John P. Franklin Funeral Home

11/11/2025

Gwendolyn Ballou Dargan, 94, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2025.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Hobart and Louella Ballou, Gwendolyn lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A devoted Christian, she was a lifelong member of Washington Hills United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, where she worshiped and served faithfully for more than 50 years before moving to Woodstock, where she continued her spiritual journey with grace.

After graduation from Spelman College in 1953, Gwendolyn began her career as a schoolteacher in the Chattanooga Hamilton County School System. She later served as Superintendent of Social Studies, retiring after 40 years of dedicated service to education. She was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

A gifted pianist, Gwendolyn found joy in music and in uplifting others—whether through her church, her community, or her family. Her compassion, wisdom, and warmth touched every life she encountered.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jacob A. Dargan, Jr.; her parents; and her brother, Hobart Ballou, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Jacobia Dargan and Jaranne Brown (Curtis); granddaughters, Brittani Brown and Carmyn Jones (Joshua); sister, Ettra Mitchell; brother-in-law, Victor Dargan; sister-in-law, Elfleata Deveaux; dear cousin and prayer partner, Annie Pearl Sanders; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 11 am to 12:30 pm at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 1 pm at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Washington Hills United Methodist Church located at 6216 Hadley Drive in Chattanooga, TN (37416).

There will also be a commemoration of Gwendolyn’s remarkable life with a Celebration of Life service to be scheduled for March of 2026. More details will come from the family.

Her favorite saying will continue to inspire all who knew her:

“Remember, today is the best day of the rest of your life.”

11/11/2025

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

To all veterans, past and present: we salute you today and every day! ✨

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

Alice Davis Bates, age 92, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on November 5, 2025.

She was born on September 4, 1933, in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Leaphart and Bessie Wilson Davis.

Mrs. Bates was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the late Reverend Edward N. Bates, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage marked by love, service, and a deep commitment to ministry and community; her parents; and siblings, Martha Leverett, Mary Teague, Corinne Williams, Annie Mable Randolph, and Sammy Davis.

A graduate of Benedict College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude, in 1955, Mrs. Bates became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during her collegiate years. She dedicated her professional life to education, serving for many years with Chattanooga City Schools before her retirement serving many students that loved and appreciated her as she made an impact and difference in so many of their lives. A master teacher in both professional and religious capacities, she taught Sunday School with the same passion and excellence that marked her classroom teaching.

Mrs. Bates was a devoted member of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, Chattanooga, attending faithfully until her health no longer permitted. She was widely regarded as the matriarch of the congregation, offering quiet strength, wisdom, and encouragement to many. As the founding pastor’s wife, she stood faithfully alongside the late Reverend Bates, lending steadfast support to the ministry of Jesus Christ with dignity, humility, and unwavering commitment.

Mrs. Bates held numerous leadership positions in both local and statewide community organizations in Tennessee and served as Secretary of the Baptist Youth Association in Columbia, South Carolina. A devoted member of a local women’s flower club, she found joy in fellowship, beauty, and creativity. She loved to read—often referring to her books as “friends”—and cherished moments spent singing hymns with her family. She was known for her calm presence, thoughtful spirit, and a rich inner life rooted in faith and reflection. Her life exemplified dignity, discipline, and grace. She deeply valued order and structure, believing that a well-organized life honored both God and purpose.

She is survived by her loving daughters Celeste (Kenneth) Scaife of Cleveland, TN; Cynthia (Michael) Smith of Chattanooga, TN; Donna (Todd) Wynn of Stone Mountain, GA; and Aretina Bates of Chattanooga, TN; beloved sister Margaret Jane Vincent of Charleston, SC; grandchildren Dr. Allison (Larry) Bates, Jason Grimes, Albert (LaToya) Grimes, Jr., Deonte (Trisha) Grimes, Chrysanda Grimes, Karla Felecia Scaife, Jonathan (Courtney) Wynn, and Sierra Wynn; fifteen great-grandchildren Jayla Grimes, Jason “Fella” Grimes, Ranyah Grimes, Travis Grimes, Tristan Grimes, Mykarie Grimes, Myharie Grimes, Xandria Grimes, Nolan Grimes, Joseph Jones, Javion Whitson, Savannah Harris, Malayah Harris, Makhia Franklin, and Mariah Franklin; nieces and nephews, Dr. Rameca Leary, Antonio Vincent, Aundra Randolph, Yvonne Green, Anna Maria Randolph, Tiffany Harris, Ingrid Franklin, and Veronica Randolph; special friends, Johnnie Tipton and Rose Trimble; and a loving church family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 2 pm to 6 pm at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11 am at the Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church located at 810 Shallowford Rd.

Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery located in Chattanooga at 2116-2124 Shepherd Rd.

11/10/2025

Sherwin Denise Motley, 66, passed away on October 29, 2025 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was born on October 16, 1959 in Chattanooga to Thaddious and Mary Florence Lyons.

Sherwin attended Riverside High School and was a devoted member of Mount Horeb Prophetic Church, where her love for the Lord shone brightly. She was steadfast in faith and continually lifted her family in prayer.

Her nurturing spirit was evident in the care she gave as a foster mother to six children. She adored her grandchildren, especially her beloved “Gigi’s Girls.” A talented cook, Sherwin was celebrated for her famous chicken and dressing and her delicious pound cake.

She loved shopping, traveling, and decorating, and she cherished hosting family Christmas gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Sherwin’s passion for caring for others touched the lives of many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thaddious and Mary Florence Lyons.

Sherwin is survived by her loving husband, LaByron Motley; her daughters, Siretha (Michael) Lyons-Talley and Sharion Fulks; her sisters, Gail (Marcus) McKinley, Terry (Darrell) Harris, and Ashley Cooper; her brother, