Lea and Simmons Funeral Home

05/25/2026

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05/21/2026

View Marilyn Thomas Sullivan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2026

Bernice Hughes Overton

Bernice Hughes Overton, age 100, passed away peacefully at the Haywood County Community Hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 1026. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home with Bro. Craig Tate and Minister Harman Williamson officiating. Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, form 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Bernice was born on March 2, 1926, to Ossie and Mamie Buckingham Hughes in Crockett County. Mrs. Overton held multiple occupations over the years. Her first job was switchboard operator for South Central Bell and she loved it. Her most memorable was proprietor of the family-owned General Store and Dairy Bar on Hwy 70 in Union. Over many years, Bernice sewed beautiful garments for her two girls (and a few neighbors) in the corner during her down time and sowed lasting friendships behind the counter as owner/ operator. Most recently, she was employed as bookkeeper at Haywood High School. She greatly enjoyed her years of service under Mr. Gordon Perry and subsequently, Mr. Robert Mitchell, until she happily retired in June of 2006. Throughout the years, she was an active member at Union Grove Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Overton Schaaf; her sister, Betty Russell; and her grandchildren, Russell Schaaf and Natalie Schaaf.She was preceded in death by husband, Robert Lee Overton; her parents, Ossie and Mamie Buckingham Hughes; her daughter, LeAnne Overton Hart; her brother, Norman Hughes; her sisters, Cleo Somers and Ronelda McCarter; and two grandchildren, Michael Schaaf and Robert Hart.

Pallbearers for the service will be Russell Schaaf, Robert Mitchell, John Joyner, Charlie Overton, Jessie Mullen and Reese Fondren.

All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Bernice Hughes Overton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2026

Vernon Austin Jernigan

Special Announcement for Mr. Sonny Jernigan on behalf of McReynolds-Nave and Larson Funeral Home of Clarksville, TN.

Vernon Austin "Sonny" Jernigan passed away on May 16, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances N. Jernigan, and son-in-law, Lloyd Mark Sharp. He is survived by his three children, Teresa (Charles) Gaines, Rhonda (Lloyd) Sharp, and Vernon Rafe Jernigan; six grandchildren, Brooke King Miles (Cody), Alan Brent King (Erica), Charles E. Gaines, III (Danielle), Aaron Chaz Jernigan (Lauren), Rachel Jernigan Hoaglund (Chase), and Vernon Reece Jernigan (Whitney); and thirteen and one half great-grandchildren.

Sonny was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Vernon Davis Jernigan and Frances Henson. His father was killed in World War II, and thereafter Sonny was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Birdie and Walter Jernigan, on Highway 79 between Brownsville and Bells, Tennessee.

In 1956, Sonny met Sara Frances Norris, and they married on June 15, 1957. Together, they had three children and made their home in the Allen’s community on Sturdivant Road for 26 years. Their children always admired the strong bond between Sonny and Frances; they were truly an invincible team. Sonny worked as a farmer and contractor for many years. He was an avid tennis player and a passionate lover of the game, playing wherever he and Frances lived and continued to play until he was 80 years old.

Later in life, Sonny selflessly and humbly supported Frances’s career with State Farm. They were able to travel the world and enjoy life together. They lived in numerous places within Tennessee and eventually settled in Clarksville to be close to family. Sonny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherished by his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Private family Graveside service will be at Allen Baptist Church Cemetery in Brownsville, TN.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave and Larson Funeral Home. Condolences can be made online at Navefuneralhomes.com

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

05/20/2026

View Vernon Austin Jernigan's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2026

Diana Long Gamache

Diana Long Gamache, age 82, a cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at the home of her son. Born on June 27, 1943, in Norfolk, VA, Diana devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her church family at Poplar Corner Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home with Bro. Eddie Mallonee and Bro. Jon Bell officiating. Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Throughout her many years serving as secretary at Poplar Corner Baptist Church, Diana was a cornerstone of support and dedication. Her commitment to her church was evident not only in her work but also in her heartfelt love for the congregation she embraced like family. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she found immeasurable joy in the fellowship and community she nurtured there.

