Obituaries – Aug. 6th Issue

MYRON ABERCROMBIE

Myron Eric “Crazy Bear” Abercrombie, 66, of Trenton, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2025.

Myron was proud of his Cherokee ancestry and was a member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. He carried that heritage with deep respect and joy throughout his life. He especially enjoyed attending Powwows, where he would dance, play the flute, and drum – honoring the traditions of his people and sharing his spirit with others through music and movement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Truett and Vera Abercrombie.

Survivors include his siblings, Hilda (Bobby) Hickey, Charles (Sharon) Abercrombie, and Ranita (Dennis) Bradford; children, Brock Abercrombie, Tiffney Abercrombie, Cody (Misty) Abercrombie, and Amber (Josh) Whitaker; several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Rising Fawn Baptist Church.

Visitation will begin on Saturday at 1:30.

Instead of flowers, donations in Myron’s memory may be made to Moore Funeral Home in Trenton, Georgia.

To view his tribute page and leave condolences, please visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton.

GLORIA BEVILL

Gloria June Bevill, 82, of Lookout Mountain, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Gloria was a resident of Thrive at Brow Wood for the past eight years, where she was known and loved for her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit. Despite living with arthritic pain for many years, she remained resilient and full of grace. Gloria had a deep faith in the Lord and was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in East Ridge, Tenn. She had a special love for animals, especially birds, and her gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, George and Sybill McCurdy; brother, Ronnie McCurdy; and sisters, Norma Burney and Vera Thomas.

Survivors include her sons, Mat (Ginny) Bevill of Huntsville, Ala., and James (Emily) Bevill of Lookout Mountain; grandchildren, Madeline (Coleman) Carraway, Ethan Bevill, Meredith Bevill, Ben Bevill, and Kate Webb; great-granddaughter, Palmer Ann Carraway.

The family is profoundly grateful for the love and care Gloria received from the staff at Thrive at Brow Wood. They were like family to her and gave so much of themselves to make sure she was cared for in every way. They are greatly loved.

A memorial gathering was Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Trenton chapel of Moore Funeral Home.

To view her tribute page and leave condolences, please visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton.

LESSIE FORD

Lessie Prince Ford, 74, of Trenton, passed away Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

She loved crafting, but more importantly she enjoyed her family. She was a woman of God always reading her bible.

She was preceded in death by her son, Frank Virgil Ford, III; parents, Roy and Bonnie Hurst Prince; Siblings, K.D. Prince, Leo Smith, Delores Coleman, Helen Russell, Charlsie Breedlove, J.B. Prince, Chester Prince, and Jack Prince.

Survivors include her husband, Mitchell Ford; children, Terri (Joey) Rutherford of Trenton, Cindy (Gary) Keck of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., Maxine (Perry) Schwark of Trenton, and Tanisha Ford; grandchildren, Hailey (Bryan) Sutton, Ean Rutherford, Heather Hanson, Brittany Turner, Collin Keef, Melissa Baisden, Crystal Reeves, Clark Shepherd, and  Lucas Shepherd; 17 great-grandchildren including Brynnlea Sutton, Braylen Sutton, and Tripp Sutton; sister, Brenda Slay; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 4, in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Carl Towns officiating. Interment was in Shantytown Cemetery in the New Home Community.

Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.

CHARLES GILBREATH

Charles Van Gilbreath, 83, of Trenton, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025.

Charles was born Dec. 11, 1941, to Jack Van and Reba Gilbreath. Charles resided in Trenton with his wife of 51 years, Patricia Ann Haney Gilbreath. Charles was a member of White Oak Baptist Church. Charles worked as a maintenance machine technician, in the carpet industry, for many years before his retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed camping with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Gilbreath; children, Rodney (Donna) Gilbreath, Rhonda (Bobby) Cranmore, Ed (Frances) Burns, and Ken (James) Murray; grandchildren, Leslie (Cliff) Dye, Lindsay Burns, Kaylee Owen, and Ella Gilbreath; great-grandchild Connor Dye.

The family would like to thank Sharon Bice, Denica West, Iris Christopher, and Bro. Darrell Cooper for their care and friendship.

Funeral services were Thursday, July 31, in the funeral home chapel. Interment was at Lake Hills Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.

PAN HIGDON

Oval “Pan” Lee Higdon, 75, of Higdon, Ala., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 28, 2025, following a heart attack.

Pan was a devoted family man whose life was centered around his children, grandchildren, and the many people he loved. Known for his generous heart and willingness to help anyone in need, Pan was a loyal friend and steady presence in the lives of many. His love for horses was well-known, but it was his love for his family that truly defined him. He cherished every moment spent with those he cared for and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by them.

Pan was preceded in death by his wife, Freda Chappalear Higdon; parents, Oval and Gracie Cagle Higdon; siblings, Garlton Higdon Sr., Lavita Higdon, Patricia Bryant, Lendon Higdon, and Arthur Tinker.

