OBITUARIES - Tipton County, TN

Bailey, "Infant"
Ballard, Wayne
Barnes, Floyd Riley
Bartlett, J. R.
Barton, J. E.
Baskin, Casana
Baskin, Eugenia Edwards
Baskin, "Infant"
Baskin, Jonathan Ray
Baskin, Josephine
Baskin, Mary Frances
Baskin, May Jane
Baskin, Sarah King
Bass, Ben
Beard, Willie
Beloate, J. M.
Benson, "Infant"
Benson, Jesse
Bernard, Ben
Bernard, James Moncrief
Bernard, Samuel P.
Billings, Ben
Billings, Mollie
Billings, Polk
Billings, William Henry
Bishop, Evie
Black, Arabella
Black, James Darrel
Blaydes, William Ellison
Bond, Robert
Bonner, Leo
Booth, Alex
Boswell, Opal Gertrude
Boswell, Sallie
Boswell, William Carl
Bourne, "Child"
Bourne, James
Bowen, Dave
Boyd, "Child"
Boyd, Ada and child, Leon

Boyd, Elizabeth Terry
Boyd, Nathan
Bradshaw, Elizabeth Dunn
Bragg, Fannie
Bragg, "Infant"
Brammer, Sallie
Brammer, Stella S.
Bringle, John Nicholas
Bringle, Minnie May
Bringle, Pearl
Brister, "Infant"
Brodnax, George T.
Brookins, W. L.
Brooks, Wade
Brown, Bertha
Brown, Robison
Brown, T. W.
Brown, W. M.
Brumley, Sarah
Bryan, Mattie
Bryan, Paul
Bryant, Pearl
Bryson, Marshall D.
Bumpus, Myrtie
Bush, Thomas
Burgess, Eliza
Burgess, Fannie
Burgess, Henry
Burgess, Sarah Ann
Burlison, A. B.
Burnett, Annie Lee
Bush, Mrs. E. M.
Byars, Jack
Byars, T. C.
Byrd, C. C.

BAILEY, "Infant" - The infant child of John Bailey, of Burlison, died Friday night and was buried at Smyrna on the following day.

BALLARD, WAYNE - 58, of Munford, land developer and retired engineer for CSX Railroad, died Monday at his home. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Munford Funeral Home with burial in Helen Crigger Cemetery in Munford. He was a member of Munford First United Methodist Church. Mr. Ballard, the husband of Peggy Adkins Ballard for 38 years, also leaves two daughters, Melissa Ballard Wilson of Munford and Margaret Ballard Duffy of Memphis; his parents, Lula Mae and E. J. Ballard of Munford; a brother, Clyde Ballard of Germantown, and four grandchildren. (The Commercial Appeal, October 29, 2003)

BARNES, FLOYD RILEY - Floyd Riley Barnes, 54, farmer, died Monday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton in Covington. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Maley- Yarbrough Funeral Home with burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. He was a Tennessee National Guardsman. Barnes, the husband of Theresa M. Barnes, also leaves two sons, Ronald Barnes and Roger Barnes; a stepdaughter, Ms. Paula Martin, and three stepsons, Harry Merrithey, Phillip Merrithey and Terry Merrithey, all of Chicago; six sisters, Ms. Maxine Shahan and Ms. Marcile Sanders, both of Covington, Ms. Ruth Townsend and Ms. Dorothy Rooker, both of Lynn, Ala., Ms. Betty Hayes of Memphis and Ms. Sue Jones of Lamont, Ill.; five brothers, Lloyd Barnes and Lester Barnes, both of Covington, Robert Barnes of Jasper, Ala., David Barnes of Chicago and Grady Barnes of Eloise, Fla., and 11 grandchildren.

BARTLETT, J. R. - Dr. J. R. Bartlett, one of the most prominent physicians in Tipton county, died suddenly at his home in Detroit, Saturday morning, from heart failure. Dr. Bartlett was born in Virginia in 1857 and move to Tipton county from that state 37 years ago. He settled near Detroit, where he followed the practice of his profession until his death. In November, 1882, he married Miss Theodosia Vaughan and to this union there was born one son, Mr. John Bartlett, who, with his mother, survives Dr. Bartlett. Dr. Bartlett was a graduate of the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio, and at the time of his graduation he was a young man of limited means, but a man of unfaltering trust and courageous determination. Up to the time of his death he enjoyed a very lucrative practice. He was a member of various medical organizations of the state and nation and also a member in high standing of the Tipton County Medical Society. Dr. Bartlett was a typical Virginian, kind and courteous to everyone. In early manhood he connected himself with the Episcopal church and has been a consistent member of that denomination. He was a man of broad intellect, splendid character, and very charitable. The funeral was held at the family residence at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Dr. A. C. McCabe, rector of St. Matthew's church of this city, conducting the services in the presence of a large gathering of friends and relatives. The remains were interred in the Smyrna cemetery following the funeral.

BARTON, J. E. - Mr. J. E. Barton, an old and well-known citizen of Mason died at the Confederate Soldier's Home near Nashville, Monday night, and his remains were brought back to Mason and buried there Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Barton sustained a fall while hauling hay some months ago, as a result of which his hip was fractured, and from which he never recovered. The deceased was an ex-Confederate veteran, was a native of Kentucky, and was about 72 years of age. He is survived by his wife, who was Miss Sammie Somervell, of this county, a son, Mr. Robert Barton, and a daughter, Miss Nellie Barton.

