Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens-Murfreesboro, TN, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, TN (2025)

09/09/2025

Maria Elicea Alvarado, age 74, of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Maria was the daughter of the late Cecilio Alvarado and the late Marcelina Martinez and she was preceded in death by her husband, Juvenal Vazquez. She is survived by sons, Rodolfo Vazquez, Francisco Vazquez, Nicolas Vazquez, Paulo Vazquez and Alajandro Vazquez; daughters, Maria Esperanza Vazquez Alvarado, Lorena Vazquez, Ana Vazquez, Leticia Vazquez, Olga Vazquez, Juanita Vazquez and Erika Alvarado; siblings, Martin Alvarado Martinez, Fidencio Alvarado Martinez, Gerardo Alvarado
Martinez, Atanasia Alvarado Martinez and Elena Alvarado Martinez; 32 grandchildren; one great grandchild and her fur baby, Toby. She was preceded in death by siblings, Lidia Alvarado, Piedad Alvarado, Demetrio Alvarado and Santos Alvarado.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon at St. Rose Catholic Church on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129. Visitation will be on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Roselawn Funeral Home and again on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:00 am to11:00 am at Roselawn Funeral Home.
Maria was from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and she loved cooking traditional homemade Mexican food such as tamales, gorditas, Buñuelos, and more. She found great joy in preparing meals for her family, which was her way of showing love. She was passionate about gardening and caring for her plants. She enjoyed exercising at the gym and going for early morning walks outdoors. She also loved shopping with her daughters.

08/28/2025

Cora Mae Womac Kirby, age 97, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, passed away at her home on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Cora was born in Big Spring, TN on May 27, 1928, and grew up in and around Decatur and the Meigs County, TN area. Her family were farmers, but also sold timber, ran a sawmill, and various other enterprises, and her father later served several terms as Meigs County Sheriff. She was the first family member to graduate high
school when she graduated from Meigs County High School, and then went on to attend McKenzie Business College in Chattanooga, TN.
Cora returned to Meigs County after her schooling and worked for several local businesses before landing a job at Oak Ridge National Laboratories in Oak Ridge, TN. She initially traveled with other workers by bus, but later, after housing was built in the new
city, she relocated to Oak Ridge permanently. She was the head of the secretarial pool for one of the sections at Oak Ridge and this is where she eventually met her husband, Bill Kirby, a research scientist who was part of the wartime Manhattan Project. They
eventually relocated to Tullahoma, TN and she took on the important role of fulltime wife and mother. She was full of life, loved to play bridge, sewed beautiful clothes for the family, and chauffeured her children to all the activities that made childhood so
wonderful.
Mrs. Kirby was the daughter of the late Oscar and Hester Crisp Womac and wife of the late William “Bill” Kirby. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Kirby and her husband Ray Linder of Primm Springs, TN; her son, Bill Kirby of Franklin, TN; step daughter, Pegeen Thornton and her husband Bill; grandchildren, Michelle Thornton and Christine Degnan(Michael); great grandchildren, Michael Degnan (Elizabeth), Joshua Degnan(Lindsay), and Rebekah James(Don); great great grandchildren, Ethan Degnan, Isaac Degnan and Hunter James; and niece Debbie Womac Goodwin. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, J.A. and Dot Womac; and niece, Jimmie Lynn Womac Kirkland (Jack).
A graveside service to celebrate Mrs. Kirby will be held on Friday, August 29th at 3:30 pm at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.

08/28/2025

Lee Alan Russell, age 61, passed away on Thursday evening, August 21, 2025. He was the son of Diane E. Russell and the late Ben Fowler Russell. He is survived by his mother, Diane E. Russell and her husband Kenneth E. Parsons; sister, Lori Russell Lee; daughters of Kenneth E. Parsons, Cindy Little and Brenda Clark. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Carl E. Russell who passed away in 1986 and special friends, Bobby and Spanky.

Lee was a 1982 graduate of Smyrna High School, proudly served is country in the United States Navy and was a longtime employee of Rush Truck Center.

Services to celebrate Lee will be at Two O'clock the afternoon of Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Roselawn Funeral Home with urn burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation of family and friends will also be on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from Twelve noon till the service begins at Two O'clock. In lieu of floral tributes, the family asks that donations be made Alive Hospice.

