Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens-Murfreesboro, TN

11/01/2025

Martha Jo Campbell Messick was born January 16, 1935, in Copley, Ohio. She was a graduate of Huntington High School and attended business college in Nashville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse James Messick; parents, Buford and Mary Campbell; brother, Tommy Campbell; and grandson, Jacob McKinley Messick.

She is survived by her four children: Trent and wife Laura Messick, Melanie and husband Howard Malone, Brian and wife Melinda Messick, and Jennifer and husband Don Farley; twelve grandchildren: Caralyn (Todd) Ignatz, Meagan (Jason) Dow, Brandon (Brooklyn) Messick, Erin Malone, Esther (Wesley) Reznicek, Molly Malone, Katie (Clay) Jarrell, Grace (Andy) Michael, Jesse (Rachael) Messick, Brett (Keirstin) Farley, James (Abbey) Farley, and Seth Farley; and twenty great-grandchildren.

Martha was first and foremost a follower of Jesus, receiving Him as her Savior at a revival service at age 10. Her greatest joy and calling was passing her faith on to her family and to others. She also possessed a remarkable gift of hospitality.

Martha loved family, friends, music, sewing, organizing, fashion, decorating, gardening, cooking, Bible study, and card playing, among many other things. Her family was her life, and she showed it by making her home warm and welcoming to all and by preparing delicious homemade meals that brought people together.

She loved the church and served faithfully through children's choir, adult choir, Vacation Bible School, and ministry to widows and single women. She was intelligent and gifted in business, demonstrated through her years of co-ownership and management of Martin Rexall Drugs and Messick Homecare, where she served as bookkeeper and administrator.

Everyone who knew Martha recognized her grace, beauty, and love - a legacy rooted in her steadfast faith in Christ.

Services to celebrate Mrs. Messick will be at One O’clock the afternoon of Friday, November 7, 2025, at One Church Calvary, 431 Dejarnette Lane, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130, with Howard Malone officiating. Family will receive friends also on Friday, November 7, 2025, from Eleven O’clock in the morning until the service begins at One O’clock. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Stones River Manor, 205 Haynes Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.

10/13/2025

Walter Vernon Crouch, Sr., age 85, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025. Mr. Crouch was the son of the late James Horton and Lola Francis Ray Crouch. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janice Diana Caynor Crouch; sons, Mark Aaron Crouch and his wife, Annie of Murfreesboro, Christopher Shane Crouch and his wife Mylitta of Hendersonville and Walter Vernon Crouch, II and his wife Jammie of Spring Hill, FL; eleven grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter; brother, David Lawrence Crouch of Land O’ Lakes, FL and soul surviving aunt, Mary Louise Barbon. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Horton Crouch, Jr.
Service to celebrate Mr. Crouch will be at Three O’clock the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129. Visitation will also be on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from One O’clock until the service begins at Three O'clock at Roselawn Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at 2:30pm Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, 9090 TN Highway 100, Nashville, Tennessee 37221.

10/10/2025

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.