Record book
McNairy County, Tennessee
Obituaries
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WEATHERS, ZULA A. - Miss Zula Arbonna Weathers, age 84, a resident of Adamsville,
died at her home on Monday, April 7, 1952. Miss Weathers was born in Alabama in
1867. She was the daughter of the late Sam and Kizziah Weathers. She was born
into the kingdom of God by baptism in Nov. 1897, and held membership with the
Adamsville Christian Church for 55 years. Funeral services, conducted by Bro.
Jack Taylor, pastor of the Selmer Christian Church, were held at the Adamsville
Church on Tuesday, April 8, and burial was in the Adamsville cemetery. The
deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Macie Scott and Mrs. Roxie Scott; one
brother, M. H. Weathers, of Loretto, Tenn., and a host of other relatives and
friends who will miss her greatly. McNairy County Independent
WEAVER, ELLEN EVELYN GRAY- Mrs. Ellen Evelyn Gray Weaver 71, died Saturday, March
19, 1983, at Hardin County General Hospital. Funeral services were held Sunday,
March 20, in the Adamsville Funeral Home with the Revs. W.D. McCollum and W.A.
Granberry officiating. Burial was in the Adamsville Cemetery. She was born
August 28, 1911 in McNairy County, the daughter of the late Reece and Ida Barnes
Gray. On November 25, 1974, she was married to Wesley C. Weaver. She leaves her
husband; two daughters, Mrs. Hermie R. Bell and Mrs. Christine Tidwell, both of
Adamsville; and a step-son, James L. Plunk of Adamsville; six grandchildren and
one great-grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WEAVER, GRADY DEE - McNairy County Shopper - Grady Dee Weaver, 74, formerly of
McNairy, died April 29, 1987 in Jacksonville, Fla, after a long illness. Grave
side services were held at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, Friday May 1, with Jim
Poppell of Jacksonville officiating. Mr Weaver was a member of the Church of
Christ. He was an alumnus of Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson. He was retired
from the U. S. Navy, a veteran of WWII, Pacific Area, and a member of Fleet
Reserve No 91. He was also retired from the State of Florida Department of
Transportation. Survivors include his wife, Sara Kathryn; one daughter, Mrs John
[Eleanor] Gengelback of Ashland, Wisconsin and one sister Mrs William [Ollie]
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Russell of Bethel Springs. He is preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. Jess
[Grace} Archery, of Henderson, Tenn and two brothers, Luke Weaver of Bethel
Springs and Lee Weaver of Finger.
WEAVER, LEE ANDREW - Mr. Lee Andrew Weaver, age 93, died Thursday night, May 8,
1952, at the Jackson - Madison County Hospital. Mr. Weaver resided at Finger. He
had been ill only a short time. He was a son of the late Robert and Mary Hifield
Weaver, and was born in this county. He was in the banking business at Finger some
30 years before retiring. He was a Primitive Baptist. Funeral services, conducted
by Elder Hardwicke of Booneville, Miss., were held at the Finger Church of Christ
on Friday, May 9, at 2:00 o'clock, p.m. Burial was in the Finger cemetery. Morgan
Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were: Logan, Frank and
Richard Floyd, Sam Kirby, Robert Young and J. O. Massey. The deceased is survived
by his wife, Dovie Kirby Weaver, of Finger; one son, Albert Weaver, Finger; and
one daughter, Mrs. Mary Young of McKenzie, Tenn.; nine grandchildren and 4 great-
grandchildren. Another daughter, Mrs. Alma Hayre, preceded her father in death
last year. McNairy County Independent
WEAVER, LONNIE B - McNairy County Independent - November 3, 1950 - Mr Lonnie B
Weaver, age 42, met an untimely death on Wednesday, Nov 1, 1950, when he was
accidently killed at a sawmill where he was working. Details of the accident are
lacking. Funeral services were held at Moore’s Schoolhouse on Thursday, Nov 2 at
2 pm. Burial was in the cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral Directors were charge
of arrangements. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs Nora Weaver; five
children, Joy Agnes, Charles D, Shirra Gay, Berlie Wendell and Millie Diane. His
parents, Mr and Mrs James h Weaver. One sister Mrs Charles Miller. The family has
the sympathy of the entire county in their loss.
NORA V. WEAVER, 89, died on Wed., Feb. 23, 2000, at her home of heart failure. She
was a homemaker, a babysitter, and a member of Selmer First United Methodist
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Church. Services took place at 2 p.m. on Fri. 25, at Shackelford Chapel in
Selmer. Burial was held at Moore's Schoolhouse Cemetery in Selmer. Officiating the
services was Minister Dr. Paul Mullikin. Pallbearers were Glenn Robinson, James
Robinson, Gerald Robinson, Nelson Moore, bobby Smith, and David Smith. Mrs.
Weaver was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie B. Weaver, her parents, Carrol
and Dona Johnson McIntyre, one daughter, Joy Weaver Flatt, one sister, Era Moore,
and two grandsons, Douglas and Durrell King. She is survived by two daughters, Gay
Weaver King and Diane Weaver Walker both of Selmer, two sons, Duane Weaver of
Selmer and Berlie Weaver of Bethel Springs, two sister, Thelma Robinson of Bethel
Springs and Ruth Moore of Selmer, four grandchildren, five gr- grandchildren, and
two g-g-grandchildren.
RUTH TEDFORD WEAVER, 88, died on Nov. 3, 1999, at Methodist Healthcare of
Selmer. She died of a heart attack. She was a homemaker and a member of
the First Baptist Church in Henderson. She was born and reared near Finger,
McNairy County, daughter of the late H. Frank and Virginia Smith Tedford. She
attended schools in McNairy County, and in 1930 was married to Albert Edward
Weaver of Finger. They made their home in Finger where Mr. Weaver operated a
general merchandise and appliance business until 1961. He later operated a
laundromat in Henderson and was also a farmer. Mr. Weaver died in 1992. Mrs.
Weaver made her home in Selmer near her daughter for the past 5 years. Services
took place at 11 a.m. on Fri., Nov. 5, at Casey Funeral Home with burial at
Chester County Memory Gardens. Officiating the services were Rev. Thomas
Robinson and Rev. Howard Ketter. Mrs. Weaver was preceded in death by her
husband, Albert Edward Weaver and her parents, H. Frank and Virginia Smith
Tedford. She is survived by one son, Danny Weaver and his wife Phyllis of
Hernando., MS, and one daughter Frances Weaver Hutcherson and husband John
Howard of Selmer, three grandchildren, and four g-grandchildren.
DANIEL CORNELIUS WEBB born Aug. 12, 1920 in Bemis. He was the son of Rev. Allen
Guy Webb and Mandy Eakin Webb. In December 1941 he married Grace Tharp. He was
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the father of Doris Reece of Selmer and Daniel Cornelius Webb of Beaumont, Texas.
There are four grandchildren; Charlotte Montgomery and husband Randy of Munford,
Crystal Reece of Selmer, Coy Webb, USN, Jacksonville, FL, Cody Webb of Beaumont,
Texas and one stepdaughter, Amber Miller of Beaumont, Texas. He has two gr-
grandchildren; Candace and Lawrence Montgomery. He is survived by one brother
Raymond Webb of Chattanooga and preceded in death by three brothers; Coy, Allen
and Herbert. He was retired from the State of Tennessee. They had lived in
Memphis 41 years but currently reside in Selmer. He was a charter member of the
First United Pentecostal Church of Memphis and currently attending The Pentecostal
's of Bethel Springs. He died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999 at Baptist East where he had
been hospitalized following complications due to a recent stroke.
WEEKS, CHARLES B - Last Monday morning, July 14, 1910, about 9 o’clock at Falcon,
Charles B Weeks attempted to board a passing freight train by catching on to a box
car. His hold broke and he fell, his head striking the end of the ties, breaking
his jaw and fracturing his skull. He was picked up as the conductor saw him. He
was conscious for a few minutes and gave his name and residence to the conductor.
He was taken to Corinth and died in Dr Boyle’s office at 2:35. Eber Greer and Tom
Browder, who were in Corinth, were present at the time of death, rendering such
assistance as they could. His remains were brought to Falcon, his home, that
night, and on Tuesday he was buried in the Selmer cemetery while a pattering rain
added to the horror of the accident. He was 34 years old and leaves a wife and
five small children. He has been in the office of Register Carothers for a year
or more, as clerk, and being a good penman, was not only efficient, but a most
popular attache of the office. be a Warning: train catching is not only unlawful
but a most dangerous venture. (Mr Weeks is buried in an un-marked grave at Oakhill
Cemetery, Selmer, Tn)
Memorial services for DOUGLAS D. WEEKS, 92, will be held at Mars Hill Church of
Christ in Leapwood on Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. Mr. Weeks died Sat., July 22, , 2000, at
his home in DeSoto, TX. Mr. Weeks, a retired plumbing contractor, was a former
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resident of McNairy County. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou
Shelnutt Weeks and a daughter, Clorita Weeks. He is survived by a daughter and her
husband, Mary Doug and Jim Rogers of Bethel Springs, and two grandchildren, Doug
and Luke Rogers. He is also survived by a son-in-law, William Eggert of DeSoto,
TX.
DOUGLAS D WEEKS: Memorial services for DOUGLAS D. WEEKS, 92, will be held at Mars
Hill Church of Christ in Leapwood on Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. Mr. Weeks died Sat., July
22, at his home in DeSoto, TX. Mr. Weeks, a retired plumbing contractor, was a
former resident of McNairy County. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou
Shelnutt Weeks and a daughter, Clorita Weeks. He is survived by a daughter and her
husband, Mary Doug and Jim Rogers of Bethel Springs, and two grandchildren, Doug
and Luke Rogers. He is also survived by a son-in-law, William Eggert of DeSoto,
TX.
Weeks, John S. - 75 – of Ramer, died on June 13, 1998 at Jackson-Madison County
General Hospital. He was a retired building contractor and a member of Antioch
Church of Christ. This U.S. Veteran also served as Alderman of Eastview, Mayor of
Eastview for 14 years, a deacon, and as part of the WWII European Campaign. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Maggie A. Moore Weeks and Cordie H. Weeks. Mr.
Weeks is survived by his wife, Mary Kathleen Johnson Weeks, two sons, Johnny Wayne
Weeks of Selmer and Charles H. Weeks of Ramer, one daughter, Drithia Jackson of
Ramer, one sister, Norma Lawson of Ramer, seven grandchildren, and five great-
grandchildren. Services were held at Shackelford Chapel on Monday, June 15 at 3:00
p.m., with burial at Gravel Hill Cemetery. Brian Jackson and Nat Evans officiated.
