FUNERAL PROGRAMS, BLACK DECATUR COUNTIANS
From the collection of Novella Tole
The information presented below comes from funeral programs. Information about place and date of funeral, place of interment, and funeral home in charge is included. Most of the funeral programs include an obituary which is reproduced. Order of service information, bible verses, poems, and acknowledgments have been omitted. Information about pallbearers, ushers, and flower bearers generally is included. The late Novella Tole of Milwaukee provided her collection of funeral programs to share on the internet.
David Donahue, May 1999
Mattie Arlee Brewer
Homegoing
of
Mattie Arlee BrewerMonday, February 13, 1989
1:00 P.M.
New Hope Baptist Church,
Decaturville, TN
Rev. Johnnie Nelson, Pastor
OBITUARY
Life’s race well run, life’s work all done, the Victory won, and now she rests.
Mattie Arlee Brewer, daughter of the late John and Ermon Bradley, was born in Decatur County, Tenn. Sept. 25,, 1918 and met her sudden demise Friday morning, Feb. 10, 1989.
She was a devout christian. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church rendering her service in the Choir, the Letha Missionary Circle and as church clerk.
In May 1937 she was united in Holy matrimony to Ernest Brewer, Sr. and to this union 6 children were born, 4 daughters and 2 sons.
She was a model mother and housewife and was known through this area for her culminary art.
She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory a devoted husband, Ernest Brewer, Sr., children Ernest Brewer, Jr., Bath Springs, TN., Mary Sue Eanes, Paducah, KY., Dorothy Jackson, Saltillo, TN., Willie Floyd Brewer, Indianapolis, IND., Maxine Brasher, Bath Springs, TN., Mae Brewer, Saltillo, TN., 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mae Johnson, Lexington, TN., Florence Walker, Indianapolis, IND., Louise Barber, Bath Springs, TN., Mary Irene Toliver, Sophie Brasher also of Bath Springs, TN., and foster sister, Beedie Petticrew, Perryville, TN., 2 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
PALLBEARERS: John Johnson, William Johnson, Larry Brasher, James Johnson, Jerry Yarbro, Franklin Brasher
FLOWER BEARERS: Friends
USHERS: Nola Yarbrough, Zenobia Pettigrew, Ruby Brasher, Lacula Tole
INTERMENT
New Hope Cemetery
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Bessie Mae Dabbs
In Loving Memory
of
Mrs. Bessie Mae Dabbs
"Big Moma"Friday, September 12, 1997
2:00 P.M.
St. Mark A.M.E. Church
Parsons, TennesseeTHE OBITUARY
On September 6, 1997 a death angel came and sealed the lips of our beloved mother and grandmother, Bessie Mae Dabbs. She was born February 12, 1922 to the late Melvin and Katie Craig of Saltillo, Tennessee. She was married to the late Ressley Dabbs, Sr. and to this union, eight children were born. She leaves to cherish her memories, one sister, Betty Holt of Decaturville, TN; devoted daughters. Maxine and Earnestine Dabbs of Parsons. TN and Christine Harmon of Lexington, TN; two sons, Ressley Dabbs, Jr. of Kaneohe, Ill and Cecil Dabbs of Parsons, TN; eighteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Roger Craig and Noah Eugene Bundy one sister, Cora Mae Kittrell; one daughter, Eva Mae Pettigrew; two sons. Billy Joe Dabbs and Jeffrey Tinsley; one grandchild, Cecilia Dabbs and one great-grandchild, Brandon Keith Pettigrew.
INTERMENT
Decaturville Cemetery
Decaturville, TennesseeFLOWER BEARERS: Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
PALLBEARERS: Kelvin Pettigrew, Jermaine Pettigrew, Jarrett Pettigrew, Bryan Pettigrew, Lynnie Pettigrew, Keith Pettigrew, Gregory Dabbs, Harold Harmon, Harry Arnold, Tommy Flakes
USHERS: Zenobia Pettigrew, Meldra Webster
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Cecelia Regina Dabbs
The
Homegoing
Celebration
for
CECILIA REGINA DABBSThursday, April 28, 1994
2:00 P.M.