08/28/2025

Eleanor Elizabeth “Nell” Swett, age 91, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, August 23, 2025, at her home. She was the daughter of the late James Andrew and Helen Torrance Spradlin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Gale Paul Swett, who passed away in 2024, son, Dennis Swett; granddaughter, Emily Marzzarella; great granddaughter, Mattison Swett; siblings, James Andrew Spradlin, Jr., John Thomas Spradlin, Helen Louise Gilliam and infant brother, William Ray Spradlin. Mrs. Swett is survived by her children, Paul Swett and his wife Susan of Wellington, KS, Sherry Mundinger and her husband Louis of Sapulpa, OK, Tom Swett and his wife Dawn of Murfreesboro, TN and James Swett and his wife Syrenna of Smyrna, TN; sister, Mary Hahn of Birmingham, AL; 27 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Service to celebrate Mrs. Swett will be at One O’clock the afternoon of Monday, September 1, 2025, at Roselawn Funeral Home with placement in the Roselawn Mausoleum to follow. Visitation will also be on Monday, September 1, 2025, from Twelve O’clock until the service begins at One O’clock.

Mrs. Swett was born in Jacksonville, Illinois and had over a 50 year career as a Registered Nurse, specializing in Obstetrics.

06/30/2025

Ada Jane Harvin was born February 24th, 2024, in Murfreesboro, TN. Ada passed peacefully in her sleep the night of June 26th, 2025, after a day spent cuddling and watching movies. During her 16 months & 2 days, Ada lived a life full of reading, dancing, pianoing, sharing, cuddling, hugging, patting, peek-a-booing, high-fiving, grocery shopping, clapping, waving at fish & giraffes, riding in her Cozy Coupe, being outside, making dolphin noises, and practicing Ada’s version of Pacman.
When Ada walked, she ran. When Ada danced, her whole body grooved. When Ada ate mac and cheese, she consumed. When Ada washed her hands, it was for 20 minutes. Ada’s maturity impressed her daycare teachers, as did her stink eye: she was judgmental until you passed her inspection, then she was sweet and silly. Ada enjoyed visiting the Hall of Presidents at Disney World and the Tiki Room at Disneyland during the time she was here with us.
We hope you learn from Ada’s sudden departure that you never know just how much time you have, so spend your time joyfully on one another. Ada will be greatly missed by so many, particularly by her parents, Sarah & Taylor, her “doggies”, Lilo & Jojo, her “pretty kitty cats”, Kylo & Meeko, and her baby sister, due in November.
Dress joyfully in your Sunday best and join us at Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens (5350 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129) on Saturday, July 5th at 10 am Central Time (livestream available concurrently on Roselawn’s page). Reception to immediately follow celebrating Ada’s life. In lieu of flowers, let’s continue Ada’s mark on the world: Ada loved books, doggies and giraffes. Consider making donations in Ada’s name to your local library, your local animal shelter, or to one of Ada’s favorite places, the Nashville Zoo at https://www.nashvillezoo.org/?form=FUNMEWCJFJW or https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/31USN81S90T5W for Animal Enrichment.

06/18/2025

Mrs. Katie Juanita Freeman, wife of Dr. Gordon L. “Buddy” Freeman Jr, passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, June 13, 2025, at her residence in Clarksville, Tennessee, surrounded by her family as the sun set. Born on March 7, 1938, she was one of twelve children raised in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. Mrs. Freeman was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
She attended Hay Long High School, where she excelled in three-on-three girls basketball until her junior year. She subsequently graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1956. Mrs. Freeman was employed as a secretary and acquired skills that she utilized throughout her career, culminating in her role as a Senior Support Specialist in Multimedia Communications at Northern Telecom/Nortel/Nortel Networks until her retirement. Juanita maintained an active lifestyle, playing softball into her 60s and tennis into her 70s, with notable achievement including competing in a senior doubles national championship in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2011.
She held deep love for Buddy, her family, and most profoundly, her faith in Jesus Christ. Mrs. Freeman enjoyed outdoor activities, tending to her beautiful flowers—welcoming butterflies and bees to their garden. She was an animal lover, especially caring for their dog, Able, along with other animals. Her gracious hospitality was evident in the delicious meals she prepared for family holidays and gatherings. After serving desserts and coffee during these occasions, she could be found enjoying fellowship.
Mrs. Freeman and her husband were dedicated to their church, as well as supporting school and sporting events for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She delighted in time spent with family; it was her greatest joy. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, loving laughter, adoring compliments and words of admiration. They will be cherished forever by those whom she loved so dearly.
Mr. and Mrs. Freeman enjoyed participating in events at Middle Tennessee State University, where Buddy served as a professor for 38 years, as well as engaging with their church community where they attended for twenty years. They resided in Murfreesboro for decades before relocating to Clarksville to be closer to their family.
Mrs. Freeman was preceded in death by her parents, the late Thomas Sydney and Eunice Murphy Logue Norman; her brothers Howard, Leroy (Blackie), Billy, and Jerry Norman; her sisters Jewell Grooms, Ann Tarpley, Sharon Sain, Nadine Brogan, Wanda Fly; and her son, Thomas Gerald “Jerry” Morris. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 36 years, Dr. Gordon L. “Buddy” Freeman; her daughters, Andrea Kay and Tina David; grandchildren, Ashley (Andrew) Kasper, Rachael (Aaron) Parker, Katie (Chris) Childs, Jenny (Mario) Garzmann, Chyanne David, and Dillon David; great-grandchildren, Avery, Ansleigh, Arden, Anthony, Sadie, Henry, Blaze, Charlie, Clay, Sophie, Nora, Luca, Leo, and Jewell; and sisters, Sara Dale and Faye Woods.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Freeman will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Roselawn Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will serve as pallbearers. Friends are cordially invited to visitation also on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 9:30 am till the service begins at 11:30 am.