Diana was truly the matriarch who held her family together with unwavering strength and care. A hardworking woman, she always prioritized the needs of her loved ones above her own, embodying selflessness and grace at every turn. Those fortunate enough to know her remember her as a woman who loved deeply—particularly her beloved husband, Bob Gamache, whom she considered her soulmate.

She is survived by her son, Morris Long (Misty) of Brownsville, TN; her daughters Tammy Long Cowan of Franklin, TN; Deborah Kelso (Larry) of Brownsville, TN; Rae Council (Tim) of Cary, NC; Tina Snyder (Nathan) of Denver, NC; Liz Long of Brownsville, TN; and Samantha Gamache Neal (Clinton) of Brownsville, TN. Diana’s family is further blessed with 14 grandchildren, Sybil Bridgewater (Tom), Jon-Mark Cowan, Sara Long Martin (Mikey), Lindsey Long, Jonathan Long (Gracie), Sabastian Sammons, Sadie Sammons, Mathew Terry (Brittany), Andrew Terry, Joseph Jones, Marcus Spencer, Natalie Bobo, Emma Snyder and Noah Snyder (Rachel) and 11 great-grandchildren, Cooper Stoots, Boomer Stoots, Dixie Bridgewater, Cas Schlink, Ginny Schlink, Jason Jones, Adler Jones, Joshua Jones, Baylor Spencer, Kyle Long and Jackson Cowan, all of whom will carry forward the legacy of love and devotion she instilled.

Diana’s surviving brother, Mike Boomer of Virginia Beach, VA, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Buie of Jackson, TN, stand alongside her children in celebrating her life and mourning her passing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Sybil Hooper Boomer; her husband, Bob Gamache; and her sister, Janet Buie.

Pallbearers for the service are Jonathan Long, Joseph Jones, Jon-Mark Cowan, Mathew Terry, Noah Snyder, Marcus Spencer, Cooper Stoots, Boomer Stoots and Sebastian Sammons.

Diana Long Gamache’s life was one of profound dedication—to her family, her church, and her community. She will be remembered with deep respect and affection as a woman whose strength and kindness shaped the lives of many. The family requests that memorials be made to the Poplar Corner Baptist Church, 1010 Boyd Ave., Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Diana Long Gamache's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

Shirley Clark Kendrick

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR SHIRLEY MARIE (CLARK) KENDRICK

1940 - 2026

Shirley Clark Kendrick grew up under the guiding hands of her parents, Abe Henry and Vada Clark, in the suburbs of Dyersburg, Tennessee. After high school, she moved to Haywood County when she married William E. (Bill) Kendrick in 1960.

She developed a passion for nursing and first worked as a surgical nurse at Brownsville Memorial Hospital and later on at the Welch Clinic on Lafayette Ave. She went on to spend several years at the Haywood County Health Department, developing lifelong friendships with many of her co-workers. Shirley furthered her nursing career by becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Residents at the former Crestview Nursing Home were fortunate to have her nurturing and expertise as part of their care. Before retiring, she was a nursing home surveyor for the State of Tennessee.

She received her RN degree from Union University and her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree from Meharry Medical College.

Young ladies who expressed an interest in nursing as their chosen profession often sought her advice. She would explain the joys and frustrations but would always end with the rewards of the profession. She was a great encourager and mentor to many and eagerly offered her help when asked.

Some of her many joys were traveling (she made a trip to Ireland), cruises and any time a beach outing was planned, she was always ready to go. In her early years she enjoyed sewing (much like her mother), camping and playing cards. An avid reader, you could find her nose in a book most any day. She was active in the choir at Allen Baptist Church for many years before moving to Poplar Corner Baptist Church where she was a faithful member until her health began to fail. In her later years, she truly loved being with her children at family gatherings and simply adored her three grandchildren.

Her courage and faith came into full view when she was diagnosed with cancer and facing surgery. She put her trust in the Lord to carry her through and heal her. Her eyes were focused on the future and she never let the battles in life bring her down. She was a fighter in every respect of the word.

