yesterday's tennessee

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 if the funeral was held in Decatur or Henderson counties, but is excluded for funerals held elsewhere. I want to thank Novella Tole of Milwaukee for sharing her collection of funeral programs.

David Donahue, February 1999

 

Charlie Funderburk

OBSEQUIES
OF
MR. CHARLIE FUNDERBURK
1891-1965

FREEMAN CHAPEL
Decaturville, Tennessee
Saturday. July 31, 1965
2:00 p.m.
Rev. Willie Wortham, Minister

Interment Decaturville Cemetery

Parham Funeral Home
In Charge

Obituary

Mr. Charlie Funderburk, the son of the late Adam and Caroline Funderburk, was born in Decatur County Feb. 9, 1891, departed this life July 28, 1965 at John Gaston Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

Mr. Funderburk had been in failing health for several years.

He professed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with Freedman Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Mr. Funderburk was a good neighbor and the whole community has lost a loyal citizen who was ready at all time to help those in need.

He was married to Della Parsons in 1914, to this union four children were born. One son preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his loss a devoted wife, Mrs. Della Funderburk; a son, Buster Funderburk of Cleveland, Ohio; two daughters, Mrs. Nona M. Nance and Mrs. Johnetta Guy of Cleveland, Ohio; two daughters-in-law; two sons-in-law; 11 grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Clyde Funderburk, Lexington, Tenn.; one brother, Mr. Albert Funderburk, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Decaturville; a host of nephews, nieces and friends.

 

FLOWER BEARERS: Roxie Scott, Margant Vaugns, Mary Cherry, Shirley Scott, Ophelia Kendall, Froede Yarbor, Alma Lucky, Josie Porter

PALLBEARERS: Mr. Elmer Tobe, Mr. Freed Yarbor, Mr. James Tobe, Mr. Dover Scott, Mr. Stone Walker, Mr. Sam Walker

Parham Funeral Home
In Charge

 

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Nora Mae Nance

Homegoing Service
for
Nora Mae "Sis" Nance
May 26, 1917-April 19, 1996

Wednesday, April 24, 1996
Family Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m.
Dunham Christian Church
1629 East 66th Street
Cleveland, Ohio
Rev. C. E. Evans, Jr., Officiating

Obituary

NORA MAE NANCE was called to her final resting place on April 19,1996, at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

She was born May 26,1917, in Decaturville, Tennessee to the union of Charlie and Della Funderburk. She was the second oldest of four children. (All preceded her in death.)

She received her education in Tennessee and accepted God into her life by the way of the Methodist Church in her hometown. She came to Cleveland in 1948 and in later years she became a member of the Dunham Christian Church.

She was united in marriage to Henry Nance in 1935. Of this union one child was born, Billy Hale (they both preceded her in death). In 1970 she met James Elston, a loving and devoted companion. They were devoted until her death.

Ill health seemed to follow Nora, but she always forged on until she was hospitalized on April 18, 1996, and remained there until her earthly life came to an end.

The memories we have of her will always be dear to us in our hearts. We should not mourn her passing, but rejoice for our dearly departed loved one has gone to a home more beautiful than any we have ever known. She truly gave her life for her family and has now been added to that blessed family in the city called heaven. Yes, we all loved her, but God loved her best.

She leaves to mourn a loving and devoted companion, James Elston; two sisters-in-law, Mary Funderburk and Claire T. Funderburk; eight nieces and nephews, twenty-five greatnieces and nephews, a dear and devoted friend, Pearl Harris; the Donald Family and many more relatives and a host of friends.

