C J Jatala “Thomas Lee Coates-Jatala

July 1, 2020

C J Jatala “Thomas Lee Coates-Jatala age 53 of Dowelltown, passed away Sunday morning, June 28, 2020 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville from injuries received in an automobile accident earlier in June. He was born in Kankakee, IL to his parents, Rita Lyla Coates Harriman Kolb and Kachero Evon Jatala. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Diana Marie Harriman; nephew, Matthew Thomas Grissom and Niece, Cherokee Rose Harriman. He was a Baptist and an entertainer. He is survived by his wife, Charity Sullivan Jatala of Smithville; son, Chase Sullivan of Smithville; mother, Rita Lyla Harriman Kolb of East Prairie, MO; sisters, Loretta Lynn Grissom of Smyrna and Heather Hargis of LaVergne; mother-in-law, Vivian Redmon of Smithville; 3 nieces, 2 nephews a host of friends and his best friend Kattie. The family has chosen a direct cremation and a Celebration of Life will be held 5 PM Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 325 Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

July 1, 2020

Coty Brandon Griffin age 31 of Smithville, passed away on Sunday morning, June 28, 2020 at his residence. He was born March 6, 1989 to his parents, Donnie Griffin and Janie Ann Lawson Spurlock. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lemmie and Ruby Lawson and paternal grandfather, Eston Griffin. He served in the US Marines for almost 5 years, worked in logging and construction. He is survived by his father, Donnie Griffin of Smithville; mother, Janie Spurlock of Smithville; 2 children, Westyn and Millee of Smithville; sister, Jamie (Phillip) Bain of Smithville; paternal grandmother, Mildred Judkins; girlfriend, Kayla Sanders of Smithville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be 2 PM Thursday, July 2, 2020 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Charlie Lawson officiating and burial will follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday 12 Noon until the time of the service at 2 PM. Due to COVID-19, the Governors Executive Orders 38 and 51 and Social Distancing Guidelines; Our pews in the Chapel are marked off to respect the guidelines and allow approximately 100-125 people for the service, we ask for the health and safety of everyone that you please exercise Social Distancing. The Funeral Home Lounge is Closed and NO Food or Drinks allowed in the funeral home. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed on DeKalb Funeral Chapel Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

June 29, 2020

Anna Jeannette Ervin passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 in Rockwood, Tennessee. She was born July 21, 1935 in Pennsylvania. She moved for a short time to Detroit MI, where she met and later married her beloved husband of 50 years, Frank Ervin. Together they returned to his hometown of Smithville and started a family. She quickly adapted to living in the country and through her life, she became a skilled cook, gardener, seamstress and cared for many children. From 1956, she spent most of her days living and loving her family in Smithville. She was a member of United Pentecostal Church, and she worked at many of the local factories.

Never one to sit idle even in retirement, she and Frank worked for the Corps of Engineers for 10 years caring for the Holmes Creek Campground, where they kept the campsites tidy and enjoyed fishing nearly every day of the summer. They were known for competing to see who caught the most bluegill in one day. She was an excellent cook, baker of pumpkin rolls, avid gardener, skilled quilter, and quick with a puzzle. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and several enjoyed living with her for periods of time. She loved traveling to visit friends and family and was always up for an adventure. She was generous, competitive, focused and fiercely loyal to her family.

When her husband passed in 2006, Anna moved to East Tennessee for 5 years before returning to the Webb House in Smithville, where she enjoyed 5 years making friends, folding gift boxes and growing zinnias.

She is survived by her 4 children, Thomas (Marie) Ervin of Smithville, Robert (Patty) Ervin of Spring City, TN, Dorothy (Steve) Knipfer of Lenoir City, TN, David Randall (Babbie) Ervin of Columbia, TN, 10 grandchildren, Brandon Ervin, Amber Roper, Adam Ervin, Jason Evans, Chris Ingram, Joe Ingram, Matt Ervin, Jennifer Ervin, Julia Cole, James Ervin, many great grandchildren and a great great grandchild.