PDG
MARY F. WEEKS, 92, died on Mon., Nov. 22, 1999, at Tri-County Convalescent Home in
Adamsville of heart failure. She was a homemaker and a life long member of
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Solitude Freewill Baptist Church. Services took place at 3 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 24,
at Solitude Freewill Baptist Church. Burial was held at Mars Hill Cemetery in
Adamsville. Officiating the services were ministers were Marvin Morrow, Don
Lipford, and Douglas Powell. Active bearers were Bryce Finley, Steve Weeks, Randy
McKee, Marty Pickens, Andy Weeks, Randall Weeks, Brian Weeks, and Malcom Weeks.
Mrs. Weeks was preceded in death by her husband, Alfie N. Weeks, four brothers,
and two grandchildren. She is survived by three daughters, Virginia Finley,
Freeda Bricker, and Brenda Pickens all of Adamsville, six sons, Welbert Weeks of
Milan, Elvin Weeks of Finger, Shannon Weeks, Doyle Weeks and Waylon Weeks all of
Adamsville, and Arvis Weeks of Bethel Springs, one sister, Exie Brown of Kossuth,
Miss., thirty grandchildren, fifty-eight g-grandchildren, and twelve g-g-
grandchildren.
WEEKS, RAYMOND O. – Raymond O. Weeks, MSgt. USAF Ret., died after several weeks’
illness on May 21, 1983 at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base,
Texas. He was 68. A military funeral was held and burial was at Weslaco, Texas on
Tuesday, May 24. Mr. Weeks was a member of the Church of Christ, and he was a
Mason. He was the only son of Harrison L. and Mattie Ingle Weeks. He was born in
and lived in McNairy County until he was grown, and gradudated from Selmer High
School. He entered military service and served in the European Theatre with the
Air Force during World War II. He remained in the USAF for 21 years, retiring in
1960. Following retirement from the Air Force, he was employed as Supervisor of
Food Service by the Texas Department of Education in the schools of Harlingen and
Edinburg, Texas. He retired from the school system in 1981 and lived, prior to
his death, in McAllen, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Julia Butler Weeks of
McAllen; one daughter, Mrs. Tillie Rheiner of San Antonio, Texas; one son, Ray
Weeks of Victoria, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Magdalene Goad of Selmer; and three
grandsons. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WELLS, LILLIAN PLUNK – Lillie Plunk Wells, 91, of Jackson died on May 17, 1988 at
her residence after a short illness. Services will be held today at 3:30 p.m. at
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Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Jackson with Rev. James Cooper and Rev. Drew
Brewer officiating. Burial will be in Old Liberty Cemetery in McNairy County.
George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Main Street Chapel, is in charge of
arrangements. She was the daughter of the late Henry Clay and Mollie Victoria
Plunk and was the widow of Ted Oren Wells. She was a homemaker and a member of
Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Survivors include two son, James Ted Wells of
Jackson and Van Henry Wells of Memphis; four daughters, Mary June Holley, Betty E.
Brewer, and Patty Simmons, all of Jackson, and Colleen Porter of Tewksbury, MA;
two sisters, Mrs. Arnie Anderson and Mrs. Willie Walker, both of Fort Myers, FL;
22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WESSON, ANN - McNairy County Independent - Mrs. Ann Wesson, aged 99 years, the
oldest person in the county, died last Friday at the home of her daughter Mrs
Tidwell, near Adamsville. Her remains were laid to rest in the Pleasant Grove
cemetery Saturday, Rev. J. B. Maxedon of Selmer, conducted the funeral
services. Mrs. Wesson was the widow of Turner Wesson who died twenty three years
ago while living near Chewalla. She was for eighty-five years a member of the
Methodist Church, and was a noble christian woman and lived the life which
entitles her to a heavenly mansion. ( Died Nov 5, 1920 - this is according to the
death certificate. Some places says 1923. The death certificate says birth 1822
which makes her 98 years old, the tombstone says 89 years. Name Julia Ann)
WESSON, J. R. - July 13, 1923: McNairy County Independent Appeal - Mention was
made last week of the death of J R Wesson, he dying at his home in Adamsville July
4, 1923. Randolph Wesson as he was known to hundred in the county, was one of the
strong men of the county. He was wonderfully well informed, and kept up with
current happenings. He could easily give off hand the names of the county seats in
the state and of some people who lived there. He could give the names of the
members of Congress and the states from which they came. He took a lively interest
in politics and there are many in the county who have in the past, staked their
political fortunes on his judgment. He came to this county during the civil war
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and married a daughter of Jas Parrish, his wife surviving him.
There were born to this union many children, all of whom have died. He served as
justice of the peace for many years and was mayor of the town for a long
time. The people usually called on him to assume charge of the local affairs and
he willingly responded. Churches and schools and all other enterprises for the up
building of the community always found him a ready and enthusiastic supporter. The
deceased was a level-headed business man and had by his efforts accumulated a
competency. He was connected with the Bank of Adamsville, an institution that he
helped to organize. For many years he was the postmaster of the town. The deceased
was a native of Alabama, having been born near Florence. At the time of his death
he was in his 82nd year. The county loses in the death of such men as J R
Wesson. 1842- 1923 Adamsville Cemetery.
Elmer William (Cub) West of Selmer, 85, died December 11, 2002 at his residence.
Mr. West was a retired self-employed mechanic. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII.
He was Baptist in faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey D. and
Cora A. Boyd West. He is survived by his wife, Rubye Gann West; two daughters,
Gwelda Treece of Selmer and Judy Combs of Adamsville; and three sisters, Jane
Lovins of New Concord, Ky., and Bonnie Mohundro and Jo Nell Drenner, both of
Murray, Ky. He had three grandchildren. Services were held at 11 a.m. on December
12, 2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister J.D. Matlock
officiating. Burial followed at Olive Branch Cemetery in Como.
Elmer William (Cub) West of Selmer, 85, died December 11, 2002 at his residence.
Mr. West was a retired self-employed mechanic. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII.
He was Baptist in faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey D. and
Cora A. Boyd West. He is survived by his wife, Rubye Gann West; two daughters,
Gwelda Treece of Selmer and Judy Combs of Adamsville; and three sisters, Jane
Lovins of New Concord,Ky., and Bonnie Mohundro and Jo Nell Drenner, both of
Murray, Ky. He had three grandchildren. Services were held at 11 a.m. on December
12, 2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister J.D. Matlock
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officiating. Burial followed at Olive Branch Cemetery in Como.
FLORENCE ROSETTA WEST, 49, died on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000, at her home of
heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of McCalip's Chapel Baptist
Church. Graveside services took place at 11 a.m. on Wed., Feb. 16, with burial
at Mosses Creek Cemetery. Officiating the services was Minister Frank Bell. Ms.
West was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Marion (Doc) and Verda Lou May
King. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth West, one daughter, Brandy
Michelle West of Hornsby, two sons, James Allen West of Selmer and Phillip
Wade West of Hornsby, three sisters, Jeffery Dillon of Selmer, Ruthie Clark
of Ramer, and Kathie King of Bolivar, one brother, James Alford King of
Selmer, and four grandchildren, Jacob, Josh, Matthew and Cheyenne.
West, James Melton – 80 – died July 8, 1998 at Jackson Madison County General
Hospital due to injuries related to a truck accident. He was a retired timber
buyer and logger and a member of Sanctified Church of Christ. He was preceded in
death by one sister, Mrs. Jessie Eakes, two brothers, William West and W.T. West,
and one son, J.W. West. Mr. West is survived by his wife, Bess West of Hornsby,
Tn., two daughters, Mrs. Beverly Smith of Selmer, tn., and Janie Stephens of St.
Louis, Mo., and two sons, Mr. Houston West of Bethel Springs, and Mr. Dennis
(Dink) West of Hornsby, Tn. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and
eight great-grandchildren. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on July 10, 1998 at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer, Tn., with Robert Cottie officiating. Burial took
place at McAlips Chapel Cemetery near Selmer, Tn. Pallbearers were Morris
Smallwood, Terry Hurst, Carroll King, John Lowrance, Joe Lowrance, David Doris,
and Jimmy Rickman. PDG
WHARTON, ELZA SUSANNAH – Mrs. Elza Susannah Wharton, 77, of Reagan, Tennessee,
died Sunday, June 27, 1982, at Lexington-Henderson County General Hospital after a
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short illness. Funeral services were held Monday, June 28, in the Chapel of
Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer, with Rev. Herman Harbin officiating. Burial
was in Mars Hill Cemetery, and her grandsons served as pallbearers. She was the
daughter of the late William Isaac and Pattie Veota Tedford Bishop, and the widow
of the late Lewis Wharton. Mrs. Wharton was a member of Hardin’s Graveyard
Freewill Baptist Church. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Mildred Wood of
Henderson, Mrs. Laphaun Hanna of Enville, and Mrs. Lila Peters of Reagan; one son,
Osborn Wharton of Finger; one brother, Leonard Bishop of Bethel Springs; thirteen
grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WHEATLEY, BERNICE THOMAS – Bernice Thomas Wheatley, 69, born and raised in McNairy
County, died July 30, 1986 at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Services were held
at 1 p.m. Friday, August 1, in Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Savannah.
Burial was in the Henderson City Cemetery with Rev. John Wintermute officiating,
assisted by Lance Foster. She was the daughter of the late Edgar and Dora
Dickerson Thomas. She lived for 39 years in Savannah and was a former member of
the Savannah Garden Club. She died volunteer hospital work and earlier in her life
was a Girl Scout Brownie Leader. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Jane W.
Broadstone of Nashville; and two brothers, Harlan Thomas of Bolivar and Eldon
Thomas of Clarksville. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
NOLA B. MURRAY WHEELER, 91, died on Sat. Apr,. 22, 2000, at her residence. She was
a member of Christ United Methodist Church, a former employee of Weaver Pants
Factory, Owner of Wheeler's Grocery Store, co-owner of Sunshine Laundry and
Magnolia Hosiery Mill. Services took place at 2 p.m. on Mon., Apr. 24, at
Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was held at Forrest Memorial Park Cemetery.
Officiating the services were Rev. Jody McKewen and Charlie Browning. Mrs.
Wheeler was preceded in death by her husband, W.O. "Watt" Wheeler, her parents,
Arthur Webster Murray and Maggie Celester Emmons Murray, two brothers, Wesley Clay
Murray and Grover Lee Murray, three sisters, Grace Othella Johnson, Martha B.
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Elkins, and Patie Madell Murray, nephews, Leland Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, and
Ernest Johnson, niece, Dorothy McVay Johnson, and brothers- in-law, Bonzie B.
Johnson, Asa Johnson, Orlando Ellis, and Norman Elkins. She is survived by a
sister, Mary B. Murray Johnson of Selmer, nephews John Ellis of Dddallas, Texas,
Charles Ellis and Ann of Selmer, and Robert Murray and Ann of Adamsvile, nieces,
Cindy Elkins, Dodson, and joe of Segaville, Texas, Connie Murray Mullins and
Nickey of Adamsville, Rachel Ellis Kiser and W. H. of Bethel Springs, Dorothy
Johnson Horton and Leon of Town Creek, Ala., and Pheore Murray Prather and Billy,
Janice Murray Carroll and Melvin, and Clara Johnson all of Selmer, sisters-in-law,
Ethel McCann Murray of Selmer, and Cecil McCullar Murray of Savannah, a host of
great nieces and nephews, and special friends Harry and Lauvell Steen, Edna
"Irene" and Charles Shipman, ell Meyers and Vickie Wells.
BESSIE R. WHITAKER, age 89, died on Thursday, Apr. 29, 1999, at Chesterton Health
Care Center in Chesterton of heart failure. Mrs. Whitaker was a homemaker.
Services took place at 11 a.m on Mon., May 3, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer.
Burial was held at Pebble Hill Cemetery in Michie. Mrs. Whitaker is preceded in
death by her husband, Brodie Whitaker, daughter, Ruth Churchwell, and parents
Edgar and Nettie Rains. She is survived by two brothers, Willard and Bedford
Rains, both of Shiloh, and three grandchildren, Suzie Stockham, Vickey DeBoer, and
Mark Churchwell. Memorial contributions can be made to the Chesterton Health
Care Center or the Porter County Cancer Society.
Whitaker, Ella Mae – 88 – died on Friday, August 20, 1999 at her daughter's home
of heart failure. She was a homemaker and attended Bethesda Presbyterian Church.
Services took place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 1999 at Shackelford Chapel.
Burial was held at Bethesda Cemetery near Selmer. Officiating the services was
Minister Zolan Clayton. Her grandsons were the pallbearers. Mrs. Whitaker was
preceded in death by her husband, Walter Whitaker, her parents, Jack and Mary
Raines Willis, and a grandson, Donald Whitaker. She is survived by one daughter,
Shirley Montgomery of Bethel Springs, one son, Ralph Whitaker of Selmer, one
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sister, Dovie Sylvester of Haden, Ala., ten grandchildren, thirteen great
grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and two dear friends, Janie Bryant,
and Florence Gann. PDG
WHITAKER, GEORGE - February 27, 1967 0 Services for George Eldridge Whitaker, 55,
of Michie, were held a 2 pm last Wednesday at Michie Baptist Church. Burial was in
Carter Cemetery with Shackelford in charge. Mr. Whitaker died Monday, Feb 27, at
Baptist Hospital in Memphis. He was a member of the Michie Baptist
Church. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Georgie Whitaker of Michie; a son, Ray
Whitaker of Michie; a daughter, Mrs. Shirley Price of Michie; and three sisters,
Mrs. Ruby Crotts of Michie, Mrs. Lois South of Memphis, and Mrs. Lorraine Brooks
of Los Angeles.
WHITAKER, James Warren - Mr. James Whitaker, 80, of Selmer, died of heart failure
on May 6, 2001, at Methodist Healthcare-McNairy Hospital. Mr. Whitaker was a
construction worker and a service station attendant, a member of the First Baptist
Church in Selmer, a Mason, and a WWII veteran. He is survived by his wife, Alean
Watson Whitaker, one son, Richard N. Whitaker of Selmer, two sisters, Nola Mae
Wilkes of Lenoir City and Geraldine Todd of Alliance, Neb., along with one
brother, Billy Whitaker of Selmer, and three grandchildren, Regina Rankin and Tony
and Brandon Whitaker, and five great-grandchildren. Services were held at 2 p.m.
on Monday, May 7, at Selmer Shackelford Chapel. Burial followed at Pebble Hill
Cemetery in Stantonville.
Mr. James Whitaker, 80, of Selmer, died of heart failure on May 6 at Methodist
Healthcare-McNairy Hospital. Mr. Whitaker was a construction worker and a service
station attendant, a member of the First Baptist Church in Selmer, a Mason, and a
WWII veteran. He is survived by his wife, Alean Watson Whitaker, one son, Richard
N. Whitaker of Selmer, two sisters, Nola Mae Wilkes of Lenoir City and Geraldine
Todd of Alliance, Neb., along with one brother, Billy Whitaker of Selmer, and
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three grandchildren, Regina Rankin and Tony and Brandon Whitaker, and five great-
grandchildren.Services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 7, at Selmer Shackelford
Chapel.Burial followed at Pebble Hill Cemetery in Stantonville.
Mr. Larry Neal Whitaker of Selmer, 61, died Friday, August 23, 2002 at Jackson
General Hospital in Jackson. Mr. Whitaker was a railroad employee for 23 years. He
was Section Foreman with Denver Rio Grande Western Railroad. He was a member of
Calvary Baptist Church in Craig, Colo. and Selmer Moose Lodge. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Oscar W. and Mary Lee Wolfe Whitaker; and one son, Ricky
Neal Whitaker. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Whitaker of Selmer; a son,
Steven Whitaker of Selmer; a step-daughter, Collen Sherwood of Craig, Colo.; a
sister, Patsy Jones of Selmer; and two brothers, James Oscar Whitaker of Selmer
and Carthel Hockaday of Midwest City, Okla. He had five grandchildren and 2 great-
grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2002
at Union Grove Methodist Church, with Minister Robert Jetton officiating. Burial
followed at Union Grove Cemetery in Selmer. Shackelford Funeral Directors, Inc.
was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Kidney Fund.
Mr. Larry Neal Whitaker of Selmer, 61, died Friday, August 23, 2002 at Jackson
General Hospital in Jackson. Mr. Whitaker was a railroad employee for 23 years. He
was Section Foreman with Denver Rio Grande Western Railroad. He was a member of
Calvary Baptist Church in Craig, Colo. and Selmer Moose Lodge. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Oscar W.and Mary Lee Wolfe Whitaker; and one son, Ricky Neal
Whitaker. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Whitaker of Selmer; a son, Steven
Whitaker of Selmer; a step-daughter, Collen Sherwood of Craig, Colo.; a sister,
Patsy Jones of Selmer; and two brothers, James Oscar Whitaker of Selmer and
Carthel Hockaday of Midwest City, Okla. He had five grandchildren and 2 great-
grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2002
at Union Grove Methodist Church, with Minister Robert Jetton officiating. Burial
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followed at Union Grove Cemetery in Selmer. Shackelford Funeral Directors, Inc.
was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Kidney Fund.
RAY O'NEAL WHITAKER, 68, of Michie, died Sept. 9, 2000, at North Miss. Medical
Center in Tupelo, Miss., due to diabetes. He was a retired electrician for the
Tennessee River Pulp and Paper Mill. He was a Deacon at Center Hill Baptist Church
and a former gospel singer with Gospel Heralds. He was also a member of the
I.B.E.W. Electrical Union. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. George and Georgia Whitaker. He is survive by his wife, Julia Whitaker of
Michie, two daughters, Sandra Whitaker of Clearwater, FL and Judy Smith of
Colorado Springs, CO., one son, Richard Whitaker of Michie, one sister, Shirley
Price of Michie, three grandchildren, and two gr-grandchildren. Funeral services
were held at center Hill Baptist church on Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. Burial followed
at Center Hill in Counce.
RICKY NEAL WHITAKER, age 36, died Mon. Apr. 12, 1999, at his home of a brain
tumor. He was the manager of Selmer Glass Company. Also, a member of the Selmer
First Christina Church, the Selmer Moose Lodge, and Participated in Cars for Kids.
Services took place at 1 pm on Wed. Apr. 14, at Shackelford Chapel. Burial was
held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Monty Rickman, Terry Graham, Wayne
Basinger, Alvin Strickland, Gary Higginbottom, Todd Simpson, Phillip Lambert, and
Tracy Thomas. Mr. Whitaker is survived by his wife, Jolene Baumann Whitaker.
He is also survived by his daughter Jennifer Lee Anne Teet and son-in-law, David
Dewayne Teet, his mother and father, Larry Neal Whitaker and Barbara Cox, brother
Steven Lynn Whitaker all of Selmer. He is also survived by Gordon & Bobbie Yopp
who helped rear him. Any contributions should be made to the American Cancer
Society.
W D Whitaker - A beautiful tribute was paid to life of Mr William Daniel Whitaker
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on Sunday afternoon, and hundreds of friends and loved ones gathered at Pebble
Hill church to pay their last respects to a friend and neighbor that has lived in
this community since early boyhood. He died Jan 31, 1942. A member of the
Methodist Church he was 63 years old at the time of his passing. Funeral service
held by local pastor Rev John R Cecil and assisted by Rec A D Gurley. The Vaughn
Quartet and special friends of the family softly and sweetly sang many beautiful
songs that were special favorites of the deceased. Mr Whitaker was a great lover
of music and he and his sons carried the gospel in song every where they went.
His survivors includes his wife Mrs Gladys Mason Whitaker, seven sons, Oscar of
Corinth, Selvin of Detroit, Mich, Claude, Brodie, Aubrey and D C all of Michie and
G W of the US Navy Air Corps; one brother, Jim Whitaker of Selmer; three sisters,
Mrs Freeman Moore of Michie, Mrs Mattie Pratt of Oxford, Miss, Mrs J M May of
Greenville, Texas and nine grandchildren. Active pall bearers, G L Reid, W A
Rickman, John Swaim of Selmer, John Thomas Wilbanks, B Y Howell and Mr Johnson all
of Corinth. The Gooch Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.
WILLIAM KENNY WHITAKER was born on Sept. 29, 2004 in Stantonville, TN and passed
away on Oct. 1, 2004 at McNairy Regional Hospital. Mr. Whitaker was preceded in
death by his mother Louella Whitaker Kirkpatrick, father John Herman Whitaker and
brother Gene Whitaker.He is survived by his wife Betty of Selmer, three sons John
of Blytheville, AR, Terry of St. Louis, MO, and Bill of Stuart, FL, seven
grandchildren, two brothers Robert Whitaker of Selmer and John Whitaker of St.
Louis, MO, and three sisters Louise Singleton and Peggy Smith both of St. Louis,
MO, and June Cope of St. Peters, MO. Mr. Whitaker was a retired truck driver from
Consolidated Freight Ways
WHITE, ALLEN WAYNE – Allen Wayne White, 38, of Bethel Springs, died suddenly at
the McNairy County General Hospital Emergency Room on June 13, 1987. He was a
veteran of the army and was employed at Jetricks in Selmer. He was the son of
Talmage White of Bethel Springs and the late Marie Naylor. Funeral services were
held at the Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Neal
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Morris officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were
James Harvell, Hollis Lambert, Jr., John Galbraith, Francis Wilson, Irvin Howell,
and Weldon Rankin. In addition to his father, he leaves a brother, Jerry White of
Bethel Springs; a sister, Brenda Lambert of Bethel Springs; and four
nephews. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Martha Beatrice Mosier White of Henderson, 82, died July 27, 2003 at Jackson
General Hospital. Mrs. White was a homemaker.She was Baptist in belief. She was
born and reared in the New Delite community near Lawton, the daughter of the late
David A. and Daisy Whitmar Mosier. She grew up near Lawton and attended schools at
New Delite. She was married to Luther Mitchell (Luke) White in 1945. They made
their home in Chester County, where Mr. White farmed and owned and operated the
Club Alamo, and Mrs. White helped him in the business. Mr. White died in 1976.
She continued to make her home in Henderson and most recently at Heritage Towers,
before moving to Selmer. She is survived by a son, Wayne White and wife Jannie of
Henderson; two brothers, Buford Mosier and Olus Mosier, both of Henderson; and
three sisters, Jean Farley of Henderson and Madge Whitten and Judy Clayton, both
of Selmer. She had four grandchildren, Luther Wayne White, Samatha Jayne White,
Penny Estes and husband Eddie, and Joshua White and wife Molly. She had six great-
grandchildren. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at Casey
Funeral Home, with the Reverend Frank Whitman officiating. Burial followed at
Pounds Cemetery.
BESSIE C. WHITE, 92, died on Thurs., Oct. 28, 1999, at Middle Tennessee Medical
Center in Murfreesboro. She was a homemaker, a retired teacher from McNairy
County School System and a member of Michie first Baptist Church. Services took
place at 11 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 30, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was
held at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery in Shiloh. Officiating the services was
Minister Ranndy Isbell. Pallbearers were Norris Meek, James Coln, Wayne Parker,
Ralph Lambert, Mike Gray, Elvis Butler, Brandon Butler. Mrs. White was preceded
in death by her husband Dewey White and her parents, Wm. Mack and Mary Elizabeth
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Curtis Cunningham. She is survived by one daughter, Betty White Ingram of
Murfreesboro, two grandsons, Sam White Ingram of Tullahoma and Glen Ingram of
Franklin, and four gr-grandchildren
White, Daniel B. - 61 – died on Sunday, May 2, 1999 at Vanderbilt University
Medical Center in Nashville of heart failure. He was a member of Falcon Baptist
Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 743, Selmer. Services took place at
2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 1999 at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was
held at the West Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in West Shiloh. Officiating the
services was Rev. Ivy Ellis. Mr. White was preceded in death by his parents, John
H. and Modena Pearl White, one son, Daniel A. White, and one sister, Lois White
Durham. He is survived by one daughter, Debbie Jean White Depaulo of Lyon, Ill.,
one brother, Johnny David White of Chicago, Ill., two sisters, Betty White
Gilliland of White House, Jean White Myers and husband Merle Myers of Iowa City,
Iowa, and one brother-in-law, James Durham of Michie. PDG
WHITE, DEWEY CLARENCE – Dewey Clarence White, 76, of Michie, died Thursday,
February 3, 1983, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held
Saturday, February 5, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer with the
Revs. L.L. Bray and Foy Huckabee officiating. Burial was in Shiloh Cemetery. He
was the son of the late Jim and Cora Davis White. He was a retired farmer and a
member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Bessie
Cunningham White; one daughter, Mrs. Betty White Ingram of Murfreesboro; two
brothers, Kelsie White and Dalmer White, both of Michie; two grandchildren, Sam
White Ingram and Glen Wood Ingram; and one great-grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
DOSKYE L. WHITE, age 78, died on Wed., Apr. 21, 1999, at Jackson-Madison County
General Hospital in Jackson of pneumonia. Mrs. White was a member of West Shiloh
Baptist Church. Services took place at West Shiloh Baptist Church at 3 p.m. on
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Fri, Apr. 23. Burial was held at West Shiloh Cemetery in Stantonville.
Officiating at the services was Minister Jerry Wood. Pallbearers were: Micah
Fondren, Nickey Fondren, Jeff Wagoner, Doyle More, Ray Martin, and Keith Qualls.
Honorary bearers were: G.C. Shelton, Frank Qualls, Bob Surratt, Arthur Naylor,
Owen Lee Qualls, and James Wagoner. Mrs. White was preceded in death by her
parents, Betty Fields Surratt and Sam Surratt, a son- in-law, Austin King and one
brother William Surratt. She is survived by her husband, Alex White, one daughter,
Nelda King of Stantonville, and her sister, Lettie Byrd of Counce. Mrs. White had
two grandchildren, Tammy Moore and Jason King, and one gr-grandchild Brandon Moore
FANNIE LAVADA WHITE of Fredricktown, MO., formerly of Counce, 89, died Sept. 8,
2001 at Madison County Hospital in Fredricktown, MO of heart failure. Mrs. White
was a homemaker and a member of Counce Pentecostal Church. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Clarence White and her parents, Daily and Mattie
Samples. She is survived by two sons, Alton White of Fredricktown, MO and Eugene
White of Festus, MO; a sister, Terri Sills of St. Louis, MO; along with six
grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and sixteen gr-grandchildren. Funeral
services for Mrs. White were held Tues., Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. at Counce First United
Pentecostal Church with G. R. Miller and Tim Stafford officiating. Burial
followed at Michie Cemetery in Michie.
WHITE, GRADY TROY - 94, died on Tues., Jan 11, 2000, at Magnolia Regional
Healthcare Center in Corinth, Miss., of heart failure. He was a retired farmer
and a member of West Shiloh Baptist Church. Services took place at 2 p.m. on
Thurs., Jan. 13, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at West Shiloh
Cemetery in Stantonville. Officiating the services was Minister Jerry Woods.
Pallbearers were Mike Fondren, Nickey Fondren, Danny Elam, David Dierks, Jason
King, Billy Surratt, and Donald Surratt.
WHITE, JAMES HAROLD - McNairy County Independent - Jan 5, 1951- Little James
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Harold White, five month old son of Mr and Chester White, who reside in the New
Hope community, died Dec 23, 1950. Services, conducted by Bro L T Ivey were held
at the New Hope Church on December 24 with burial in the New Hope Cemetery.
Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge.
WHITE, JAMES KELSEY – James Kelsey White, 75, of Michie, died Saturday, March 26,
1983, pronounced dead on arrival at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth. Funeral services
were held Sunday, March 27, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer
with Brothers Allen Milian and L.L. Bray officiating. Burial was in Michie
Cemetery. He was the son of the late Jim and Cora Davis White. He was a retired
farmer and was a member of the Pentecostal Church. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Pat
White; two daughters, Mrs. Oneida Cabral of Michie and Mrs. Patricia Dickerson of
Pickwick Dam; one son, James White of Corinth; one brother, Dalmer White of
Michie; and five grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WHITE, JOHN - Man Shot, Robbed and Thrown off Train, Dies (Mortuary Notice) Date:
November 11, 1905 Paper: Dallas Morning . McAlester, Ok., Nov 4-- Murdered for $8
is the record given the police department in the case of John White, 45 years old,
of Bethel Springs, Tenn., who was shot and robbed and thrown off an eastbound
freight train of the Rock Island near Dow Thursday night. White was found some
time afterward and given medical attention, after which he was brought to a
hospital in this city, where he died on the operating table about 1 o'clock Friday
morning. White told the officers that he had been held up by a negro and shot.
There were two white men in the car who feigned being held up, but they afterward
assisted the negro to throw him off the train, White said. Lying beside the
railroad tracks, White called loudly for help, and was given assistance by the
Constable at Dow. The wounded man gave names of two relatives, a sister, Mrs. Mary
?. Sides, Blossom, Texas and Clyde Spray, Plows, Kan.
LUDIE CURTIS WHITE of Corinth, MS, died on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004 at Mississippi
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Care Center.
She was a member of Lorraine Baptist Church. She was known to many as "Aunt
Ludie", and was known far and wide for her fried peach pies. She and her husband
owned White's DX Station for several years and many of her customers became her
lifelong friends. She loved her family as only a mother could, and became a second
mother to all of her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed quilting, going to church,
but most of all she enjoyed talking and being with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Dolmer L. White; a daughter,
Faye White Neal; her father, Charlie Curtis; her mother, Chattie Randolph Curtis;
three brothers and six sisters.
She is survived by a son, Bobby White and wife, Faye of Corinth, MS; two
daughters, Jane Phelps and husband Luther Wayne of Guntown, MS and Brenda Mills
and friends Charles Roberts of Tupelo, MS; eleven grandchildren, Dianne Baldwin,
Martha Durbin, Jimmy White, Deborah Steen, Randy White, Dewayne White, Bobby L.
White, Timothy White, Pam McCaleb, Susan Mills, and Misty Stanford; three step-
grandchildren, Dale Fulks, Terrry Fulks, and Marita Hood; twenty-one g-
grandchildren; and eleven g-g-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Pat White; and
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Services were held at 1
p.m. on Fri., Oct. 15th at Magnolia Funeral Home Chapel of Memories with Allen
Milam and Bro. Taft Nethery officiating. Burial followed at Lorraine Cemetery in
Guys
WHITE, MARGARET H. - McNairy County Independent - Friday, April 15, 1949 - Mrs.
Margaret H. White, age 81, died at her home near Adamsville on Sunday, April 10,
1949. She was a member of the Christian Church and had lived a long useful life.
Funeral services were held at the Mars Hill Church on Monday, April 11, with Elder
H. K. Alexander in charge. Burial was in the Mars Hill cemetery. She is survived
by her husband, W. B. White; two sons, (unreadable) and one daughter, Mrs. J. E.
Ledbetter, all of Adamsville.