Humbly Submitted
The Family

Interment
Highland Park Cemetery

Arrangements Entrusted To:
William A. Gaines Funeral Home
9116 Union Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44105

 

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Azalee Pettigrew

OBSEQUIES
Of
MRS. AZALEE PETTIGREW
1896-1968

ST. MARK METHODIST CHURCH
Parsons, Tennessee
JULY 20, 1968
1:00 P.M.
Rev. W. W. Wortham, Minister

Interment: Perryville Cemetery

Parham Mortuary
Lexington, Tennessee
In Charge

PALLBEARERS: Roy Anders, Hollis Mays, Harlan Pettigrew, Leon Pettigrew, Johnnie D. Tinsley, William Tinsley

[program did not include obituary; the following newspaper obituary was taped inside the program]

Mrs. Pettigrew

PARSONS — Services for Mrs. Azalee Pettigrew, 82, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Mark Methodist Church in Parsons with the Rev. W. W. Wortham officiating. Burial will be in the Perryville Cemetery with Parham Mortuary of Lexington in charge.

Mrs. Pettigrew died Tuesday morning at the Decatur County Hospital where she had been a patient for several days.

She was born in Decatur County, where she spent all her life. She was the daughter of the late Levi and Ann Yarbrough Young and was a member of the Methodist Church.

Surviving are five daughters,. Mrs. Lettie Greer of Parsons, Mrs. Mabel Bell of Charleston, Mo., Mrs. Sadie Clark of Somerville, Mrs. Camilla Cole and Mrs. Pauline Stack, both of Cleveland, Ohio; three sons, Curtley Pettigrew of Somerville, Earl Pettigrew of Cleveland, Ohio, and Herbert Pettigrew of Perryville; a brother Arlist Young of Somerville; 20 grand-children and 39 great-grandchildren.

The body will be at the church after 6 p.m. today through services.

 

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Gillie Pettigrew

OBSEQUIES
OF
MRS. GILLIE PETTIGREW
1899-1964

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
Parsons, Tennessee
Tuesday, September 29, 1964
1:00 p.m.
Elder Johnnie Brown, Minister

Interment
Perryville Cemetery

Parham Funeral Home
In Charge

OBITUARY

Mrs. Gillie A. Pettigrew, daughter of the late Wash and Malinda Pettigrew was born in Decatur County February 19, 1899, departed this life September 26, 1964 at her home in Perryville, Tennessee. She had been in falling health for several months bearing her pains and sickness without worry to others. Until a few weeks ago before she began to get worse, you would always find her jolly and always with a smile. She professed a Hope in Christ at an early age, she was a member of the CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, Parsons, Tennessee. She was a loyal and faithful member always willing and ready to do her part in every way for good. She was active in her duties until her health failed. She was married to the late Herman Pettigrew who preceded her in death about 13 years ago, to this union ten children were born; two daughters, preceding them in death. To know her, was to love her. She was a good neighbor, a devoted wife, and a loving mother. About 6:15 o'clock Saturday evening as the Eastern Sun was making its way to the Western Horizon, her soul in a peaceful sleep took its flight to an unknown world and is now resting in the hands of a JUST GOD. It is not death to die to those who die in the Lord. Death is only a Gateway to everlasting life. She leaves to mourn her passing:

Two daughters, Misses Faye and Neva Dell Pettigrew of Perryville, Tenn.; seven sons, Messrs. Leon and H. C. Pettigrew of Perryville, Tenn., Messrs. Russell and Ernest J. Pettigrew, Mt. Clemmons, Michigan, Messrs. George L., Roy, Willard, and Joe Pettigrew of Chicago, Ill.; one sister, Mrs. Nonie Dodd, Oakland, Calif., several grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

PALLBEARERS: Roy Anders, J. B. Fisher, Sr., Jack Brewer, Swone Johnson, Harlis Mays, James Tole

FLOWER BEARERS: Louie Garrett, Morrie Laster, Marie Mays, Gertrude McDonald, Bonnie Walker

Parham Funeral Home
In Charge

 

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Grady R. Pettigrew

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
MR. GRADY R. PETTIGREW
1898-1980

FREEDMAN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH
Decaturville, Tennessee
Saturday, May 10, 1980
1:00 P.M.
Bro. Willie Woods, Officiant

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

OBITUARY

Grady Pettigrew was born in Decatur County, Tennessee and departed this life May 6, 1980 at his residence in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of the late Milford and Ella Yarbro Pettigrew. He was converted and joined the Methodist church at an early age. Upon moving to Chicago, he united with a Church there, serving faithfully as long as his health permitted.