06/18/2025

Carol Helen (Wennstrom) Wilson, age 91, of Murfreesboro, passed away on June 16, 2025. Carol was born on March 16, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in downtown Chicago with her parents, Pearl and Harry Wennstrom, and her two younger siblings, Christine and Kenneth. As a teenager, Carol enjoyed competing in speed ice skating and attending Chicago Cubs games for just 25 cents a seat.

Carol met her late husband, Charles “Chuck” Wilson, while he was stationed at Fort Sill during the Korean War. Their love story began when Chuck’s sister, Frances, wrote to him about her neighbor Carol. A courtship blossomed through a series of heartfelt letters, and once they met in person, Carol and Chuck were quickly engaged and married on March 27, 1954. They started a family soon after. Their oldest daughter, Dawn, was born in July 1955, followed by Karen in September 1956, and their youngest daughter, Kim, in 1963. A gracious, loving, and selfless mother, Carol devoted her life to raising her family.

In the 1990s, Carol and Chuck moved to Tennessee following Chuck’s retirement. For thirty years, Carol enjoyed swimming in their backyard pool, tending to her rose garden, and watching John Wayne movies. After Chuck’s passing in 2020, Carol moved into an independent living facility, where she quickly made friends by playing cards and dancing the jitterbug at social events.

Above all else, Carol was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, lovingly known as "GG." She was happiest watching her babies play, whether in person or over FaceTime. She was the glue that held her family together and will be dearly missed by each and every one of them, especially without her delightfully off-key renditions of “Happy Birthday.”
Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Charles, by her siblings, Christine and Kenneth. She is survived by her three daughters: Dawn (Jeff) Adcock, Karen (Danny) Yeager, and Kim Alden; five grandchildren: Alicia (Carl) Williamson, Jefferson (Eve) Adcock, Nicole (Garrett) Heim, Ashley (David) Poss, and Johnny (Rachel) Alden; and eleven great-grandchildren: Zoe and Elle Williamson, Tyler, Holt, and Adelaide Adcock, Emerson, Avery, Zari, and Tyson Heim, and Carolyn and Charley Poss.

06/06/2025

Earl Dyer, age 88, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away the morning of Friday, June 6, 2025, at Alive Hospice. Mr. Dyer was the son of the late Jim Henry and Rose Dyer. Mr. Dyer was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Dyer, who died in 2018; infant son, Danny Dyer; grandson, Daniel Harrell; and great granddaughter, Ashlyn Jones. He is survived by daughters, Teresa Jones and Penny Dyer; sons, Justin Dyer and wife Jennifer and Teddy Dyer and wife Sheila; 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was also preceded by several brothers and sisters.
The service to celebrate Mr. Dyer will be at Twelve noon on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Roselawn Funeral Home with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are invited to visitation Monday, June 9, 2025, from Four O’clock till Eight O’clock also at Roselawn Funeral Home.
Mr. Dyer was the former owner of Middle Tennessee Pallet Company and had worked at Better Bilt and the Federal Copper and Aluminum Plant in the College Grove Community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to assist them with medical cost.

05/12/2025

Bertrum Ray “Bert” Scott, Jr., age 76, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, went home to be with Jesus Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, at The Rutherford Memory Care. Bert is preceded in death by his parents Mary Ellen (McCoy) and Bertrum Ray Scott, Sr., his brother Jim Scott and his son, Bertrum Ray “Butch” Scott, III. He is survived by his wife, Patricia B. “Patsy” Scott; daughter, Brigitte Corley and her husband Chris; grandchildren, Christian Corley, Chase Corley and Ashley South; siblings, Sharon Holloway and her husband Ron, Bev Jeffries, Janet Ashley and her husband Phil, Sandy Ward and her husband Lee, and Greg Scott and his wife Teresa, special uncle, Delbert McCoy; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Bert and Patsy met at Johnson Bible College and were married June 1, 1969. He graduated from JBC in 1970 and in 1984 received his Masters from MTSU. Bert ministered for over 50 years at churches in Eden, NC, Newport, TN, and Murfreesboro Christian Church. He was honored to share God’s Word from the pulpit, perform weddings, funerals, and participate in camps, and revivals.

Bert enjoyed golfing and traveling to see family and friends. Being raised in Kansas, he was a fan of the KC Chiefs and KU Jayhawks.

