Lea and Simmons Funeral Home

11/24/2025

Minnie Ray Wilson

Minnie Ray Wilson, age 85, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Haywood County Community Hospital in Brownsville, TN. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home with Bro. Jon Bell officiating. Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Minnie was born in Brownsville, TN on December 23, 1939 to Laverne Beshires Bridgewater and Benjamin Phillip Bridgewater. She graduated Haywood High School in 1958. She held various jobs, but her role as a homemaker was what brought her true happiness. She had a wonderful love for her children and grandchildren, often bragging about being a great great grandmother. She had a love and enjoyment of cooking, spending time with family and friends, shopping and traveling. She was a faithful member of Poplar Corner Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and enjoyed teaching her Sunday School Class. One of her favorite things was fellowshipping with her church family.

Minnie is survived by one daughter, Janet Ray Gaters (Danny); one son, William Garry “Chip” Ray, both of Brownsville, TN; and one sister, Jessie Welch. She leaves a long legacy of love for her three grandchildren, Scotty Ray (Amanda), Justin Gaters (Chelsey) and Stacey Gaters; four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Phillip and Laverne Beshires Bridgewater; her son, William John Ray; her husband of 29 years, William Garry Ray; her second husband of 29 years, Finis Wilson; one brother, Ben Bridgewater and one sister, Charlene Gains Odum.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful staff at the Sugar Creek Senior Living Community and the staff at the Haywood County Community Hospital for the wonderful and loving care they took of their mom.

Pallbearers for the service are Scotty Ray, Justin Gaters, Danny Gaters, Clint Welch, Dean Gaters and James Gaters.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Poplar Corner Baptist Church, P.O. Box 376, Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Minnie Ray Wilson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/24/2025

Linda Hall Whitten

Linda Hall Whitten, age 73, departed this life, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital, in Jackson, TN. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home, in Brownsville, TN.

Linda was born on April 27, 1952, to James Hall and Athene Cobb Carter in Haywood County. Linda worked in the Haywood County school system as a teacher’s assistant and made an impact on so many children. Her zest for life was immeasurable and you couldn’t help but smile when you were around her. Her stories would reel you in and have you laughing no matter how many times you heard it. She loved Eli, her daughters, grandchildren, her dog Bella and of course a good night of Bingo. Her friends held a special place in her heart and she loved to have pool parties. If you ever saw her plant collection you knew what a green thumb she was blessed with. She will be missed by so many people but heaven gained a beautiful angel.

She is survived by her husband, Lynn Eli Whitten; her daughters, Ashley Leath Newman (Rives), Allyson Leath (Tammie), and Kristi Taylor (Jason). Six grandchildren, Nathan Newman, Shelton Newman, Carson Newman, J.T. Byrum, Brett Blackwell and Anna Blackwell. She also leaves one great grandchild, Niko Newman.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, James Hall and Athene Cobb Carter; and one brother, James Thomas Hall.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Currie, Larry Baxter, Jeff Dew, J.T. Byrum, Nathan Newman, Carson Newman, Jason Taylor and Brett Blackwell.

The family has requested that memorials be made to the Brownsville Humane Society, c/o of Alice Nunn, P.O. Box 565, Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Linda Hall Whitten's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/18/2025

View Edward Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/17/2025

Elizabeth Lee "Betsy" Foster

Elizabeth Lee “Betsy” Foster, age 61, passed away suddenly at her home on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12:30 PM, at the Oakwood Cemetery in Brownsville, TN, with Bro. Mike Young officiating.

Betsy was born on December 30, 1963. She was adopted by her forever family when she was eighteen months old. She never questioned who her biological family was because she was greatly loved by her parents, Jerry and Susan Foster and her sister Nancy Weddington. Later that love was shared by her brother-in-law, Will Allen Weddington, five nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their eleven children who lovingly called her Bet-Bet and were the joy of her life. She was loved by all who knew her and she loved whole-heartedly in return; not only her family and friends but her Lord Jesus Christ.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Susan Foster; grandparents, Jake and Dorothy Foster and Roger and Lida Hart.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy Weddington (Will Allen), niece, Kelly Young (Mike); nephews, Will Weddington, Jr. (Catherine), Thomas Weddington (Chanel), Ryan Weddington (Elizabeth), Cameron Weddington (Audrey) and their children; Ainsley, Addison, Katie, and Caleb Young, Emery Weddington, Selah, Brecken and Stetson Weddington, Josie Weddington, and Baileigh and Evelyn Weddington.

Pallbearers for the service will be William Weddington, Will Weddington, Jr., Thomas Weddington, Ryan Weddington, Cameron Weddington and Mike Young.

The family requests that memorials be made to Life Point Church, 5114 Mercer Rd., Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Elizabeth Lee "Betsy" Foster's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/13/2025

Johnnie Howard

Johnnie Lee Howard, age 82, a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, in Jackson, TN. Born on May 11, 1943, in Water Valley, MS, she lived a life rich in compassion and service, dedicating herself first and foremost, to her ministry. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at the Liberty Technology Magnet High School, 3470 Ridgecrest Rd. Exd., Jackson, TN 38305.

With a career spanning many years, Johnnie made significant contributions as a substitute teacher and as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Crestview Nursing Home. Her kind and loving nature endeared her to students and residents alike, leaving a lasting impact on those she served.

Johnnie will be fondly remembered not only for her professional life but also for her vibrant personality. She had a remarkable ability to bring joy to those around her, often whistling as she went about her day and sharing the warmth of her cooking with family and friends. Her passion for dancing was a reflection of her joyful spirit, embodying the rhythm of life and love she shared with others.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas H. Howard, Jr., with whom she shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised four sons: Brodrick Howard, Thomas (Tommy) Howard V, Keith Howard, and Geron Howard. Johnnie also leaves behind her beloved sister, Odessa M. Hayes, and her three brothers, Arthur Person, John E. Person, Jr., and Donald Person. Additionally, she cherished her role as a grandmother to Kiavia Gibbs, Thomas (Trae) Howard VI, and (Jaiden April Haynes), she also leaves a legacy of three great grandchildren, nurturing them with the same love and care that defined her life. She is also survived by her uncle, Floyd Person. She was dearly loved and treasured by her many nieces and nephews. Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, John Eddie and Kirby Lee Reid Person; her sister, Emma Manns; and her brothers, James Person, Jerry Person and R.C. Reid.

As we celebrate the life of Johnnie Lee Howard, we remember a woman whose unwavering commitment to her family, community, and faith has left an unforgettable mark on all who had the privilege to know her. Her legacy of kindness and love will forever live on in the lives she touched. All arrangements are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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11/11/2025

11/04/2025

Please remember the Stanley family in your prayers. You are encouraged to visit our website at www.leaandsimmons.com to leave your personal condolences to them.

View Jane Mullen Stanley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/04/2025

Please keep the Stokely family in your prayers during this time. You are encouraged to visit our website at www.leaandsimmons.com to leave your personal condolences to them.

View Mary Helen Stokely's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/04/2025

Please remember the Riddell family in your prayers. You are encouraged to visit our website at www.leaandsimmons.com to leave your personal condolences to them.

View Bonnie Riddell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

Please keep the Austin family in your prayers during this time. You are encouraged to visit our website at www.leaandsimmons.com to leave you personal condolences to them.

View Betty Foster Austin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/30/2025

Please keep the Mann family in your prayers…

View William Howard Mann's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/29/2025

Please remember to pray for the family of Patrick Strickland during this time. You are encouraged to visit our website at www.leaandsimmons.com to leave your personal condolences for them.

View Patrick Strickland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.