Lea and Simmons Funeral Home

12/18/2025

Nancy Hendrix

Nancy June (Rinny) Bowen Hendrix, age 75, passed away peacefully at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN on December 4, 2025. Nancy was born on September 7, 1950 in Oxnard, California to William Allen Bowen and Mildred Willoughy Bowen. She grew up in Oxnard, CA, and graduated from Channel Islands High School in 1968. Throughout high school, Nancy was very popular and had many friends. She served as Song Leader for sports teams in high school and college. Nancy was also involved in several musical productions at school. She was Rally Club President, involved with Girls League, Sr. Class Talent Show, Best Typist of the Year, and voted Most Dependable by her school peers.

After attending Ventura College, Nancy began working for Oxnard Police Department from 1970-1979. She excelled in her work as was evident in the plaques she received when she left the department. Soon after, she began working at Apollo Pictures where she met a lifelong friend, Penny Whitaker. After moving to the LA area, she met another lifelong friend, Charlotte Serold. After moving to Culver City in the mid 90’s, she met another lifelong friend, Nancy Jane Sayer, affectionately known as dog Nancy, because of her love for dogs.

Her analytical and organizational skills secured her a position as Events Manager for USC Annenberg Center where she organized multiple high-level events. She eventually moved over to Public Relations where she continued to utilize her talents for USC.

In September 2000, while playing volleyball in Redondo Beach, she met her future husband, Billy Hendrix. After dating for almost 3 years, they were married on May 17, 2003 in El Segundo, CA. Their marriage date was also the birth dates of both their mothers. They attended church at Hope Chapel in Hermosa Beach, CA for a number of years, active in the homeless ministry. Later they began attending church at Westside Vineyard in Los Angeles, where they were very active members of the Hosting Team and other church activities. Nancy’s welcoming smile as visitors entered the building was always warm and inviting.

Nancy was always adventurous and loved hiking and riding motorcycles. Most of her family lived in Stinson Beach which is an hour north of San Francisco. Nancy and Billy would go hiking when visiting Stinson Beach and especially enjoyed hiking in Muir Woods, which was the first federal park in the country created in January 1908. She also loved to ride with Billy on his motorcycle, and they took numerous trips to the beach for lunch and also to the Rock Store in Cornell, CA. The Rock Store is a biker hangout and frequented by Jay Leno on most Sunday afternoons.

Nancy enjoyed going to LA Dodger games, Angels games, LA Kings, USC football games, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and other attractions. She especially enjoyed going to Disneyland and had a lifelong affection for a little mouse named Mickey. She collected one of a kind Christopher Radko Mickey Mouse ornaments and other memorabilia.

Nancy also loved animals, and in the mid ‘90s adopted 3 feral cats which she named Buddy, Boomerang, and Gigi. Buddy was solid black, Boomerang was gray and white, and Gigi was a tortoise shell color. After Nancy and Billy married, it took some time to acclimate her cats to Billy’s two tabby cats, Samantha and Molly.

By 2012, Nancy’s cats had passed away, and they welcomed a new member to their family. Nancy was in Stinson Beach for a few weeks helping take care of her sister, Barbara Splain. Billy was watching the local news on channel 3 one morning, and the featured pet of the week was a dog named Toby. When she returned home, they contacted the animal shelter, Barks Avenue, and adopted Toby in April 2012. Billy’s cats, Samantha and Molly, passed away by 2017.

In 2018, Nancy embarked on a different journey. Nancy, Billy, and Toby left their condo in Culver City, CA and relocated to Tennessee, settling in Bartlett. Billy’s family welcomed her with open arms, and she reciprocated. It was not a difficult transition, as she had been to Tennessee on many occasions over the years. The thing most often mentioned about missing was the weather in Southern California, which is warm and mild throughout the year. Also, Nancy Sayer (dog Nancy), followed her best friend to Tennessee when they relocated.

Nancy and Billy began attending church at Providence Baptist Church in Bartlett in 2023. The friendliness of the people was one quality that attracted them to the church. After a few years of attending, they officially joined the church earlier this year.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, William Allen Bowen, and Mildred Willoughby Bowen; her sister, Barbara Bowen Splain, brother in-law Bill Dickenson, and her grandparents.