BASKIN, CASANA - Mrs. Casana Baskin died at her home in the neighborhood of Holly Grove Sunday morning at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Baskin was stricken with paralysis more than twelve months before her death and her health had been very poor ever since. She had reached a ripe old age and was in her seventy-seventh year. For many years she had been a member of the Primitive Baptist church and was a woman noted for her many good deeds and good works. Her death is a very sad loss to the community and has caused a vacancy that cannot be filled. Mrs. Baskin's burial took place at the burial ground at old Indian Creek church Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Three sons and four daughters survive her.

BASKIN, EUGENIA EDWARDS - Mrs. Eugenia Edwards Baskin, wife of Mr. Henry Baskin, died at her home in the 3rd district Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock of tuberculosis, after a long illness. The funeral services were held at Smyrna church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Elder G. W. Tracey, of the Holiness church, after which the interment took place in the graveyard there. Mrs. Baskin was 33 years of age at the time of her death and is survived by her husband and an infant child.

BASKIN, "Infant" - The 14-months-old son of Mr. Tobe Baskin died Tuesday night and was buried Thursday at 12 o'clock in the Smyrna graveyard.

BASKIN, JONATHAN RAY - Oct. 25, 1977 - July 12, 1979 - Crash Claims Toddler’s Life - Jonathan Ray Baskins, 21 month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Baskins of Burlison, Tenn, died at 2:25 p.m. yesterday at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center of injuries received in a traffic accident. A Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman said the child was injured in a collision between a car and a pickup truck at Baskin Road and Tennessee 59 West near Burlison at 11 a.m. Monday. Details of the accident were sketchy. The youngster was taken first to Tipton County Memorial Hospital in Covington, Tenn., then transferred to Le Bonheur at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Services will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Maley Funeral Home in Covington with burial in Shiloh Cemetery near Covington. He also leaves a sister, Jennifer Rae Baskins, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Bradshaw of Burlison and Mrs. Herbert L. Baskins of Covington.

(Commercial Appeal, Friday, July 13, 1979 - Submitted by Leslie Roane and Susan Krall)

BASKIN, JOSEPHINE - Mrs. Josephine Baskin, wife of Mr. William Baskin, aged about 45 years, died at her home in the Burlison neighborhood Tuesday morning, of pneumonia, and was buried the day following at Smyrna graveyard. The is survived by her husband and several children.

BASKIN, MARY FRANCES - Mary Frances Baskin, little eight-year-old daughter of Mr. William Baskin, of the Burlison vicinity, died Saturday morning of measles and pneumonia, after an illness of three weeks, and was buried Sunday at 12 o'clock, in the Smyrna burial ground, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. L. P. Fleming. The child's mother, Mrs. Josephine Baskin, was buried there on Wednesday of last week.

BASKIN, MAY JANE - Mrs. May Jane Baskin, wife of Mr. Yerby Baskin, died at her home near Holly Grove Saturday afternoon of congestion after a week's illness, and was buried in Indian Creek cemetery at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon. She was about 65 years of age and is survived by her husband and several children.

BASKIN, SARAH KING - Mrs. Sara King Baskin, 84, retired teacher, died Sunday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home in Covington with burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Covington. Mrs. Baskin, the widow of Herbert A. Baskin, leaves a daughter, Ms. Sara Anne Nichols of Covington; a brother, John King of Brighton, and two grandchildren. (The Commercial Appeal, Monday, October 14, 1991)

BASS, BEN - Ben Bass, 77, of El Paso, Texas, formerly of Munford and Memphis, former manager of The Peabody and the Summit Club in Memphis and retired employee of Holiday Inns of America in El Paso, died there Monday. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Munford Funeral Home with burial in Helen Crigger Cemetery. He was a Presbyterian. Bass, the widower of Frances Bass, leaves two sons, Ben Bass Jr. and Patrick Henry Bass, both of El Paso; a sister, Mrs. Mary Wooten of Munford, and two grandchildren.

BEARD, WILLIE - Willie Beard, colored, 10-year-old daughter of Jesse Beard and grand-daughter of Rev. Jacob Smith, of this city, died at Union City at 4 o'clock Wednesday morning. The remains were brought here the same evening and the burial occurred in the Maley burial ground this morning at 11 o'clock.

BELOATE, J. M. - Mr. J. M. Beloate died at his home near the Dunlap Orphanage at 1 o'clock Saturday morning, after a long illness, and was buried the same afternoon at Salem cemetery, Rev. W. E. Snipes, pastor of Sharon church, conducting the funeral services. Mr. Beloate was about 65 years of age and is survived by two sons and two daughters.

BENSON, "Infant" - The infant child of Mr. Ed Benson, of the 12th district died Wednesday of last week and was buried on Thursday at Mt. Lebanon.

BENSON, JESSE - Mr. Jesse Benson, an old and well known citizen, died at his home in the vicinity of Glenn Springs Saturday night and was buried at the old Campground graveyard Sunday. Mr. Benson made his home for a great many years in the 9th district. Two sons and two daughter survive him.

BERNARD, BEN - Ben Bernard, an aged and well known colored man who made his home in the vicinity of Locust Bluff, died Monday of pneumonia, after an illness of 10 days, and was buried at Plummer's Grove the day following.

BERNARD, JAMES MONCRIEF - Mrs. Willie McCullers received, Friday, a telegram bringing the sad news of the death of her brother, Mr. James Moncrief Bernard, which occurred at his home in Arkansas City on January 23. Mr. Bernard was a son of the late John Bernard, and was born and reared in this county. The news of his death was received with a deep feeling of sadness by his many friends here. Mr. Bernard had made his home in Arkansas City for the past seven years and was 43 years of age at the time of his death.