Martha Beatrice Mosier White of Henderson, 82, died July 27, 2003 at Jackson
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General Hospital. Mrs. White was a homemaker. She was Baptist in belief. She was
born and reared in the New Delite community near Lawton, the daughter of the late
David A. and Daisy Whitmar Mosier. She grew up near Lawton and attended schools at
New Delite. She was married to Luther Mitchell (Luke) White in 1945. They made
their home in Chester County, where Mr. White farmed and owned and operated the
Club Alamo, and Mrs. White helped him in the business. Mr. White died in 1976. She
continued to make her home in Henderson and most recently at Heritage Towers,
before moving to Selmer. She is survived by a son, Wayne White and wife Jannie of
Henderson; two brothers, Buford Mosier and Olus Mosier, both of Henderson; and
three sisters, Jean Farley of Henderson and Madge Whitten and Judy Clayton, both
of Selmer. She had four grandchildren, Luther Wayne White, Samatha Jayne White,
Penny Estes and husband Eddie, and Joshua White and wife Molly. She had six great-
grandchildren. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at Casey
Funeral Home, with the Reverend Frank Whitman officiating. Burial followed at
Pounds Cemetery.
WHITE, OTTIS – Ottis White, 80, of Corinth died on January 15, 1988 at Magnola
Hospital in Corinth. Services were held on Sunday afternoon at new Hope Church
with Rev. Dale Mathis officiating. Burial was in New Hope Cemetery. She was the
daughter of the late Otis and Mallie Britten Nichols and was the widow of Eula
White. She was a housewife and a member of New Hope Methodist Church. Survivors
include two sons, Audry White of Corinth and Bill White of Michie; a daughter,
Mrs. Martha Lee Mullurger of Utica, MS; two sisters, Velma Elam of Guys and Willie
Mae McClain of Knoxville; six grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
RALPH RAY WHITE, 79, of Selmer died on June 11, 2000 at the Jackson-Madison Co.
General Hospital due to cancer. Mr. White is retired truck driver. He has been a
Deacon at Eastview Baptist Church for five and a half years, at West Shiloh
Baptist Church for thirty years, and a Church in Farmington, MI for twenty-seven
years. He also served in the army during WWII. He is preceded in death by his
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parents, Iven Washington and Leatha Hopper White, and his brother Junior White, He
is survived by his wife Peggy Plunk White; one daughter, Judy Belvin of Savannah;
six sister, Ellen Cooksey of Michie, Oberia Sowell of Michie, Omega Sweat of
Michie, Virginia Goodwin of Michie, Ruth Tucker of Decaturville, and Marie Byrd of
Pontoctac, MS; seven brothers, Jake White of Michie, Charles White of Michie, J.
W. White of LaPlanto, AR, Rayburn White of Decaturville, Bruce White of Durant,
FL, Roger White of Fort Smith, AR, and Phillip White of Dallas, TX; three
grandchildren and his grandparent, Hollie Belvin, Heather Houser, and Hillary
Belvin. Funeral service were held at Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer at 1
p.m. Tues. Burial followed at the Lebanon Cemetery in Michie. Pallbearers were
Joey Lawson, Tommy Cooksey, Mitch Goodwin, Nick Tucker, Mike Pickett, and Jimmy
Sowell.
WHITE, RUBYE - McNairy County Independent, March 28, 1930 - Rubye, the third
daughter of B. C. White and wife, died Friday night and was buried at Mt. Vinson
Saturday. Death Mar 21, 1930.
WHITE, SARAH ELIZABETH - Feb 13, 1968 - Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth White, 72, died last
Tuesday morning at McNairy County General Hospital after a tree-week illness. She
was the wife of P. C. White of Michie. She was a member of the Primitive Baptist
Church. Besides her husband, she leaves three sons, Roy White and Tolbert White,
both of Memphis and Everett White of Knoxville; two daughters, Mrs. Lorene North
of Michie, and Mrs. Myrtle Matlock of Selmer; three brothers, Bob Littlejohn of
Corinth, Sam Littlejohn of Oklahoma and Grove Littlejohn of Calif; two sisters
Mrs. Ala Maples of Texas and Mrs. Maggie Wingo of Corinth; and several
grandchildren.
WHITE, SIDNEY OTTO - McNairy County Independent - Sept 8, 1950 - Mr Sidney O
White, age 64, died, Tuesday, Aug 29, 1950. He resided at Corinth. Services
conducted by Rev Ivey were held in the West Corinth Tabernacle with burial in
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Henry Cemetery. The deceased is survived by four daughters, Mary Timlake, Mrs
Evie Chambers, Reba White, Bernice White and one son, Fred E White.
VICKIE ANN PRESLAR WHITE, age 43, died on Fri. Apr. 2, 1999, in the Jackson-
Madison County General Hospital of heart failure. She was a homemaker. She
attended the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. Services took place at 3 p.m. on Sun.
Apr. 4 at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. Burial was held at the mt. Gilead
Cemetery in Bethel Springs. Pallbearers were Shawn Preslar, Michael Preslar, Tommy
Lee Cox, Joe Allen Foster, Ward Ray, Paul Wilson, Joy Dean Foster, and Alfred
Thompson. Mrs. White is survived by her husband, Danny White, daughters, Amanda
K. House of Pocahontas, Lisa Nicole White of Selmer, two sisters, Linda Meeks of
Bath Springs, TN, Faye Preslar of Bethel Springs, and brother Larry Preslar of
Hornsby. Mrs. White was preceded in death by her parents, Noah Franklin Preslar
and Annie Rhea Cox Preslar, son, Brian White on the fourth day of Oct. 1992,
and another infant son.
WHITE, WILLIAM B - McNairy County Independent - September 30, 1949 - Mr William B
white, retired merchant of the Hickory Flat community, died at his home on
Wednesday, Sept 14. He was 78 and a Missionary Baptist. Funeral services were
held at the Mars Hill church on Sept 15, with interment in the cemetery
there. Since Mr white had been a Mason for many years, the final rites were
carried out by brother Masons. Pallbearers were: Austin Hoover, James R Meeks,
Raymond Moore, Tom Harris, Bob Inman and Bob Cochran. Mr White leaves one daughter
Mrs J E Ledbetter of Adamsville; and two sons, G H and Dock White, also of
Adamsville
WHITE, WILLIAM – Services for William Edgar White, 82 of Michie, were at 2 p.m.
last Wednesday at New Hope Methodist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery
with Shackelford Funeral Home in charge. Mr. White died Tuesday, Nov 15. 1966,
at McNairy County General Hospital. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church and
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a lifelong resident of McNairy County. Surviving are three sons, Clarence White of
Counce, Claudie White or Ramer, and Chester White of Memphis; five daughters, Mrs.
Bertie Robbins and Mrs. Mabel Flippo, both of Sikeston, Mo., Mrs. Lillie
Cunningham of Michie, Mrs. Dora Curtis of Ramer and Mrs. Della Calhoun of Rienzi,
Miss.; three brothers, John H. White and Almer White, both of Corinth, and
Columbus White of Michie; and a sister, Mrs. Mary J. Phelps of Corinth.
T A Whitehurst - Hornsby – Services for T.A.“Theo” Whitehurst, 93, will be held at
2 p.m. today at Shackelford Funeral Home in Bolivar. Burial will follow in the
Wyatt Cemetery in Hornsby. Mr. Whitehurst, owner and operator of Whitehurst Lumber
Co. in Hornsby, died Friday at Baptist Hospital East in Memphis of a stroke. He
was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Brumbelow Whitehurst; and a son, Billy
Whitehurst. He is survived by a daughter and a son, Nancy W. Sipes of Bolivar and
Jimmy Whitehurst of Hornsby.
Whitehurst, Ruth – 84 – died on August 4, 1998 of heart failure at Lowell
Healthcare Center in Lowell, In. Mrs. Whitehurst was a homemaker. She was preceded
in death by her husband, Paul Whitehurst. She is survived by two sons, Elbert L.
Hopkins of Cedar Lake, In. and Paul Whitehurst of Roseland, In., one brother,
Zollie Ray of Cameron, NC., four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services took place on Friday, August 7, 1998, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer,
Tn. at 10:00 a.m. Burial was held at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Stantonville, Tn.
Frank Whitman officiated. PDG
Ether Whitley, 94, of Selmer died October 22, 2000 at Methodist Healthcare McNairy
Hospital due to heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of the North
Selmer Pentecostal Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jake Whitley,
two daughters, one stillborn infant, and Peggy Whitley, one son, William R.
Whitley, her parents, Ira and Ina Rinks Wardlow. She is survived by three
daughters, Pearl Jordan of Selmer, Sabre Wilbanks of Michie, and Judy McMahan of
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Selmer, four sons, Marvin Whitley of Selmer, Bo Whitley of Selmer, Harold Whitley
of Selmer, and Deedy Whitley of Selmer, two sisters, Maxine Alvey of Selmer and
Nettie Young of Selmer, one half sister, Christine Flynn of Ramer, one half
brother, Junior Jones of Pocahontas, thirty two grandchildren, thirty eight great-
grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at
1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Shackelford Funeral Home and burial followed at Prospect
Cemetery.
WHITLEY, JAKE P. – Jake P. Whitley, 77, of Selmer, died Thursday, March 30, 1983,
at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon,
April 1, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with the Revs. Jerry Gibbs and
Foy Huckabee officiating. Burial was in the Prospect Cemetery. He was the son of
the late John and Minnie Whitley. A retired farmer, Mr. Whitley served as
magistrate on the McNairy County Court, now called the County Commission. He was a
member of the Pentecostal Church. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ether D. Whitley;
three daughters, Mrs. Pearl Jordan, Mrs. Judy McMahan, both of Selmer, and Mrs.
Sabra Wilbanks of Michie; four sons, Marvin Whitley of Portageville, Missouri, Bo
Whitley, Neal Whitley, and Harold Whitley, all of Selmer; two brothers, Leroy
Whitley of Selmer, and Riley Whitley of Bethel Springs; twenty-eight
grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Services for Prentis J. Whitley, 77, will be held at 1 p.m. today at Shackelford
Funeral Home in Selmer. Burial will follow in the Mount Vinson Cemetery near
Adamsville. Mr. Whitley, a retired tool and die worker from Plastone Supply Co.,
in Portageville, Mo., died Saturday at Beverly Health Care in Union City of heart
failure. He is survived by a brother, Preston Whitley of Marston, Mo. He was
preceded in death by a brother, Wilburn Wayne Whitley. Death date Nov 11, 2000.
WHITLEY, WARREN G. – Warren G. Whitley, 66, of Selmer, died May 21, 1988 at
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital after a short illness. Services were held
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at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday afternoon. Burial was in Oak Hill
Cemetery with Charles Duke officiating. Pallbearers were Jack Gray, Roscoe
Garrison, J.D. Williams, Ernest Mitchell, Fred Mitchell, and Ronald Cox. He was
the son of the late William and Jennie Sipes Whitley. He was an army veteran of
World War II and was employed with Brown Shoe Company for 27 years and retired
with Shackelford Funeral Directors after 22 years. Survivors include his wife,
Wanda Lee Mullen Whitley; two sons, Garry Mullens Whitley of Oak Ridge and Barry
Neal Whitley of Atlanta, Ga.; a brother, Ward Whitley of Selmer; a sister, Eva
Huckabee of Selmer; and two grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WHITLOW, INFANT - McNairy County Independent - Sept 14, 1951 Infant Whitlow, child
of Mt and Mrs Glenn Whitlow of Selmer died on Aug 25, 1951. Burial was in Oak Hill
Cemetery.
