George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home

10/17/2025

Mattie Sue Johnson Roark passed quietly and peacefully from this life on October 16, 2025, after several weeks of illness. She was two and a half weeks away from celebrating her 94th birthday.

Born in 1931, Sue was raised in the historic mill village of Bemis, Tennessee. With the exception of living six years in Malesus, TN, Sue spent her whole life in her beloved Bemis, where she graduated from Bemis High School.

After high school, Sue worked at Central Service in Jackson, TN, until she married Joe Roark and they started a family. Sue was always working to help others. Girl Scout Leader and Substitute Teacher (for the school system) were just two of her titles, and she provided ongoing help with numerous projects at Malesus United Methodist Church for many years. Sue was a member of the South Madison County Jayceettes, and a Charter and dedicated member and officer of the Bemis Historical Society. She served as a volunteer at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital for 20 years.

When her youngest son, Andy, joined the Memphis Blues Drum & Bugle Corps, Sue volunteered as a cook for the group and traveled with them to many states and Canada. Those times remained some of her fondest memories.

The years brought other opportunities for Sue. When the Bemis Post Office was in danger of being closed, she made sure petitions were signed and protested with others in front of the building (landing her picture in the newspaper). The post office remains open to this day. When the Olympic torch came through Jackson, Sue was there and got to hold it.

One of Sue’s biggest adventures happened in her 80’s. She flew for the first time – all the way to Belgium! She was able to see where her brother H.C. Johnson’s plane went down during WWII, and met the brave woman who helped to smuggle him out of German-occupied Belgium and put him on a 54-day trek back to England and the U.S. Sue also corresponded for many years with another family in Belgium who hid her brother on his journey home.

Those who knew Sue will remember her best for her quick wit, kindness to others and commitment to family. She will be best remembered as a beloved wife and mother.

Sue was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Joe Roark; son Joseph Allen (Gina); parents Floyd Wellington Johnson and Martha Ivar Wilson Johnson of Bemis, TN; brothers Floyd (Helen), H.C., David; and sisters Alma Kate Rush (J.L.), Shirley Watlington (John) and Vivian Rogers. She is survived by her daughter Anita Ruth (Michael), son David Andrew, sister Joann Ragan Longmire, three step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The Roark family would like to express thanks to all who cared for Sue at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and West Tennessee Post Acute during the last months of her life. They especially thank the UT team of doctors who worked tirelessly to treat every illness that developed and provided great support and compassion for the family as well as their patient.

Visitation with the family will be at George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home South on Monday, October 20, from 1-3PM. A private interment for family will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bemis Historical Society, P.O. Box 9266, Jackson, TN 38314-9266, or to a charity of your choosing.

Celebrate the life of Sue Roark, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/16/2025

Phillip Wade Camp, age 69, of Beech Bluff, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Phillip was born October 30, 1955 in Las Vegas, NV.

He was preceded in death by his wife and companion, Deborah Mashburn; his parents, Helen and Jerry Camp; and his grandmother, Emily Camp.

He is survived by his two daughters, Robin Camp and April Camp Pittman (Nick); seven grandchildren, Brice Pruitt, Tyler Pruitt, Colton Pruitt, Ethan Jarrett, Tana Camp, Jessica Pittman, Katie Pittman Hunt, and Blake Pittman; he also leaves behind six grandchildren.

Celebrate the life of Phillip Camp, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/16/2025

NOTICE: Services for Howard Vestal are postponed at this time and will be held at a later date.

Celebrate the life of Howard Vestal, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/15/2025

Ann Fumbanks Mayo passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. She was a faithful Christian, loving mother, wife and grandmother. Those who knew her and were lucky enough to call her Mom, Annie or friend were lucky indeed!

Ann made and provided a wonderful, welcome, comfortable home for her husband and children. Her home was one of laughter and music, conversation and really good food, and, above all, much love! Lambuth students and faculty were welcomed monthly for the student LIT group, and English majors and faculty came every Christmas for an Open House with a delicious buffet spread - crabbies and broccoli & cheese dip were favorites (Charles and Ann’s children would come after to clean out the leftovers!). Never was a caterer used for Lambuth gatherings, Dinner Club evenings with laughter and friends, or any family gatherings. Ann prepared it all beautifully and was a warm and friendly hostess. The house was decorated for each holiday, and the grandchildren LOVED the unique, funny gifts in their stockings every Christmas Eve after church. Yearly, the Thanksgiving table included someone or several who had no one with whom to celebrate the holiday. Ann was an active and involved band parent, too, frying fair food yearly for the Tigrett or JCM band stand at the Jackson fair. Even though she could barely hem a pair of pants, Ann helped the dancers at every Ballet Arts production when her daughter danced. She was the loudest voice, too, at her sons’ church league basketball games (just ask Ben)! In short, she was a mom, a wife, and a friend, who welcomed all to her table – like so many others, but not. Anyone who knew Ann has a story to tell that always includes the way she made them feel – welcomed, nurtured, heard.

