OBITUARIES of HENDERSON COUNTY TN - E - JAMES B. EADS - Services for James B. Eads, retired Baptist minister and farmer were Sunday afternoon from Corinth Baptist Church by the Rev. Earl Owens. He had been in Ill health for the past three years, die Thursday afternoon at hishome near Chesterfield. He had suffeed a stroke, earlier that day. He was 75. The Rev. eadshad prior to his retirement charge of several churches. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mattie Carrington Eads, and other relatives. He was the last of his family. He was the son of the late Noah and Martha Eads. Burial was in Corinth Cemetery with Wright -Timberlake Funeral Home in charge. Lexington Progress 6/6/1951 LINNIE CLOELL EADS - Services fro Cloell Eads were Saturday at Parsons Mortuary with the Rev. J.V. Reeves officiating. Burial was in Mt. Ararat Cemetery. Mr. Eads who was 52, died Thursday at Decatur County Hospital. He was a deacon at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, a veteran of WW II, a livestock grower and construction worker. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Naomi Fayoma Eads of Darden; a son, William Gregory Eads of Lexington; a daughter, Mrs. Debbie Maxwell of Parson; his mother, (Obituary abruptly ends here) Lexington Progress 2 Feb. 1977 MARTHA (DAVIS) EADS - aged 77 years, died Wednesday night, May 20, 1913 at her home near Darden, this county, after a long illness. She was a most estimable lady and a consistent member of the Baptist Church. She is survived by four children, Mrs. W.H. Hays of Lexington,Mrs. B.A. Carrington and Rev. James E. Eads being among the number. She was an aunt of Felix M. and Christopher C. Davis of this place. Her remains will be laid to rest in the Corinth Cemetery today after services by Rev. W.F. Boren of Darden. The Lexington Progress May 30, 1913 RAYMOND EUGENE EASLEY - Funeral services for Mr. Raymond Eugene Easley, 56, will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 18, 2007 at St. Paul Baptist Church in Lexington, TN with Dr. Rev. Lonnie Black officiating. Burial will follow in Lexington City Cemetery. Mr. Easley, an employee of Lexington City School System, died Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Henderson County Community Hospital in Lexington, TN. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Easley; his father, Mr. John M. Easley of Lexington, TN; (2) sons, Karreem (Sherrill) and Kenya Easley; a daughter, Bethany Ard-Teague (Bryan) all of Lexington, TN; (3) brothers, John C. (LaRuth) Easley, Dennis (Gladys) Easley all Lexington, TN; and Cecil Easley of Seattle, WA; a sister, Virginia Easley of Lexington, TN; and (7) grandchildren. He will lie in state at the church today from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Family hour will be today from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church. Memorials may be directed to: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund 60 Brown St. Lexington, TN 38351 For more information, call Bledsoe Funeral Home at 731-427-1521. Contributed by Linda Fiedor from the Lexington Progress October 17, 2007 ANGELIA CAROL EASON - Graveside services were Wednesday for Angelia Carol, two day old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Joe Eason of Lexington. The Rev. James Hale officiated. Burial was in Jowers Cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge. The infant also leaves her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nichols and Mr. and Mrs. Mack Eason. The Lexington Progress, December 14, 1967 Headstone Photo CHARLES EDGAR EASON - Services for Charlie Edgar Eason, 80, were today at Scotts Hill Funeral Home with the Revs. Cleo Kelley and J.W. Hannah officiating. Burial was in Doe Creek Cemetery near Scotts Hill. Mr. Eason, a retired farmer, was pronounced dead Tuesday morning at Decatur County General Hospital in Parsons after a long illness. He was a native of Scotts Hill, a WW II veteran and belonged to the Church of Christ. Surviving are nieces and nephews. Henderson County Times 2 May 1984 ETHELENE (WYATT) EASON of Muscle Shoals, AL died Thursday July 31, 1997. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia AL. She leaves her husband Edgar Lyon Eason; two daughters, Betty Lawler of Pittsburgh PA and Patricia Ann Eason; a son Steven Wyatt of Florence AL and two grandsons. FLOSSIE EASON - Services for Mrs. Flossie Lee Eason will be Thursday August 31, 2000 2 p.m. at Reed's Chapel with burial in Lexington Cem. Mrs. Eason 78, died Tuesday August 29, 2000 at Lexington Methodist Hospital of a stroke. She was a housewife and the widow of Mack Eason. She leaves a daughter, Betty Lee Manes of Lexington; a son, Coy Lee Mills of San Bernadino CA and Bobby Lee Weatherlford of Jackson; a sister, Ester Mae Lemmonds of Ridgely; two brothers, Bill Jack Woods and Jack Woods, both of Ridgley; two brothers, Bill Jack Woods and James Woods, both of Ridgely, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. GABRIAL EASON was born March 20, 1864, and peacefully expired, May 19, 1932. (Died in Scott's Hill, Tenn. while visiting with Charles, his eldest son. He is buried in Doe Creek Cemetery near Scott's Hill, Tenn.) He is survived by his devoted wife and the following children: Mr. Charles Issac Eason, Mr. Perry Elmer Eason, Mrs. Armentha Ellen Kennedy, Mrs. Arbie Idella Smith, Mrs. Ollie Bell Clenney, Mrs. Lucy Smith, and Miss Lizzie Ethel Eason. Those who preceded him to the grave are: Mr. Jess Armstead Eason, Mrs. Arthur Lewis Eason, and Mr. Chesley Omar Eason. Brother