A private graveside service will be held at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Michael Hale will officiate. Donations in memory of Anna may be made to Haven of Hope. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

June 29, 2020

Mr. Edsel B. Frazier of Smithville passed away Saturday June 27, 2020 at his granddaughter’s residence. He was 94 years of age. Born March 13, 1926 in Dry Creek, Tennessee along with his twin brother Edward Frazier to the late Bob Lee and Hassie Hubbard Frazier. He was preceded in death by two wives, Martha Ann Frazier and Louise Frazier; son Edsel (Eddie) B. Frazier Jr, daughter Margaret Ann Pack; twin brother Henry Edward Frazier, brother James Frazier, sister Ruby Smithson and step-daughter Linda Stone

Edsel was a veteran of World War II: 1st Battalion E Company, 99th Infantry Division serving as 1st Scout during the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe Hodges 1st Army Division, Mr Frazier was also a Mason, an Al Menah Shriner (Cpt DeKalb Motor Division), a delegate of the Grand Chapter of Tennessee Order of the Eastern Star, a member of The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Liberty Lodge #77 for 50 years. Retired from the U.S. Post Office he was a nurseryman with Frazier Brothers Nursery and member of Dry Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Frazier lived bravely for many years with the rare disease Multiple System Atrophy or Shy-Drager Syndrome and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

There will be a Public Viewing Wednesday 4pm-7pm at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and a Private Graveside Service at 11am Thursday at Town Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. Speakers will include Bro. Donald Owens, Bro. Michael Hale and family members.

The service will be live streamed on DeKalb Funeral Chapel’s Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Out of respect for the family, they have asked for no hand shaking or hugging due to COVID-19 and Social Distancing Guidelines. If you would like to pay honor to Mr. Edsel, the family asks that you line up on Congress Blvd between the funeral home to Town Cemetery. Visitors may also line the outer edge of the cemetery, but please keep distance for the health and safety of everyone.

The lounge at the funeral home is currently closed and no food or drinks are allowed.

Edsel Frazier is survived by grandchildren Bryan G. Malone, Melanie (John) Crews, Jason (Janella) Pack, Amanda (John) Dakas, Renee (Ronald) Whited, Kendra (Rick) Guinn

Great-grandchildren: Jack Crews, Chloe and Logan Pack, Andrew and Annabella Dakas, Macy (Justin) Nokes, Mackenley (Tia) Turner, Nik Agee, Trey, Elizabeth, Zoe and Destiny Guinn and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren: Evelyn Jane and Harrison Nokes, Aiden Joseph, and Carson Guinn.

Niece Susan (Jerry) Hinton her mother Francis Frazier, great-nephew Rance (Annette) Kelly and their daughters Katelyn and Caroline and the family of Jim Frazier of Texas, cousins Jennie (Ladd) Smith.

The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Brenda Cripps, Melba Vinca and personal physician and friend Dr. Hugh Don Cripps.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Dry Creek Baptist Church.

June 28, 2020

Jerry Bruce Judkins age 79, of Smithville passed away Friday June 26, 2020 at his residence. He was born July 1, 1940 to his parents the late James Bruce and Paloma Beasley Judkins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sons, Glenn Crook and Gary Crook; brothers, Steve Judkins and Jim Judkins; grandson, David Crook. Mr. Judkins worked as an Nurseryman and was a member of The Old Fashion Free Will Baptist Church. Mr. Judkins is survived by his wife, Nettie Lou Certain Judkins of Smithville; children, Renee Judkins, Marie Therse Judkins, Jerry B. (Mimi) Judkins all of Michigan, Eric (Denna) Judkins of Smithville, Brenda (Frank) Bratcher of Carthage, and Bro. Billy (Ofelia) Crook of Smithville. Visitation will be Monday June 29, 2020 at 10:A.M. until 2:P.M. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday June 29, 2020 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bryan Bratcher and Bro. Billy Crook officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Due to the COVID-19, the Governors Executive Order 38 and Social Distancing Guidelines; Our pews in the Chapel are marked off to respect the guidelines and allow approximately 100-125 people for the service, we ask for the health and safety of everyone that you please exercise Social Distancing. The Funeral Home Lounge is Closed and NO Food or Drinks allowed in the funeral home. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed on DeKalb Funeral Chapel Facebook page. DeKalb Funeral is in charge of arrangements.

June 28, 2020

Martha Notie Lou Winfrey, age 89, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Mrs. Winfrey was born Friday, March 20, 1931 in Temperance Hall, Tennessee and is preceded in death by her parents, Priest Debit Rutland and Layuna Stokes Rutland; sons, Charles Shaw and David Shaw.

Mrs. Winfrey retired from Vanderbilt University as a clerical associate after 25 years of service. She enjoyed knitting, flower and vegetable gardening, cooking and baby sitting.

Survived to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sandra Chumney, Martha McKinney, Donna Winfrey; son, Danny (Roxanne) Bass; 17 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be conducted 1:00 Monday, June 29, 2020 in Dowell Cemetery on Avant Road in Alexandria, Tennessee.

Family and friends will gather to remember Mrs. Winfrey at a visitation Sunday, June 28, 2020 from 5:00 until 7:00 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 1150 South Dickerson Pike Goodlettsville, Tennessee.