St. Mark A.M.E. Church
Parsons, TennesseeObituary
CECILIA REGINA DABBS, daughter of Cecil and Loretta Dabbs was born October 25, 1980 in Parsons, Tennessee. She was called home to her Lord on April 21, 1994. Cecilia was a member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church and also served in the choir. Cecilia was also an honor student at school.
In addition to her loving parents, Cecilia leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters, Eva Sue Dabbs and Tiffany Rice, both of Parsons, TN; her brother, Gregory Dabbs of Parsons, TN; two grandmothers, Alma Sue White and Bessie Mae Dabbs, both of Parsons, TN; grandfather, Joe Henry Stanford of Lexington, TN; great-grandmother, Thelma Davenport of Parsons, TN and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers: James Walton, Shaun Pettigrew, Calvin Pettigrew, Lynnie Pettigrew, Jamaine Pettigrew, Don Fisher
Interment
Parsons Cemetery
Parsons, TennesseeArrangements by
PARHAM MORTUARY
Lexington, Tennessee
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Thelma J. Davenport
In Loving Memory
of
MRS. THELMA J. DAVENPORTSunday, January 29, 1995
3:00 P.M.
St. Mark A.M.E Church
Parsons, TennesseeRev. Sabrina Transou, Officiant
OBITUARY
MRS. THELMA JEWEL WHITE DAVENPORT was born in Decatur County, Perryville, Tennessee on February 19, 1919 to the late Faniel and Annia Mary White. She was one of five children born to that union. Three preceded her in death.
Thelma attended the Perryville Elementary Schools; in 1942, she joined the now extinct Mt Olive Baptist Church in "Two Foot".
She was united in Holy Matrimony in the year of 1947 to Mr. Addison "Smokey" Davenport She departed this life Wednesday, January 25, 1995. She leaves to cherish her memory, a loving and devoted daughter, Mrs. Alma Sue White of Parsons; loving son, Mr. Roland "Cod" (Jo Evelyn) White of Cleveland, Ohio; two step-children, Zenobia "Tink" Pettigrew of Perryville, TN and J. B. "Snooks" Davenport of Halls, TN; a sister, Mrs. Nora Garrett of Parsons, TN; twenty-three grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
INTERMENT
Pettigrew Cemetery
Perryville, TennesseeArrangements Entrusted to
PARHAM MORTUARY
624 East Church Street
Lexington, Tennessee
901-968-5882USHERS: Sonya Estes, Joyce Tinsley, Sarah Davenport
PALLBEARES: Tony McElrath, Willie Joe Taylor, George Laster, J. C. Johnson, Lyn R. Scott, Lloyd Posey
FLOWER BEARERS: Granddaughters
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Hugh Curston Garrett
In Loving Memory
MR. HUGH CURSTON GARRETT
1907-1992Sunday, August 16, 1992
2.00 PM.
Temple GOGIG
Parsons, Tennessee
Eld. Joseph Fisher, OfficiantOBITUARY
After an extended illness, on August 12, 1992 the death angel visited Decatur County General Hospital and departed the life of Hugh Curston Garrett.
Born in Perryville, Tennessee to the late Granvel and Pearl Garrett, on March 10, 1907. During the early years of his life, he gave his life to Christ and acknowledged Christ until death. He was educated in the Decatur and hardeman County public school systems. He worked as a off-shoreman until retirement.
He was united in matrimony to Lovie Mae Prevat in 1925. She preceded him in death. To this union, twelve children were born.
He leaves to cherish his memory, Margie Hooten, Louella Garrett, Paul Garrett and Warren Garrett, all of Nashville, TN, William Garrett of St. Louis, MO, Mattie Posey of Milwaukee, WI, Jessie Taylor of Perryville, TN, Joyce Webster, Brenda Brasher, Hugh Jewel Garrett and Gary Wayne Garrett, all of Parsons, TN; sixty grandchildren, eighty great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, three sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, one brother, George (Nora) Garrett of Parsons, TN, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
INTERMENT
Perryville Cemetery
Perryville, TennesseeUSHERS: Joyce Tinsley, Ronnie Brasher, Roberta McDaniel, Pat Posey
PALLBEARERS: Grandsons
FLOWER BEARERS: Granddaughters
Arrangements by
PARHAM MORTUARY
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Bettie Lee Nell Holt
The
Homegoing
Celebration
for
MRS. BETTIE LEE NELL HOLTTuesday, November 3, 1998
2:00 p.m.
