John P. Franklin Funeral Home

26/07/2025

25/07/2025

Marlon Jovaunty Crawl, Sr., 62, peacefully passed away on June 30, 2025 at a local healthcare facility in Chattanooga, TN. He was born on October 26, 1962, to the late Nolan Crawl and Lovie Lane Hicks.

A proud graduate of Kirkman Technical High School, Class of 1981, Marlon dedicated many years of service to U.S. Pipe and Mueller Companies. He was known for his strong work ethic, easygoing spirit, and deep love for his family.

Marlon was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Dovie J. Lane; his uncle, Charles H. Lane; and his aunt, Dovie Preston.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his devoted wife, Kissye Crawl; sons, Marlon G. Crawl, Marlon J. Crawl Jr., and Devin (Charity) Crawl; daughters, Delisha Crawl, Shanika Crawl, and Symphony Crawl. He was a proud grandfather to Jamarien Crawl, Marley Crawl, Mariyana Crawl, Emmie Crawl, and Sadie Crawl.

He is also survived by his aunts, Gwendolyn Heard, Marion Davis, Jackie Miller, and Jeannie Davenport; devoted cousin, Jerri Heard Wade; stepchildren, Taquela Johnson and Jeffrey Johnson Jr.; and grandchildren, Stasha Ball and Mya Crawl.

A memorial celebration will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

25/07/2025

Mattie Lee Billings, age 74, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025 at a local healthcare facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Born on November 5, 1950, in Chattanooga, she was the daughter of the late Paul Johnson and Fannie Hayes.

A proud graduate of Riverside High School, Mattie was known for her warm spirit, loving heart, and culinary skills. She was formerly employed at Mount Vernon Restaurant, where she shared her love for cooking with the community. Mattie especially cherished time spent with her family, and her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Delisa Hyatte; her son, Antwane Hyatte, Sr.; grandson, Dominic Wright; and her parents.

Mattie leaves a legacy of love and treasured memories with her devoted daughter, Terra Billings; her grandsons, Darrius Hyatte, Antwane Hyatte, Jr., DeAundre Mitchell, and Darrien Billings; her sister, Chastity Johnson; her brother, Timothy Johnson; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Very special thanks are extended to the Mitchell Family, Detechia Patrick, and TK Johnson.

In accordance with her wishes, no public funeral service will be held.

25/07/2025

Star L. Davis Daniel was born on June 1, 1977 to Gwendolyn Davis from Chattanooga TN. She graduated from Brainerd High School class of 1996.

She pursued her passion in the hair industry by becoming a licensed cosmetologist in 2000. Star began her journey specializing in locs and natural hair at Expozure Hair Concepts. Her talent and devotion to natural hair led her to co-own Creative Styles Salon. From her union in earlier years with Clifford Billups, they were blessed with three daughters, Mekalah, Kharizma, and Zoe, who were the light of her life. One of her greatest joys was being a mom. Star found joy in life’s simple pleasures – cooking, reading, hiking and spending quality time with family.

The greatest chapter of her life was when she fell in love and married Luther Daniel, IV, a partner who loved her deeply and stood beside her with unwavering devotion. His support, quiet strength, faithfulness and compassion, carried her through life's most challenging moments. The way he loved, cared for, and covered her was nothing short of extraordinary.

Together they worshiped faithfully at The World Church of the Living GOD, where Star was a member of the choir and their love was strengthened by their love for GOD.

Star was preceded in death by her grand-parents Rev. Charles W. Davis Sr., and Madie T. Davis, aunt, Barbara Simpson, uncle, Charles Davis, cousins, Bonnie Dozier, Anthony Davis, Derrick Davis, Billy Davis, and London Collier.

She was survived by her loving husband, Luther Daniel IV; her daughters, Mekalah Billups, Kharizma Billups and Zoe Billups; grandson, Yosohn Adir Clay; her bonus son, Kevin Hughley; mother Gwendolyn Davis; brother, Chardale Davis; aunts, Jacqueline (Charles) Hardy, Priscilla Sanders, and Betty Jo Stinson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members, customers and friends. A special thank you to her Aunt Jackie for her time and dedication; her mother-in-love, Debora Bledsoe; sisters-in-love, Pat Ervin and Charise Moses; her Creative Style Family, Jasmine Odom and Dr. J., her daughter-niece, Divine Beck, aka Dixie and her morning call cousin, Lola Ransom.

Public viewing will begin at 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the funeral home.

The celebration of Star’s remarkable life will take place on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens

24/07/2025

Ace Carter Eccleston was born on March 11, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, a beautiful gift to his parents, Sokari Latrice Atkins and Keith Xavier Eccleston. From the very beginning, Ace brought with him a light that filled every heart he touched with joy, hope, and warmth.

Ace’s presence left a lasting imprint on all who met him; the sparkle in his bright-gray eyes, the soft coos that emanated from him, the immediate calmness he showed while being cuddled in his family’s loving arms; highlighted his gentle spirit bringing peace and happiness wherever he was.

His big sister, Zoë Elaine Eccleston, adored him from the start. She lovingly held his tiny hands and proudly called him “my baby brother,” and told him to “never give up.” She demonstrated a bond with Ace that was deep and protective.

Ace especially loved being rocked in the arms of his great-grandmother, Thelma Roberson, as she sang sweet lullabies. He delighted in tummy time, soft cuddles, and the sound of familiar voices, responding with giggles, smiles, and quiet wonder at the world around him.

Ace is deeply loved by his parents, Sokari and Keith; big sister, Zoë; grandparents, Karen and Alvin Atkins, Roy and Karen Eccleston; aunts and uncles, Ciera Atkins, Alton Atkins, Christopher Eccleston, Kyheem Butler, Collin Eccleston, Asha Williams and Imani Williams; his great-grandmother, Thelma Roberson; and many more family members and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts.

We take comfort in knowing that Ace is welcomed in heaven by his maternal great-grandfather, Wallace L. Roberson Sr., and his paternal grandmother, Regina Eccleston, who now cradles him in the Presence of our Lord.

24/07/2025

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23/07/2025

Barbara Ann McDonald Stone, 68, was born on March 9, 1957 to Louise Kellogg and David Thomas McDonald in Decatur, Alabama. She transitioned from this earthly vessel on July 18, 2025.

At the age of 18, Barbara united with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN. where Pastor Tod Lansden is Pastor. She was a faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years. Barbara loved her and church and loved to praise the Lord. Her faith was apparent through her testimony of God ‘s love and her constant praise to our Lord.

Barbara was a very sweet lady and was loved by everyone who she came in contact with. Before her health began to fail, Barbara loved to clean and to help others with any chores that she could do. She will be missed.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Louise Kellogg, sister, Carrie Cope, brothers, Johnny McDonald, Billy McDonald, Michael McDonald, husband, Homer Stone, and a cherished friend, Andrea Trice.

She is survived by two sisters, Jackie McDonald and Aretha (David) Foster; three sons, Lester McDonald, Terry McDonald and Eric Stone, and one daughter, Amanda McDonald; three grandchildren, Lester McDonald, Jr., Kayla McDonald, and Phaizon Osborne, and a favorite nephew, Joseph Foster; two devoted nieces, Jessica Witcher and Dewanne Blackmon, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, including a doting cousin, Christine Williams; foster mother, Pastor Sarah Lott, and a devoted friend, Tina Emmons.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church located in Chattanooga at 901 G.W. Davis Drive.