Eason united with the Free Will Baptist in 1884, with this denomination he remained until death, and worked zealously for his Savior's cause. He was very loyal husband, and affectionate father. No home will ever know a better one. It can truly be said of this beloved man that he incessantly rendered laudable service to his God and to his fellow man, with a pure heart and with will hands. We believe he was one to die without an enemy. Our dear brother died with a beautiful, placid countenance, which assured his folks and friends that the same Jesus with whom he had humbly walked through life, was waiting to accompany him across death's lonely valley. All the good and well deserved things we might say of him would soon be forgotten, but those who know him can never forget the humble useful life he has lived. He has written an epitaph, not merely for the marble that may mark his resting place, but one that is filled with enduring fidelity, loving service and crowned with an unfaltering faith in Christ Jesus. Although from a devoted husband, affectionate father and true friend we must part, his departure will add a shining gem to the mansions prepared for the righteous. We pray the merciful Heavenly Father to send His comforting Holy Spirit to sustain his folks, friends and relatives. Contributed by Brenda Kay (O'Neill) Irons Written by Earlis Scott believed to be a Freewill Baptist minister who lived in the Wetumka area and was long time friend of Grandpa Eason. This obituary appeared in the Wetumka Gazette Gabrial Eason's Homestead Gabrial and Melinda along with about 8 of their 10 children, moved by train from Scott's Hill, Tennessee, to Wetumka, Oklahoma (Hughes County) in about 1907. They settled 3 miles east of Wetumka in the community called "Greasey Creek" and started a farming operation. In the years leading up to (World War 1) the price of cotton was very high. Gabrial with plenty of help available a from Arbie, Minnie, Jess, Lucy, Ollie, Arthur, Omar, Perry & Ethel planted lots of cotton made lots of money. By around 1914 he had a new house built on 80 acres of land in the Hobson Community. It is about 6 miles Northeast of Wetumka. The house very large, well designed well painted and trimmed and fenced with a white picket fence a real showplace. . By around 1915 most all the children had married and moved to other places in the Wetumka area, Arthur, Omar, Perry and Ethel where still home. Fine teams of horses, fancy buggies, saddles, orchards, milk cows, hogs, chickens, geese, cotton, corn, other grains, vegetable gardens, the farm flourished, big Sunday dinners, lots of relatives, visiting and bringing their children. In my memory, these were wonderful days, months and years. My father, Arthur returned from France World War 1, in late 1919. He began an intensive courtship with Katie Hirrill a girl of 16, Arthur was 23. Fancy buggies all polished to a high shine, spirited horses with a fancy saddles, Sunday pies. Confrontation with other "Fancy Dans" that were trying to court Katie. This led to Arthur and Katie's marriage in the year of 1919. Just a few months later (May) Arthur was dead and July of 1920 Chesley was born in this house (Grand pa Gab's house.) GLEN EASON age 88, were held Thursday, June 15, 2006 at Reed's Chapel Funeral Home-Lexington. Burial was in the Lexington Cemetery. Mr. Eason died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at Lexington Manor. Mr. Eason was an Air Force Veteran and a member of the Cheap Valley Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Louise Eason of Lexington; a son, Jerry Ralph Eason of New Johnsonville; three daughters, Glenda Lindsey of Falls Church, VA, Freda Hudspeth of Eads, and Jan Eason of Lexington; one brother, Lynn Eason of Muscle Shoals, AL; two grandchildren, Kelli Wynne and Sarah Ruth Lindsey; and three great-grandchildren, Chloe Wynn, Kenny Wynn, and Cady Marie Wynn. HAROLD McEWEN EASON - Services for Harold McEwen Eason will be today at 11 a.m. at Reed Chapel with the Rev. Timothy Gant officiating. Burial will be in Lexington Cemetery. Mr. Eason who was 68, died Tuesday at Jackson General Hospital. He was a veteran of WW II and a Baptist. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. Linda Scott, Mrs. Janet Hart, both of Lexington and Mrs. Maxine Wooley of Pikeville AL; two sons, Bobby Eason of Lexington and Harold Eason of Rogers, AR. Eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. JAMES A. EASON - Services for James A. Eason were Saturday Feb. 27, 1999 at Pafford Funeral Home with burial in Independence Cemetery. Mr. Eason, 77, died Thursday Feb. 25, 1999 at Lexington Hospial. He was a retired Henderson County Highway Dept. worker. He leaves a son, Ronnie Eason of Lexington; two daughters Lois Williams of Beech Bluff and Joyce Woods of Lexington; a sister, Martha Phipps of Lexington, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, March 3, 1999 JAMES EARL EASON - Funeral services for James Earl Eason Sr. were Nov. 1, 2008 at Expressway Church of Christ. Burial followed in Lewis Cemetery. Mr. Eason, age 77, died Oct. 30, 2008 at his home. Survived by his wife Marie Lewis Eason; sone son, James Jr., of Jackson and one grandaughter. Lexington Progress Nov. 12, 2008 LENA IDELL EASON - Services for Ms. Lena Idell Eason will be Saturday January 26, 2002 at 11 a.m. at Reeds Chapel with burial at Henderson County Memorial Gardens. Ms. Roberts who was 75 died Wednesday January 23 at the Lexington Methodist Hospital. She leaves three daughters Linda Scott of Lexington, Maxine