Freedman's Chapel A.M.E. Church
Decaturville, TennesseeThe Obituary
On October 29, 1998, the Lord called Sister Bettie Holt home. She was born June 8, 1918 to the late Melvin and Katie Craig of Saltillo, Tennessee. She was married to Mr. Hardy Holt for fifty-six years, where she served him faithfully as a loving wife; and to this union was born a very devoted daughter. Mrs. Holt confessed her belief in Christ at an early age. Upon moving to Decaturville, she united with Freedman’s Chapel A.M.E. Church where she attended until her health failed. Mrs. Holt loved quilting and enjoyed making quilts for her family, neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Katie Craig two sisters, Bessie Mae Dabbs and Cora Mae Kittrell and two brothers, Roger Craig and Noah Eugene Bundy.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her devoted husband, Mr. Hardy Holt of Decaturvffle a loving daughter, Emaline (Willie) Brewer of Indianapolis, IN; one grandsons Michael Brewer of San Diego, CA a great-grandson, Andre Brewer of Indianapolis, IN and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends
COMMITTAL AND INTERMENT
Decaturville Cemetery
Decaturville, TennesseePALLBEARERS: Nephews
FLOWER BEARERS: Friends
Arrangements by
PARHAM MORTUARY
Lexington, TN
901-968-5882
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Louis G. Moody
In Loving Memory of
MR. LOUIS G. MOODY
1912-1989Wednesday, December 27, 1989
1:00 P.M.
Union Baptist Church
Bath Springs, TennesseeRev. E. C. Cole, Officiant
OBITUARY
MR. LOUIS G. MOODY, son of the late Will and Ada Moody was born December 8, 1912 in Clifton, Tennessee.
He was married to Annie M. Russell on September 25, 1932. To them, eleven children were born; five girls and six boys. Three children preceeded in in death. Three brothers and one sister also preceeded him in death. He worked as a farmer in Decatur County, Tennessee.
At an early age he professed a hope in Jesus Christ and joined the Union Baptist Church, Bath Springs, Tennessee. He served as a deacon for approximately thirty-five years and was a devoted christian. He was loved by all and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He departed this life on December 23, 1989 at 8:30 A. M. at Decatur County General Hospital
To cherish his memories, he leaves his loving wife, Mrs. Annie M. (Russell) Moody; a sister, Mrs. Flossie Looper of Lawrenceburg, Tn.; four sons, Mr. & Mrs. Willie D. Moody of Bath Springs, Tn., Mr. & Mrs. James E. Moody of Nashville, Tn., Mr. & Mrs. Max Ray Moody of Lexington, Tn. and Gwen Dale Moody of Bath Springs, Tn.; four daughters, Irene & husband Obie Morris of Jackson, Tn., Lossie & husband Cecil Luton of Augusta, Ga., Mmyrtle & husband Homer Hudson of Memphis, Tn., and betty & husband Henry Childrey of Paducah, Ky.,; 19 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
INTERMENT: Union Cemetery
Arrangements by
Parham MortuaryHONORARY PALLBEARERS: Officers & Trustees of Union Baptist Church
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS: Franklin Brasher, Ernest Brewer, Jr., William D. Moody, James Brasher, Dwight Casey, Tim Moody, Alexander Russell
FLOWER BEARERS: Members of Union Baptist Church
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Brandon Earnest Keith Pettigrew
BRANDON EARNEST KEITH
July 3, 1989-April 18, 1992
PETTIGREW
Saturday, April 25, 1992 4:00 P.M.
St. Mark A. M. H. Church
Parsons, TennesseeINTERMENT: Decaturville Cemetery
Decaturville, TennesseeBRANDON EARNEST KEITH PETTIGREW was born July 3, 1989 in Jackson, TN. He departed this life Saturday, April 18, 1992 at Hardin County General Hospital in Savannah after a long illness. Brandon leaves his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Keith Pettigrew; one sister, Valarie Yarbrough; three brothers, Bryan, Michael and , Melvin Pettigrew; grandmother, Billy Gwen Ross & step-grandfather, William Ross; great grandmother, Mrs. Bessie Mae Dabbs and a host of great aunts, cousins and friends.