BERNARD, SAMUEL P.- Died Wednesday, 4th of August, 1897, in his 88th year, S. P. Bernard, one of the oldest and one of the most respected citizens of our county. Mr. Bernard was born in Nashville, Tenn., on the 18th of October, 1809, and made his first visit to Tipton county as collector for the Cumberland Iron Works in 1827. Being pleased with the country, he moved to Randolph in 1830. Randolph then being the principal town of our county. After remaining in Randolph for a few years, and perceiving that Randolph was moving to Memphis, he came to Portersville and was living there until his election to the office of Circuit Court Clerk in 1844, he beating R. W. Sanford for the place. He has lived in Covington and its neighborhood ever since. He was a good business man and very successful in everything he undertook. Mr. Bernard has been connected with the Methodist church during the greater part of his life. Few gave of their substance for the cause of religion with more liberal hand than he. He lived to become tired of this life, and was constantly giving expression to his longings to depart and be with Christ. His funeral was preached on the 5th by his pastor, Rev. R. M. King, and the body interred at Munford Cemetery.

BILLINGS, BEN - Sheriff Billings Drowns; Widow Assumes His Post

Ben Billings who served as Tipton County sheriff for almost 13 years, was buried on Saturday. According to reports, Sheriff Billings drowned while fishing in Sardis Reservoir in Mississippi on May 6. Lafayette County Sheriff Buddy East told the local sheriff’s department that Sheriff Billings was wearing a life preserver when the body was discovered on the north side of the reservoir around 11 a.m. The sheriff’s 14 foot aluminum boat was found overturned nearby. Sheriff Billings, 60, apparently had left the boat landing about 6 o’clock that morning to fish alone. East said that the reservoir was very rough. The Tipton County Quarterly Court on Monday night unanimously elected Mrs. Ruth Billings, widow of the sheriff, to serve the unexpired term. Mrs. Billings, 63, will hold office until Sept. 1. She is a retired teacher, having taught in the county system for 38 years. Mrs. Billings retired in January, 1975. The appointment was recommended to the court by Magistrate Johnny Howard, chairman of the court’s law enforcement committee. Mrs. Billings, who was present at the meeting, told the magistrates, “I know I can’t take his place, but I want to sit in his chair until his term is over. I promise you that I will do the best I can.” Landon D. Yarbrough, Tipton County coroner, served as acting sheriff for four days until Mrs. Billings was sworn. Mrs. Billings becomes the second widow to serve as sheriff. Mrs. Olene Hunt was named to the office following Sheriff Bill Hunt’s death in 1967. Yarbrough also served as interim sheriff at that time. Sheriff Billings first began his career in 1954. He was forced to resign from office during his sixth term in 1967. After an unsuccessful bid for the post in 1972, Sheriff Billings came back in 1974 to win by a lopsided margin.

Funeral services for Sheriff Billings were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Covington with Rev. Willis G. Gilliland officiating. Rev. Gilliland was assisted by Rev. Norman Crittenden, Rev. Everett Porter and Rev. J. V. Reeves. Burial was in Tipton County Memorial Gardens with Maley Funeral Home Inc. in charge. Sheriff Billings was born in Tipton County in 1915 and was a veteran of WWII. His belonged to Dunham Lodge 150 of Covington and Al Chymia Temple and was a Scottish Rite. Sheriff Billings was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Besides his widow, he leaves one daughter, Mrs. Kaye Parr Smith of Covington; two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Burlison and Mrs. Annie Ruth Wilson of Burlison; and two grand-children, Ben and Chad Smith of Covington. (Born 12/11/1915 - Died 5/6/1976)

(Newspaper Unknown - Submitted by Susan Krall and Leslie Roane)

BILLINGS, MOLLIE - (4/23/1858 - 3/6/1913) Mrs. Mollie Billings (nee Gwinn) was born in Saline county, Ark., April 23, 1958 and died at her home near Burlison, Tenn. March 6, 1913 having spent a life of nearly fifty-five years. She had been in poor health for many years, but being a woman of more than a usual amount of energy, she never gave up, and death came very suddenly and as a great shock to the family. She had lain down and fallen asleep. Her husband thinking she was sleeping longer than usual went to see about her and found her dead. Such a shock! But oh, how much better after having spent such a life in pain that she could “pass over the river” in to the “Great Beyond” without even a struggle. Her funeral services were conducted by Rev. T. G. Boyce, and the body was tenderly laid to rest in Indian Creek cemetery to “await the resurrection morn.” she leaves a husband, one daughter, two sons and three brothers to weep her untimely death. Weep not, dear friends, for your loved one. We should not want to call her back to this world of pain and sorrow, but take from her life a lesson of patience and faith, and look to Jesus, who will help us to live a life that will enable us to meet her in a brighter world beyond. Home is not home, for mother is not there . Angels have taken her out of our care. How dark is the room, how lonely the day. She has gone to that home so happy to stay. We loved her, yes, we loved her, but angels loved her more. And they have sweetly called her to yonder’s shining shore. (Newspaper Unknown - Submitted by Susan Krall and Leslie Roane)

BILLINGS, POLK - Aged and Respected Citizen Passes Away - Mr. Polk Billings died at his home at Detroit, in the 3rd district, Saturday morning at 11:30 o'clock, lung trouble being the cause of his death, which occurred after a long illness. He was born in this county near Pilljerk on April 30, 1844, living all of his long life in Tipton county. He settled in early life in the neighborhood where he passed away. He married Miss Ellen Williams 53 years ago last January. His aged wife and four children survive him. They are William H., Alonzo M., Noel R. Billings and Mrs. Brant Phillips, and they were all at his bedside when he passed away.

