Upton-Hay Funeral Home

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Celina, TN
Upton-Hay Funeral Home

Celina's oldest contiuously operating business. Upton Funeral Home was originally organized in 1922 by H. and Mrs. Butler Upton and Mr. Estil Burnette.

The beautiful old building which now houses Upton Funeral Home is the oldest continuously operating business in Clay County and has a rich history and has been a lasting landmark, starting out as Montvale College. Several important people attended the college, including Cordell Hull, who helped create the United Nations and was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Turner Netherton in 1943; Netherton sold the business to Charlie Rich, who sold in 1949 to Mr. Butler was a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, and one of the first professionally trained embalmers in the area. After Butler’s death his daughter, Betty and son-in-law, Jim Briggs operated the funeral home for a while and sold the business to Phillip Anderson from Red Boiling Springs in 2002. At that time the historic house was completely renovated. Now thirteen years later, Anderson has done more renovations for the beauty of the building and to accommodate and make more comfort for the patrons of the facility. This includes the use of the former office as part of the lounge area with tables where families can take breaks and have more space to sit, eat and fellowship, made a play area for children, moved the office area allowing for better access for the public to talk to staff and conduct business, enlarged another room for the chapel to allow families to have more privacy, more seating and installed stained glass windows to add beauty and light and a chairlift for going upstairs to view merchandise in the showroom. Shirley Anderson redecorated the facility to emulate the beauty and “yesteryear” period of the building. A new parking lot has also been added behind the back area of the next door buildings for the use of the funeral home patrons and visitors. This parking area is on the same level as the funeral home building making it closer and easier for the public and those with disabilities to get in and out of the funeral home. You can enter and exit this parking lot from the square between the neighbor buildings or enter and exit the lot from the back of the funeral home. Many things have changed over the years. But one thing that has not changed is our continuing commitment of service to the families in Clay and surrounding counties.

03/16/2026

Aaron White

Mr. Aaron Junior White, age 82, of Moss, TN, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Jeremy Compton officiating and interment to follow in the Moss Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Saturday, September 25, 1943, to the late Oscar and Lou (Key) White. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Aaron White II; brothers, Lanay Gene White and Dayton White.

Aaron was a business owner in Clay County; he owned and operated what we know as Scratch and Dent. He also held many auctions, and operated several body shops in various parts of the county. He enjoyed fishing, doing body work on vehicles, having auctions but most of all reading his Bible.

He is survived by his spouse, Martha Katherine White; sons, Gregory Lane White (Yvonne), and John White; grandchildren, Eric White, Kimberly White-Jordan (Dwight), and Brittany White (Daniel Boles); great-grandchildren, Kiana White (James Overshiner), Marcus Jordan, Donte Jordan, Carson Boles, Connor Boles, and Cheyanne Boles; great-great grandchild, Nova Overshiner; brothers, Tim White (Carolyn), and Floyd White (Margie); sister, Janet Newby (Mike); special friends, Rita Collins, Jeremy Jones, and Paula Slaughter (Talmadge); as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

The family request if monetary contributions are chosen, that those be made to the Moss Cemetery.

View Aaron White's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/09/2026

Barbara Ann Minchey Butler

Mrs. Barbara Ann Minchey Butler, age 86, of Celina, TN, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Chris Ballou, Jared Claiborne, and KJ Kitchens officiating and interment to follow in the Hamilton Addition of the Fitgerald Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Friday, December 22, 1939, to the late Edward and Blanche Marie (Hardcastle) Minchey. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her spouse, Jack Butler; brothers, Thomas Minchey and Phillip Minchey.

Barbara was an educator; she taught school in Clay County for thirty-eight years. The number of children she impacted is unimaginable. When asked what some of her hobbies were, the answer was “she loved everything”. Some of the things she enjoyed most were gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, flowers, and traveling. She will leave an everlasting impact and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters, Lori West (David), LeAnn Turcios (Jan); grandchildren, Justin Turcios (Kristy), Jacqueline West Simmons (Mason), Karlton Turcios, Madeline West Silk (Gunnar); great-grandchild, Bennett Simmons; special niece, Jennifer Stevens; special nephews, Clinton Minchey and Nathan Minchey as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Barbara Ann Minchey Butler.

View Barbara Ann Minchey Butler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/09/2026

Lloyd Raymond Sweezy

Mr. Lloyd Raymond Sweezy, age 69, of Moss, TN, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his residence. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

View Lloyd Raymond Sweezy's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Marie Anderson

Mrs. Marie Anderson, age 85, of Moss, TN, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Kendall Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Tuesday, November 5, 1940, to the late Wilford and Ted (Cherry) Collins. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her spouse, Garth Anderson; daughter and son-in-law, Vivian and Gary McCarter; granddaughter, Kelly Rhea Anderson; great-grandson, Briley Paul Clark; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Collins.

Marie was a seamstress at the factory, as most everyone else was until it closed. She attended Northwest Church of Christ and loved her church family.

She enjoyed camping, traveling, dancing, playing cards, flowers, and fishing. They camped with the Smith family for many, many years, which they enjoyed very much. She loved to be on the go; traveling was among her top favorite things to do. However, no matter where she was or who she was with, she was enjoying life.

She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Anderson (Randall Gregory), Kathy Bohanan (Teddy); grandchildren, Eric Birdwell (Mandy), William “Buddy” Head (Shelly), Jason Anderson (Brittany), Kylie Clark, Kyle Anderson (Sherry), Casey Keene (Patrick), Tennie (Carver) Jon, Nicole Carver (Jason), Candace Steward (Kevin), Brandon Gregory (Kacie); great-grandchildren, Thatcher, Will, Dalten, Madi, Austin, Coltan, Kameron, Kaytie, Keeley, Trey, Eli, Emme, Laike, Jerron, Liam, Kaden, Samuel, Kyra, Chloe, Aubrey, Kash, little Kylee, and Boston; great-great grandchildren, Beau, Braelon, and Lily; brother, Sonny Collins; sister Sheron Hammons (Jr); as well as several nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and neighbors, her church family, and special camping family the Smith’s that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Marie Anderson.