PALLBEARERS: Arthur Phelps, Christopher Jones, Tony McElrath, Richard Robertson
FLOWER BEARERS: Cecilia Dabbs, Eva Sue Dabbs, Latoyia Dabbs, Latrecia Pettigrew
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Mike Pettigrew
In Loving Memory
of
MR. MIKE PETTIGREW
February 4, 1920-April 5, 1994Saturday, April 9, 1994 — 1:00 P. M.
Union Baptist Church
Bath Springs, Tennessee
Rev. Harles Mays, OfficiantOBITUARY
Mr. Mike Pettigrew was born on February 4, 1920 to the union of the late Sam and Gover Hickory Pettigrew. He departed this life on Tuesday, April 5, 1994 at Lakeside V. A. Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
He was a steward in the U. S. Navy from 1943 until 1945.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mrs. Nellie Ray Sparks Pettigrew; two sons, Ronald Pettigrew and Jerry Pettigrew; a granddaughter, LaMyron Vychelle Brasher. He also had two sisters and three brothers to precede him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memory; six children: Mrs. Gloria Jean (Nelson) Posey of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mrs. Ruby Lee (Franklin) Brasher, Mr. Danny Ray (Nancy) Pettigrew, Mrs. Lounell (J. C.) Brasher all of Bath Springs, Tennessee, Mrs. Patricia Ann (Jimmy) Tucker of Parsons, Tennessee and Mr. Jackie Neal (Jean) Pettigrew of Decaturville, Tennessee; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Pettigrew Sparks of Parsons, Tennessee; two brothers, Burnett "Toby" Pettigrew of Parsons, Tennessee and Logan Pettigrew of Union City, Tennessee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
INTERMENT
Parsons Cemetery
Parsons, TennesseePALLBEARERS: Jerry Lowery, George Robert Laster, Eddie Posey, John White, Jr., Lynn Ray Scott, Randy Johnson
FLOWERBEARERS: Joyce Tinsley, Kathy Lowery, Maxine Brasher, Phyllis Lowery, Judy Taylor, Burmah McClain
USHERS: Sophia Brasher, Joyce Davenport, Zenobia Pettigrew
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Odessia P. Pettigrew
In Loving Memory
of
Odessia P. PettigrewWednesday, 1:00 P.M.
at
Rev. Lawton G. Brewer Memorial Chapel
Brewer Memorial Funeral Home
Parsons, TN. 38363Officiating
Rev. Darnell Johnson
Minister Ed WhiteObituary
On Monday morning January 11, 1999, the Lord, God Almighty, sent his Angel of Mercy and Kindness to grant our "loved one" peace at last.
Odessia was born to the union of Ida and Hawkins Parker on March 20, 1900, in Henderson County, Tn. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a retired employee of the Long Equipment Co. of Parsons, TN.
She leaves to cherish her memories 2 children, Mrs. Pearline Taylor and Mrs. Ula Mae Johnson, both of Parsons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Stanley Pettigrew; one daughter, Bessie Douglas; two sons, Thomas Stanley Pettigrew, Jr., and Wilmer Pettigrew. She was greatly loved by 15 grandchildren; Ollie B., Evelyn, Joe, Shirley, Doretha, Cathy, J. C., Mary, Jeanette, Rachel, Ruby, and Don. She was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, Ruben, Jr. and Betty Sue. Loving her more than words could describe were 34 Great Grandchildren; one Great Grandchild, Ruben Johnson, preceded her. 32 Great Great Grandchildren, a niece, Nina Ray Pettigrew and nephews Tommy Yarbro and Earnest Ray Pettigrew and a host of other relatives and friends loved and cherished her.
Casket Bearers: Anthony Mays, Gaylon Johnson, Brent Hart, Ed White, Bryant Hart, George Laster
Flower Maidens: Melanie Mays, Monica Johnson, Rachel Davenport, Dale Teague, Michelle McElrath, Mary Hart
Usher: Joyce Davenport
Interment
Decaturville Cemetery
Decaturville, TNServices Entrusted By:
Darrell L. Brewer
Brewer Memorial Funeral Home
Parsons, TN 38363
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Surenia Ann Scott
MEMORIAL SERVICES
OF
SURENIA ANN SCOTTSaturday, July 26, 1997
2:00 P.M.