Mr. Billings connected himself with the Christian church many years ago, and was a faithful Christian ever afterward. "Uncle Polk" as he was familiarly called by all, was highly respected by everyone who knew him. He was considered one of the most upright men in his dealings. He would very frequently give the scripture which says, "Provide things honest in the sight of all men." He has been known to go 10 miles to pay a few cents. No man ever had a business transaction with "Uncle Polk" and then think he was cheated. He died where he lived 51 years.

BILLINGS, WILLIAM HENRY - Dies at 92 - William Henry Billings, retired farmer of Garland, died at 2:30 Monday morning at his home following a year’s illness. He was 92. Mr. Billings, a lifelong resident of Tipton County, was active in his farming and in community affairs until a year ago. He was employed for 30 years at Peeler and Max Gin at Garland. He was a member of Kelley’s Chapel Holiness Church. Mr. Billings and his wife, Mrs. Elnora Berg Billings, celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary in August. Services were held at 10:30 Tuesday morning in the Kelley’s Chapel Holiness Church. Burial was in Shiloh Cemetery with Maley Funeral Home in charge. Mr. Billings leaves two sons, Ben Billings and James Billings of Covington; two daughters, Mrs. G. D. Burlison of Covington and Mrs. Floyd Wilson of Burlison; four half-brothers, James L. Luttrell, Terrell L. Luttrell and Silas M. Luttrell, all of Covington, and Pinkney N. Luttrell of Obion; two half-sisters, Mrs. Albert A. Kelley and Mrs. Annie Tracy of Burlison; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

(Newspaper unknown - (William was born 12/2/1869 & died 11/5/1962) Submitted by Susan Krall and Leslie Roane)

BISHOP, EVIE - Mrs. Evie Bishop, whose illness was reported in these columns last week, died at her home, near Bride, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, of pneumonia, after an illness of two weeks, and her burial took place Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock at Mt. Lebanon. The deceased was about 40 years of age and is survived by three children.

BLACK, ARABELLA - Mrs. Arabella Black died at the home of her daughter, Mr. F. E. Hunt, four miles west of Stanton Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and her burial occurred at Stanton Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Black was the widow of the late Wm. Black and was 83 years of age. She is survived by three sons and six daughters. The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends in their bereavement.

BLACK, JAMES DARREL - James Darrel Black, 62, of 214 Countrywood in Covington died last Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. in Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton, following a one-car accident at the intersection of Highway 51 South and South High Street around 6:35 p.m. According to the Covington Police Department report, Black was driving a 1989 Ford Escort, going north, when the vehicle struck a brick triangle wall. The driver was wearing a seat belt and the automobile was extensively damaged. A son of Jim Tom and Estelle Sawyers Black, he was born in Covington and attended local schools. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a 32 degree Mason, a Shriner and a Scottish Rite. He was a retired employee of International Harvester and was a member of the Covington First Baptist Church. Services were on Saturday morning in the chapel of Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home Inc. with Rev. Baylon Hilliard and Rev. Jimmy D. Sartain officiating. Interment was in Munford Cemetery. Survivors are his widow, Mary Helen Roe Black; a son, Dr. Dennis Black of Chicago, Il,; a daughter, Susan Black Pemberton of Colorado Springs, Co., and three grandchildren.

(The Covington Leader, Wednesday, August 2, 1989 - Submitted by Leslie Roane and Susan Krall)

BLAYDES, WILLIAM ELLISON - ATOKA - William Ellison Blaydes, 81, retired farmer, died Wednesday at Baptist Memorial Hospital East in Memphis. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Munford Funeral Home with burial in Elmwood in Memphis. He was a member of Atoka Presbyterian Church. Blaydes leaves a sister, Mrs. Thelma Blaydes Williams of Memphis, four nieces and four nephews.

BOND, ROBERT - Robert Bond, colored, while at work on the gin of Gift & Beasley at Rialto Tuesday morning, got his arm caught in the line shaft and it was so badly mangled that it was necessary to have it amputated at the shoulder. The was brought to Covington for medical treatment, but had suffered so much from loss of blood that died from his injuries at 4 o'clock on Wednesday morning.

It was erroneously stated, from information given us, in our last issue that Robert Bond, colored, who was employed at the cotton gin of Gift & Beasley, had died from injuries sustained while at work there. Mr. W. R. Gift, of the above named firm states that Bond was not employed there, but that he had gone into the engine room to warm on the morning that he was caught in the line shaft.

BONNER, LEO - Stanton - Leo Bonner, 46, of Memphis, construction worker, died Thursday at his home. Cause of death has not been determined pending an autopsy. Services were Saturday at Mason Funeral Home with burial in St. Matthews Cemetery in Stanton. Mr. Bonner, the husband of Grace Cleaves Bonner, also leaves his mother, Ella M. Bonner of Memphis; a son, Leo Bonner Jr.; a sister, Patricia B. Long, and two brothers, Thomas Cooper and McKenley Bonner.

BOOTH, ALEX - Mr. Alex Booth died at his home in the vicinity of Munford on the night of September 5 at 7 o'clock of congestion and was buried at Lickskillet graveyard on the afternoon following at 5 o'clock. He was between 45 and 50 years of age and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

BOSWELL, OPAL GERTRUDE - Opal Gertrude, five-months-old daughter of R. L. Boswell, who lives two miles south of the city, died Tuesday of congestion of the brain and was buried Wednesday at Indian Creek burial ground.