DARREL LYNN WHITMAN, 43, of Henderson, died on Aug. 1, 2000 due to cancer. Mr.
Whitman was born and reared in Chester county, Old Friendship Community, son of
Lonnie O. and Peggy Garner Whitman. He attended Chester County Schools and
graduated from Chester Co. High School in 1974. He worked in construction and in
1981 was employed by Barclay Inc. in the Mail Distribution and had been driving
for the past 18 years in the Memphis area. He retired in Feb. 2000 due to poor
health. He was a member of Old Friendship Baptist Church. He is survived by his
parents, Peggy Garner Whitman and Loonie Odell Whitman, both of Henderson, his
wife, Denise Foust Whitman of Henderson, two sons, Jeremy Whitman and Wesley
Whitman, both of Henderson, one daughter, Mikayla Whitman of Henderson, one
brother, Craig Whitman of Henderson, one sister, Lona Bolton of Henderson, and one
grandmother, L.E. Garner of Henderson. Funeral services were held at Casey Funeral
Home on Aug. 3, at 11 a. m. Burial followed at Old Friendship cemetery with
Rev.Harold King, Rev. Tom Lewis, and Rev. Ronnie Geary officiating. Pallbearers
were Ronnie Meek, Ronald Naylor, Randall Jones, Mike Barclay, Bill Barclay, Steve
Priddy, Ronnie Faulkner, and Jimmy Wamble.
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DARREL LYNN WHITMAN, 43, of Henderson, died on Aug. 1, 2000 due to cancer. Mr.
Whitman was born and reared in Chester county, Old Friendship Community, son of
Lonnie O. and Peggy Garner Whitman. He attended Chester County Schools and
graduated from Chester Co. High School in 1974. He worked in construction and in
1981 was employed by Barclay Inc. in the Mail Distribution and had been driving
for the past 18 years in the Memphis area. He retired in Feb. 2000 due to poor
health. He was a member of Old Friendship Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, Peggy Garner Whitman and Loonie Odell Whitman, both
of Henderson, his wife, Denise Foust Whitman of Henderson, two sons, Jeremy
Whitman and Wesley Whitman, both of Henderson, one daughter, Mikayla Whitman of
Henderson, one brother, Craig Whitman of Henderson, one sister, Lona Bolton of
Henderson, and one grandmother, L.E. Garner of Henderson. Funeral services were
held at Casey Funeral Home on Aug. 3, at 11 a. m. Burial followed at Old
Friendship cemetery with Rev. Harold King, Rev. Tom Lewis, and Rev. Ronnie Geary
officiating. Pallbearers were Ronnie Meek, Ronald Naylor, Randall Jones, Mike
Barclay, Bill Barclay, Steve Priddy, Ronnie Faulkner, and Jimmy Wamble.
ERA ALVA BROOKS WHITMAN, born in the Phillips, Hickory Corner Community, Nov. 27,
1915, went to be with her Heavenly Father on June 22, 1999. She will be
remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend by many. Her
proudest accomplishments include her four children, Homer Whitman wife Arbie,
Frank Whitman wife Ann, Lonnie Whitman wife Peggy, Sandra Whitman Bass husband
Leon, nine grandchildren and thirteen gr-grandchildren and a host of foster
children including Brenda Scott and Kay Kiddy who have been with her for many
years. She was the wife of Roby Odell Whitman who passed on the Heaven in 1989.
She is also survived by one brother Clyde Jones of Michigan. Her funeral
was held on Thurs., June 24, at 2 p.m. at the Casey Funeral home chapel with
burial in Chester County Memory Gardens.
WHITTEN, A. L. JR. - McNairy County Shopper - A L Whitten, Jr, 49, A Wonder Bread
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Bakery employee in Memphis, died May 8, 1987 at his residence after a long
illness. Services were held at 3 pm Sunday in Shackelford Funeral Home Selmer
Chapel. Burial followed in Lake Hill Memorial Gardens with Rev Robert McCullar
officiating. Nephews served as pallbearers. A member of Rugby Hills Baptist
Church, he was the son of the late Ollie Henson Whitten and Arlie L Whitten
Sr. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Ann Rowland Whitten; a step-son Anthony
Harris of Memphis; two daughters Mrs Brenda Kiestler and Miss Patricia Whitten,
both of Selmer; a step-daughter Miss Regina Harris of Memphis; five brothers,
Wendall Whitten, Frank Whitten and Coy L Whitten all of Selmer, Joe Whitten of
Memphis and Virgil Whitten of Moscow; two sisters, Mrs Verda Lofton of Henderson
and Mrs. Arline Crowe of Bethel Springs.
WHITTEN, BABY - McNairy County Independent - June 12, 1908 - District No 2 - Mr.
George Whitten's baby, nearly two years of age, died Friday, June 5th, and was
buried at Mt. Gilead. The bereaved family has the sympathy of all the
neighborhood.
WHITTEN, IUNA SPARKS – Mrs. Iuna Sparks Whitten, 60, of Bethel Springs, died
Wednesday, February 2, 1983, and was declared dead on arrival at McNairy County
General Hosptial. Funeral services were held Friday, February 4, at First Baptist
Church in Bethel Springs with burial in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. Shackelford
Funeral Home of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. She was born January 8,
1923, to Ira Lee and Celestia Mayfield Sparks. She was a member of the First
Baptist Church of Bethel Springs. She leaves her husband, Quinnie L. Whitten; one
daughter, Joyce McCullar of Bethel Springs; one son, Bobby Whitten of Memphis; her
mother; one sister, Mrs. Media Lee Hill of Hornsby; two brothers, W.T. Sparks of
Memphis and A.D. Sparks of Bethel Springs; and four grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
JOE THOMAS WHITTEN - age 90, died Tuesday, May 1969 at his home. Services were to
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be held at 2 pm Thursday at Good Hope Baptist Church. Burial will be in the
church cemetery with Shackelford in charge. He leaves a son, Earnest Whitten of
Adamsville; three daughters, Mrs Willie Burney, Mrs Della Nold and Mrs Vergie
Garner, all of Bethel Springs; and a brother, Fuller Whitten of Selmer.
Loretta Sue Woods Whitten of Selmer, 71, died March 21, 2003 at Jackson-Madison
County General Hospital. Mrs. Whitten was a cashier at Wal-Mart. She was a member
of Eastside Church of Christ and Selmer Senior Citizens, and a volunteer for Meals
on Wheels and McNairy County Relay for Life. She was preceded in death by her
husband, William Franklin Whitten. She is survived by a daughter, Druscilla Arnold
of Selmer; and two sons, William Jeffrey Whitten and Eugene Todd Whitten, both of
Selmer. She had four grandchildren; Dwayne Arnold, Dean Arnold, Jeffrey Hayes
Whitten and Michael Shane Whitten; seven grandchildren, and three great-great-
grandchildren. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2003 at
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Greg Worthy officiating. Burial followed at
Refuge Cemetery in Bethel Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the
American Cancer Society.
Loretta Sue Woods Whitten of Selmer, 71, died March 21, 2003 at Jackson-Madison
County General Hospital. Mrs. Whitten was a cashier at Wal-Mart. She was a member
of Eastside Church of Christ and Selmer Senior Citizens, and a volunteer for Meals
on Wheels and McNairy County Relay for Life. She was preceded in death by her
husband, William Franklin Whitten.She is survived by a daughter, Druscilla Arnold
of Selmer; and two sons,William Jeffrey Whitten and Eugene Todd Whitten, both of
Selmer. She had four grandchildren; Dwayne Arnold, Dean Arnold, Jeffrey Hayes
Whitten and Michael Shane Whitten; seven grandchildren, and three great-great-
grandchildren. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2003 at
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Greg Worthey officiating. Burial followed at
Refuge Cemetery in Bethel Springs.Memorial contributions may be made to the
American Cancer Society.
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Mr. Mack Whitten of Selmer, 74, died November 25, 2001, of heart failure at his
residence. Mr. Whitten was a retired truck driver of C&C Trucking Company. He was
also a member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. He is survived by
his wife, Mrs. Jane Whitten of Selmer; one daughter, Mrs. Vickie French of
Memphis; one son, Mr. Ricky Kyn Whitten of Brownsville; two stepsons, Mr. Mark
Dilday of Riverside, Calif., and Mr. James Dilday of Savannah; six step-
grandchildren; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services for
Mr. Whitten were held Tuesday, November 27 at 1 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Home
Chapel in Selmer. Burial followed at Mars Hill.
Mack Whitten of Selmer, 74, died November 25 of heart failure at his residence.
Mr. Whitten was a retired truck driver of C&C Trucking Company. He was also a
member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. He is survived by his
wife, Mrs. Jane Whitten of Selmer; one daughter, Mrs. Vickie French of Memphis;
one son, Mr. Ricky Kyn Whitten of Brownsville; two stepsons, Mr. Mark Dilday of
Riverside, Calif., and Mr. James Dilday of Savannah; six step-grandchildren; four
grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services for Mr. Whitten were
held Tuesday, November 27 at 1 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer.
Burial followed at Mars Hill.
WHITTEN, SADIE BERTHA MAE – Mrs. Sadie Bertha Mae Whitten, 87, of Selmer, died
Tuesday, May 24, 1983, at McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 26, in the Chapel of Shackelford
Funeral Home of Selmer at 1 p.m. with the Rev. R.C. Maples officiating, and her
grandsons serving as pallbearers. She was the daughter of the late Acie and Mary
Hughes Smith, and was married to the late L.C. Whitten, who passed away in
1954. She was a member of the Selmer Church of God. She leaves three daughters,
Mrs. Florida Foster of Hornsby, Mrs. Clara Mae Cox of Millington, and Mrs. Lonell
King of Selmer; three sons, Everette Whitten of Millington, Bonnie Whitten and
Curnice Whitten of Selmer; one sister, Mrs. Lovie Pollard of Selmer; thirty-four
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grandchildren, forty-nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WHITTEN, SARAH ELIZABETH - McNairy County Independent - Nov 23, 1951 - Mrs Sarah
Elizabeth Whitten, age 64, died at her home on Rt 2 Selmer, Nov 14,
1951. Services, conducted by Bro C L Garrison were held in the chapel of
Shackelford Funeral Home and burial in Oak Hill cemetery. She was a Methodist.