Wooley of Pikeville TN and Janet Mashburn of Jackson; two sons Harold Eason of Rogers AR and Bobby Eason of Lexington; three sisters Josie Seymour of Gibson TN, Jewel Ament of Donelson and Joyce Mayo of Humboldt; one brother Billy Jowers of Jackson; one special friend Troy Doyle of Lexington and 10 grandchildren. LESTER F. EASON - Services for Lester F. Eason were Tuesday morning at Memphis Funeral Home Chapel and Tuesday afternoon at Walnut Grove Baptist Church near Ripley with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Eason, 72, died Sunday at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis after a long illness. He was formerly of Lexington and was a retired employee of Firestone Tire and Rubber. He was a Baptist. He leaves his wife, Della Rita Craig Eason of Memphis; a daughter Mrs. Linda Frye of Orlando; two sisters, Mrs. Lois Lundsford and Mrs. Elvelene Lundsford both of Lexington; a brother James E. Eason of Lexington and five grandchildren. MARTHA EVELYN (KENNEDY) EASON - Services for Evelyn Eason will be held at 2 p.m. today May 31, 2003 at Reed's Chapel in Scotts Hill. Burial will follow in Doe Creek Cemetery. Mrs. Eason died Wednesday at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. MINNIE LEE (TURNER) EASON - Services for Mrs. Minnie Lee Turner Eason were Saturday at Reeds Chapel with the Revs. Tim Baker and Wayne Holmes officiating. Burial was in Independence Cemetery. Mrs. Eason who was 86, died Thursday afternoon at Lexington Methodist Hospital. She was a homemaker and a Methodist. She leaves her husband, Vester Eason of Lexington; a daughter, Mrs. Martha Gibbs of Lexington; a son James Eason of Lexington; a brother Charles of Batesville MS; two sisters, Edna Turner of Batesville MS and Mrs. Zona Pryor of Kalamazoo MI; five grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, May 18, 1988 RILEY HOUSTON EASON - Services for Riley Houston Eason were Tuesday at Pafford Funeral Home with the Rev. John David White officiating. Burial was in Independence Cemetery. Mr. Eason, 86, died Saturday at Shelby County Nursing Home in Memphis after a long illness. He was a retired construction worker and the widower of Dinzle Fuller Eason. He leaves 6 daughters, Mrs. Freddie Hardy, Mrs. Carl Tyler, both of Lexington, Mrs. Jeanette Swindle, Mrs. Mary Looney both of Southaven, MS, Mrs. Onida Phipps of Homeland CA and Mrs. Margaret Vandergrift of Memphis; three sons, Rudolph "Doc" Eason of Lexington, Gerald Eason of Southaven and John Eason of Jackson and several grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, July 1992 RILEY RUDOLPH "DOC" EASON - Services for Riley "Doc" Eason were Saturday October 13, 2001 at Poplar Springs Baptist Church with Burial in Independence Cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Eason 74, died Thursday October 11, 2001 at his home. He was retired. He leaves his wife, Evelyn Lavern Eason of Lexington, two daughters, Janice Gourley and Deborah Ross, both of Lexington; a son Larry Dean Eason of Senatobie MS; five sisters, Freddie Lynn Hardy of Beech Bluff, Mary Looney of Horn Lake MS; Onita Phipps of Homeland CA; Jeanette Swindle of South Haven MS and Carol Tyler of Lexington; two brothers, Jerrold Wayne of South Haven MS and John Robert of Jackson, six grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, October 11, 2001 SYLVESTER EASON - Services for Sylvester Eason of Poplar Springs will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Poplar Springs Methodist Church with Rev. Wayne Medline and Ralph Duncan officiating. Burial will be in Independence Cemetery. with Reeds Chapel in charge. Mr. Eason died Monday at his home after a long illness. He was 76 and was a retired farmer. He was a Methodist. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Minnie Eason; a daughter, Mrs. Martha Gibbs of Lexington; a son, James Eason of Lexington; a brother, Riley Eason of Lexington; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, June 11, 1980 WILMA (McCASLIN) EASON - Funeral services for Wilma Eason, age d69, will be 3 p.m. Ausut 16, 2002 at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Rev. Brent McMinn officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Eason died Wednesday morning at her residence. She was born on November 12, 1932 in Henderson County the daughter of the late Dallas Sampson and Velma Waller McCaslin. She was a retired bookkeeper, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and she was baptist in faith. She is survived by her husband, John Robert Eason of Jackson, five sons, Gary A. Eason of Boston MA, Ricky L. Eason of Chattanooga, Mickal A. of Piggott AR, Myron O. of St. Louis MO, Ryan A. of Baldwin MO; one brother, Billy E. McCaslin of Lexington and twelve grandchildren. She was preceded by a grandson and a brother Leon McCaslin. Pallbearers are Joshua Shane and jeremy Eason, Virgil Scott, Larry D. Eason and Ronnie McCaslin. The Jackson Thursday 8/15/02 AUBREY EAVES - Services for Aubrey Eaves were Tuesday afternoon at Oakfield Methodist Church with burial in Oakfield Cemetery. Mrs. Eaves, 60, died Sunday morning at Jackson General after a long illness. He was a Methodist. He leaves his wife Norvelle Priddy Eaves, six daughters, Peggy Eaves, Mrs. Charles White, Mrs. Morris Payton, Mrs. Glynn Moore of Oakfield, Mrs. Fred O. DeLoach of Jackson and Mrs. Wayne Ross of Plesenton CA; a brother Grady of Los Angeles, two sisters, Mrs. Ernest Forsythe of Jackson and Mrs. E.T. McCoy of Lexington. Lexington Progress 16 May 1968 WILLIAM MORGAN EDENS - Services for William Morgan Edens were Monday November 8, 1999 at Stones Funeral Home with burial in Louisville Memorial Gardens East. Mr. Edens, 93 died Thursday November 4, 1999 at his home. He was a self-employed painter. He leaves three sons, James and Carmel both of Crestwood and Frank of Luray, four daughters, Virgie Sparrow of LaGrange, Faye Rahn of Taylorville, Linda Miller of LaGrange and June Joseph of Louisville, a brother, Pat of Louisville, a sister Della Combs of Virginia, 46 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. Lexington Progress 10 November 1999 MARCUS EDDINGS - Services for Marcus Eddings were Saturday, May 6 at Reed's Chapel with burial in Lindsey Cemetery. Mr. Eddings, who was 72, died Thursday, May 4, at Manchester Medical Center. He was a retired disabled veteran and farmer. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Girtrude Lindsey Eddings; a son, Danny Eddings of Murfreesboro; two sisters, Mary Eddings and Sarah Eddings, both of Humboldt; four brothers, John Eddings, Walter Eddings, both of Little Rock, Earl Eddings of Jackson and Gordee Eddings of Chicago, a grandchild and two great-grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, May 10, 1995 Headstone Photo LILLIE (WHITE) EDGIN - Services for Mrs. Lillie Edgin were Sunday afternoon at Scotts Hill Meth. Church with the Rev. E.J. Grimsley and Walker Whittle officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Scotts Hill Funeral Home in charge. Mrs. Edgin, 74, died Saturday afternoon (December 17, 1966) She was a life-long resident of Henderson County and a member of the Pentecostal Church. She leaves her husband, Howard Edgin; two sons, Kenneth and Dee both of Scotts Hill; a sister, Mrs. Flora Powers of Scotts Hill; two brothers, Bob and Freake White, both of Scotts Hill; three grandchildren and four g-grandchildren. Lexington Progress 22 December 1966 Headstone Photo GRADY B. EDWARDS - Services for Grady B. Edwards will be today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. at Maizes Chapel Baptist Church with the Revs. Connie V. Burton and Harry Birlew officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Edwards, who was 62, was dead on arrival at McNairy County General Hospital Monday afternoon. He leaves a son, Wayne Edwards of Lexington; three daughters, Mrs. Carol Hays, Mrs. Martha Hurt, both of Lexington and Mrs. Margaret Powers of Scotts Hill; five brothers, Robert Edwards, Bobby Edwards, both of Selmer, Benny Edwards of Peoria, Ill., Claude Ray Edwards and William Edwards, both of Birmingham, Ala.; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Morgan of Clarksburg and Miss Mildred Edwards of Selmer and 10 grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, January 23, 1985 Headstone Photo CARL W. EDWARDS , aged 60 years or less, died suddenly Tuesday night in his home in Hot Springs, AR. He was a son of the late John R. and Mrs. Celestia Buckley Edwards, and was born near Luray, this county. On Dec. 26, 1906 he was married to Stella, youngest daughter of Esq. R.W. and Mrs. Araminta Threadgill Stewart, of Lexington, and to this union were born four children all of whom survive; Ada (Mrs. Edward G. Barry), Carl Junior, Elizabeth and Rebecca, all of Hot Springs. For several years Mr. and Mrs. Edwards lived at Luray, then moved to Lexington and in 1925 to Hot Springs. We have known Carl Edwards in his home and that he was affectionate but undemonstrative, and the quaintest, most kindly and self-effacing of men and naturally his family was deeply devoted to him. He is survived by two brothers, Robert of Jackson and John of Memphis; two sisters, Mrs. Charlie Lockwood of Memphis and Mrs. Joe Fry of Henderson. Lexington Progress 27 Apr 1934 JOHN ALLEN ELFORD - Funeral services for John Allen Elford, 69, will be held at 2:00 P. M. Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Union Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Eric Martin and Rev. Lynn Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Elford died on Monday, February 4, 2008 at Humboldt General Hospital. Arrington Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. John was born in Flint, MI on December 12, 1938, the son of the late Wesley Elford and the late Lorraine Long. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict. He was the owner and operator of Dixie Distributing from 1983 until his retirement in 2006. He loved the Lord and was a very active member of Union Grove Baptist Church serving on various committees. John was a loving father and friend to his children and grandchildren being involved in their daily lives. He was active in the Tennessee Walking Horse Association and had been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson for many years. He is survived by his wife, Judy Elford of Oakfield, TN; his children, John Allen Elford, II and wife Rhonda of Jackson, TN, Martina Smith and husband Eddie of Jackson, TN and Matthew Elford of Jackson, TN; brothers and sisters, Kay and husband Edward Daniel of Indian Rivers, MI, Janet Long of Mt. Morris, MI, Edward Jr. and wife Diana Long of Grand Blanc, MI, Susan Long of Indian Rivers, MI, Tom Long and partner Chris Calderone of Livonia, MI and Jack and wife Donna Long of Ozark, AL; grandchildren, Erica Smith, Casey Smith, John Elford III and Olivia Elford; step-children, Scott Diffee of Huron, TN and Greg Diffee and his wife Ginger of Beech Bluff, TN; step-grandchildren, Hayden Diffee, Maddox C. Diffee and Jayce Elliott and his mother-in-law, Ollie Dunlap of Oakfield, TN. John was preceded in death by a son Scott Elford. Pallbearers to serve will be Edward Long, Jack Long, Jerry Crosser, Mike Bobbitt, Ellis Woods, Jr. and George Beal. Honorary pallbearers to serve will be Tom Long and James Johnson. The Jackson Sun, February 6, 2008 --- Headstone Photo JAMES ALBERT ELLER , son of David and Elevera Eller, was born June 2, 1852 at Waxhaw, NC. He had five brothers, all of whom are dead, and is survived by one half brotehr Henry D. Eller who yet lives at Waxhaw. Mr. Eller's first move from the place of his birth was to Richmond VA and at the age of 19 years he came to Lexington. Later he located at the old village of Lone Elm, Henderson County, where on Sept. 4, 1878 he was happily married to Sarah Jane, daughter ofMr.a nd Mrs. William H. Walker. To this union were born three children, Cora, now the widow of J.J. Harvey Garner, Elver, who remains unmarried, and Irby W., who a few years ago married Annie Jones and now lives in Memphis. Some 18 years ago Mr. Eller moved to Lexington, boutht property here and commenced working at his trade, that of an iron and wood workman, at which he continued steadily until several months ago when he had to retire on accounty of failing health. Mr. Eller's Masonic history is covered by the fact that he was made a Master Mason at Cheap Valley Lodge at the age of 28 years and when he removed to Lexington hismembership was transferred to Constantine Lodge No. 64. At the age of 33 Mr. Eller jined the Baptist Church in which he remained the remainder of his life. As stated, his health began to decline some time ago, quite a while before he could be induced to give up his trade which he loved as he did everything else to which he belonged or which belonged to him. Lately he had been quite feeble but he was often out attending church and circulating among friends - hence it was a distinct shock when it became known on Friday that he was in a critical if not a hopeless condition from acute indigestion. The town, however, was somewhat prepared for the sad event when he passed away on Saturday monring at the hour of 4:55 o'clock. On last Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock the members of Constantine lodge, with a number of visiting Masons marched from teh Masonic Hall tot eh Eller residence on Purdy Street and from there led the funeral cortege to the Baptist Church, where the service was conducted by Rev. Fleetwood Ball, to whom the deceased was notable attached. The songs rendered by the choir were those best loved by the man. From teh church the Masons continued their procession to Lexington Cemetery, where the remains of their brother were consigned with the beautiful ceremonies of the Masonic order. Lexington Progress 30 June 1916 SARAH JANE (WALKER) ELLER - Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Jane Eller, 84, were conducted at the Pafford Funeral Home Chapel Sunday afternoon with E.E. Deusner officiating. Mrs. Eller, who was one of Lexington's oldest residents, passed away aat her home Friday morning. Mrs. Eller had been in failing health for more than four months. She was a membe of the First Baptist Church for more than 40 years. She was born in October 1862. Survivors include a son, Irby W. Eller of Memphis. Her husband, the late J.A. Eller, died 30 years ago. Lexington Progress WILBURN MICHAEL ELLIS - Services for Wilburn Michael Ellis were Tuesday at Mazies Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Glennie Phelps officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Ellis, who was 33, died Sunday in an auto accident. He leaves his parents, Wilburn D. Ellis of Camden and Betty Wood Roberts of Lexington; two sisters, Donna Tate of Reagan and Margo Ellis of Lexington and a brother, Tim Ellis of Lexington. The Lexington Progress, February 1992 Headstone Photo BENJIE ELVINGTON - Services for Bengie Elvington were Friday at Reed's Chapel with the Rev. W.M. Powers officiating. Burial was in Lexington Cemetery. Mr. Elvington, who was 83, died Tuesday (Feb. 1, 1977) at this home in Kenner LA. He was a retired farmer and formerly of Lexington. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Bertha Elvington of Kenner; two sons, Roy and Troy, both of Reagin; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Jo Ritter, Sylvia Elvington, both of Kenner and Mrs. Ethel Rebard of Auburn Mich: a half brother, Connie Campbell of Senath, MO; a sister, Mrs. Maddie Forkes of Los Angeles; 27 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 9 g-g grandchildren. From the Joy Beth Campbell Collections - Lexington Progress Wednesday Feb. 2 1977 BERTHA ELVINGTON - Graveside services for Mrs. Bertha Elvington were Sunday at Lexington Cemetery with Reed's Chapel in charge. Mrs. Elvington, who was 87, died Oct. 8 at Kenner LA. She was a native of Henderson County, but had lived in Louisiana for 19 years. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Mary Jo Ritter of Kenner, LA, Miss Sylvia Elvington of Covington LA, Mrs. Ethel Revard, Aubern Mich; two sons, Roy of Reagan and Troy of Scotts Hill; 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Contributed by Joy Beth Campbell - Lexington Progress LARRY JOE ELVINGTON - Services for Larry Joe "Jody" Elvington of Lexington were held at Reed's Chapel on Tuesday, February 11, with burial at Lexington Cemetery. Mr. Elvington died at Henderson County Hospital on Saturday, February 8, 2003. He was 58 years old. He was preceded by his parents, Roy and Ruth Elvington and a sister Christine Rainey. Mr. Elvington was survived by his 5 sisters, Judi Elvington of Lexington, Gail Benson of Reagan, Hilda Duke of Arlington Tn., Peggy Odle of Louisiana and Polly James of Kingston Springs TN; three brothers, James "Bill" of Lexington, Max "Doc" of Woodbury and Tony of Murfreesboro Contributed by Joy Beth Campbell - Lexington Progress Feb. 12, 2003 ROY ELVINGTON - Services for Roy Elvington, 77, will be at 1 pm. Friday at Shiloh Baptist Church. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Henderson County. Mr. Elvington, retired maintenance employee for Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, died Wednesday at Jackson General of an aneurysm during surgery. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Elvington of Jacks Creek, four daughters Peggy Odel of Slidell, La. Judy Elvington of Lexington, Hilda Duke of Memphis, and Gale Benson of Reagan; three stepdaughters, Linda Dowdy of West Plains Mo. Christene Rainey of Lexington and Polly James of Nashville, five sons Max Elvington, and Try Elvington, both of Murfressboro, Bill Elvington, Jody Elvington and Ronnie Elvington, all of Lexington, a stepson, Harold Frost of Jacks Creek; and three sisters, Mary Jo Ritter of Kenner, La. Sylvia Jean Elvington of Slidell, La. and Ethel Mae Elvington of Bay City, Mich. Contributed by Joy Beth Campbell, (The Jackson Sun, April 16, 1998), transcribed by, Dianna Gilbert THOMAS RAY ELVINGTON - Arrangements are incomplete for services for Thomas Ray Elvington, 26, of near Reagan. Pafford Funeral Home has charge. Officials said Mr. Elvington died Tuesday of a self-inflicted gunshot. He was an employee of Gould, Ins., and a member of the Pentecostal Church. He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Troy Elvington Sr. of near Reagan; three brothers, Jimmy T. Elvington, Raymond Elvington and Troy Elvington Jr., all of near Scotts Hill, three sisters, Mrs. Linda Bailey, Miss Pearly Fay Moody, all of near Reagan; and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Bertha Elvington of Kenner, La. Contributed by Joy Beth Campbell, (The Lexington Progress, May 17, 1978), transcribed by, Dianna Gilbert TROY HARDIN ELVINGTON - Services for Troy Hardin Elvington Sr. were Monday, Oct. 30, at Oak Grove Methodist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Elvington, who was 71, died Friday, Oct. 27, at Lexington Methodist Hospital. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Leatha Powers Elvington of Sardis; three sons, Jimmy Thomas Elvington of Scotts Hill, Raymond Elvington of Lexington and Troy Elvington Jr. of Sardis; three daughters, Brenda Moodey, Pearlie Elvington, both of Sardis and Linda Bailey of Reagan; a brother, William Ray Elvington of Reagan, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 8 step great-grandchildren, and 3 step-great-great-grandchildren. Contributed by Joy Beth Campbell, (The Lexington Progress, November 1, 1995), transcribed by, Dianna Gilbert AB. ENGLAND - Died at Luray Wednesday night, leaving a small family. Mr.England was extra operator for the N.C. railroad and worked at various places. He was well known and much liked here. He will be buried in Lexington Cemetery with Masonic honors this afternoon as ///// Rest is missing.. JANICE SUE ENNIS - Graveside services for Janice Sue Ennis were Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Union Hill Cemetery. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mrs. Ennis, age 54, died Wednesday, November 7, 2007 Survivors include her father, Lawrence Woods, Cherokee, Alabama; her mother, Margery Holmes, Huron; one son, Justin Ennis, Huron; one sister, Sandra Wilson, Holly Springs, Mississippi Contributed by Linda Fiedor - December 5, 2007. Lexington Progress HERBERT BENJAMIN EPPERSON - Services for Herbert Epperson were Tuesday, February 20, at Reed's Chapel with burial in Beech River Cemetery. Mr. Epperson, who was 75, died Monday, February 19 at Lexington Methodist Hospital of respiratory failure. He was retired from Magnetek. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Norm Jean Epperson of Lexington; three sisters, Nola Beal, Lorene Epperson, both of Wildersville and Irene Blaydes of Memphis and two grandchildren. LORENE EPPERSON - Services for Lorene Epperson, 85, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2004 at Reed's Chapel. Burial will follow in Parkers Crossroads Cemetery. Ms. Epperson died Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at Henderson County Hospital. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Herbert and James Epperson and a sister, Lettie Epperson. She is survived by a son, Harry Epperson of Lexington; two sisters, Nola Beal of Wildersville and Irene Blaydes of Lexington; two grandchildren, Tracy and Greg Epperson; one step grandchild, Tammy Blackmon; two great grandchildren, Cody Wood and Carlie Epperson and two step great grandchildren, Dallas Halland and J.C. Blackmon Source: Jerry McDaniel The Watchers EATHEL KELLEY ERVIN - Services for Mrs. Eathel Kelley Ervin were held on July 8 at Chapel of Pafford Funeral Home with burial at Shiloh Cemetery. Mrs. Ervin, age 93, died on July 6 at Decatur County Hospital. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Ervin. Survivors include a daughter, Janice Stone of Reagan; 2 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, July 9, 2003 BETTY ESSARY - Services for Mrs. Betty Jean Essary were Wednesday at Reeds Chapel with the Rev. Onnie Blankenship and E.G. Baker officiating. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery. Mrs. Essary, 27, died Monday at her home near here after a long illness. She was a lifelong resident of the county and a Baptist. She leaves her husband, Carlos Essary; a daughter, Marilyn; her mother Mrs. Lula Fesmire of Lexington; two brothers, James Fesmire and Lloyd Fesmire, both of Lexington; three sisters, Mrs. Clara Mae Renfroe, Mrs. Loraine Dunivant, both of Lexington and Mrs. Lucille Roberts of Chicago; and her grandmother Mrs. Dolly Smith of Lexington. (1940 - 1968) Photo and Obituary provided by Jimmy White   Mt. Gilead Baptist Church CARLOS RAY ESSARY , 56, died Sunday at Jackson General. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Blue Goose Pentecostal Church with burial in Independence Cemetery. Reeds Chapel in charge. Mr. Essary, the husband of Betty W. Essary, also leaves a daughter, Marilyn Jowers of Lexington; his mother, Erma Essary of Cedar Grove; a brother, Jerry of Cedar Grove; five sisters, Ruth McKee, Barbara Hutson, Linda Gasaton, Betty McAlexander and Janice Hart all of Cedar Grove and a granddaughter, Jordan Jowers. Photo and Obituary provided by Jimmy White   Mt. Gilead Baptist Church MARY ELLEN (ALTOM) ESSARY - wife of J. Larkin Essary, aged seventy-five years, died March 21st, at her home near Chesterfield. She is survived by her husband and three children, Mrs. W.G. (Dora) Frizzel, Mrs. Florence Lindsey, both of Chesterfield; and Mrs. C.L. (Eula) Jimerson of Ridgely; also a stepson and nephew, S.H. Essary, a member of the faculty of the University of Tennessee. She was the daughter of John and Mary Ann Davis Altom, and has several brothers living in Arkansas, where the family moved years ago. Mrs. Essary was all that can be said of a good Christian woman whose life was centered in her home, and whose kind and neighborly habits won her the regard of a wide circle of friends. She had been a member of Union Church for forty-nine years, where the funeral service was conducted by Revs. Fleetwood Ball and W.F. Boren. JACKIE RAY ESSARY - Services for Jackie Ray Essary were Sunday at Reeds Chapel with burial in Farmville Cemetery. Jackie, 15, was electrocuted when he came into contact with a high voltage wire while playing near his home in Jackson last Friday. He was a student at Jackson Jr. High. He belonged to the Church of Latter Day Saints. He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymodn Essary and a sister Marilyn all of Jackson. Lexington Progress 01 Dec 1966 MARTHA JANE ESSARY - Services for Mrs. Martha Jane Essary were Wednesday afternoon at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with the Rev. James L. Spain officiating. Burial was in Spain Cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge. Mrs. Essary, 93, died Monday at her home near Cedar Grove. She was a Baptist. She leaves three sons, Ephie Lindsey of Gobler MO, F. Lindsey of Lexington and Fielder Fortner of Cedar Grove; four daughters, Mrs. Frances Carneal of Gobler MO, Mrs. Glora Drinkard of Lexington, Mrs. Lucille Carneal of Ridgely and Mrs. Opel Lee Kirk of Cedar Grove; a brother, Charlie Fortner of Chesterfield and 30 grandchildren. Lexington Progress 10 Nov. 1966 SAMUEL WESLEY ESSARY - Services for Samuel Wesley Essary, Henderson County's oldest citizen, were conducted Monday afternoon from Union Baptist Church, near Chesterfield by the Rev. Floyd Rogers andthe Rev. G.W. Kolwyck. Mr. Essary, who would have been 100 years old on Aug. 22, died Sunday morning at the home of a great-niece, Mrs. R.L. Park. Mr. Essary,formerly a farmer and stock dealer, had been in steadily declining health for the past two months. This afternoon Uncle Wesley Essary was laid to rest. He failed to reach the coveted age of 100 by just 30 days. A friend of his commented beautifully on his life, then said, "Wesley will still have his birthday but in a far happier and more beautiful place than this old world." I like to think that he will see and hear all the lovely things that he was not privileged to hear and see while living. We would like to mention all the ones from a distance who attended his funeral but they were so many this is impossible. A son of the Lte Nathan C. and Hannah Ingram Essary, "Uncle Wesley was born in Henderson County and spent his entire life within a mile of his birthplace. Mr. Essary never married and for 42 years had made his home with a niece, Mrs. Dora Frizzell. For the past 84 years, Mr. Essary was a member of the Union Baptist Church. Immediate survivors are two sisters, Mrs. Louise Dennison of Chesterfield and Mrs. Belle McCall of McLemoresville. Pallbeareers were Carl, Roy, Guy, Dent, John L. and Rex Frizzell. Burial was in Union Cemetery with Wright-Timberlake Funeral Home in charge. Lexington Progress 7/27/1951 JUANITA (FUGATE) ETHERIDGE - Funeral services for Mrs. Juanita Fugate Ethridge were Tuesday April 8, 2008 in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home in Scotts Hill. Mrs. Ethridge age 60, died Saturday in Savannah. She was preceded in death by one brother, Willard Fugate, two sisters, Gladys and Hazel Fugate. Survivors include two children, Jimmy Ehtridge Jr. of Saltillo and Annette Rushing of Jackson; three brothers, Don Baker, Ray and Wendell Fugate of Clayhole KY> Lexington Progress 9 April 2008 VAN BUREN ETHERIDGE - Services for Van Buren Ethridge were Friday at Scotts Hill Pentecostal Church with the Revs; Cleo Kelly, E.J. Grimsley and J.W. Hanna officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery (Temple Holiness - Decatur County) with Scotts Hill Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Ethridge, who was 74, died Wednesday at Decatur County Hospital. He was a retired farmer. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Mae Heath Ethridge of Scotts Hill; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Chessor of Savannah and three grandchildren. Lexington Progress Feb. 2, 1977 MAUDIE J. (LINDSEY) EUBANKS - Services for Maudie Lindsey Eubanks were Monday at Pafford Funeral Home with David Sellers officiating. Burial was in Independence Cemetery. Mrs. Eubanks, who was 91, died Saturday at NuCare Nursing Home. She was the widow of Charlie S. Eubanks and a member of the Church of Christ. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Clara Rhodes, Mrs. Ethel Mae Clark, both of Lexington and Mrs. Ruby King of Jackson; a son, Joseph A. Eubanks of Jackson; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The Lexington Progress, October 7, 1987 BOBBY GENE EVANS - Services for Bobby Gene Evans were Saturday, April 11, at Reed’s Chapel with the Revs. Guy Dickson and Phil Mitchell officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Evans, who was 40, died Thursday afternoon at Jackson General Hospital. He was a car dealer and a Baptist. He leaves a daughter, Amy Bivens of Sardis; two sons, Robert Evans and Chris Evans, both of Bragg City, Mo.; his mother, Joe Ethel Scott of Cedar Grove; a sister, Imogene Collins of Rochelle, Ill.; two brothers, Terry Evans of Cedar Grove and Billy Evans of Lexington. Contributed by Joy Beth Campbell - The Lexington Progress April 15, 1992 Headstone Photo JAMES RAY EVANS - Funeral services for James Ray Evans were held Sunday at Parsons Mortuary Chapel. Internment was held at Mazies Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Evans, 76, died April 2 at Decatur County General Hospital. He is preceded in death by his wife, Aline Evans. Survivors include a step-son and step-daughter, Dennis Hale of Parsons and Nadine Box of Chesterfield; a brother, Jerry Evans of Parsons; two sisters, Ruby Thomas of Humbolt and Jewell Duke of Parsons; and a very special friend, Maggie Mae Moore of Decaturville. The Lexington Progress, April 7, 2004 Headstone Photo MALANIA EVANS - Services for Mrs. Malania Evans were Sunday afternoon at Ridge Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Onnie Blankenship officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Reeds chapel in charge. Mrs. Evans, 83, died Thursday afternoon at Lexington Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Henderson County and a Baptist. She leaves a son, Herman Evans of Lexington; a daughter, Mrs. Lula Mae Cottrell of Marked Tree AR; two brothers, Edward Garrigus of Fulton KY, Calvin of Martin; Two sisters, Mrs. Kate Smith of Alma TX and Mrs. Gertrude Allen of Memphis; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one gg- grandchild. Lexington Progress 01 Dec 1966 PETER SOLOMON EVANS - The Progress was not apprised last week of the death of Mr. Peter Evans, which occurred at his home at Moore's Hill in the old 15th district on Wednesday, the 14th inst. Mr. Evans was 71 years old and until a short time before his death seemed to be in enjoyment of excellent health. He is survived by his wife and eight children -- three sons and five daughters -- all of whom are married. Mr. Evans was an excellent citizen and had long been a friend and patron of this paper - which fact makes us regret that some friend was not kind enough to give us the news of his death. He was well known in Lexington and all who had come to knowledge of his real character pay tribute to him as a man of high ideals and correct life. He was reared near Chattanooga, East Tennessee, but had come to love the section of the state in which he lived for so many years. We extend to the family the sympathy that we naturally feel in the loss of one who had been for several years a friend both personally and business. The Lexington Progress, June 23, 1916 RUBY (BLANKENSHIP) EVANS , beloved wife of Purd Evans, aged 23 years, died Thursday, the 9th inst., at 6:30 o'clock p.m., at the home of her father, John H. Blankenship, on Clifton Street, after an illness of three months with sciatica rheumatism. One child of but seventeen months' age is left too young to realize one of the greatest losses that can befall mortal man. Something like a year ago Mrs. Evans went to Nashville for treatment and underwent an operation, which seemingly restored her to health which continued until last December when she was attacked by sciatica rheumatism from which she got no relief until death set her free from further suffering. The remains were interred Saturday, the 10th inst., at Union Cemetery, near Chesterfield, Revs. Fleetwood Ball and Frank Boren officiating. Lexington Progress 17 Mar 1911 WILMA (GULLEDGE) EVANS - Graveside services for Wilma Evans, 86, of Milan formerly of Decatur County will be held at 2:00 P. M. on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at Sweet Bud (Pleasant Grove) Cemetery in Henderson County with Chris Manner speaking. Parsons Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Evans died on Wednesday, September 26 at Milan General Hospital. She was born in Decatur County on December 28, 1920 to the late Ruby Greenway Gulledge and Tom Gulledge. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Evans; son, James Floyd (Pete) Evans; a brother, Ralph Gulledge and a sister, Bonnie Larean Fiddler. She is survived by two grandchildren, James Darrell Evans and Marie Evans; two great grandchildren, James Garrett Evans and Gabrielle Evans and Janie Evans, the wife of the late Pete Evans all of Milan.