BOSWELL, SALLIE - Mrs. Sallie Boswell died at her home near Poplar Grove, in the 5th district, Monday, and was buried at Poplar Grove graveyard Sunday. Mrs. Boswell was one of the oldest citizens of the county, being ninety-odd years of age. She leaves surviving her four children.

BOSWELL, WILLIAM CARL (5/20/1834 - 10/16/1889) The subject of this sketch was born May 20^th, 1834 was married to Miss Eliza Ann McCorral Oct. 2^nd, 1861; to this union were born six children, three girls and three boys; one boy Alex Boswell and two girls Mrs. Cora Vernom of Arizona and Mrs. James Dawson of this county survive him. His wife having died Oct. 16^th, 1889, Bro. Boswell was born and reared in Tipton County, Tenn., and lived in the same county until the day of his death. Being 85 years 5 months and 5 days old at the time of death which took place December 27^th 12:10 P.M. from the complications of old age. He professed religion and joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Smyrna at about the age of 35 years. Held his membership for 50 years at the same place. He was a good citizen and had many friends who with children and grand-children mourn their loss. The writer conducted the funeral at old Indian Creek church at 1 o’clock P.M. Dec. 28^th, 1919 and his body was buried in the cemetery there. Peace be to his ashes. Written by G. W. Tracy.

(Newspaper Unknown - Submitted by Susan Krall and Leslie Roane)

BOURNE, "Child" - The three-year-old son of Mr. W. E. Bourne, of the 15th district, died Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, after a long illness, and was buried at Stanton at 12 o'clock Wednesday, the services being conducted by Rev. Mr. James, pastor of the Baptist church of that place.

BOURNE, JAMES - James Bourne, aged eight years, son of Esq. W. J. Bourne, of Keeling, died Sunday morning at 9 o'clock of measles, after an illness of some four or five days, and was buried in Charleston cemetery at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon, Rev. Chesley Bowden conducting the funeral services.

BOWEN, DAVE - Capt. Dave Bowen, who took morphine last week, died at 5:30 o'clock Thursday evening, same day. The doctors and friends exhausted every effort to save his life, but failed, the deadly drug having secured too firm a hold before it was discovered he had taken it, and would not yield to antidotes. Capt. Bowen left notes fully explaining his determination of self-destruction and asking his friends to forgive him for what he was about to do. The funeral took place the next day and he was buried at Salem beside his wife. Capt. Bowen was a native of Mississippi, but came to Atoka soon after the town was laid off. He engaged first in the mercantile business, but secured the position of depot agent and retired from business. He held the office of magistrate as long as Atoka was an incorporated town and was postmaster for a number of years. He also held an important official position in the Masonic lodge at Munford and the K. of P. and K. of H. at Atoka, and had a great many strong friends in the community. He was a Confederate soldier and was an active participant in many of the hard fought battles around Richmond and was in line when Gen. Lee surrendered. The circumstances all point to a deliberate and premeditated purpose to end life. Still it will be difficult for his friends to ever believe that it was the same act of the man they respected and esteemed. Capt. Bowen leaves three children, two sons and a daughter, made orphans by his death.

BOYD, "Child" - The eight-year-old son of Mr. James Boyd in the Detroit neighborhood, died Monday night.

BOYD, ADA and LEON- Mrs. J. T. Boyd, wife of Mr. J. T. Boyd, a former citizen of the Detroit neighborhood, died at her home in Blytheville, Ark., Tuesday morning at 2 o'clock. We were unable to learn the length of sickness or cause of Mrs. Boyd's death. Mrs. Boyd resided in this county, near Detroit, up until about six years ago, when she moved to Blytheville. She was a native of North Carolina, her home being near Salem, where her parents still reside. She was the mother of five children, and a good conscientious Christian woman. Messrs. A. J. Boyd, J. W. Boyd, Ed and Claud Anderson, of the Detroit vicinity, left Wednesday morning to attend the funeral and burial services.

Mrs. Ada Boyd, wife of Mr. J. T. Boyd, formerly of the Detroit neighborhood, died at her home in Blytheville, Ark., on Wednesday of last week, after a short illness. A little son, Leon, died on the Monday preceding. Mrs. Boyd was about 35 years of age, and is survived by her husband and four children. Messrs. J. W. and R. J. Boyd and E. F. Anderson, of the Detroit neighborhood, attended the funeral, returning from there Friday.

BOYD, ELIZABETH TERRY - Stanton - Elizabeth Boyd, 54, homemaker, died of heart disease Tuesday at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Matthews Baptist Church, where she was a member, with burial in the church cemetery. Barlow Funeral Home of Covington has charge. She taught Sunday school, and was a missionary and former choir member at the church. Mrs. Boyd, the wife of Robert Louis Boyd, also leaves five daughters, Annette B. Clark, Marcella Boyd and Cheryl Lynn Boyd, all of Stanton, and Patricia B. Powers of Mason and Janice Boyd Wynn of Covington; a son, Robert L. Boyd Jr. of Covington; seven sisters, Laura Brown of Mason, Lucille Sneed of Brownsville, Bertha Sanders of Millington, and Thelma Teamer, Ruth Mae Dye, Ester Terry and Emma J. Terry, all of Flint, Mich.; two brothers, Walter Terry of Flint and Eddie W. Burchett of Memphis, and 12 grandchildren.

