Obituaries

Ms. Willie Jean Smith-Smotherman

Ms. Willie Jean Smith-Smotherman

Mar 8, 2026

Willie Jean Smith-Smotherman, born Willie Jean Murray on December 12, 1937, in Nashville, Tennessee, was a woman whose life reflected faith, strength, creativity, and deep love for her family and community. From an early age, she possessed a spirit of generosity and compassion that would define the way she lived her life. If you knew Willie Jean, you knew that...

Bernice Franklin

Bernice Franklin

Mar 7, 2026

Bernice C. Franklin Jr., affectionately known as "BC" or "JB/JR," was born on July 17, 1992, in Nashville, Tennessee (Davidson County), to Bernice C. Franklin Sr. and Lelia Franklin. He departed this life on March 7, 2026, at the age of 33.

BC was educated in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system and graduated from John Overton High School. He further...

Malchus Lane

Malchus Lane

Mar 7, 2026

Malchus Lenard Lane Sr. was born on October 13, 1931, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late William “Willie” Lane and Thelma Smith Lane. He was educated in the Cleveland public school system and graduated from high school in 1951. Following graduation, Malchus attended Lane College on a football scholarship, where he excelled both academically and athletically.

While in college, he answered...

Daphne Denise Cox-Combs

Daphne Denise Cox-Combs

Mar 6, 2026

Daphne Denise Cox Combs was born November 6, 1963, in Tachikawa, Japan to the union of Hugh and Ruth Teague Cox. Daphne answered her call and went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 6, 2026, at West Tennessee Medical Center in Paris, Tennessee.

Daphne accepted Christ in her life at an early age and was a faithful member...

Thoreano Payne

Thoreano Payne

Mar 5, 2026

Arrangements and Obituary Forthcoming.

Lavoy Michelle Sales

Lavoy Michelle Sales

Mar 3, 2026

The world grew a little dimmer on March 3, 2026, when Lavoy Sales exchange this earthly life for eternal peace. Though his passing was sudden, it was peaceful, and while his time now feels heartbreakingly short, his impact was nothing short of amazing. Born on July 10, 1970, in Nashville, Tennessee. to the late Mai Helen Shelton and John L....

Roger W. Evans, Sr.

Roger W. Evans, Sr.

Mar 3, 2026

The life of Roger W. Evans Sr. known to his family as “Wesley,” was born on February 3, 1945, in Nashville, TN to the late Mary and Roosevelt Evans.

In his early years he joined Tabernacle Baptist Church under the pastorate of his father, the late Rev Roosevelt Evans. He was active in the church, and he sang in the choir.

On...

Myles Hunter

Myles Hunter

Mar 2, 2026

Myles Clifton Hunter, affectionately known as “The Great One,” was born on August 4, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee to his devoted mother, Liddie May Hunter Braddy, and his father, Monroe Hunter, Sr. He was also lovingly raised by his stepfather, Percy Braddy, who played an important role in his life. He departed this life on March 2, 2026, at St....

Ray Anthony Reagon

Ray Anthony Reagon

Mar 1, 2026

Ray Anthony Reagon, born on March 29, 1956, was the beloved son of James Easley and Gertrude Reagon. Ray graduated from Glencliff High School and later served his country in the United States Navy. After completing his military service, he returned home to Nashville, where he built a life through dedication and hard work as a certified plumber.

Ray was a...

James T. Washington

James T. Washington

Feb 28, 2026

James Washington affectionately known as "Tommy" was born July 13, 1940, to the late Mr. James & Alberta Washington of Pulaski, Tennessee. He was one of four children born to this union.

He attended Cameron High School upon the family's relocation to Nashville, Tennessee. Tommy played on the basketball team and enjoyed attending all sporting events. He was a proud member...

Charlotte Oldham Matlock

Charlotte Oldham Matlock

Feb 26, 2026

Charlotte Oldham Matlock was born January 15, 1959, in Nashville, Tennessee. To the union of Charles Williamson and Clydine Tibbs. This sweet life came to an end on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her residence in Nashville, Tennessee.

Charlotte was educated in the Nashville Davidson County Schools. She was married to Edward Matlock on January 14, 1983.

She was employed by Donaldson...

Reverend Elizabeth Graham

Reverend Elizabeth Graham

Feb 25, 2026

Reverend Elizabeth Sullivan Graham was born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 4, 1946, to the late Reverend James S. Sullivan and Mamie Ruth Streeter Sullivan. Elizabeth was the sixth out of nine children from this union. She was proceeded in death by her parents, 7 of her siblings, and her son, Michael. Elizabeth was a devoted mother and wife of...

Vernita Diane Sampson

Vernita Diane Sampson

Feb 24, 2026

Vernita Diane Sampson was the firstborn child welcomed into the world by Andrew and Louvinia Sherrod on April 13, 1950.

She received her early education through the Shelby County School System, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis in 1969. She attended Shelby State Community College where she earned her 2-year nursing degree, and later furthered her education to...

Ollie Maskill

Ollie Maskill

Feb 23, 2026

Arrangements and Obituary Forthcoming.

Tela Shereece Vaughn

Tela Shereece Vaughn

Feb 22, 2026

Ms. Tela S. Vaughn was born February 8, 1985 to Mrs. Ruthie Johnson and James W. Vaughn in Nashville, TN. She departed this life on February 22, 2026. God saw fit to call her to rest.

Tela accepted Christ in her heart at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor Andrew Mathis of New Hope MB Church...

Lucy Mae Robinson

Lucy Mae Robinson

Feb 22, 2026

With heavy hearts yet grateful spirits, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Lucy Mae Robinson, who entered eternal rest on February 22, 2026, at the age of 78—just days before her 79th birthday.

Born on February 25, 1947, in Covington, Tennessee, to the late Clara B. Walker and Willie Walker, Lucy was a woman whose life radiated faith, strength,...

Gloria June Casady

Gloria June Casady

Feb 18, 2026

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Gloria June Casady passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 79.Raised in Easley, South Carolina, Gloria was a true firecracker of a woman with a deep love for the arts, music, food, nature, and cultural diversity. Above all, she cherished the laughter of the people she loved. She dedicated her life to...

Dwight E. Johnson

Dwight E. Johnson

Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, our father called upon Dwight E. Johnson to join him in eternal life. He was born on April 4, 1952, to the late Lillian Johnson and George Hambrick in Nashville, Tennessee. He will always be remembered for how he loved everyone.

Dwight spent much of his working life in the restaurant industry, where he was known for...

Carlotta Sawyers

Carlotta Sawyers

Feb 16, 2026

Ms. Carlotta Angela Sawyers was born May 29, 1966, in Nashville, Tennessee to the parents, Walter B. Sawyers and Eula M. Boleyjack Sawyers. Carlotta answered her call and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Tristar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Carlotta was educated in the Nashville Davidson County Public Schools and was a...