Greg Sweat of Ramer; three step-sons,
Jack Murphy and Tony Murphy, both of Selmer; Ricky Murphy of Ramer; one half
brother, J.B. Sweat of Selmer; two sisters, Ophie Blakely and Velma Moore both of
Selmer; one half sister Bertha Rickman of Collierville; and five step-
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Jean Huckabee Sweat.
PDG
SWEAT, WILBOURN E - 64, died on Sun., Jan. 23, 2000, at Jackson Madison General
Hospital in Jackson of heart failure. He was co-owner of Sweat's Antiques in Crump
and a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church. Services took place at 3 p.m. on
Mon., Jan. 24, at Clear Creek
Baptist Church in the Lawton Community. Burial was held at Adamsville Cemetery in
Adamsville. Officiating the services was Minister Charles Castle. Pallbearers were
Larry Ernest, billy Sweat, Garland Evans, Ross Evans, Steve Sweat, Lucky Sweat,
Jerome Sweat, and Calvin Sweat. Mr. Sweat was preceded in death by his parents,
William (Bill) and Vela Evans Sweat, a sister, Velma Ernest and a brother, Elmer
"Capper"Sweat. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Sweat of Adamsville, one
daughter, Vickie Wolfe and husband Don of Adamsville, one son, tony Sweat and wife
Dana of Crump, one sister, Earline Harris of Selmer, one brother Arden Sweat
of Savannah, and seven grandchildren, Tonya, Shawn, Gabriel, Caleb, Shiloh,
Deidre, and Leslie.
SWEAT, WILLIAM S - McNairy County Independent - Sept 14, 1951 - Mr William S
Sweat, age 83, died at his home near Falcon, Route 3, Selmer, on Sept 12, 1951. He
had been making his home with a son Roy D Sweat. Bro Smith had charge of the
funeral services which were held at the Falcon Church. The deceased is survived by
two daughters, Mrs Burnice Floyd and Mrs Thelma Morgan; four sons, Bob Sweat,
Coleman Sweat, Bonnie Sweat and Roy D Sweat and 19 grandchildren. Mr Sweat was a
Baptist in belief.
SWEATMAN, ARTHUR P. - Arthur P. Sweatman, age 63, died at his home in the Guys
community on Tuesday, July 29, 1952. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. M. E.
Hines, were held at the Indian Creek cemetery on Wednesday, July 30, and burial
was in the cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer were in charge
of arrangements. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Fannie Sweatman; seven
daughters, Mrs. Cardelia Leatherwood, Mrs. Carrie Smith, Mrs. Irene Lfler, Mrs.
Enlina McCain, Mrs. Ruby Parmley, Mrs. Marie Carper, and Mrs. Dorothy Everett; and
one son, A. P. Sweatman. McNairy County Independent.
WILMA RUTH OSBORN SWEATMAN of Selmer, 57, died Aug. 27, 2001, of heart failure at
Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis. Ms. Sweatman was disabled and a member of
Antioch Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her mother, Pattie Bright
Osborn. She is survived by her companion with whom she lived, Joe Dee Ayers; two
daughter, Pattie Olmo of Finger and Nancy Sutton of Selmer; one son, Phillip
Sweatman of Bethel Springs; her father, David Osborn of Ramer; two sisters, Nella
Steadman of Ramer and Peggy Sanders of Columbus, MS; two were held Thurs., Aug.
30 at 3 p.m. at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial followed at White Oak
Cemetery in Ramer.
Services for Prentiss Sweatt, 82, will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Shackelford Chapel
in Selmer. Burial will be in the Falcon Cemetery in Selmer. Mr. Sweatt, retired
from Firestone, died Friday , Mar 23, 2001, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis of
heart failure. He was formerly of Selmer. He is survived by a daughter, Vera M.
Sweatt of Memphis; and a sister, Maidell Woods of Memphis.