BOYD, NATHAN - Brownsville - Nathan Boyd, 76, of Memphis, formerly of Brownsville, retired custodian for Overton High School, died Monday of pneumonia at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. Services will be at noon Saturday at Melrose Baptist Church in Memphis, where he was a member, with burial in St. Matthew's Cemetery in Stanton. Mason Funeral Home has charge. Mr. Boyd, the husband of Katie C. Boyd, also leaves three daughters, Beatrice Boyd Mottley, Lynn Marchell Boyd Wells and Jeanette Brooks, and two sons, Nathan Boyd Jr. and Jerry Boyd, all of Memphis; a sister, Lena Maclin of Arlington; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

BRADSHAW, ELIZABETH DUNN - Covington - Elizabeth Dunn Bradshaw, 85, passed away March 9, 2007 at Covington Manor Nursing Home. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m., Sunday, March 11 at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home, followed by 3 p.m. graveside service in Shiloh Cemetery. Mrs. Bradshaw was preceded in death by her husband, Eufred Simpson Bradshaw and a son, Dennis Edward Bradshaw. She is survived by two daughters, Judy Bradshaw, Erwin and Kaye Bradshaw Rose; and a son, David Warren Bradshaw, all of Covington, TN; a sister, Dolores Dunn McDivitt of Dyersburg, TN; two brothers, W. Hugh Dunn of Evansville, IN and Gene F. Dunn of Pensacola, FL; six grandchildren, Jeff Erwin, John Erwin, Hunter Rose, Janna Rose Honeycutt, Keith Bradshaw, and John Alston Bradshaw; and eight great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to Garland Baptist Church. Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home

(The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) 3/10/2007 - Submitted by Leslie Roane and Susan Krall)

BRAGG, FANNIE - Fannie Bragg, wife of Willie Bragg, a well known colored man, died suddenly at her home two and half miles east of the city Saturday night of acute indigestion. She was taken ill in the night and died before any medical aid could be secured. Her burial took place in the Townsend graveyard Monday.

BRAGG, "Infant" - The infant child of Henry Bragg died Sunday morning of congestion and was buried at Shiloh graveyard Monday.

BRAMMER, SALLIE - Mrs. Sallie Brammer, wife of Mr. Wm. Brammer and daughter of the late Nat Archer, died at her home in the 10th district at 12 o'clock Monday night of tuberculosis, after a long illness, and was buried at Charleston at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Syl Fisher conducting the funeral services. The deceased was about 35 years of age, was a member of the Methodist church and is survived by her husband, one son and two daughters.

BRAMMER, STELLA S. - COVINGTON - Mrs. Stella S. Brammer, 90, died Thursday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton after a long illness. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home with burial in Charleston Baptist Church Cemetery. She was a member of Charleston Baptist Church. Mrs. Brammer, the widow of Will Brammer, leaves two daughters, Mrs. Mabel Evans and Mrs. Corlenia Chrisman, both of Memphis; two sisters, Mrs. Annie Rob Sturdivant and Mrs. Mildred Sorrell, both of Covington; two brothers, Eural Smith of Stanton and Chesley W. Smith of Texas City, Texas; three grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

BRINGLE, JOHN NICHOLAS - John Nicholas Bringle died Saturday morning at his home in the 12th district, after having passed his ninety-first birthday. He was, perhaps, the oldest citizen in Tipton county and had been an active man during all of his life until last winter, when his health was impaired from an attack of pneumonia, leaving him in a rather feeble condition physically. He moved to Tipton county from Saulsbury, N. C., when quite a lad and settled at Randolph, which place, at that time, was a thriving town equal in size and as a business center to any other river town along the Mississippi. Many years before the Civil War, Mr. Bringle carried the United States mail between Randolph and Brownsville, a distance of 51 miles. At that time Covington was a wilderness along the mail route. From that time, he lived to see Covington grow to its present stage, and the possibilities of Randolph to become a southern metropolis shattered by the rivalry of Memphis. Mr. Bringle was a gallant Confederate soldier, serving in Company I, Seventh Tennessee cavalry. After the war, he returned to Tipton county and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed until his death. There was no man who knew more about the history of Tipton county than Mr. Bringle, and one of his favorite hobbies was to amuse his friends, especially his young friends, by relating his remarkable experiences in the early pioneer days of this county. For sixty years, Mr. Bringle had been a consistent member of the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. He was greatly beloved for his genial, kindly disposition, and throughout his life he gained the friendship of all with whom he came in contact. He was a kind father and was devoted to his family. He married twice during his long life and was the father of 19 children, 13 of whom survive him. His children are making their homes in this county with the exception of John Bringle, who is a resident of Oceola, Ark. Mr. Bringle enjoyed the best of health, even in his declining years, and would have attained his 92nd birthday in October. During his life, four notable wars occurred in this country, which he remembered distinctly, including the present and greatest of all catastrophes. The funeral was held at Mt. Lebanon Sunday afternoon, Rev. R. L. Bell conducting the services in the presence of one of the largest funeral gatherings ever known in Tipton county. It was necessary to hold the services on the church campus in order to accommodate the hundreds who attended. The bereaved family has the sympathy of their many friends in their sorrow, which was attested by the offering of wreaths and flowers.

BRINGLE, MINNIE MAY - Minnie May, infant daughter of Walter Bringle that has been sick so long, died at the residence of Mr. T. J. Bringle Tuesday night and was buried Wednesday evening.

BRINGLE, PEARL - Mrs. Pearl Bringle, wife of Mr. Ernest Bringle, and daughter of Mr. Alphonzo Jordon, died of tuberculosis at her home in the 12th district Tuesday night after a long illness and was buried in the Walton graveyard Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. T. Riley Davis conducting the funeral services. The deceased was not quite 25 years of age at the time of her death. She leaves a husband, but no children.

