West Harpeth Funeral Home & Crematory

05/09/2025

Francisca Jewell Farrar

Francisca Jewell Farrar, affectionately known as “Chita,” passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was 71 years old. Born on October 4, 1953, in Nashville, Tennessee, Chita’s life was a radiant example of generosity, intelligence, and fierce independence. She touched countless lives as a nurse, educator, loving mother, devoted wife, and cherished friend.From the beginning, Chita was a force to be reckoned with. After graduating as a nurse in 1975, she continued her journey in education, earning her Master’s degree as a Mental Health Nurse Clinician in 1980, and then her PhD in Higher Education Administration in 1984, all from Vanderbilt University. Chita’s passion for learning was matched only by her dedication to sharing her knowledge with others. These accomplishments paved the way for an illustrious career that wove together hands-on nursing, academia, and administration. Her career blossomed at Austin Peay State University, where she rose to become Director of Nursing, inspiring generations of students with her expertise, warmth, and tireless work ethic.

Chita married Benny Farrar in 1975, welcoming his children, David and Cindy, as her own, before the family grew with the birth of her daughters Ashley and Lisa. Despite her demanding professional life (often juggling two or three jobs at a time) family was always at the center of her universe. She took enormous pride in each of her children and grandchildren, nurturing their dreams, celebrating achievements, and offering her boundless support.

Known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor, Chita often delighted in sharing little jokes and stories. Her laughter and spirit could light up any room. Her students, too, knew her as someone they could count on. She was famous for answering the phone at all hours to help with papers and projects, for remembering the details of their lives, and for never giving up on anyone.

Chita’s professional accomplishments were accompanied by her scholarly contributions; she published several research papers in prominent medical journals, a few co-authored with her daughter Ashley, who followed her mother’s footsteps into nursing.

An adventurer at heart, Chita loved to travel, often combining her passion for work, teaching, and exploration. She created treasured memories with her daughters during family vacations, whether renting cabins in Gatlinburg, enjoying the magic of Dollywood and Disneyworld, or traveling abroad through Europe and Ireland. Her zest for life and adventure was matched by her love for good conversation, southern cooking, and the company of loved ones.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Tori), Ashley, and Cindy; her son, David (Roxanne); and her brother, Mike (Janelle), along with many nieces, nephews, grand children, and even great-grandchildren. Chita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benny, and her little brother, Herman.

A service honoring Chita’s life will be held at West Harpeth Funeral Home on September 21st, 2025, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Tennessee Nurses Foundation to continue her enduring legacy of compassion and excellence.

Chita’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, former students, and all those whose lives she touched with her generosity, laughter, and unwavering support. She taught us all what it means to live with spirit and to care with the fullest heart.

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04/09/2025

Patsy Ward

Patsy Eyler Ward of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away at Alive Hospice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, while surrounded by her family. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a devoted and loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother who devoted her life to providing a nurturing and loving home for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Myrtle Hawk Eyler; brothers, Charles Eyler, Denver Eyler and Morgan Eyler; and by sisters, Evelyn Poore, Geraldine Thomas and Myree Palmer.

Patsy is survived by her devoted husband of seventy-one years, William M. Ward; her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kim Ward of Wilmington, NC; her daughter Suzanne Givens of Sharpsburg, GA; her daughter and son-in-law Trish and Emmett Bane of Nashville, TN; six grandchildren, Garrett Ward (Sarah) of Wilmington, NC; William Bane (Tia) of Alexandria, VA; Alexa Ward of Golden, CO; Patsy Doedtman (Adam) of Indianapolis, IN; Isabella Bane of Nashville, TN; and Sophie Gallier (Devon) of Montgomery, TX; and three great grandchildren, Evelyn Ward, Selah Gallier, and Arthur Bane.

The family would like to recognize the wonderful and loving caregivers that provided such great care to Patsy - Shannon Barker, Jackie Clay, Christie Colley, Dominique Hanserd, Sherron Haywood, Ginese Evans, Sylvia Haworth, Sue Yates, Velma Barr, and Lois Leonard.

The family will receive visitors from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Monday, September 8 at Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St, Bristol, VA 24201, followed by a graveside burial at Glenwood Cemetery, 839 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, TN 37620.

In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org.

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27/08/2025

Simon Thinh Tan Pham

Simon Thinh Tan Pham, 64, of Nashville, TN passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory, 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. Visitation and prayer will be at West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Funeral mass will be held at Saint Pius X Catholic Church on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 8:00 AM, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. A full obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

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27/08/2025

Our sister location, Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center has such great options for placement of a loved one who has chosen to be cremated. Thank you, John, for showing us this special place.

26/08/2025

James Randall Hillin Jr.

James R. Hillin Jr., 71, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory, 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. Full obituary and service information will be published as soon as it becomes available.

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25/08/2025

Barry Lee Hearn

Barry Lee Hearn, born on May 18, 1954, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is remembered as a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandfather. When he was young, he was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at a very young age. Barry's life was celebrated not only by his family but also by the numerous friends and acquaintances he made over the years.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife, Beth Hearn. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and love. He was an adoring father to his son, Tommy Hearn, and a proud grandfather to his three grandchildren, Noah, Blaise, and Peyton Hearn. His family was his greatest treasure, and he took immense joy in watching them grow and thrive.

In addition to his immediate family, Barry is survived by his step-father, Martin Coleman, his sister-in-law, Debby Hearn, and his nephew, Lynn Hearn. Each of these relationships added richness to his life, and he valued the time spent with his loved ones.

Barry was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Coleman, and his brother, Tommy Hearn. Their memories will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Friday, August 29, 2025, from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening at West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory, 6962 Charlottle Pike in Nashville. The family will also visit on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 1pm until the time of the Celebration of Life service at 3pm also at the funeral home.

Barry Lee Hearn touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. His legacy continues through the love and memories shared by his family and friends.

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23/08/2025

James "Jim" Richard Adkins

James “Jim” Richard Adkins, 86, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on August 20, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1938, in Miami, Florida, to the late Clarence Adkins and Fredericka Warren Ball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy and his sisters, Peggy and Ann.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Jill C. Adkins-Simmons (Felix) and Kellie Adkins Johnson; grandchildren, Elisabeth Johnson Cooley (Kyle), Jessica Johnson and James Johnson; and his ex-wife, Frances C. Lowell Adkins.

Jim was a loving father and grandfather. He was always there for his family while also providing quite a few laughs with his jokes and scary stories. He followed his brother Tommy’s footsteps and went on to become a member of the United States Navy. He was a schoolteacher, a teacher at heart, and educated not only his students but his daughters and grandchildren. He eventually became a Docent with the Polk House in Columbia, Tennessee. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a burial at Middle Tennessee State Veteran's Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane Nashville, TN 37221, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 am in the morning. If you are planning to attend, please be at the cemetery by 9:45 am.

Services have been entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 27209.

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15/08/2025

Justin Christopher Harlow

Justin Christopher Harlow unexpectedly passed away on August 12, 2025 in his home in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. Born in Glasgow, Kentucky on October 19, 1980, he is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sarah Elizabeth Harlow, and two daughters, Holly Taylor and Lila Brooke. Justin was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Frances Harlow, and his father, Clyde Terry Harlow.

Justin was a faithful husband, father, and worker. He was employed at Iris Networks for 19 years as a Telecommunications Engineer, where he excelled in the industry.

His perseverance was demonstrated the last couple years of his life as he suffered from hereditary optic neuropathy, to which he lost his eyesight…but did not give up. To quote one of his favorite movies, “O Brother Where Art Thou?”, Justin demonstrated that “It's a fool that looks for logic in the chambers of the human heart.” He loved his family fiercely and made them the primary focus of his time, energy, and heart— cooking for his family as their “Grill Master”, making them laugh around the dinner table, admiring his daughter’s art, and cheering on his volleyball star.

Known to all as not only good to make them laugh, he was gentle, kind and steady and a man of few words.

There will be a memorial visitation to honor him at West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209, on Saturday, August 23rd from 1p-5p. Please come as you are able to offer your condolences and support.

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15/08/2025

Janet A. Spann

Janet Spann will be remembered for her willingness to serve, quick wit, infectious smile and laughter, and unabashed love for dogs. The quintessential grandmother, Janet Spann loved making dinner to share it with her family and any friends that needed an invitation. She loved music, traveling, shopping and reading a good book. She was proud to be a native Texan but loved the 60 years in Nashville.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years on July 2nd, 2025. They are now dancing “Round the Clock” on those streets of gold. She loved the Lord Jesus and was a faithful member of Stephen Valley Church.

She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and more friends than you can count.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 14, 2025, at 2:30PM at Stephens Valley Church located at 6000 Pasquo Road, Nashville, TN 37221. The family will visit after the service.

At the request of the family, donations can be made in Janet and Jim’s honor to Stephens Valley Church, 6000 Pasquo Road, Nashville, TN 37221.

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13/08/2025

Patricia Ann Mangrum

Patricia “Patsy” Ann Mangrum-Phy, a cherished soul and vibrant tapestry of life, departed this world on August 12, 2025, in her beloved Nashville, Tennessee. Born on September 2, 1940, Patricia embraced the beauty of existence with a heart that beat passionately for the simple pleasures of life.

From her decades-long tenure with Easter Seals nonprofit as well as her dedication to religious education through Sunday school and Vacation Bible School with Charlotte Avenue Church of Christ, Patsy was always eager to be of service to young people. She was consistently a willing ear and listened with an open mind and open heart. After retirement from Easter Seals she volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels. She was active in the Cohn High School alumni association and faithful to the Cohn Lunch Group.

Patsy possessed a true passion and unstoppable drive to travel the world, often sharing with pride that she had visited all 50 states as well as many countries across Europe, North America, and Africa. She had a special place in her heart for Kenya, returning twice and always speaking about the profound spiritual, and natural beauty of the country. A photo of Patsy and friends gently petting a lion like one of her many beloved house cats kept a prominent place in her home.

