ALICE (TUTEN) CHANDLER , 96, Route 3, Rogersville, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 1997, at Mitchell-Hollinsworth Annex, Florence. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Spry Funeral Home chapel, Athens, Hagen Cooper and O.C. Birdwell will officiate. Interment will be in Wallace Cemetery, Rogersville. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. today at Spry Funeral Home, Athens. She was born Feb. 17, 1901 in Rogersville. She was a member of the Church of Christ. A homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband of 77 years, Dewey Chandler; son, Elwood Chandler; daughter, Marie Richardson; granddaughter, Lisa Chandler; son-in-laws, Byron Birdwell and Cecil Richardson. Survivors include daughter, Elaine Birdwell, Rogersville; daughter-in-law, Juanita Chandler, Jamestown, Ohio; grandchildren, Donna Richardson, Myra Bryant, Danny Birdwell, all of Rogersville; 10 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Monday, November 10, 1997

BETHEL D. CHANDLER JR. , 75, 13868 County Road 47, Greenhill, died Friday, Nov. 21, 1997, at his home after an extended illness. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. today at Loretto Memorial Chapel, Loretto, Tenn. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Shiloh Church of Christ with burial in Shiloh Cemetery. The body will like in state at church one hour before service. Officiating at the funeral will be Charles Kretzer, Jason Moon and James A. Hendrix. He was a native of Lauderdale County, Ala., retired from TVA, and a member of Shiloh Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Lorene Richardson Chandler, Greenhill; daughters, Mrs. Glen (Jo) Holden, Greenhill, Mrs. Billy (Joan), Canerday, Greenhill; half-brother, Edgers Canerday, Florence; half-sister, Pauline Curtis Brewer, Greenhill; two grandchildren, Barry Canerday and wife Lavondia, Greenhill, Kent Holden and wife Denise, Birmingham; five great-grandchildren, Chase, Drew, and Derrek Holden, Justin and Jessica Canerday; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bethel Chandler Sr. and Mattie Chandler. Pallbearers will include Fred Dowdy, James H. Curtis, Don Curtis, Arvel Curtis, Jackie Chandler and Boyd Gist.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Saturday, November 22, 1997

DEWEY CHANDLER , “Funeral services for Dewey O. Chandler, 98, Rogersville, were Saturday, Dec. 16 at Spry Funeral Home Chapel, Athens, with O.C. Birdwell and Hagen Cooper officiating. Burial was in Wallace Cemetery. Mr. Chandler died Thursday, Dec. 14, 1995 at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Annex. He was a native of Willspoint, Texas, and an Army veteran of World War I. He was a member of the Church of Christ, member of the American Legion and retired from Tennessee Valley Authority. Survivors include his wife, Alice Tuten Chandler, Rogersville; daughter Elaine Birdwell, Rogersville; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - East Lauderdale News, December 21, 1995

EMMIT ESTELL CHANDLER , 92, of Rogersville, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at ECM Hospital. She was a member of Oliver Church of Christ. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Rogersville Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, with David O'Connell officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Cemetery. Mrs. Chandler was preceded in death by her children, Douglas, Derril and Herman Campbell and Betty Jo Butler, and her grandson, Michael Hall. She is survived by her husband, Lonner Chandler; children, Billy Campbell, Hazel Hamm, Patricia (Dale) Hendrix, Juanita (Stan) Tucker, Joe Campbell and Rosie (Wayne) Hambright; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Lonner (Terri) Chandler Jr., Sandra (Dewey) Cochran; five stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren.
Florence Times Daily October 9, 2010

LONNER T. CHANDLER , 92, of Rogersville, died Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at his residence. Visitation will be Monday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Rogersville Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel with David O'Connell officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Cemetery. Lonner was a veteran of the United States Army serving in WWII in five different countries. He was a member of Oliver Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.P. & Hattie Chandler; wives, Ethel Chandler and Estell Chandler; twin sister, Donner Chandler and sisters, Acadene Romine, Cybil Cosby and Christine Glass and brothers, Marshal, Rewel and J.C. Chandler. Mr. Chandler is survived by his children, Lonner (Terry) Chandler, Jr. and Sandra Denise (Dewey) Cochran; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; step-children, Billy Campbell, Hazel Hamm, Patricia (Dale) Hendrix, Juanita (Stan) Skipworth, Joe Campbell and Rosie (Wayne) Hambright; brother, Hollis (Doris) Chandler; 22 step grandchildren; 22 step great-grandchildren and 11 step great-great grandchildren.