A service to celebrate Bert’s life will be at 2:00 the afternoon of Monday, May 12, 2025 at Roselawn Funeral Home and visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to:
Mountain Mission School
1760 Edgewater Dr.
Grundy, VA 24621
Or
Johnson University
7900 Johnson Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37998

05/01/2025

Edward Arnold Burgin, Sr. known fondly as "Skip" to his family and friends, left on his final journey on April 28, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on February 2, 1950, in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Edward made his home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he spent his later years surrounded by loved ones, friends, and cherished memories.

Skip was a man of many adventures and achievements. After serving honorably in the Navy, he returned home to care for his family, a testament to his unwavering loyalty and love. On January 7, 1970, he married Judy, the love of his life, and together they built a family that became the center of his world. As a father to Michelle and Eddie, Skip took immense pride in his children, guiding them with his easy-going nature and infectious smile.

A successful businessman, Skip owned and operated E.A. Burgin & Son, a venture that allowed him to pass on his values of hard work and dedication. Later in life, he experienced a profound moment of joy when his grandson, Jeremiah baptized him—a testament to Skip’s faith and a special bond they shared.

Skip's personality was as refreshing as a cold Coors Light, his preferred drink of choice. Known for his laid-back attitude and warm heart, he was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a true friend. Whether sharing stories or simply sitting back with a laugh, Skip’s presence was a comfort to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Edward Burgin and Dolly Jean Ellis, his beloved wife Judy Ray Burgin, and his son, Edward Arnold Burgin, Jr. Skip leaves behind his sister, Donna Brock, and his daughter, Michelle Lampitt (Tim) and grandsons Daniel, Dylan, Jeremiah, Owen, and granddaughter Devin and eight great grandchildren.

To honor Skip's memory, a visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1st, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Roselawn Funeral Home in Murfreesboro. The service will take place on Friday, May 2nd, at 12:00 pm.

In true Skip fashion, we ask that instead of flowers, friends and family raise a cold bottle of Coors Light in his memory. As his late son Eddie so perfectly put it, “the Skipper, the midnight tripper, the Coors Light sipper…the skipper!” Here’s to you, Skip. Cheers to a life well-lived and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

03/24/2025

Donald L. Smithson was born in York, PA to Wallace & Maude Smithson of Norrisville. MD. He was preceded in death by both his parents from Norrisville, MD and his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Mike Day, also from Norrisville.

Donnie enjoyed fishing and hunting, but his favorite past time was the horses. He spent time training flat shod walking horses and did well in the show ring. Atfer he stopped training & showing walking horses, he started breeding his mares & raising babies. He spent many hours going to the barn to check on his mares. He loved to be there when the babies were born.

Donnie retired from Brown's Body Shop in Shelbyville, TN. He enjoyed working with those guys for a number of years and was one of the best auto painters in the industry.

Donnie left behind his wife of over 45 years, Trisha Smithson. He also left his daughter, Danelle Bosley in PA, his son, Craig Smithson and daughter-in-law, Kendra Smithson, of Murfreesboro, TN. In addition to his wife and children, Donnie had 6 grand kids, Tyler Stambaugh, Brooke Arney, Savannah Bosley, and Tucker Bosley all of PA and Lucas Smithson of Murfreesboro, TN. He also had one great grandchild, Delaney Arney.

At Donnie's request, no services will be held. He would prefer that donations be made to the St. Jude's hospital in his memory.

03/19/2025

Michael W. Moores, age 79, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Michael was born on August 9, 1945, in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Theodore and Mary Barton Dickens Moores. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Ted Moores, Sr. (Elinor Clark), Theodore Barton Moores (Latricia Gasser), Mary Ann Moores Parrilla (Moises Parrilla) and close nephew, Richard Ted Moores, Jr (Sue Green).
Michael is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nannette Davidson Moores; daughters, Melissa Elizabeth Moores and Amanda Claire Moores. He is also survived by many treasured nieces and nephews including Katie Moores Waymouth, Stevie Moores McHenry, Barton Moores, Steven Drewry, Kirk Drewry, Bethzaida Moores Parrilla, Michael Leech, Elliott Davidson and Dustin Davidson (the late Richard G. Moores, Martha Moores, Scotty Moores and Lee Douglas Moores). Special great niece and nephew, Patricia Moores Holly and William Moores and their wonderful children.
Michael was an educator for over 40 years and received a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Middle Tennessee State University. His hobbies included reading, gardening, playing numerous musical instruments and traveling. Michael was a devout Christian and an avid animal and nature lover.
A special thanks to the caregivers of NHC Murfreesboro, Caris Hospice and Adams Place for the infinite compassion you provided over the years.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to readtosucceed.org, the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, from Twelve Noon until the Memorial Service begins at Two O’clock at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.

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