She is survived by her husband, Billy Hendrix, her dog Toby, brother Jim Bowen (Ginger), sister Laura Lee Bowen Dickenson, brother-in-law Mark Splain, nieces Tera Splain Torrentes (Raul), Katie Dickenson DiCaro (Dan), nephew Dan Dickenson (Lissa), Manuel Splain (Casen) great nieces Mia, Natalia, Abby, Emmaline, great nephews Andres, Theron, Jevonni, Jonas, Coulter, stepsons Bobby Hendrix (Amanda), Randy Hendrix (Julie), step daughter Heather Hendrix Phillips (Shawn), granddaughters Peyton, Haley, Hanna, Lexi, Savannah, grandsons Blake, Aaron, Grant.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM (and meal after) at:

Providence Baptist Church Bartlett

4351 N Germantown Rd

Bartlett, TN 38002

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12/12/2025

Jeffery Allen Maness

Jeffery Allen Maness, age, 63, a cherished member of his community and beloved family man, was born on October 12, 1962, in Haywood County. He passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, in McKenzie, TN. There are no services scheduled at this time but will be announced as they become available by the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Jeffery worked at MTD, where he served faithfully as a mower driver and laborer. His commitment to his work and the relationships he built within the workplace were a testament to his character and work ethic.

Outside of his professional life, Jeffery found tremendous joy in the simple pleasures of nature. He spent his spare time hunting and fishing, activities that brought him happiness and allowed him to connect with the great outdoors.

Jeffery is survived by his loving mother, Annie Maness of Brownsville, TN; his son, Danny Allen Maness of Jackson, TN; two brothers, Kenny Maness and Ronnie Maness, both of Brownsville, TN; and four grandchildren, Fyra, June, Allison, and Russell Maness.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clellon Maness, and two sisters, Vickie Lynn Evans and Connie Lee Maness.

The legacy of Jeffery Allen Maness will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, and his spirit will continue to live on through the memories held by his family and friends. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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12/11/2025

Earl Albert Fuller

Earl Albert Fuller, age 85, born on April 16, 1940, in Onida, SD, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, in Jackson, TN. Earl was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply and cherished the connections he made throughout his life. A graveside service to honor Earl's life will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Woodland Cemetery in Brownsville, TN with Bro. Randy Kellough officiating.

He is survived by his son, Rodney Fuller of Jackson, TN, along with eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward.

Earl's career spanned many fields; he worked diligently as a truck driver and a steel worker, demonstrating a strong commitment to his professional life. In addition to his work, Earl proudly served in the Navy, embodying a spirit of service that characterized many aspects of his life.

Beyond his career and love for his family, Earl engaged in various hobbies that brought him joy and adventure. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, and embraced thrilling experiences like skydiving and flying his ultralight aircraft. Earl's zest for life and adventures was infectious, leaving an impression on all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Fuller; his parents, Erwin Geoffrey and Thelma Marie Pritchard Fuller; his daughter, Cynthia Fuller; his brother, Erwin Fuller; and his sister, Ruth Fuller.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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12/08/2025

Ron Murphy

Ronald Murphy (Ron), age 57, of Fort Worth, TX, departed this life, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Vitas Healthcare in Fort Worth, TX. Born In Nashville, TN, Ron was raised in Brownsville, TN by his parents, the late Kathryn and Walter Murphy. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 14, at Club Changes in Fort Worth.

Ron’s life was filled with music, love, humor, and wholehearted connection. Ron loved Tina Turner, the piano, and Wonder Woman, and the friendships that filled his life with meaning. To those who knew him, Ron truly was “simply the best.”

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his sister Joyce Newby and his niece Dana Murphy.

He is survived by his life partner Johnny Ramos, sister Tina Oubre, his brother Danny Murphy (Linda), nieces, Jessica Millsaps (Dustin), Lyndsie Li (Justin), and nephew, Nolan Newby (Faythe). Ron is also survived by his in-laws, who welcomed him with love, along with his great- nieces and great- nephews and his adored fur babies, Harpo and Lola, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. Ron also leaves behind his best friend of 35 years, Vanette Bell, whose loyal friendship was a constant source of comfort and joy.

He will be remembered for the light he carried, the love he gave, and the way he made every room brighter just by being in it. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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12/08/2025

Janet Louise Davis

Janet Louise Davis, age 63, a beloved member of the Brownsville, TN community, passed away peacefully at her home on December 3, 2025. Born on October 22, 1962, in Brownsville, TN. Janet lived a life marked by dedication to her family and her career, underscoring the values she held dear throughout her journey. A Memorial Visitation for Janet Louise Davis will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Janet spent many years serving as the purchasing manager for MTD before becoming the accounts payable clerk for the City of Brownsville, TN, where she was known for her professionalism and work ethic. A well-educated individual, Janet earned her Master's Degree in Business Administration, a testament to her commitment to learning and personal growth. She often shared her love of knowledge with her family, instilling in them the same values that guided her throughout her life.