For most who knew her, she didn't mind sharing her opinion or correcting you if she thought you were wrong. The one thing everyone agreed on was that you never had to wonder where you stood with her.

"Mama Shirley" (as many came to know her) spent her life serving and caring for others ... as a mother, as a nurse and as a faithful member of her church. As her life drew to a close, her thoughts turned to "going home" and "being with Jesus." And our family knows that our sister was waiting there at the gates when she arrived saying, "What took you so long?"

One of her final goals was to be able to know her only granddaughter, Carol, graduated high school. By way of a livestream of the ceremonies, she "heard" Carol's name called as she received her degree. In her final hours, she was surrounded by close friends and family.

It is a sad time for her family and friends, but it is a joyous time for her. She is free of the rigors of dialysis, free of pain and she has seen the face of our Lord with healed eyes. God is good.

A special thanks goes out to the staff at Sugar Creek Senior Living Community for the care and attention given to our mom. We couldn't have asked for her to be in a better place, and we will always be thankful to all of you for making her feel at ease, especially in her final months and days.

Knowing her love of the ocean, we felt this passage sums up her life experience:

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!"... there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that ... is dying ...

Shirley is survived by her sons Kenny Kendrick (Dede) and Mark Kendrick (Dale) both of Brownsville, TN; her sister, Donna Clark, of Ellijay, GA; and three grandchildren, Carol Kendrick, Will Kendrick and Caleb Kendrick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Abe Henry and Vada Marie Wardlow Clark; her daughter, Shelia Kendrick Strickland; and her son-in-law, Mike Strickland.

Pallbearers for the service are Will Kendrick, Caleb Kendrick, Andy Roney, Jay Roney, John Warren and Jesse Dedmon. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Haynes, Bobby Pigue, Elvin Wells, Chad Kirk and Tracy Rodgers.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at the Poplar Corner Baptist Church with Bro. Jon Bell and Bro. Greg Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 PM, at the Zion Methodist Church Cemetery in the Rudolph Community. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, at the Poplar Corner Baptist Church.

The family requests that memorials be made to Samaritan’s Purse at Poplar Corner Baptist Church, Shelia Strickland Shoebox Ministry, 1010 Boyd Ave., Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Shirley Clark Kendrick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/18/2026

05/15/2026

Larry Kevin Stanley

Larry Kevin Stanley passed away suddenly on May 12, 2026, at just 47 years old. While his time on Earth was far too short, Kevin sure lived every second of it fully — with laughter, loyalty, hard work, and a whole lot of personality. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the Brownsville Funeral Home with Bro. Nelson Perkinson and Bro. Randy Kellough officiating. Burial will follow at the Woodland Cemetery in Brownsville, TN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at the Brownsville Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation prior to the service Monday, May 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, at the Brownsville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers for the service will be Brent Stanley, Damon Porch, Brian Ballinger, Shawn Griffin, Hutch Voss and Jerry Sills. Honorary Pallbearers are Bubba Stanley, Hunter Hooper, Bobby Stokely, Jr., Josh Tinsley, Bob Hooper, Timmy Barnes, Tim Stokely and Jason Porch.

He is survived by his daughter, Hannah, and his sons, Andrew and Owen, who were without question the greatest joys of his life. Kevin loved being a dad more than anything. Kevin was born to Larry and Helen Stanley, who loved him unconditionally from the very beginning. As the baby of the family, his sisters never let him forget it. They loved him deeply, protected him fiercely, and spoiled him every chance they got. Family meant everything to Kevin, and he carried that love into every part of his life.

If there was a party, Kevin was definitely in the middle of it making everybody laugh. He was goofy, quick-witted, and always giggling about something. Even on his hardest days, he’d still flash you a genuine smile. Kevin never met a stranger; within minutes he could turn a conversation into a friendship, usually while asking to borrow a light.