View Marie Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Clyde Preston Moore

Mr. Clyde Preston Moore, age 93, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Kenny Westmoreland officiating and interment to follow in the Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Monday, February 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Thursday, January 26, 1933, to the late Charles and Lissie (Copas) Moore. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his spouse, Chloe Nell (Anderson) Moore; and siblings, Otis Moore, Charles Whitson Moore, Jr., Opal Henson, Mable Whittemore, and Doris Taylor.

Clyde and Chloe owned and operated Moore’s Deli Bake here in Celina. If you had the privilege of eating there, you know exactly what I am talking about, but if you never had the opportunity, you truly missed out. Clyde knew hard work and dedication. Always willing to lend a helping hand, a good friend to many.

He enjoyed feeding the birds, raising chickens and his dogs. He absolutely loved his dogs. He made monthly trips to buy cheerios and dog treats, spending hundreds of dollars; he took the best care of his animals. They will sure miss him.

Clyde is survived by his daughters, Anita Hobson (David Poole), Angela McElroy, and Jennifer Combs (Rickey); 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Don Moore; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Clyde Preston Moore.

View Clyde Preston Moore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/27/2026

Lola Ada McLerran Morris

Mrs. Lola Ada McLerran Morris, age 98, of Celina, TN, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Overton County Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on August 11, 1927, in a two-room log cabin in Celina Tennessee. She was the youngest daughter of Harlan and Nina (Walker) McLerran and the wife of the late Stone B. Morris, whom she married on July 3, 1946. She was a member of the New Hope Church of Christ, which she attended regularly, until she became a resident of the Overton County Health and Rehabilitation Center in 2019.

Lola was preceded in death by parents, Harlan and Nina McLerran; daughter, Debbie Morris; husband, Stone B. Morris; brothers, Claude, Cordell, and Willie McLerran; sisters, Florence Watson and Mae Smith; grandchildren, Melanie Turner and Clay Comer; and son in law, Wilbur Comer.

She is survived by her son, Stone D. Morris (Carolyn) of Tompkinsville, KY; daughters, Janet Comer (Charles), Betty Comer all of Gamaliel, KY, Dona Zoodsma (Paul) of Cookeville, TN, Connie Turner (Keith) of Hestand, KY; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 plus great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Beaty and all the dedicated nurses/staff at Overton County Health and Rehab Center for their kindness, patience, and loving care during Lola’s residency, and especially during her final months.

Pallbearers: Chas Comer, Paul Jr. Zoodsma, John Zoodsma, Cameron Morris, Garrett Turner, and Cody Turner.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of the Upton Hay Funeral Home. The family will welcome friends on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and before the funeral on January 30, 2026. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery in Moss, Tennessee. Officiating the service will be Pastor Stone D. Morris, her son.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Macedonia Cemetery.

View Lola Ada McLerran Morris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/17/2026

Robert Fortna

Mr. Robert Fortna, age 66, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The family has chosen cremation with no services to announce at this time. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneral.com.com

View Robert Fortna's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/13/2026

Mrs. Geneva Bartlett, age 89, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

01/08/2026

Judy Carol Conner

Ms. Judy Carol Conner, age 71, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Summit Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Upton Hay Funeral Home with James Hamilton officiating and interment to follow in the Hamilton Addition of the Fitzgerald Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Tuesday, July 27, 1954, to the late Claude and Evelyn (Ledbetter) Conner. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Conner.

Judy worked at OshKosh for twenty-four years and then went on to be a sitter or caregiver for other people. She enjoyed watching television in her free time, soap operas were her favorite.

She loved the Lord, and reading in the bible. She attended church when she was able.

Judy had a kind voice and loving manor; she was a sweet soul that will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her brother, Roscoe Conner; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

View Judy Carol Conner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Edna Sue Davis

Edna Sue Davis born August 19, 1940. She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Spivey and sons, Jerry Bruce Davis (Kimberly Sue) and Tony Glenn Davis (Kimberly Ann). She had three grandchildren, Shannon Nathaniel, Jamie Glenn, and Matthew Clay. She also had six great-grandchildren, Jessie, Ruthie, Jayden, Jaxxon, Averie, and Tanner.

We had the pleasure of taking care of our mother the last two years of her life as the disease grew progressively harder for her to function. Just know that dementia is a horrible disease that kills many and it’s even more horrible to watch the progression of the disease.

She was a great mother, a loving mother someone you could count on in time of need. She was a great housekeeper and a great cook. She loved animals and nature. She loved working in the yard and growing flowers, bushes, and trees of all types. Mushroom hunting was her favorite.

She loved collecting glass of all kinds. Some of her favorites were Fenton, bird crystal, inverted strawberry, and anything in between.

She enjoyed eating and visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed shopping, antique shopping, garage sales, and flea markets. She enjoyed traveling, gambling and the great outdoors.

She was able to live all of her life at home, all except for the last eleven days of her life which she spent without food or a drink, and that was heartbreaking to watch. Her struggles are over now, and she can finally rest in peace.

She was my best friend and will be sadly missed. We will not say goodbye, but we will say until we meet again.

I love you Mom.

View Edna Sue Davis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/31/2025

SERVICES POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE
Mrs. Geneva Bartlett, age 89, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

View Geneva Bartlett's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/28/2025

Mrs. Mamie Lee Poindexter, age 90, of Cookeville, TN, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

Address

307 W Lake Avenue
Celina, TN
38551

Website

http://www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com/

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