In her leisure time, Janet found joy in nature, particularly in the mountains. She loved to read and her skills in the kitchen made her a beloved cook among family and friends. Janet had a passion for flowers, which reflected her vibrant personality and her love for the beauty around her.

Janet adored her family deeply. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Larry Davis, of Brownsville, TN, her mother, Janie Haynes, also of Brownsville, TN, and her three children: Jeremy Wisdom (Kenna) of Madison, WI, Colton Davis of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Savannah McKay (Ronnie) of Mt. Juliet, TN. Additionally, she leaves behind her brother, Franklin Read Haynes (Brenda) of Brownsville, TN, and two sisters, Ann Good of Jackson, TN, and Suzy Haynes of Brownsville, TN. Janet took great pride in being a grandmother to Memphis Wisdom and Bennett McKay, and she cherished her role as an aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She was also blessed with the friendship of Sharolett Osteen-Allen, her oldest and dearest friend, who stood by her side through many of life's ups and downs. Janet is preceded in death by her father, William Read Haynes, whose memory will forever remain a part of her legacy.

As friends and family come together to celebrate her life, they are reminded of her warmth, kindness, and the love she for everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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12/02/2025

Guy Burton Crossen

Guy Burton Crossen, born on April 7, 1936, in Brownsville, TN, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, at the Bells Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Bells, TN. He was a dedicated and cherished member of his community. There will be a visitation on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home located at 1280 S Dupree Ave, Brownsville, TN 38012.

Guy was a man of many talents, often referred to as a "shade tree mechanic" for his passion for working on various projects. He found joy in his hobbies, which included deer hunting, fishing, and alligator hunting, immersing himself in the outdoors that he loved so dearly. He proudly served his country as a Private in the United States Marines, instilling in his family the values of duty, honor, and service.

He is survived by his two daughters, Katherine Baggett (Travis) of Brownsville, TN, and Rebecca Wambles (Russell) of Apopka, FL; his two sons, Brandon Crossen of Apopka, FL, and Charles Crossen (Cindi) of Clinton, MD; his twin brother, Walter Crossen of Brownsville, TN; along with 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Guy was preceded in death by his parents, James Madison and Allie Jane Witt Crossen, his beloved wife Rosa Blanche Crossen, and his son Jerry Crossen. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Jimmy Crossen, Willard Crossen, Harlen Crossen and eight sisters, Beatrice Daniels, Genorah Morris, Esther Kent, Margaret Williams, Dorothy Hardy, Katie May, Lottie Hazel and Bobbie Escue.

Guy Burton Crossen will be remembered fondly for his skills, his love for family, and his unwavering spirit. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. The family requests that memorials be made to the Brownsville-Haywood County Senior Center, 127 N. Grand Ave., Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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12/02/2025

Angela Warren Pepper

Angela Warren Pepper, age 55, a devoted registered nurse at Pine Meadows Healthcare Center, passed away at her home on November 26, 2025. She was born on January 14, 1970, in Humboldt, TN, to T. J. Warren and Shirley Swain Keltner. Angela was known for her kind and loving personality, touching the lives of all who knew her. Her memory will be honored with a visitation on December 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service on December 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM, officiated by Rev. John Banks, both taking place at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.

Angela dedicated her life to the care and well-being of others, demonstrating unwavering compassion through her work in healthcare. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her profession, as she created a warm and welcoming home where friends and family gathered.

In her free time, Angela enjoyed watching cooking shows on television and could often be found engrossed in videos on her phone. Her cheerful presence and zest for life brightened the days of those around her.

Angela is survived by her beloved husband, David Pepper; her mother, Shirley Keltner; her brother, Keith Warren (Diane); as well as several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her deeply. Angela was preceded in death by her father, T.J. Warren.

As we remember Angela, we celebrate a life filled with love, kindness, and a genuine passion for helping others. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she has left behind. The family requests memorials be made to the charity of the Donor’s Choice. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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11/25/2025

Graveside Services for Meghan Masoero will be Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the Providence Cemetery. A meal will follow at 1:00 PM at the Union Grove Church.