Survivors include his children, Ericka Higdon, Tanya (Phillip Smith) Higdon, Wendy Higdon, and Angie (Scotty) McBryar; grandchildren, River (Katie) Bell, Lake Bell, Creek Higdon, Mason Smith, Atlas Smith, Grenlee Higdon, Morgan Higdon, Hallie (Jesse) West, Chevy West, Rayne Higdon, and Blaine McBryar; great-grandchildren, Braylee, Oaklynn, Wylder, Emersyn, Marlee, Zaylee, Sadie, Rylie, Chloe, Makinlee, Indie, Reece, and Chance; siblings, Earlene Pritchett, Dorothy Smith, Leedell Higdon, and Lebron Higdon; child of the heart, Alaina; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 1, at the Bryant chapel of Moore Funeral Home. Interment was at Higdon Cemetery.

To view his tribute page and leave condolences, please visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, Ala.

MERRILL SMITH

Jay Merrill Smith, 75, of Trenton, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 28, 2025.

Merrill was a gifted musician who found great joy in playing and singing gospel and bluegrass music. He was especially skilled with the guitar and mandolin, and although he never quite mastered the fiddle, he always enjoyed trying. A humble and God-fearing man, Merrill lived a life of quiet strength and generosity. His door was always open to those in need, and his love for the Lord was evident in everything he did. He was a faithful member of Straightway Baptist Church in Bryant, Ala., and a dedicated employee of Kenco, where he retired after 45 years of service. Merrill’s greatest joy came from his family. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. When he wasn’t making music, he enjoyed working on old cars and tending his garden.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene Smith; son, Kelly M. Smith; parents, J.E. and Janie Smith; brothers, Pete (Janie) Smith and Dewey Smith; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Smith.

Survivors include his children, Vaniecia (Tim) Ferguson, Abby (Chris) White, and Matthew Smith Sr.; brother, Brent (Mary Jo) Smith; sister, Sue Smith; grandchildren, Jesse, Toby, Jordan, Alison, Brittany, Matthew, and Jacob; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services were Thursday, July 31, in the Bryant chapel of Moore Funeral Home with Brother Gary Bone officiating. Interment was at Straightway Cemetery.

To view his tribute page and leave condolences, please visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, Ala.

WAYLON SMITH

Waylan C. Smith, 86, of Bryant, Ala.,, passed away Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

Waylan’s strong faith was a cornerstone of his life; he found solace and community as a cherished member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Known for his meticulous nature, he took pride in his beautifully maintained yard and vehicles, often spending time cultivating his beloved gardens. After dedicating 33 years to Combustion Engineering in Chattanooga, Waylan treasured every moment spent with his family, drawing his greatest joy from their laughter and togetherness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Ila Corbin Smith, and sister, Doris Watkins.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Dean Smith; children, Jerry (Tracy) Smith, Eddie (Pam) Smith, Rodenna (Steve) Avans; grandchildren, Stephanie (Curtis) Wright, Felicia (Bradley) Christopher, Kristina (Tyson) Welden, and Johnathon (Taneka) Smith; sevengreat-grandchildren; extended family members.

Funeral services were Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Bryant chapel of Moore Funeral Home with Brother Dean Sims officiating. Interment was at Oak Lawn Memorial Park in Bryant, Ala.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, Ala.

MARY TAYLOR

Mary Frances Taylor, 75, of Bryant, Ala., passed away Saturday, July 27, 2025.

Mary was a devoted nurse who dedicated her life to caring for others. She spent most of her adult life in North Carolina, where she worked in healthcare and raised her family. After retiring, her compassionate spirit remained strong as she continued to care for the elderly by sitting with those in need. In recent years, she moved to Bryant to be closer to family. Mary found joy in the simple things – tending to her flower gardens, spending time with loved ones, and doting on her beloved cat, Oreo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Taylor; son, Jason Taylor; parents, Emerson and Ida McCarty; siblings, Mary Katherine, Mary Anne, Patty, Jesse, and John.

Survivors include her brother, Emerson John (Mary) McCarty of Bryant, Ala.; sister, Mary Lynn Skinner; granddaughter, Lilly Seachrest.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Sandra and William Haskins for their care and friendship in Mary’s final years.

Mary will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, N.C.

To view his tribute page and leave condolences, please visit www.MooreFHS.com.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton.

Betsy Wilbanks

Elizabeth Joy “Betsy” Wilbanks died unexpectedly in May at her home in Steamboat Springs, Co.

She attended Northwest Georgia High School graduating in 1993. She received the Scholar Athletic Award, Academic Fitness Award, Foreign Language Award, and Academic All-State Award. While in high school she was devoted to basketball. Under coach Gene Durden, she went to the state finals each year. She was co-captain of her team in her senior year and was honored for best free throw percentage, and best field goal percentage. Betsy went on to achieve two Bachelor of Science Degrees from The University of Georgia. She was awarded a master’s degree in wildlife biology from Texas Tech University. After school Betsy moved to Steamboat Springs, Co., and lived there until her death. She was an expert snowboarder, an authority on EPA water management, and chief OSHA compliance officer for her company.

Survivors include her mother, Gail Wilbanks; father, Jim Wilbanks; aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of Betsy’s life will be Aug.10 from 12-4 p.m., at Cloudland Canyon State Park group shelter one.