BRISTER, "Infant" - The infant child of Mr. Ed Brister, of the Tipton vicinity, died Tuesday, and was buried Wednesday at Bethel graveyard.

BRODNAX, GEORGE T. - The news of the death of Mr. Geo. T. Brodnax was a great shock and surprise to his friends in this county. He was born and reared in Mason in this county and was a pupil in the school of the late James Byars in Covington.

Mr. Brodnax was taken ill about a week before his death and was taken to St. Joseph's hospital for an operation from which, with other complications, he died.

He went to Memphis some 25 or 30 years ago and during this time had built up one of the leading jewelry firms in the city. He was 47 years old and was prominent in the social and business affairs of the city.

He is survived by his widow, one son, George T. Brodnax, Jr., and two daughters, Mrs. Andrew Jobe and Miss Virginia Brodnax, all of whom reside in Memphis.

BROOKINS, W. L. - Mr. W. L. Brookins died at his home at South Covington Sunday night at 11:20 o'clock of tuberculosis, and was buried in Munford cemetery Sunday afternoon the funeral services being conducted by Rev. J. E. Miles, of the Baptist church. The deceased was 39 years of age, was a member of the Baptist church and is survived by his widow and three children. He was a native of Memphis and been a resident of South Covington about 18 months.

BROOKS, WADE - Wade Brooks, colored, who made his home with his niece, Lou Riley, in this city, died Tuesday morning and was buried in the Townsend graveyard, Rev. J. B. Smith conducting the funeral service. Brooks claimed to be 101 years old.

BROWN, BERTHA - Young Lady Victim of an Accidental Shooting - Miss Bertha Brown, a young lady 22 years old, daughter of Mr. W. A. Brown, Sr., of this city, was the victim of a very serious accident about noon last Saturday. Miss Brown and her nephew, Edward Brown, a son of Mr. W. A. Brown, Jr., aged about four years, had gone on a visit to the home of a neighbor, Mr. J. G. Miller, when young Brown, who had been playing with toy pistols, picked up a loaded .38 caliber pistol lying on the table in the room, and thinking it was a toy pistol, pointed it at Miss Brown and fired, the bullet striking her in the right side and passing through her body to the opposite side. The young lady was hurried immediately afterward to the office of Dr. N. R. Newman, where she was operated on by Dr. Newman, assisted by Dr. B. V. Dickson. The young lady took a turn for the worse Wednesday, and died that evening at 7 o'clock.

BROWN, ROBISON - Robison, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brown, of the Atoka community, died last Thursday after a few days' illness. The remains were interred in Salem cemetery Friday, Rev. G. W. Tracy conducting the funeral services at the grave.

BROWN, T. W. - Mr. T. W. Brown, an aged citizen of the Drummonds neighborhood and an ex-Confederate veteran, whose illness was mentioned in these columns last week, died Sunday and his burial occurred at Poplar Grove on the day following. His wife and two children survive him.

BROWN, W. M. - Mr. W. M. Brown, a former well known citizen of this city, died at his home in Memphis Sunday afternoon at 4:45 o'clock of pneumonia. His remains were brought to Covington at 9:20 o'clock Monday were taken immediately to Munford cemetery and there interred. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Mrs. Julia Brown, and by three sons and two daughters. He moved from here to Memphis about 10 years ago and had since been a resident of that city. The deceased was 58 years of age.

BRUMLEY, SARAH - Mrs. Sarah Brumley, widow of the late Hiram Brumley, died at her home near Tipton on Tuesday morning of last week, of heart failure, and was buried at Bethel Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Two sons and one daughter survive her.

BRYAN, MATTIE - Miss Mattie Bryan, whose home was about three miles west of Covington died at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning of slow fever, after an illness of several weeks. She was buried at the family burial ground on Wednesday morning. Miss Bryan was a daughter of the late Needham Bryan and was a young lady of Christian zeal and was a member of Oak Grove Baptist church.

BRYAN, PAUL - Mr. Paul Bryan, aged 18 years, son of Mrs. Belle Bryan, died at his home in the Burlison vicinity, Tuesday morning after a two-weeks' illness and was buried at the Walton graveyard Wednesday.

BRYANT, PEARL - Glenn Springs Notes - Pearl, the little five-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bryant, of the Glenn Springs vicinity, died Wednesday, January 23, and was buried at the Randolph graveyard. The parents wish to thank their many friends for their kindness in extending their aid throughout her spell of sickness which lasted three days.

BRYSON, MARSHALL D. - Marshall D. Bryson, 86, retired Tennessee State Highway Department employee, died Tuesday at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis after a short illness. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home, with burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Bryson, the husband of Audrey Elsie Yarbro Bryson, also leaves a daughter, Mrs. Carol Brashier of Atoka; two sons, Bobby Bryson of Vernon, Ala., and Meredith Bryson of Ripley; a brother, Clayburn Bryson of Covington, seven grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. (The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Wednesday, September 19, 1990)

BUMPUS, MYRTIE - Mrs. Myrtie Bumpus, wife of Mr. R. C. Bumpus, and daughter of Mr. Oscar Mitchell, of Mason, died at her home in Memphis Friday morning at 1 o'clock, after a long illness. The remains were shipped to her former home at Mason on the afternoon of her death, where the interment took place in Cedar Hill cemetery, Rev. J. G. Johnston conducting the funeral services. The great collection of lovely flowers heaped on the grave attested the love and esteem in which the deceased was held. Mrs. Bumpus was 31 years of age, and is survived by her husband and one daughter, who have the sympathy of many friends in this county in their great bereavement.