FLORENCE ITALIE CHERRY , 89, died at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Annex Sunday at 12:45 a.m. She was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County and was a member of Waterloo Methodist Church. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. from Waterloo Methodist Church by Rev. W. O. Lanford and Rev. L.O. Jaggers. Burial will be in Richardson Cemetery, Morrison-Elkins directing. The body will be at the funeral home until being placed in the church one hour prior to services. Surviving are a son, Sie Edwin Cherry, Mishawaka, Ind.; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Bearers will be Verlin Moore, William Canterbury, William Haggard, A.D. Young, Thomas D. Ray, Horace Earl Pyburn.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL
Note: The tomb for Florence shows she was born 13 Feb 1881 and died 3 Jan 1971

OSCAR CLARENCE CHILDERS , 75, Route 2, Waterloo, died Friday night at Colonial Manor Hospital after an extended illness. He lived in the Florence area for 70 years and was a retired painter for TVA. Services will be today at 1 p.m. at Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home Chapel, Florence, with Virgil Gean, Earl Dixon and D.C. Rogers officiating. A graveside service and burial will be at 3:30 p.m. at Center Springs Cemetery in Morgan County with Morrison-Elkins, Florence, directing. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Novie L. Childers, Waterloo; two daughters, Mrs. Ramona Dennis, Florence, and Mrs. Verona Wilbanks, Trinity; one half brother, John D. Green, Florence; and four grandchildren. Bearers will be Randy Dennis, Earnest Balentine, Lester Whitten, Joseph Mosakowski, Donny Dennis and Ricky South.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason Times Daily, Florence, AL
Note: According to the funeral list by Virgil Gean, Oscar died 26 Oct 1979

JEWEL D. (YOUNG) CHOWNING , 89, died at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Annex Sunday at 12:45 a.m. She was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County and was a member of Waterloo Methodist Church. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. from Waterloo Methodist Church by Rev. W. O. Lanford and Rev. L.O. Jaggers. Burial will be in Richardson Cemetery, Morrison-Elkins directing. The body will be at the funeral home until being placed in the church one hour prior to services. Surviving are a son, Sie Edwin Cherry, Mishawaka, Ind.; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Bearers will be Verlin Moore, William Canterbury, William Haggard, A.D. Young, Thomas D. Ray, Horace Earl Pyburn.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL

MAGGIE (WESTON) CLANTON , 86, Rolling Acres Nursing Home, died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1989, at her residence after an extended illness. She was a native of Waterloo and a charter member of Underwood Baptist Church. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Williams Chapel Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, with Leon Bates officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, Elkins Funeral Home, Florence, directing. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the service. Survivors include sons, James W. Clanton, Jesse O. Clanton, W.J. Clanton Jr., all of Florence, Ruben D. Clanton, Oceola, Ind.; daughters, Nora L. Vaughn, J. Christine Miles, Beatrice C. Faires, all of Florence; 19 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren. Bearers will be grandsons.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason Times Daily News, Florence, AL

MARY LINA CLANTON , 49, Rt. 12, Florence, died Friday at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was a native of Lauderdale County. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Morrison-Elkins Chapel, Florence, Virgil Geans and Lamar Plunket will officiate. Burial will be in Stutts Cemetery. Surviving are her husband, James C. Clanton; daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Hayes, Mrs. Frances Bates, Miss Linda Clanton, Miss Melissa Clanton, all of Cloverdale, Mrs. Judy Cox, Springville, Tenn.; sons, Charles Ray Clanton, Jimmy Wayne Clanton, David Michael Clanton, all of Cloverdale; sister, Mrs. Roy B. Austin, Cloverdale; brothers, Edward Chowning, Robert Chowning, John Chowning, all of Cloverdale, Eugene Chowning, Lawrence Chowning, both of Florence; nine grandchildren. Bearers will be Pete Walker, Bradford Johnson, Emerald Bailey, Ed Clark, E.O. Campbell, Bobby Gibson.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL
Note: Clergy records show death date as 11 Feb. 1977.

WILLIAM JASPER CLANTON , 75, of Rt. 10, Florence, died Thursday afternoon in Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. A native and life-long resident of Lauderdale County, Mr. Clanton was a retired truck driver and a member of the Baptist Church. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Williams Chapel Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Leon Bates and the Rev. Virgil Gean officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery, Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home in charge. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Maggie Lee Clanton; daughters, Mrs. Christine Miles, Mrs. Beatrice Faires, Mrs. Nora Vaughan, all of Florence; sons, James Clanton, William J. Clanton Jr., Jesse Clanton, all of Florence, and Ruben Clanton, Osceloa, Ind.; 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Clanton, Wayne Clanton, Larry Miles, Charles Clanton, David Faires, and Gregory Clanton. The body will be at the funeral home until one hour prior to the service. The family will receive friends after 5 p.m. today.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL
Note: Clergyman’s record shows death on 16 Mar. 1978.