The deceased is survived by her husband Oscar Whitten, two daughters, Mrs Elmer
King and Miss Lucille Whitten; three sons, Clyde Whitten, Claude Whitten, Alford
Whitten; five grandchildren, Wash and Monroe Laughlin, Mrs Curis and Mrs George
Washam and Miss Ready Laughlin.
WHITTEN, TROY - McNairy County Independent - May 25, 1951 - Mr Troy Whitten, age
66, died of a heart attack while plowing in the field near his home in Leapwood
community on Monday, May 21, 1951. Funeral services, conducted by Reb W l
Gilmore, Presbyterian Minister of Selmer Church, were held at the Bethesda
Presbyterian church with interment in the cemetery there. The deceased is
survived by his wife, Mrs Hattie Barnes Whitten. One son, Lee Whitten; two
daughters, Rubie Whitten and Mrs Simpson.
Whitten, Wendell L. – 79 – of Selmer, died May 29, 1995 at Jackson-Madison County
General Hospital. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Shackelford Funeral
Home Chapel with Rev. Max Walker officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memory
Gardens. Pallbearers were Wayne Clayton, Bobby Mask, Robert Chambers, Ernest
Price, Kenneth Amerson and Jim Blackburn. The son of the late Ollie Henson Whitten
and Arlie Whitten, he was a retired farmer, WWII U.S. Army veteran, member of
Selmer First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, member of Selmer Masonic
Lodge 32<sup>nd</sup> degree, Pickwick Shrine Corinth, Scottish Rite, and Woodmen
of the World. Survivors include his wife, Mae Ola Kernodle Whitten, two daughters,
Kay Bolyn of San Diego, Ca., Beverly Lambert of Selmer, four brothers, Joe Whitten
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of Oakland, Frank Whitten and Coy Whitten of Selmer, Virgil Whitten of Moscow, two
sisters, Verda Lofton of Henderson, Arlene Crowe of Bethel Springs, six
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. PDG
Whittington, Mrs. Nola B., 88, widow of Logan Whittington, died yesterday, June 5,
1973, at McNairy County General Hospital here. Services at 2:30pm today at
Shackelford Funeral Home; burial in Oak Hill Cemetery here. She leaves a son Paul
Whittington of Selmer a daughter, Mrs. Floyd Dudgeon of Selmer.
Wicker, Martin Everette, 68, retired services station operator, died yesterday,
Dec 8, 1973, in Baptist hospital at Memphis Services at 3 p.m. Today at
Adamsville United Methodist Church; burial in Adamsville Cemetery. Shackelford
Funeral Home in Selmer He leaves his wife, Mrs. Nelis Bell Wicker; a daughter,
Mrs. Max Carothers of Adamsville; a brother, Herbert Wiker of Adamsville, and two
sisters , Mrs. Brackin Fariss of Adamsville and Mrs. Garvin Jones of Savannah.
BETY BEARD WILBANKS - age 20, a resident of the Pocahontas community, died at her
home on Tuesday, June 5, 1962. She was a Baptist. Funeral services, conducted by
B C Wilcutt, were held at the Mt Gilead Baptist Church on June 6<sup>th</sup> and
burial in the Mt Gilead Cemetery, with Shackelford’s in charge. Survivors
include: her husband P W Wilbanks of Pocahontas; her mother Mrs Zula Smith of
McNairy; one sister Mary Stout of Finger; three brothers, Johnny Beard and Raymond
Beard of Bethel Springs and Tommy Beard of McNairy.
WILBANKS, HATTIE BATTLES – Hattie Battles Wilbanks, 79, of Counce, died June 16,
1987 at Hardin County General Hospital. Services were held at 3 p.m. June 18, at
Counce First Pentecostal Church, where she was a member. Burial followed in Center
Hill Cemetery with Glen Miller and Hulon Terry officiating. She was born in
Hardin County, the daughter of the late Alonzo and Rollie Morris Battles. She
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married in 1961 to J.B. Wilbanks, who survives. Other survivors include a sister,
Mrs. Ora Lee Blakney of Counce; a brother, James (Jim) Battles of Tulsa, Okla.;
three half-brothers, David Battles of Sacramento, Calif., Teddy Battles of
Lockport, Ill., and Lane Battles of Florida. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILBANKS, MARLAN - Death claimed Marlan Wilbanks on June 19, 1918 - The Lord
said, " Come to me, you are too good and precious to me to stay in that sinful
world". He was born December 30, 1896. His remains were laid to rest in Chapel
Hill cemetery. Funeral services by Rev. Phillips. His sufferings were long and
severe from kidney trouble. He was a member of my household and never gave me a
short or angry word or look, and our home is so sad without him. His
Grandma, Mrs. Alice Varnell. Martin B. Wilbanks Dec 30, 1896 – Jan 19, 1918
Chapel Hill Cemetery.
WILBANKS, OLLIE MAE COOK HINTON – Ollie Mae Cook Hinton Wilbanks, 67, of Ramer
died Tuesday, March 31, 1987 at Baptist Hospital in Memphis after a long illness.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral
Home in Selmer with Rev. John Coleman officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove
Cemetery. The daughter of the late Frederick Lee and Myrtle Ethel Tacker Cook,
Mrs. Wilbanks was the wife of Jack Wilbanks, who survives. She was a member of the
Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, she is survived by the step-daughter,
Mrs. Dimple Wilbanks of Walnut; three brothers, Earnest Cook, Florence, AL, Johnny
Cooke, Waterloo, AL, and Cecil Earl Cook of Savannah; four sisters, Mrs. Eura
Bivens of Corinth, Mrs. Louise Bryant of Elkhart, Ind., Mrs. Alma Jean Welch and
Mrs. Betty Lou Cummings, both of Savannah; two step-grandchildren. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
ROSIE BLACK WILDS, 89, died on Sat. Feb. 26, 2000, at Lexington Healthcare Center
in Streamwood, Ill. She was a homemaker and nurses aid and a member of Shiloh
Baptist Church. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 29, at Shackelford
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Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Pebble Hill Cemetery in Michie. Officiating
the services was Minister Lee Roy Willis. Mrs. Wilds was preceded in death by her
husband, Luke Wilds, her parents Robert Monroe and Linda Wood Black, a son, Dennie
Black, a sister, Beulah Lutterall, and two brothers, Ulasa Black and Elvis Black.
She is survived by four daughters, Ermal Rorie of Corinth, Miss, Mary Bagley of
Hanvover Park, Ill., Phylis Caysenter of Ponca City , Okla., and Vonnie
Villanuenva of Zion, Ill., two step-daughters, Lewell Lee of Michie and Martha
Leona Strother of Little Rock, Ark., two sons, Neal Wilds of Cleveland, Ohio, and
James Wilds of Selmer, twenty grandchildren, fifty g-grandchildren, and four g-g-
grandchildren
WILDS, TOM - McNairy County Independent, Friday January 21, 1949 - Thomas
Jefferson Wilds, age 76, died at his home in the Needmore community on Monday,
January 10, 1949. Mr. Wilds has spent most of his life in this county and farmed
until his age forced retirement. He was a Baptist. Funeral services were held the
following day at the Pebble Hill church with interment in the Pebble Hill
cemetery. Rev Bolding assisted by Joe Summons conducted the
service. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Charles Ray Nichols, Hershell Nichols, Clyde Boswell, C C
Boswell, E E Boswell, Mayford Kennedy, John H Sims and Charlie Burns. Survivors
include his wife, Mrs. Tennessee Wilds; two daughters, Mrs. Rodie Boswell of East
Prairie, Mo; Mrs. C. E. Nichols of Guys, Tenn and one brother Luther Wilds. Step
daughter Mrs. Flatt and twenty grandchildren. May 16, 1872 – Jan 10, 1949 Pebble
Hill cemetery.
WILEY, STENNIS – Stennis Wiley, 71, of Ramer, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 1986 at her
home after a long illness. Tuesday services were held at Gravel Hill Missionary
Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Bell officiating. Burial was in Gravel Hill
Cemetery. The daughter of the late John M. and Sally M. Boyd Cooksey, she was a
member of Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of A.B. Wiley.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Mildred Richard of Ramer and Mrs. Nina
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Sorrell of Memphis; a sister, Mrs. Blanch Hardy of Memphis; four grandchildren,
Amy Richard, April Richard, Robert Sorrell, and Janet Varter; and two great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILKERSON, ETHEL L. – Ethel L. Wilkerson, 78, of Selmer, formerly of St. Louis,
Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 1986 at St. Louis University Hospital while visiting
her son. Services were held Friday afternoon in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral
Home in Selmer with Rev. Foy Huckabee officiating. Burial was in Falcon
Cemetery. A native of McNairy County, Mrs. Wilkerson was a manager of a Ladies’
Clothing Store in St. Louis for many years before returning to Selmer to live. She
is the daughter of the late William H. and Zula Sarah King Wolfe. She leaves her
son, Burton Wilkerson of Waterloo, Ill.; three brothers, Albert Wolfe, Sr., James
Nolen Wolfe, and Billy Joe Wolfe, all of Selmer; three sisters, Mrs. Nola Case and
Mrs. Ludie King, both of Selmer, and Mrs. Fannie Lee Kerby of Nashville; three
grandchildren, David Wilkerson, Mrs. Paula Bundy, and Mrs. Kay Jarrett, all of
Waterloo, Ill. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILKERSON, JOHN N - McNairy County Independent - November 17, 1950 - Mr John H
Wilkerson, age 78, died at his home near Leapwood on Saturday, Nov 5, 1950.
Services were conducted by Bro Albert Plunk were held at Mars Hill church on
Sunday, Nov 5, 1950 with bural in the Mrs Hill Cemetery. The deceased is survived
by his wife Mrs Lou Wilkerson; and two daughters, Mrs Gladys Martin and Mrs Cordie
Pyron.