Ann was born on July 16, 1940, and was raised in McKenzie, Tennessee, the daughter of Guy and Virginia Fumbanks. She was a loving daughter to wonderful parents and enjoyed cheering and playing the drums in the marching band. After graduating from McKenzie High School, Ann attended Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College). While in college, Ann was a member & Vice President of Tri Delta Sorority, treasurer of the Student Council, Miss Southwestern at Memphis, Kappa Alpha Fraternity Rose and named a Lynx yearbook Beauty each year. After graduating with a degree in education, Ann taught elementary school in Memphis at Maury Elementary School. While home for a visit, Ann met Charles W. Mayo and the two fell in love and married within six months.

Ann and her husband lived in Nashville and Milan while starting their family and Charles furthered his education. They moved to Jackson in 1968 when Charles began his teaching career at Lambuth. Ann taught at Lambuth Memorial Playschool and First Presbyterian Church preschool when her children were young.

Ann and Charles joined First Presbyterian Church when they moved to Jackson. Charles taught Sunday School for decades, and Ann was on the front row of every class. She served as a Deacon and an Elder on the Session, and she took part in and enjoyed the Women of the Church and Circle groups.

A very important part of Ann’s life was PEO – Philanthropic Education Organization, a sisterhood that helps women advance through education. Ann was a member of Chapter Y in Jackson and served as President. Her sisters in PEO were her dearest friends!

After their children had all entered college, Ann began a career as the Public Guardian for the Elderly for the Southwest TN Development District & the Southwest TN Area on Aging & Disability. She served as the Conservator for Southwest TN for over twenty years until her retirement. During her tenure, she spoke at national conferences and received the Liberty Bell Award from Judge Christy R. Little at Law Day in Jackson.

Ann Mayo was preceded in death by her true love and husband, Dr. Charles W. Mayo; her beloved son, Clay; and her parents, Guy & Virginia Fumbanks.

She is survived by her son, Ben Mayo (Dawn); daughter, Ginny Brimm (Tom); her grandchildren: Brooks (Lydia) and Banks Mayo (Clay); Dylan, Drew and Trey Mayo (Ben); and Charlie & Stella Crenshaw (Ginny); and her great-grandson, Dean Clayton (Brooks).

A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, TN on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will immediately follow the service in the church’s Memorial Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to First Presbyterian Church, the G.G. Bray Scholarship Memorial Fund at P.E.O., Chapter Y, or the Dr. Charles W. Mayo Endowment Scholarship at the University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus in Jackson.

Service arrangements will be provided by George A. Smith & Sons, First Presbyterian Church and the Women of the Church.

Celebrate the life of Ann Mayo, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/14/2025

Brenda Willoughby Elder, age 79, of Bolivar, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025.

She was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on March 13, 1946, to the late Woodrow and Bessie Hammers Willoughby.

Brenda had a heart for helping others and dedicated 25 years of service to Lifeline Blood Services before retiring early. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—collecting Avon jewelry, browsing flea markets, and watching Hallmark movies. However, her greatest joy came from singing on the worship team at church, where she loved sharing her faith through song.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jimmy Elder, and her parents.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Teresa Montgomery (Terry); granddaughter, Sarah Montgomery; and step-grandsons, Dustin and Griffin Montgomery.

Funeral services will be held at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel on Wednesday, October 15th. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 noon. The committal service will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, Tennessee.

Brenda will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the love she shared so freely with everyone she met.

Celebrate the life of Brenda Elder, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/14/2025

Funeral services for Timothy Kurt Hicks will be held on Friday, October 17th, 2025 at 1:00pm at the George A. Smith and Sons South Chapel on South Highland Avenue with Brent Pearce officiating. Interment will follow at Ararat Baptist Church Cemetery following the service.

Mr. Hicks died of natural causes on October 9th, 2025 at his residence at 222 Dustin Drive in Jackson.