He was also the hardest-working man many people knew. Kevin spent much of his life farming and working on a tractor, with a permanent farmer’s tan to prove it. He knew what long days and hard labor looked like, and he wore that life proudly. His favorite things included cutting the grass, watching the Dallas Cowboys on Sundays, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, and fishing on the Hatchie River, all with a cold beer in hand.

Kevin would challenge you to a basketball game wearing jeans and his work boots. He stayed competitive about most things in life, including the fact that he had once been voted “Cutest” in his school yearbook, a title he proudly carried for decades afterward. In true KLove style, he even made sure to leave this world looking his best, getting a fresh haircut the very morning he passed.

More than anything, Kevin will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He made life louder, funnier, and brighter. And whether you knew him for years or only five minutes, you walked away with a story about Kevin.

The world feels quieter without him in it.

Kevin believed deeply in God and Jesus, and his family finds comfort knowing his faith has carried him home. He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed. And there will never be another man quite like him. The family requests that memorials be made to Woodland Baptist Church Disaster Relief or Woodland Baptist Church Ramp Builders, c/o Wilmot Bond, 37 Providence Rd., Denmark, TN 38391. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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

05/13/2026

Millerine Jarrett

Sunrise: August 3, 1953

Sunset: May 10, 2026

Millerine Jarrett, age 72, was born on August 3, 1953, in Brownsville, TN. She passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2026. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Peaceful Chapel MB Church with Rev. James E. Dowell, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at the Hess Cemetery, located on Hwy. 54 N., Brownsville, TN. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, at the Peaceful Chapel MB Church.

She lived a full and vibrant life, quietly touching the hearts of those who knew her. Millerine worked as a material handler at S & R of Ripley, where she dedicated her time and effort. She enjoyed living life to the fullest, with simple pleasures that brought her joy. Shopping, talking to friends, and eating out were among her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Comage (Moses), and her son, Antonio Holloway (Kenyata), both residents of Brownsville, Tennessee. Millerine also leaves behind her brother, Willie Lee Shaw, Jr., and her sisters, Linda Green and Willene Shaw. She was a loving grandmother to Tokarra Holloway, Jamarcus Comage, Corrdarrell Comage, and Shaveon Comage, and a cherished great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren.

Millerine was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Jarrett, her parents, Willie Lee Shaw and Lorine Hess Graves, and her grandchild, Dedra Jarrett.

Millerine Jarrett lived life with warmth and kindness, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for her family and friends. Her presence will be missed, but she will be remembered with fondness and respect. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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05/12/2026

Annette Glidewell Smith

Annette Glidewell Smith, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the Sugar Creek Senior Living Community in Brownsville, TN. Born on August 31, 1950, in Brownsville, Annette spent her life surrounded by the love of family and friends in the community she cherished. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home, with Jonathan Glover officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Annette was very proud of completing cosmetology school and found great joy and fulfillment in her lifelong career as a beautician. Her passion for making others feel beautiful and cared for was a defining part of who she was. She took great pride in caring for her home and faithfully stewarded every blessing the Lord entrusted to her. She carried herself with grace and elegance wherever she went, always looking her best, yet her kindness and humility made everyone feel welcome. Whether speaking with lifelong friends or complete strangers, she had a warm spirit that made people feel seen and valued.

She is survived by her daughters: Angela Yoder (Mark), and Lisa Perry (Mike), of Brownsville, TN; her four grandchildren: Lindsey Glover (Jonathan) of Medina, TN, Lauren Ellington (Jacob) of Brownsville, TN, Nathan Yoder (Kara) of Arlington, TN and Josh Perry (Anna Kate) of Bolivar, TN; and her eight great-grandchildren: Judah, Graham, and Charlotte Glover; Lainey, Molly, Massey, and Macon Ellington; and Caroline Perry, who all brought light and laughter into her life. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Kelso (Larry) of Brownsville, TN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, I.L. and Dorothy Crutchfield Glidewell, her husband Roy “Bubba” Smith, Jr., her son Jamie Smith, and her sister Pam Smith.

Annette's warm spirit and dedication to her family and career will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

View Annette Glidewell Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.