New Hope Baptist Church
Decaturville, TennesseeRev. James Arnold, Pastor
OBITUARY
Surenia Ann McElrath Scott, daughter of the late J. T. McElrath and Mary Lee McElrath of Decatuiville, TN.
She was born March 31, 1945. She attended Crowder High School and graduated in May of 1962. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul Baptist Church. Surenia was united in holy matrimony to William H. Scott Sr. and to this union five children were born.
She leaves to cherish in memory; (3) daughters and (2) sons; Wanda Pettigrew of Jackson, TN, Shelia Scott of Counce,TN, William Scott Jr. of Henning, TN, Tammy Scott and Michael Scott, both of Decaturville, TN;(1) sister, Sherry K. James (Charles); (3) brothers, Willie T. McElrath (Glenda) of Nashville, TN , William T. McElrath of Champagne, ILL, James E. McElrath of Detroit, MI.
She has (8) grandchildren; Letrece Scott, Aaron Pettigrew, Shannon Pettigrew, Danielle Scott, Michael Dylan Scott, Shemar Scott, Courtney Davenport, one nephew, Warren McElrath of Nashville, TN. She leaves two aunts: Ola Mae McElrath of Decaturville, and Mae Brown of Memphis, TN. She also leaves one sister-in-law, Glenda McElrath of Nashville, TN, and a host of many cousins and friends.
Interment
New Hope CemeteryService Entrusted to:
Bledsoe Funeral Home, Inc.
256 Middleton Street
Jackson, TN 38301
901/427-1521
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Margaret Scott Stanton
In Memoriam
MRS. MARGARET SCOTT STANTON
1914-1992Sunday, March 15, 1992
2:00 P.M.
Freedman Chapel A.M.E. Church
Decaturville, TennesseeOBITUARY
Mrs. Margret Stanton was born September 8, 1914 to the union of Will and Mary Scott of Decaturville, Tennessee. She departed this life March 12, 1992 at 5:00 A.M. at the Decatur County General Hospital in Parsons, Tennessee.
She professed hope in Christ at an early age and united with Freedman Chapel AME Church. She was married to Robert Lee Stanton who preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted son William H. (Patricia) Scott of Cleveland, Ohio; one brother
Dover (Roxie) Scott of Decaturville, Tennessee; two nieces, Margaret B. Kizer and Novella Tote; seven nephews, Jerry L. Craig, Dale, Mike, Danny, and Terry Scott, Jerry, Fred, and H. C. Yarbro. A host of grandchildren, relatives and friends.INTERMENT
Decaturville Cemetery
Decaturville, TennesseeArrangements by
PARHAM MORTUARY
Lexington, Tennessee
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Rosie B. Mallard Tole
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MRS. ROSIE B. MALLARD TOLE
1923-1989SERVICES
SUNDAY - MARCH 26, 1989
2:00 P. M.INTERMENT
New Hope Cemetery
Decaturville, TennesseeArrangements By
Boyd Funeral Homes
Decaturville, Parsons, Scotts HillOBITUARY
Mrs. Rosie B. Mallard Tole departed this life Thursday, March 23, 1989, after a long illness. She was one of eight children born to the late Luther Mallard and Eva Pettigrew. Four sisters preceded her in death. She was born August 30, 1923.
She joined New Hope Baptist Church at an early age and remained a member until her death.
On September 11, 1941, she married Kelley Tole and to that union were born seven children.
She leaves to Mourn her passing, her mother, Eva Brewer Pettigrew (Jackson); husband, Kelley Tole; children, Mittie Jo Edmund (Trevor) Kingston Springs, George L. Mack (Mary), Bernice Barrow (George) Michigan, Walter Gene (Michigan), Edith Avery (Renza) Alabama, Rose Marie (Michigan): Sisters, Nola Beatrice Mallard (Jackson), Margaret Beach (Nashville): Brother, Homer T. Mallard (Germany), half-brothers, W. C. and Van Pettigrew (Jackson): Sister-in-law, Beedie Tole; brothers-in-law, Charlie Tole (Chicago), Rev. John Beach (Nashville), a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
PALLBEARERS: Franklin Brasher, J. C. Brasher, Ray Vaughan, Clarence Brasher, Elmer Lewis Tole, Ernest Junior Brewer
FLOWER BEARERS: FRIENDS
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