SWINEA, ELMA A. - Mrs. Elma A. Swinea, age 74, died at her home near Stantonville
on Tuesday, Feb 19, 1952. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Vinson church on
Thursday, Feb. 21, and burial was in the cemetery there. The deceased is survived
by her husband, W. C. Swinea; two daughters, Mrs. Cecil Browder and Mrs. Charlie
Perkins; four sons, R. O., D. L., E. E., B. E., 12 grandchildren, 5 great-
grandchildren. She was a Methodist. McNairy County Independent
SWINEA, W. C. - Mr. William Cornelius Swinea, age 74, was killed instantly last
Saturday morning, April 5th, 1952 at 10:45 o'clock, at the main G.M.&O. crossing
in Selmer, when the pick-up truck he was driving ran into the engine of the I.C.
Extra Freight No. 2303, South bound. Mr. Wade McBride, a witness to the tragedy,
stated that Mr. Swinea was travelling at about 20 miles per hour and failed to
notice that the crossing light was red. Mr. McBride's efforts to stop him were
futile. The truck hit the side of the locomotive, just behind the
"cowcatcher". The impact of the front right-hand driver threw the engine clear of
the truck and it hit the corner of the Selmer G.M.&O. depot. The truck and Mr.
Swinea were carried about 35 feet and bounced off the side of the depot near the
East door. The truck was demolished, and some damage was effected to the side of
the depot, as well as a trunk and can of cream, awaiting shipment, by the depot
door. A neighbor , Mr. A. W. Christopher, who talked with him in a local grocery
just 15 minutes before the tragedy, told this reporter that Mr. Swinea told him he
was going to get his truck and get started for Iuka, Miss., where he had planned
to spend the night with his son, Lyndolph Swinea, and family. Funeral services
were held at the Mt. Vinson Methodist Church Sunday, at 2:00 p.m. Bro. W. T.
Jackson, pastor of the Adamsville Methodist Church, officiated. Burial was in the
Mt. Vinson cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge. The deceased
was preceded in death by his wife, who died Feb. 19, 1952. Since her passing, Mr.
Swinea had made his home with his children. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs.
Charlie Perkins and Mrs. Cecil Browder; four sons, R. O., P. L., E. E. and B. E.
Swinea; one brother, James Harvey Swinea, of Adamsville; fifteen grandchildren,
three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. McNairy County
Independent
SWINEY, PEARL MCKENZIE – Pearl McKenzie Swiney, 77, of Adamsville, died Monday,
June 30, 1986 at McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness. Tuesday
morning services were held in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Rev. Don
Lawrence officiating. Burial was in Adamsville Cemetery. The daughter of the late
David and Lula Clary McKenzie, she was the widow of Mark Swiney, and was a member
of the Adamsville First Baptist Church. She is survived by a son, Mark Swiney,
Jr. of Crump; a daughter, Mrs. Martha Swiney Elam of Adamsville; three
grandchildren, Mrs. Susan Pearl Frey of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Candy Garrison
of Adamsville, and Miss Margaret Swiney of Los Angeles; two great-grandchildren,
David Jonathan Frey of Los Angeles and Chaz Garrison of Adamsville. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
PATRICIA FOOTE SWINNEY, 56, died Thurs., Feb. 24, 2000, in Biloxi. Mrs. Swinney
had been a resident of the Coast for 21 years and was the owner and operator of
Domestic Housekeeping Service in Biloxi for four years and was the manager of the
Dining Hall at Keesler Air Force Base for several years. She was a member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church in Woolmarket. She was preceded in death by her parents,
William and Quixie Foote; a brother, Buddy Foote. Survivors include her husband,
Charles Swinney of Biloxi; a daughter, Sherry Wilson of Saucier; a son, Jay Callis
of Memphis; three sisters, Frances McCullar and Juanita Kennedy, both of Selmer,
Tenn., and Barbara Jernigan of Meridianville, Ala; a brother, William E. Foote,
Jr. of Selmer; and two grandsons. Visitation was held Fri. At the Howard Avenue
Chapel of Bradford-O;'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi. A service will be at 2 p.m.
today at St. Mary's Catholic Church where friends may call from 12:30- p.m. until
service time. Burial will be in White Plains Methodist Church Cemetery.