He was born November 25, 1974 in Jackson, Tennessee the son of the late

James Wallace and Mary Elizabeth Burcham Hicks of Jackson, Tennessee.

He had been a welder for several years with J&J Cupples machine shop and also Mid South machine shop as well as several odd jobs over the years.

He is survived by his brother, Jerry Anthony (Tony) Hicks and his sister-in-law Holley Renee (Terry) Hicks of Beech Bluff, Tennessee and his former wife Karen Jones of Henderson, Tennessee.

He attended school at Jackson Christian School and Southside High School back in the 80s and 90s. He later acquired his G.E.D. from the state of Tennessee.

He played Little League Baseball with several local teams in the 80s. He raced dirt track cars at several speedway in the area. He was an avid baseball fan of the Atlanta Braves, he followed the Tennessee Titans of the NFL, and was a huge fan of the Crimson Tide of Alabama in NCAA College Football.

Pallbearers will be Clint Blackwell, Benji Horne, Elliot Chandler, John McCaskill, and Dave Thomas.

The family will receive friends Thursday, October 16th, 2025 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at George A. Smith and Sons South Chapel.

Celebrate the life of Timothy Hicks, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/11/2025

Celebrating the life of Ann Robbin’s Phillips

10/10/2025

Hubert Brooks Clayton, age 82, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, following heart surgery.

Born in Kevil, Kentucky, on March 27, 1943, Brooks was the beloved son of Hubert Farris and Mary Lorraine (Brooks) Clayton. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—known for his patience, warmth, integrity, and lifelong commitment to God, his church, his family, and his business.

Brooks was the proud owner of Mid-South Color Labs in Jackson, TN, which he led for over 40 years with dedication and care. His leadership and vision shaped the company into both a trusted name and a close-knit workplace family. Under his guidance, Mid-South Color Labs provides professional photographic finishing services that reach far beyond West Tennessee. He and his team create works of art that garner respect from clients across the US and beyond. In true Brooks spirit, he continued to lead the company full time up until the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda McGee Clayton; his siblings Paul Clayton, Elaine Weatherford, and Martha McLaughlin; and several in-laws who were dear to him. He is survived by his children, Kathryn Lee Clayton of Memphis, TN, and Douglass Brooks Clayton (Jenny) of Franklin, TN; his grandchildren, Jackson and William, both of Franklin, TN; his siblings, John (Doris) Clayton of Brentwood, TN, Mary Douglass of Brentwood, TN, Hope Koebbe of Kirkwood, MO; and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Clayton of Brentwood, TN.

A service to celebrate Brooks’ life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. A private interment for family will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to First United Methodist Church, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Clayton family.

He will be missed beyond measure.

Celebrate the life of Brooks Clayton, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/07/2025

Roy Milton McCoy, Sr., age 78, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. Born December 4, 1946, in Humboldt, TN, Roy lived a life marked by hard work, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

Roy was a certified mechanic for Exxon and a lifelong entrepreneur, owning and operating several successful businesses throughout Florida and Tennessee. Later in life, he turned his talents to painting, founding multiple painting companies and earning a reputation as a top business owner in the field. Roy worked with passion and purpose up until his final days—a true testament to his enduring work ethic.

More than just a skilled mechanic and painter, Roy was a man who loved deeply and gave freely. He had a love for the open road and often rode his motorcycle alongside his first wife, Kathy. The two would take off on Fridays just to see where the road would take them. He participated in many dice runs and rallies, riding to raise money for children and families in need—a cause close to his heart.

Roy loved his westerns, teaching his grandchildren songs (some of which got them called to the school), and spending cherished time with his family. He was known for his big heart, quick wit, and incredible talent as a self-taught musician. Roy sang and played guitar beautifully, often sharing his music in church, where he also shared his deep love for the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Louise and Joseph W. McCoy; his wives, Kathy M. McCoy and Judy D. McCoy; his daughter, Malissa McCoy Chappell; four grandchildren, David Nelson, Jana Chappell, Jordan Chappell, and Rynne Robinson; and his brothers, Billy Joseph McCoy and Kay McCoy.

