Obituaries – Aug. 21st Issue

GENE BROOKS

Adren Eugene “Gene” Brooks, 92, of Trenton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

He was born Oct. 19, 1931, in Flint, Mich. Gene was a gifted mechanic, known for his skillful hands and keen understanding of automotive repair. Perhaps most remarkable was his determination to continue his work after losing his eyesight. His unwavering spirit and dedication exemplified his character  and earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

A devoted member of the Seventh-Day Adventist community, Gene cherished his faith deeply. He loved witnessing and sharing conversations about the Lord with those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many he encountered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian Russel and Anita Seymore Brooks; sister, Doris Aldridge; children, Carrie  Literland, David Brooks, and Christine.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Brooks; children: Julie Byrley, Kevin Brooks, and Brian Brooks.

A graveside service, will be Friday, Aug. 23, at 3 p.m., ET, at Collegedale Memorial Park, located at 4939 College Drive East, Collegedale, TN 37363. Steve Wade and Marvin Glass will officiate the service.

Those who wish to express their condolences and view her memorial tribute can visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home in Bryant, Ala.

 

SALLY ELLIS

Theldon “Sally” Virginia Ellis, 94, of Bryant, Ala., passed away Aug. 17, 2024,

Born April 7, 1930, to the late Arthur Eli and Bonnie Smith Kinsey, Sally found joy in tending to her flower garden and creating beautiful floral arrangements. An avid fisherman, she cherished the time spent in nature. She was a member of Bryant Baptist Church.

Sally is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer “Dugan” Ellis; her grandson, Adam Ellis; one sister and three brothers.

Survivors include her children, Gail (Pat) Weller and Gerald “Bobo” (Debbie) Ellis; grandsons, Shawn Weller and Nathan Ellis; six great-grandchildren; extended family members.

A graveside service was Monday, Aug. 19, at Straightway Cemetery in Bryant, Ala., with Brother Wayne Winter and Brother Brad Bridges officiating.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hearth Hospice and the fifth-floor nursing staff at Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.

Those who wish to express their condolences and view her memorial tribute can visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home in Bryant, Ala.

 

LARRY FERGUSON

Larry Dwan (Fergie) Ferguson, 74, of Wildwood, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

He was born March 29, 1950, in Jackson County, Ala. He owned and operated a small business demolision and earth moving company. He was a resident at PruittHealth Nursing Home in LaFayette since 2022, where he was lovingly cared for by the staff.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jess Garvin Ferguson; mother, Tempie Alma Ferguson; brothers, Lonnie and Harlan (Frances) Ferguson; brother–in–law, Carl E. Sexton; sisters, Barbara Ann Ferguson and Sara June Ferguson.

Survivors include his son, David (Ruth) Ferguson; granddaughter, Shelby Elizabeth Ferguson; step–daughter, Janet (Jimmy) Hawkins; step–grandson, Dakota Hawkins; sisters, Jean Ferguson Sexton and Clara (Jim) Ferguson Jordan; nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be today, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. CST at Pisgah, Ala., Cemetery with Pastor Darren Rogers officiating.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home, Trenton.

 

MITCHELL GOWIN

Mitchell Calvin Gowin, 58, of Bryant, Ala., passed away Thursday, Aug. 15.

Gowin was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, loved the outdoors, and had an adventurous spirit.

He was preceded in death by his son, Hunter Gowin; and father, Steven Carter Gowin.

Survivors include his son, Mitchell Taylor Gowin; mother, Ellen Gowin Filyaw; siblings, Steven Creole Gowin, Cindy Lou Peterman, Jason Ulysses “Abe” Gowin, and Reuben James Gowin; nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.

 

FRANKLIN PARKER

Franklin Eugene Parker, 64, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

Franklin was born on May 15, 1960, in Cullman, Ala., and had spent the majority of his life in Soddy Daisy. He was employed with Wheland Foundry for many years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rufus Parker.

Survivors include his wife, Janna Barton Parker; sons, Gene, Robbie, Joseph, and Christian Parker; four grandchildren; mother, Genevieve Payne.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Aug. 14, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Chris Hagler officiating.  Interment was in Fuller Cemetery, Ider, Ala.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.

 

GARRISON PRITCHETT

Garrison “Garry” Tyler Pritchett, 29, of Jonesboro, passed away Aug. 9, 2024.

Born on March 18, 1995, in Atlanta, he was a beacon of joy and laughter, cherished for his playful spirit and loving nature.

Garrison’s early education was at Jackson Elementary School, Jonesboro Middle, followed by Mt. Zion Magnet School, where he excelled in music, history, and sciences. His academic interests were a precursor to a diverse career, beginning with a supervisory role at Delta Airlines, and later, as a skilled mechanic at Benefield Automotive, Honda South, and Son’s Honda.

A gifted musician, Garrison could play any string instrument, bringing music and joy wherever he went. His hobbies extended to fixing up Honda Civics, gaming on various consoles, and enjoying good food with friends. His love for life was evident in his child-like enthusiasm and constant desire to learn and explore new things.

Garrison grew up attending Noah’s Ark Holiness Church.

Garrison was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Leon and Maggie Garrison, and Rev. J.B. and Dorcas Pritchett.

Survivors include his parents, Antonio and Cilicia De La Fuente; grandparents, Danny and Sarah Pritchett; uncle, Jayson Pritchett; aunts, Christy Knight, Constance Steele, and Shelly Chapman; sister, Whitley Pritchett; foster-brother, Hugo Morales; cousin, C.J. Pritchett; extended family members.

Funeral services were Saturday, Aug. 17, in the Trenton chapel of Moore Funeral Home with Rev. Barry Pritchett and Rev. Michael Pritchett officiating. Interment was at Oak Lawn Memorial Park in Bryant, Ala.

Pallbearers were Hugo Morales, Michael Wood, Hector Facio, Roberto Velasquez, Caden Williams, Brody Pritchett, Zack Darnell, Dylan Bowman, Gage Welch, and Ryan Brewer.

Those who wish to express their condolences and view his memorial tribute can visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home in Trenton.

 

THELMA STEPHENS

Thelma Joyce “Nanny” Stephens, 82, of Trenton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

Born May 12, 1942, to the late Johnny and Minnie Tinker Barton, Thelma’s greatest joy was her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was affectionately known as “Nanny” by her family. She was a hard worker and a skilled seamstress, working many years at Galladay and Atlantic Finishing. Thelma was a person of deep faith, embodying the values of the Christian community.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Dalpha Young, Imagene Cloud, and Bernice Ott.

Survivors include her husband, Aubrey Gene Stephens; children, David Stephens, Thelma Jean (Michael) Housley, and Linda Joyce (Scott) Neel; siblings, Doyce (Martha) Barton and Darlene Childress; grandchildren, Amanda Stephens, Isabella Stephens, Tish (Ben) Reuben, Melissa (Rick) Shahan, Jerry (Amanda) Williams Jr., Michelle Hicks, Kenneth Hicks Jr., Kimberly Mace, Brandi Hicks, Emily Housley, and Corey (Selina) Housley; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Aug.20, in the Trenton chapel of Moore Funeral Home. Interment was at Brown Gap Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Dade Health and Rehab and Tapestry Hospice staff for their exceptional care and support during this challenging time.

Those who wish to express their condolences and view her memorial tribute can visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home in Trenton.