Patsy's passions’ painted her life as vividly as the quilts she meticulously crafted with love. She possessed an extraordinary talent for quilting, where every stitch reverberated with her inherent creativity and commitment to warmth, weaving not only fabric but also memories that will forever envelop her loved ones in comfort.

Patsy's affinity for gardening mirrored her nurturing spirit; she cultivated not only flowers and vegetables but also the profound connections she shared with those around her. Her garden, a sanctuary teeming with color and fragrance, served as a testament to her ability to cultivate joy and grow love, blossoming under her diligent care like the relationships she cherished deeply.

Her love for lighthouses spoke of her steadfast character, a beacon of light amidst the tempests of life. To her family and friends, they symbolized her guiding presence, always illuminating their paths, and encouraging them to navigate their journeys with courage and grace.

Patsy leaves behind her daughter, Tamra Rainey, and her son, Barton Mangrum, and her grandchildren Evelyn Dale Rainey, T.C. Smith and Jeru Hall, who carry forward her legacy of love and creativity. They will forever remember her resilient spirit, her gentle laughter, and her profound ability to bring light into the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 28 years James Burton Mangrum. Her husband of 15 years Roger N. Phy. Her parents Lillian and Lawrence Edwards and Sister Norma “Sissie” Stricker, and a baby granddaughter Patricia Burton Rainey.

As we bid farewell to Patricia Ann Mangrum, let us celebrate her remarkable life - a life woven with love, enriched by creativity, and forever illuminating the hearts of those she touched with her unwavering spirit. She is now called home to heaven, finally pain-free and able to walk, run and frolic among departed loved ones once again.

The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on 20th day of September, 2025 from 11 o'clock in the morning until the time of the Celebration of Life at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at Charlotte Heights Church of Christ, 6883 Old Charlotte Pike in Nashville. There will be a light lunch provided by the ladies of the church in the fellowship hall following the service.

The service will be officiated by Josh Barnett. Honorary pallbearers are David Mangrum, Donld Ray Ford, Gary Hawkins, John Rebrovick, Robert Elkins, and Roger Collins.

Services entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37209.

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12/08/2025

Ruth Marie Carter

Ruth Marie Carter, a remarkable soul whose loving spirit resonated deeply within the hearts of family and friends, passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 10, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on June 10, 1930, in the very same city, Ruth led a life filled with a passion for family and a zest for her culinary creations, which brought warmth and joy to all who gathered around her table.

Ruth’s kitchen was a hub of activity and love, where she became well-known for her unforgettable fried chicken, a dish that brought everyone together. Whether it was a simple family dinner or a grand reunion, Ruth thrived in the role of hostess, her strong-willed nature shining through as she orchestrated delicious meals and lively conversations. Her ability to create an inviting atmosphere and craft memorable experiences was unmatched, making her home a place of comfort and joy for many.

Throughout her life, Ruth juggled various jobs, showcasing her adaptability and resilience, characteristics that defined her character. Her determination and hard work set an inspiring example for her loved ones, and she instilled in them the values of perseverance and dedication.

Ruth also leaves behind three devoted children, who carry forth her legacy of love, kindness, and strength. Each of them holds cherished memories of their mother’s gentle guidance and unwavering support, treasures that will forever resonate in their hearts.

As we remember Ruth Marie Carter, let us celebrate her spirit, one that was firmly rooted in family, food, and love. A woman of great strength, whose laughter and legacy will echo in the lives of those she touched. Her presence may no longer fill a room, but her love remains palpable, a steadfast reminder of what it truly means to cherish one another wholeheartedly.

All services are private at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37209.

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11/08/2025

Claude "Johnny" Johnson Moss

Claude "Johnny" Johnson Moss, a dedicated handyman and cherished member of the Nashville community, passed away on August 9, 2025, in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Born on February 25, 1946, Johnny's life was characterized by his unwavering work ethic and commitment to family.

Johnny proudly served in the National Guard, embodying the spirit of duty and service that he carried throughout his life. He was known for his hands-on skills and resourcefulness, providing assistance and solutions to those in need as a handyman. His reputation for reliability and care made him a beloved figure among family, friends, and neighbors.

Johnny is survived by his three children, Tammy Moss, Daniel Moss (Judy), and Scott Moss (Sissy), three grandchildren, Scotty Moss, Heath Moss, and Jacob Moss, and three great-grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of dedication and love. He is also mourned by his brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Joyce Moss, as well as his nieces and nephew, Ina Moss, Kim Bailey, and Scott Moss. Together, they were a source of strength and support throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Moss, Sr., and Dorothy Moss, who instilled in him values of integrity and compassion that guided his journey.

Johnny's memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His life exemplified the bond of family, the virtue of hard work, and the importance of community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory, 6962 Charlottle Pike in Nashville. Services will be scheduled for a later date.

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