WILKERSON, TROY E – Troy E. Wilkerson, 90, of Selmer, died Tuesday, February 15,
1983, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held Thursday,
February 17, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Rev. Max Walker
officiating. Burial was in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. He was a farmer and
bookkeeper, the son of the late John R. and Lucy A. Harris Wilkerson. He was a
member of First Baptist Church. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Juanita Wilkerson; one
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daughter, Mrs. Alica Woods of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two son, Robert Housam of
Orlando, Florida, and John Wilkerson of St. Charles, Missouri; one brother, Roy
Wilkerson of Humboldt; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Reasons of Humboldt, Mrs. Athalee
Scholes of Union City, and Mrs. Artie Bass of Big Rock, Tennessee; eight
grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILKES, JOHN ROBERT - McNairy County Independent, Friday, January 28, 1949 -
Funeral Services for John Robert ‘Bob’ Wilkes, life-long resident of McNairy
County, were held Sunday afternoon at the Stantonville Methodist Church. Burial
in the Mt. Zion cemetery. Age 73, died suddenly Thursday, January 20, in the McRae
Hospital in Corinth, where he was under treatment for a minor operation. He leaves
his wife, Mrs. Thankful Wilkes of Stantonville; three sons, Bryan of Chattanooga,
Harley Wilkes of Cimarron, Kansas, Jess Wilkes of the US Navy stationed in the
Philippines; one daughter Mrs. McCoy Selman of Chickasaw, Ala and four
grandchildren. Pallbearers were: Lloyd Carroll, Gilcie Carroll, Norman Carroll,
T. J. Fullwood, James Glidewell Sr, Ebb Wyatt, Martin Smith and Eric
Burks. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements.
WILKES, THANKFUL ANN- McNairy County Independent - Nov 30, 1951 - Mrs Thankful Ann
Wilkes, age 79, died Nov 18, 1951 at the home of her daughter in Florence,
Alabama. She was the widow of the late J R Wilkes of Stantonville. Services were
held at the Stantonville Methodist Church and music furnished by Dock
Whitaker. Burial was in Mr Zion Cemetery. Mrs Wilkes was a native of McNairy
County but made her home with her daughter after the death of her husband. She
was a Methodist. She leaves her daughter Mrs L M Selman; three sons, W Bryan
Wilkes of Chattanooga, Harley Wilkes of Kansas, Jessee Wilkes, Norfolk, Va; two
brothers, R B Bell of Corinth and C B Bell of Ramer; one sister Mrs Pearl
Gilchrist of Adamsville. Pallbearers were: Willard Smith, Cetus Smith, Norman
Carroll, Lloyd Carroll, Archie Raines, Marvin Wilkes.
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WILKINS, MYRTLE CARROLL – Myrtle Carroll Wilkins, 94, of Adamsville, died May 21,
1987 in the Somerville Health Care Center. Services were held at 3 p.m. May 23 in
the Adamsville Presbyterian Church. Burial followed in Adamsville Cemetery with
Stan Smith officiating. She was a charter member of Adamsville Presbyterian
Church and daughter of the late Samuel and Jane Pettigrew Carroll. She was the
widow of Hershel Wilkins, who died in 1964. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs.
Coleta Broadwell of Adamsville; a sister, Mrs. Lola Elam Meeks of Stantonville;
four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-
grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILLCUTT, Zelona Pearl RouLaine - Of Selmer, 85, affectionately known to many as
“Honeycutt,” died on June 30, 2004 at McNairy County Health Care Center after a
temporary week-long stay for physical therapy. Mrs. Willcutt was born in Brent,
Ala. and lived in and around Birmingham, Ala. for many years. Before moving to
Selmer in 1961, her beloved husband’s evangelistic ministry took them to parts of
Mississippi and other parts of Alabama during many years of tent revivals, daily
radio broadcasts, and church plantings. She was an accomplished pianist,
accordionist, and organist and joyfully used her talents as they ministered
throughout the Mid-South. She taught piano at Rose Creek, Selmer and Bethel
Springs Elementary Schools for some thirty-five years. In addition to her duties
as a Sunday School teacher, she was organist for and member of Mt. Gilead Baptist
Church for twenty-eight years, also serving as pianist for McNairy County Baptist
Association for many of those same years. After retirement, she became pianist and
member of Eastview Baptist Church and served there until her death. She ministered
to many families through her music both at weddings and funerals. Mrs. Willcutt
led an exemplary Christian life and she will be sorely missed by all who knew and
loved her. Mrs. Willcutt was preceded in death by her parents, Pearly Auderlia
Phelps RouLaine and Thornia RouLaine, Sr., three brothers, and two sisters, and
two great-grandchildren. In addition to her beloved husband of sixty-seven years,
Rev. B.C. Willcutt, a resident of Tri-County Convalescent Home, she is survived by
four daughters, Zecora Sanders of Sheffield, Ala., Hilda Landers of Mobile, Ala.,
Lorraine Henley of Selmer, Brenda Thon of Franklin. Mrs. Willcutt also has
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Obituaries
T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
by McNairy Country Archives
many thanks to for their contributions
Peggy Gould
Nova Lemons
Patsy Rich
fourteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Her “home-going”
celebration was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2004 at Shackelford Funeral
Home Chapel with her pastor, Rev. Jetta Forsythe, officiating. Her 5 grandsons,
two grandsons-in-law, and one great-grandson served as pallbearers. Her sons-in-
law were honorary pallbearers. Burial followed at Eastview Baptist Church Cemetery
in Eastview.
Zelona Pearl RouLaine Willcutt - Of Selmer, 85, affectionately known to many as
“Honeycutt,” died on June 30, 2004 at McNairy County Health Care Center after a
temporary week-long stay for physical therapy. Mrs. Willcutt was born in Brent,
Ala. and lived in and around Birmingham, Ala. for many years. Before moving to
Selmer in 1961, her beloved husband’s evangelistic ministry took them to parts of
Mississippi and other parts of Alabama during many years of tent revivals, daily
radio broadcasts, and church plantings. She was an accomplished pianist,
accordionist, and organist and joyfully used her talents as they ministered
throughout the Mid-South. She taught piano at Rose Creek, Selmer and Bethel
Springs Elementary Schools for some thirty-five years. In addition to her duties
as a Sunday School teacher, she was organist for and member of Mt.Gilead Baptist
Church for twenty-eight years, also serving as pianist for McNairy County Baptist
Association for many of those same years. After retirement, she became pianist and
member of Eastview Baptist Church and served there until her death. She ministered
to many families through her music both at weddings and funerals. Mrs. Willcutt
led an exemplary Christian life and she will be sorely missed by all who knew and
loved her. Mrs. Willcutt was preceded in death by her parents, Pearly Auderlia
Phelps RouLaine and Thornia RouLaine, Sr., three brothers, and two sisters, and
two great-grandchildren. In addition to her beloved husband of sixty-seven years,
Rev. B.C. Willcutt, a resident of Tri-County Convalescent Home, she is survived by
four daughters, Zecora Sandersof Sheffield, Ala., Hilda Landers of Mobile, Ala.,
Lorraine Henley of Selmer, Brenda Thon of Franklin. Mrs. Willcutt also has
fourteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Her “home-going”
celebration was held at 2:00 p.m. onSaturday, July 3, 2004 at Shackelford Funeral
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McNairy County, Tennessee
Obituaries
T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
by McNairy Country Archives
many thanks to for their contributions
Peggy Gould
Nova Lemons
Patsy Rich
Home Chapel with her pastor, Rev.Jetta Forsythe, officiating. Her 5 grandsons, two
grandsons-in-law, and one great-grandson served as pallbearers. Her sons-in-law
were honorary pallbearers. Burial followed at Eastview Baptist Church Cemetery in
Eastview.
WILLIAM, GASTON D - McNairy County Independent - June 22, 1951 - Mr Gaston D
Williams, age 88, died at his residence on Route 2, Bethel Springs, June 13,
1951. Mr William’s 88th birthday was observed on June 6. He united with the
Methodist Church at Sandy Flat at early age. He was married to Katherine Whitley,
march 21, 1883. To this union were born nine children; three of which survive.
They are D P William, Scott Williams, and Mrs G D Freshour, all of Bethel
Springs. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 10 g grandchildren. Funeral services
conducted by Bro Ernest Moore, were held at Moore Schoolhouse with burial in the
cemetery there. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of the services.
WILLIAMS, A. C. - McNairy County Independent June 7, 1918 - A. C. William
died Wednesday night at his home at Rosecreek. He was past seventy years of age,
and had been in declining health for a long time, and his death was not unexpected
on this account. Mr. Williams was a good man, and in his death the county loses
one of its best citizens. He is survived by a widow, several grown children and a
brother, Joe Williams, of Selmer. June 3, 1832 – June 6, 1918 Moore’s School
House.
ADA LUCILLE WILLIAMS, 83, died on Sat., Feb. 26, 2000, at Methodist Healthcare
McNairy Hospital of heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of West Shiloh
Baptist Church. Services took place at 2 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 27, at Shackelford
Chapel in Adamsville. Burial was held at West Shiloh Cemetery in Stantonville.
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Jess Williams, her parents,
Alex and Patsy Little White, and one son, Jimmy Neal Williams, She is survived by
one daughter, Mary Nell Ingle of Adamsville, one son, Audie Ray Williams of
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Obituaries
T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
by McNairy Country Archives
many thanks to for their contributions
Peggy Gould
Nova Lemons
Patsy Rich
Adamsville, four grandchildren, Eddie Williams, Reggie Williams, Jessica Ingle and
Shane Williams, and eight gr-grandchildren, Colton Ingle, Jeremy Williams,
Melissa Williams, Amy Williams, Jess Williams, Amber Denise Williams, James Logan
Williams, and Joshua Shane Williams.
WILLIAMS, ARTHUR – Arthur Williams, 98, retired lumber businessman and cotton gin
operator of Bethel Springs, died March 9, 1987 at the home of his daughter in
Dickinson, Texas. Services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Shackelford Funeral
Home Selmer Chapel. Burial was in New Salem Cemetery with Rev. R.M. Dickson
officiating. Pallbearers were Rickey White, Mickey White, Horatio Sanders, Hugh
Woods, Sardie Henry, Joe Smith, James Lynch, and Jay Hill. The son of the late
Donna Hester Williams and Pat Williams, he was the husband of Mrs. Eunice Moore
Williams of Bethel Springs. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Hill of
Dicksinson, Texas; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Williams, Bobby Gene – 69 – died on Monday, August 30, 1999, at his home of heart
failure. Services took place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 1999 at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
Officiating the services was Minister Frank Whitman. Mr. Williams was preceded in
death by his parents, Bryant J. Williams, Sr. and Ruth Shriver Williams. He is
survived by his wife, Virginia Caruthers Williams, three daughters, Wanda Williams
of Jackson, Sheila Kiestler and Vicky Kiestler both of Selmer, one son, Stanley
Williams of Culver City, Calif., one sister, Margaret Rickman of Selmer and nine
grandchildren. PDG
Williams, Jr., Bryant Jacob– 73 – of Selmer, died Wednesday, May 6, 1998 of heart
failure at McNairy County General Hospital. He had been an accountant at Goodman's
Towing. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Ophelia Schriver
Williams and Bryant Jacob Williams, Sr., and a son, Kenneth Williams. He is
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