RICHARD SMITH COFFEE - Died, August 21, 1879, in Lauderdale county, Alabama, Richard S. Coffee.
Richard S. Coffee was born in Prince Edward county,Virginia,March 21,1800; moved to Madison county, Alabama, in 1818; married Sarah D. Fielder in 1819; moved to Lauderdale county, Alabama, in 1821, where he lived until his death. He proffessed religion at St. John's campground, under the ministry of Rev. Isaac Shook, in 1828, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was ordained ruling elder in the same year. In 1839, he helped to organize the Good Sprint church, in McGrady Presbytery. For fifty-one years he served as a ruling elder, of good repute ever among his brethren and the world. "Uncle Dick," as he was known by all for years, was a faithful man in all relations of life. A loving husband, indulgent father, kind neighbor, and a warm-hearted man, he was respected and loved by all who knew him. In his house he dispened a cordial hospitality, and that house will long be remembered by many preachers of his own Church and many of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, as a home. As long as the memory of the Good Springs campground lasts will his tent and care for the many whom he entertained be kept in recollection. A good and true man has passed from earth. A faithful servant has been called to his reward. A large family and numerous friends are left to mourn their loss. We will meet him again "where parting is no more." His end was peace. His funeral was preached by Rev. J. H. Patterson, to a large concourse of friends and relatives. ( M. G. Williams)
Source:

SARAH DUNKHAM (FIELDER) COFFEE - Died, July 14, 1881, at the residence of her son Mr. R. N. Coffee at Center Star, Lauderdale county, Ala.,
Mrs. Sarah Coffee, nee Fielder, relict of the late Richard S. Coffee. Mrs. Sarah Coffee was born in Williamson county, Tenn., Oct 29, 1804; subsequently her parents moved to Huntsville, Ala., where she was married to Richard S. Coffee July 29, 1819. In 1821 they moved to Lauderdale county, Ala., where she lived continuously till her death. In September, 1828, she professed religion at St. John's campground in the same hour with her husband, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Good Spring campground, once so extensively known and so largely attended, was upon land owned by the late R. S. Cof fee, and within half a mile of his house; its existence was largely owing to his exertions and unstinted liberality. Hundreds still live who gratefully remember the unlimited, cordial hospitality on camp-meeting occasions of "Uncle Dick" and "Aunt Sally" as they become to be affectionately called. Aunt Sally was the mother of twelve children, all of whom survive her. As might have been expected form the affectionate, prayerful care bestowed upon her children and the Christian example set for them, she was blessed in them. More beautiful examples of untiring affection the writer has never witnessed than were seen in the devotion of Aunt Sally's children to her in health and in sickness. About ten weeks before her death, she was stricken down by paralysis, which seriously affected her mind. Previously death was a subject of frequent conversation between her and her friends. It had no terrors for her; she was ready and willing to go whenever called; leaving her children was her only regret. Her percept, her example, her whole life say,"Follow me." The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. W. H. Baldridge. (J. Williams)
Source:

EULA H. COOPER , aged 72, native and lifelong resident of Rogersville, died at her home there yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock after an illness of two weeks. Mrs. Cooper, widow of the late J.O. Cooper, was a member of the Rogersville Church of Christ. Surviving are four sons, T. L. and Stanley Cooper, of Athens; Lee Cooper, of Akron, O., and Farris Cooper, of Rogersville; five daughters, Mrs. J.M. Carter, Lexington; Mrs. Nellie Jones, Nashville; Mrs. W.C. Page, Mrs. Louis Mason and Miss Rose Cooper, all of Rogersville, and other more distant relatives. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Rogersville Church of Christ with Elder J.T. Harris, of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., officiating. Burial will follow in Cooper cemetery, near Rogersville, with Brown Service, Florence, directing. Pallbearers will be J.M. Pate, Vaughn Whitehead, Otho Rose, Jimmy Page, Luther Page and H. C. Warren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Florence Times, July 8, 1939

JONATHON COOPER remains were interred in the Cooper cemetery near town Saturday afternoon, the burial services being conducted by Brother W.W. Bates. Mr. Cooper had an attack of grippe a few weeks since from which complications arose leading to his death. A large number of Friends sympathize with the bereaved family.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL, Jan. 21, 1916 From the Rogersville news column.