He leaves to mourn his passing several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

PALLBEARERS: Elmer Tole, Ernest Brewer, Sr., Michael Tole, Cecil Phelps, Lonnie Tole, Stone Walker

FLOWER BEARERS: Arlee Brewer, Teresa Holt, Kathleen Hardin, Roxie Scott, Margaret White

USHERS: Sophia Brasher, Zenobia Pettigrew, Ronnie Brasher, Maude Tole

Parham Mortuary
85 Barnhill St., Lexington, Tennessee 38351

 

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William Dandridge Pettigrew

1900-1962
FUNERAL RITES
OF
MR. WILLIAM DANDRIDGE PETTIGREW

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 1962
8:00 p.m.
MT. ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
2765 LASALLE STREET
ST. LOUIS, MO.
Rev. J. N. But1er, Pastor

OBITUARY

Mr. William Dandrige Pettigrew was born May 16, 1900 in Decaturville, Tenn. to the parents of James and Elsie Patt and to this union 12 children was born; 8 boys and 4 girls.

He attended the public school in Decaturville, Tenn. and confessed a hope in Christ in 1925 and joined the Strangers Home B. C. in Sikeston, Mo. under the pastorate of Rev. Richard Thompson and was baptized by him.

Mr. Pettigrew was united in holy matrimony to Miss Rena Renson in 1925 in Sikeston, Mo. No children was born to this union. Later they moved to Forest City, Ark. and united with the Summerfield Baptist church where he served as Supt. of the Sunday School.

Mr. Pettigrew came to St. Louis in 1939 and united with the Pleasant Land Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Phillips and in 1941 moved his membership to the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member until his health began to fail. He passed Monday morning, January 15, 1962 at 6:45 a.m. in Missouri Pacific Hospital.

He leaves to mourn his passing, a devoted wife, 6 brothers, 3 sisters, 1 uncle, 1 aunt and a host of other relatives and friends.

INTERMENT
Greenwood Cemetery
Saturday, January 20, 1961
9:30 a.m.

Courtesy of' The Metropolitan Funeral System
5010 Enright Ave.

 

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Ila Posey

In Loving Memory
of
ILA POSEY

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
1:00P.M.
FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
905 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rev. Joseph J. Hughes - Officiating

OBITUARY

MRS. ILA PARSON-POSEY was born in Parson, Tennessee on April 29, 1914, to Reader and Ruby Parson. She departed this life on May 8, 1994 at Sinai Samaritan Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and son, Johnny Posey.

She confessed Christ at an early age. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. William Posey. To this union twelve children were born. She moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1966. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church.

She leaves to mourn her departure: a loving and devoted husband, William Posey; eleven children, George Posey, Mary Posey, Ralph Posey, Ruby Sprewell, Thelma Henry, Eddie Posey, Helen Hampton, Alice Harrison, Robert Posey, Arthur Posey, and Nelson Posey; six daughters-in-law; three sons-in-law; fifty-five grandchildren; fifty-two great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery

Northwest Funeral Directors
In Charge

 

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Lucy Arnada Laster Robinson

Funeral Rites
of
Lucy Arnada Laster Robinson
1902-1976

Freedman's Chapel A.M.E. Church
Decaturvi1le, Tennessee
Rev. R. L. Vann, Pastor
Wednesday, August 11, 1976
2:00 P.M.
Rev. L. D. Jones officiating

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

Thomas Funeral Home
Dyersburg, Tennessee
in charge

OBITUARY

Ms. Lucy Arnada Laster, Robinson - daughter of the late Frank and Fronnie Laster, was born in Decatur County, Tenn., April 14, 1902 and quietly passed away at her home in Dyersburg, Tenn. August 6, 1976; Age 74 years, 3 months, 12 days.