Roy leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his children: daughters Tammie McCoy Robinson (Douglas) of Lexington, TN, and Tracey Patrick (Bobby) of Loveland, CO; and sons Roy McCoy Jr. of Jackson, TN, and Jerry McCoy of Waverly, TN. His memory will also live on through his many grandchildren: Lisa McCay, Jennifer Mitchell, Nicholas Thomas, Chance Chappell, Steve Nelson, Chis Patrick, Megan Patrick, Sebastian L. McCoy, Brently McCoy Williams, Bailey McCoy Williams, and Spencer McCoy Williams; as well as numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Carlos McCoy, and sister, Doris McCoy.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. An escorted procession will follow to the Mausoleum Chapel at Highland Memorial Gardens for a cryptside service at 1:00 p.m., with entombment immediately following.

Pallbearers to serve will be Douglas Robinson, Gage Thomas, Sebastian McCoy, Justin Estep, Roy McCoy, Jr. and Aiden Brooks.

Roy was a man who worked hard, loved harder, and lived with purpose. His legacy is one of strength, laughter, music, and devotion—and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Celebrate the life of Roy McCoy, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/06/2025

Permelia “Pam” Wallace, age 89, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025.

Pam was born on October 21, 1935, in Lexington, Tennessee, to Hulon and Etta Franklin.

Pam was married to the love of her life, Cliff Wallace, and together they shared many happy years. One of her fondest memories was being pulled around the house in a little red wagon by Cliff when she was five years old—often joined by her brother, Powell.

Pam was an artist in every sense of the word. She loved painting, calligraphy, and rubber stamping, and she found beauty in antiques and anything homemade. Over the years, she painted hundreds of beautiful pictures.

She worked as a ward clerk at Jackson General Hospital before owning The Jackson Florist, which she operated for eight years.

Pam was active in her community, serving as President of the West Tennessee Decorative Painters, as an officer of the Eastern Star, and as a member of the Jackson Business Women’s Association. She also served as Secretary of the St. Mary’s Bowling League.

One of her proudest accomplishments was painting a Christmas ornament that was displayed on the White House Christmas Tree and is now housed in the Smithsonian Institution—a lasting testament to her talent and creativity.

Above all else, Pam’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Linda Lodes (husband Jack, deceased) and Randy Wallace (wife Karen). Her proudest moments were the births of her children—though she would often joke that “of course, she liked Randy the best.”

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ella (Tootsie) Franklin and was preceded in death by her siblings Wilma Wallace (husband Audean), infant brother Franklin, Powell Franklin, Betty Jo Middleton, and Sue Garner (husband Herbert).

Pam was the proud grandmother of Whitney Wallace; Casey (Kimmer), Cliff (Whitney), and Crissy Lodes; and Shelley Jelinek (Martin).

Her great-grandchildren are Whitten Lodes, Wryland Lodes, Samantha Courtney (Kip), and Jarod Jelinek. She was also blessed with one great-great-grandchild, Casey Courtney. She also has numerous nieces and nephews.

Pam will be remembered for her kindness, humor, and artistic spirit.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., on October, 10, 2025 at George A. Smith & Sons North Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Exchange Club–Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in her memory.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Celebrate the life of Permelia Wallace, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

10/06/2025

Dennis Franklin Hays II, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on October 5, 2025, at the age of 63. He was born on July 15, 1962, in Jackson, Tennessee.

Dennis was a man of many talents and deep passions. An avid duck hunter, he found joy and peace in the early morning stillness of the water, often accompanied by his loyal hunting dog, Tar. When not in the field, he enjoyed woodworking — skillfully crafting beautiful duck decoys and duck calls that reflected both his artistry and love for the outdoors.

A proud third-generation plumber, Dennis carried on his family’s legacy as the owner and operator of Hays Plumbing, Heating and Air. His dedication, work ethic, and integrity earned him the respect and trust of countless customers and friends throughout the community.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leroy and Lucille Hays and Annie and Toy Allen.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Debbi Dodsworth Hays; his father, Dennis Hays (Jackie); his mother, Sandra Allen Berry; his brother, Perry Hays; sisters, Elizabeth Hays Grays (Sara), Kimberly Hays Finlay (Ian), and Nanci Colon (Larry); and his step-siblings, Michelle Singleton (Darrell), Melinda Burke (Michael), Elizabeth Stuessy, and Lori Knight.

A graveside service celebrating Dennis’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Parkburg Cemetery near Pinson, with burial to follow.

Dennis will be remembered for his skilled hands, generous heart, and steadfast love for family, friends, and the simple beauty of a day spent outdoors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Kirkland Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Celebrate the life of Dennis Hays II, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.