BUSH, THOMAS - Mr. Thomas Bush, aged 42 years, of South Covington, died Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock of dropsy. His burial occurred in Munford cemetery the afternoon following his death, at 3 o'clock, the services being conducted by Rev. C. E. Wauford, pastor of the First Baptist Church.

BURGESS, ELIZA - Mrs. Eliza Burgess, who lived on the J. S. Clark place in the vicinity of Leigh's Chapel, died Sunday morning at 9 o'clock of measles and pneumonia, after an illness of only a few days, and was buried at Leigh's Chapel graveyard Monday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. A. H. Bezzo conducting the funeral services. She is survived by four children. Mrs. Burgess' son-in-law, Mr. Ernest Tarlton, who also lived on the Clark place, died at 6 o'clock Monday morning of measles and was buried in the same graveyard Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Mr. Bezzo conducting the services. Mr. Tarlton was 35 years of age and is survived by his wife and two children.

BURGESS, FANNIE - Mrs. Fannie Burgess died of malarial hematuria at the home of her father, Mr. J. J. Byars, in the Phelan vicinity, Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, after an illness of several weeks. Her burial occurred at old Charleston burial ground Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Chesley Bowden conducting the funeral services. The deceased was about 30 years of age and was a member of the Baptist church. One son and three daughters survive her.

BURGESS, HENRY - Mr. Henry Burgess, a former citizen of the 15th district, died, after a two-weeks' illness at his home in the vicinity of Braden at 1 o'clock Sunday morning of pneumonia. The deceased was 42 years of age and is survived by his wife and three children. He was buried at Charleston on the day following his death, the services being conducted by Rev. Syl Fisher, of the Methodist church, of which church the deceased was a member.

BURGESS, SARAH ANN - Mr. C. H. Burgess was summoned to Roger's Springs, Hardeman county, this morning to attend the burial of his mother, Mrs. Sarah Ann Burgess, whose death occurred this morning.

BURLISON, A. B. - (3/21/1857 -8/14/1910) The subject of this sketch was born March 21, 1857 in this Tipton, Co., Tenn., and lived here up to the time of his death. He was first married to Miss Darthula Josephine Wethington, to which union was born 7 children of which two boys Lafayette and Johnnie survive him. Both nice boys, possessing many of the good traits of their father. Sometime after his first wife’s death he was married to Miss Laura Crigger; to this union was born 7 children also, of which three are yet living. After her death he was again married to Miss Mary Frazier to which union was born one child, a boy about six weeks old. Mr. Burlison was a noble man of strong character, who stood firmly for what he believed to be right, weighing matters in the balances of justice and equity, a good husband, a kind father and noble citizen, who was greatly loved. He annexed to the Christian or (Campbellite) church some 10 years ago and died in that faith; while he leaves a dear wife and six children to mourn over the loss they feel so keenly the community at large feels this loss. May our dear heavenly Father bless the good and noble deeds of his life to the good of his children and relatives and friends, and enable us all to share with the eternally blessed the wonderful rewards that shall belong to those only who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb and whose lives have met with the sweet approval of God on earth is my prayer. Mr. Burlison closed his eyes for the last time on earth Aug. 14, 1910 at 11:30 P.M. having been sick about three months, but was taken with congestive chill the day before his death. The writer preached the funeral to a large audience at Shiloh cemetery Aug. 15,1910. Written by G. W. Tracy

(Newspaper Unknown - Submitted by Leslie Roane and Susan Krall)

BURNETT, ANNIE LEE - Annie Lee Burnett, colored, aged 37 years, one of the teachers in the colored schools here, died at her home in this city Friday morning, after a long illness, her death being caused from ulcer of the stomach.

BUSH, MRS. E. M. - Mrs. E. M. Bush died at her home in South Covington on Wednesday of last week of dropsy, after an illness of some length, and was buried in Munford cemetery the day following, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. T. Riley Davis. The deceased was 74 years of age and is survived by three daughters.

BYARS, JACK - Mr. Jack Byars died at his home at Stanton Monday morning of pneumonia, following an attack of measles, and was buried at Charleston graveyard the same afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. The deceased was a son of Mr. W. D. Byars, and was born and reared in the 15th district of this county. He had, for some time, been engaged in the blacksmith business at Stanton and had many friends who sincerely regret his untimely passing away. He is survived by his wife and several children.

BYARS, T. C. - Mr. T. C. Byars, son of Mr. P. N. Byars, of Churchton, Dyer county, died on Wednesday of last week at the Western Hospital, Bolivar, for concussion of the brain, caused from an accidental fall. His remains were brought back to his county and his burial occurred at Charleston graveyard Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock, Rev. T. Riley Davis conducting the funeral services. The deceased was born and reared in the 15th district of this county and was 34 years of age at the time of his passing away. He had been making his home in Dyer county for the past seven years. He is survived by his mother and one brother.

BYRD, C. C. - Mr. C. C. Byrd, a well-known and respected citizen, died at his home in the Craig's Chapel vicinity in the 4th district, Friday morning. He had been in a feeble state of health for quite a long while, but heart trouble was the immediate cause of his death. The deceased was born and reared in 12th district of this county, and was about 57 years of age. His wife, three sons and two daughters survive him. Mr. Byrd's burial occurred at Mt. Lebanon cemetery Saturday morning.