Her early childhood was spent in Decatur and Hardin counties, where she confessed a Hope in Christ and united with the Methodist church. Some thirty years ago she moved to Dyersburg, Tenn., where she married Aaron Robinson, who preceded her in death. While there she was a faithful member of the Saulter's Chapel A.M.E. church.

Mrs. Robinson was a very warm, endearing, jovial person and will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory include one devoted sister - Mrs. Willie Hayes of Morris Chapel, Tenn., nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.,

 

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Argruda Scott

REQUISCAT IN PACE
MRS. ARGRUDA SCOTT
1923-1981

Saturday, July 18, 1981 2:00 P.M.
FREEDMAN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH
Decaturville, Tennessee
Rev. Willie Woods, Officiant

Obituary

Mrs. Argruda Vaughn Scott was born January 4, 1923 to Obie and Myrtle Sharp Vaughn. On the night of July 14, 1981 at about 8:00 P.M., at Decatur County General Hospital, the angel of death claimed the life of our loved one.

She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Freedman Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she attended regularly until her health began to fail. She was always willing to give help to build God's Kingdom.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a husband, R. B. Scott; three daughters, Miss Sue Nell Scott and Mrs. Shirley Johnson, both of Atlanta, Ga. and Mrs. Dorothy Jean McElrath, Champaign, Ill.; two sisters, Mrs. Eula Yarbro, Saltillo and Ms. Alajewell Vaughn, Dyersburg; two brothers, Loyce Vaughn, Dyersburg and Bradley Vaughn, Trenton; 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

FLOWER BEARERS: Buelah Barber, Youlanda Brasher, Paula Funderburk, Reacie Brasher, Mae Brewer, Burmah McClain, Dianne Pettigrew

PALLBEARERS: Don Fisher, Hardy Holt, Larry McElrath, Canton Sanders, Lonnie Tole, Raymond White

USHERS: Sophia Brasher, Zenabia Pettigrew, Lacula Tole

INTERMENT
Decaturville Cemetery

Arrangements Entrusted To
Nathaniel Parham, Jr.
Lexington, Tennessee

 

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Charles O. Scott

OBSEQUIES
FOR
MR. CHARLES O. SCOTT
1944-1966

Freemans Chapel Methodist Church
Decaturville, Tennessee
Saturday. April 9, 1966
2:00 p.m.

FINAL RESTING PLACE — Decaturville Cemetery

PARHAM FUNERAL HOME
In Charge

[no obituary included]

At Decaturville Negro Cemetery: Scott, Charles Obie, 12/24/1944-4/7/1966

 

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Jim Henry Scott

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
MR. JIM HENRY SCOTT
1905-1979

ST. MARK AME CHURCH
Parsons, Tennessee
Wednesday, September 19, 1979
2:00 P.M.
Rev. Harles Mays, Officiant

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

OBITUARY

Mr. Jim Henry Scott departed this life September 14, 1979 at 1:30 P.M. in Parsons, Tennessee.

He was born January 19, 1905 in Decatur County to the family of Mr. Charles Henry Scott and Anna Jane Taylor Scott.

He was married to Miss Georgia Pettigrew in December, 1925. To this union, was born three sons, one preceded him in death.

He was a member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church since childhood.