NANNIE DELL COOPER , 91, Rt. 12, Florence, died Monday at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was a native of Clifton, Tenn., had lived in the Florence area many years, and was a member of Liberty Baptist Church at Threets Crossroads, Lauderdale County. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. The Rev. Virgil Gean and the Rev. William E. Poe will officiate. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home of Florence directing. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. John A. Willett, Rt. 12, Florence. Bearers will be Mack Cooper, Roy Cooper, Douglas Cooper, Terry Willett, Joe Cooper, Steve Cooper.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, Alabama, - Date of death was June 12, 1978

WILLIE WILLARD COUCH , 54, Rogersville, died Monday, April 3, 2000, after a brief illness. Visitation will be at 4 p.m. today at the residence , 443 Lauderdale 608. The graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Butler Cemetery, Lauderdale County. Officiating at the funeral will be Larry Wilson. Mr. Couch was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca H. Couch, Rogersville, Ala.; sons, Barry Couch, Rogersville, Ala., Billy Hazelwood, Rogersville, Ala., Jackie Crosslin, Rogersville, Ala.; daughters, Melissa Couch, Rogersville, Ala. Hope LeAnn Couch, Rogersville, Ala.; mother, Audrey Simpson Couch, Rogersville, Ala.; sisters, Marie Coffman, Athens, Ala., Betty Heflin, Florence, Ala.; brother, James Couch, Waynesboro, Tenn. Mr. Couch was preceded in death by his father, Noah Couch. Mr. Couch was a retired mechanic and a member of the Church of Christ. Greenview Funeral Home, Florence, directing.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Tuesday, April 4, 2000

MACUS (McKINLEY) CREASEY , 79 Rt. 3, Florence, died Wednesday at ECM Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was a native of Lauderdale County and had resided in Wayne County, Tenn., most of his life. He was the husband of the late Mrs. Clora F. Creasy, a member of Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, Cypress, Inn, Tenn., and a retired farmer. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, with Rev. V.H. Gean and Ernest Roberson officiating. The body will be at Middle Tennessee funeral Home, Waynesboro, until one hour prior to services. Survivors are daughters, Mrs. Ulma Hyde, Muscle Shoals, Mrs. Ruth Needham and Mrs. Lois Carpenter of Florence; sons, James E. Creasy and Herschel F. Creasy of Florence, Vernon Creasy and Leslie Creasy of Cloverdale, Arvel M. Creasy, Huntsville; 28 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Bertha Montgomery, Lutts, Tenn. Grandsons will serve as bearers. “
Contributed by Mildred McKinley Creasy - Times Daily News, Florence, AL
Note: Virgil Gean’s clergyman’s record shows date of death, 24 Mar 1976. The record also shows that Mr. Creasy was the son of the late John S. and Betty Arnold Creasy.

VERNON CREASEY , age 55, Route 12, Box 348, Florence, Ala., passed away on July 20, 1977 at E.C.M. Hospital, Florence, Ala. The funeral will be at Antioch Free Will Baptist Church on July 22, 1977 with Rev. Earl Dixon and Rev. Virgil Gean officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Creasy was a member of the Murphy’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Verla Creasy; four sons, Carl, Randy, Tim and Ronald Crease; two daughters, Mrs. Kathy Mitchell and Miss Sherry Creasy; four brothers, James E., Hershel, Arvel and Leslie Creasy; three sisters, Mrs. Ruth Needham, Mrs. Lois Carpenter and Mrs. Alma Hyde; three grandchildren. Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home of Florence directing.
Contributed by Mildred McKinley Creasy - Information taken from the clergy records of Virgil H. Gean

LEONARD J. CROWDEN , 68, 414 Industry St., Florence, died Monday night at ECM Hospital. He was a native of Lawrence County, had lived in Florence for 23 years. He was a member of the Royal Avenue Free Will Baptist Church, a retired Reynolds Alloys employee. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Morrison-Elkins Chapel, Florence, with Rev. Doyle Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, Morrison-Elkins of Florence directing. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Ethel Crowden; a daughter, Mrs. Pearl Dobbins, Florence; a sister, Mrs. Lucille Cox, Florence; two brothers, Lavert and Ted Crowden, both of Leighton; two grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL
Note: Tomb at Greenview shows Leonard was born 22 Aug 1903 and died 8 May 1972