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11/24/2025

Minnie Ray Wilson

Minnie Ray Wilson, age 85, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Haywood County Community Hospital in Brownsville, TN. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home with Bro. Jon Bell officiating. Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Minnie was born in Brownsville, TN on December 23, 1939 to Laverne Beshires Bridgewater and Benjamin Phillip Bridgewater. She graduated Haywood High School in 1958. She held various jobs, but her role as a homemaker was what brought her true happiness. She had a wonderful love for her children and grandchildren, often bragging about being a great great grandmother. She had a love and enjoyment of cooking, spending time with family and friends, shopping and traveling. She was a faithful member of Poplar Corner Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and enjoyed teaching her Sunday School Class. One of her favorite things was fellowshipping with her church family.

Minnie is survived by one daughter, Janet Ray Gaters (Danny); one son, William Garry “Chip” Ray, both of Brownsville, TN; and one sister, Jessie Welch. She leaves a long legacy of love for her three grandchildren, Scotty Ray (Amanda), Justin Gaters (Chelsey) and Stacey Gaters; four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Phillip and Laverne Beshires Bridgewater; her son, William John Ray; her husband of 29 years, William Garry Ray; her second husband of 29 years, Finis Wilson; one brother, Ben Bridgewater and one sister, Charlene Gains Odum.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful staff at the Sugar Creek Senior Living Community and the staff at the Haywood County Community Hospital for the wonderful and loving care they took of their mom.

Pallbearers for the service are Scotty Ray, Justin Gaters, Danny Gaters, Clint Welch, Dean Gaters and James Gaters.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Poplar Corner Baptist Church, P.O. Box 376, Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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11/24/2025

Linda Hall Whitten

Linda Hall Whitten, age 73, departed this life, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital, in Jackson, TN. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home, in Brownsville, TN.

Linda was born on April 27, 1952, to James Hall and Athene Cobb Carter in Haywood County. Linda worked in the Haywood County school system as a teacher’s assistant and made an impact on so many children. Her zest for life was immeasurable and you couldn’t help but smile when you were around her. Her stories would reel you in and have you laughing no matter how many times you heard it. She loved Eli, her daughters, grandchildren, her dog Bella and of course a good night of Bingo. Her friends held a special place in her heart and she loved to have pool parties. If you ever saw her plant collection you knew what a green thumb she was blessed with. She will be missed by so many people but heaven gained a beautiful angel.

She is survived by her husband, Lynn Eli Whitten; her daughters, Ashley Leath Newman (Rives), Allyson Leath (Tammie), and Kristi Taylor (Jason). Six grandchildren, Nathan Newman, Shelton Newman, Carson Newman, J.T. Byrum, Brett Blackwell and Anna Blackwell. She also leaves one great grandchild, Niko Newman.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, James Hall and Athene Cobb Carter; and one brother, James Thomas Hall.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Currie, Larry Baxter, Jeff Dew, J.T. Byrum, Nathan Newman, Carson Newman, Jason Taylor and Brett Blackwell.

The family has requested that memorials be made to the Brownsville Humane Society, c/o of Alice Nunn, P.O. Box 565, Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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11/18/2025

View Edward Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/17/2025

Elizabeth Lee "Betsy" Foster

Elizabeth Lee “Betsy” Foster, age 61, passed away suddenly at her home on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12:30 PM, at the Oakwood Cemetery in Brownsville, TN, with Bro. Mike Young officiating.

Betsy was born on December 30, 1963. She was adopted by her forever family when she was eighteen months old. She never questioned who her biological family was because she was greatly loved by her parents, Jerry and Susan Foster and her sister Nancy Weddington. Later that love was shared by her brother-in-law, Will Allen Weddington, five nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their eleven children who lovingly called her Bet-Bet and were the joy of her life. She was loved by all who knew her and she loved whole-heartedly in return; not only her family and friends but her Lord Jesus Christ.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Susan Foster; grandparents, Jake and Dorothy Foster and Roger and Lida Hart.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy Weddington (Will Allen), niece, Kelly Young (Mike); nephews, Will Weddington, Jr. (Catherine), Thomas Weddington (Chanel), Ryan Weddington (Elizabeth), Cameron Weddington (Audrey) and their children; Ainsley, Addison, Katie, and Caleb Young, Emery Weddington, Selah, Brecken and Stetson Weddington, Josie Weddington, and Baileigh and Evelyn Weddington.

Pallbearers for the service will be William Weddington, Will Weddington, Jr., Thomas Weddington, Ryan Weddington, Cameron Weddington and Mike Young.

The family requests that memorials be made to Life Point Church, 5114 Mercer Rd., Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

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