His survivors are a devoted and loving wife. Mrs. Georgia Scott, two sons, J. W. Scott and Billy Scott, both of Chattanooga; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Emma Scott and Mrs. Ruby Scott, one sister, Mrs. Ruby Pettigrew, one brother, Mr. Taylor Scott, one brother-in-law, Mr. George Pettigrew, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Auline Scott, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

PALLBEARERS: Gerald Bailey, George R. Laster, Toby Pettigrew, Cecil Dabbs, T. R. Mays, Thomas Webster

FLOWER BEARERS: Sarah Ann Jones, Clara T. Pettigrew, Mona L. Laster, Zenobia Pettigrew

USHERS: Oflie M. Ashcraft, Nora Garrett

Parham Mortuary
85 Barnhill St., Lexington, Tennessee 38351

 

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Allie Shelton

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
MRS. ALLIE SHELTON
1884-1977

FREEDMAN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH
Decaturville, Tennessee
Sunday, October 9, 1977
2:00 P.M.
Rev. Vann, Minister

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

Parham Mortuary
Lexington, Tennessee
In Charge

[no obituary included]

 

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Henry Shelton

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
HENRY SHELTON
1910-1979

FREEDMAN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH
Decaturville, Tennessee
Saturday, November 10, 1979
1:00 P.M.
Rev. Willie Woods, Officiant

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

Parham Mortuary
85 Barnhill St., Lexington, Tennessee 38351

[no obituary included]

 

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Robert Lee Stanton

Service
of
Memory
for
MR. ROBERT LEE STANTON
1912-1988

Sunday, October 9, 1988
2:00 P.M.
Freedman Chapel A. M. E. Church
Decaturville, Tennessee

PALLBEARERS: Elmer Tole, Ray Vaughn, Cecil Phelps, Raymond White, T. R. Mays

HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Michael Scott, Dale Scott, Danny Scott, Terry Scott, Fred Yarbro

FLOWER BEARERS: Margaret White, Louise Barber, Arlee Brewer, Mae Brewer

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

arrangements by
Parham Mortuary

Obituary

Mr. Robert Lee Stanton was called to his final resting place on October 5, 1988 at Decatur County Hospital in Parsons, Tennessee.

He was born May 13, 1912 in Stanton, Tn. to the union of Robert and Lealer Adams Stanton. He joined the church in Stanton at a very early age and received his education in Tennessee. He was united in marriage to Margaret Scott, a very devoted wife.

Later, he moved to Cleveland. Ohio where he worked for Monarch Machinery until his health began to fail in 1978 when he moved back to Decaturville until death.

He leaves to mourn, a loving and devoted wife. Margaret Stanton of Decaturville; two daughters; a stepson, William Scott of Cleveland, Ohio; grandson, William Scott, Jr. of Decaturville; one aunt and a host of other relatives and friends.

 

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Edgar Stigall

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
MR. EDGAR STIGALL
1887-1973

FREEDMAN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH
Decaturville, Tennessee
Wednesday, January 10, 1973
2:30 P.M.
Rev. W. W. Wortham, Minister

Interment: Decaturville Cemetery

Parham Mortuary
Lexington, Tennessee
In Charge

 

Obituary

MR. EDGAR STIGALL

Mr. Edgar Stigall died January 8th at 6:30 A.M. at the Decatur County General Hospital, he passed away quietly. He had been a patient in the hospital for 24 days.

He was born in Decatur County, he was the son of Flim and Alice McElrath Stigall, he was born November 29, 1888, expired January 8,1973, age 85 years, 1 month and 10 days.

He accepted Christ at an early age and united with Freedman Chapel Church. He supported the church spiritually and financially, and attended church often, he was willing to help in any church program. He was married to Mrs. Levanna Brasher Lackey, December 18, 1942, he was a loving husband, faithful friend and a good neighbor.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Mrs. Levana Stigall; one son, Homer T. Stigall; one daughter, Miss Dorothy Stigall; one sister, Mrs. Ora Parsons; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

PALLBEARERS: Mitchell S. Hardin, George McElrath, J. D. McElrath, Brown Pritchard, Ray Vaughn, Stone Walker

FLOWER BEARERS: Ollie M. Ashcraft, Areles Brewer, Anna Fisher, Mildred Kindle, Greta McElrath, Pauline Phelps, Auline Scott, Maude Tole

USHERS: Ernest Brewer, Sr., Cecil Phelps, Clara Montgomery, Zenobia Pettigrew

 

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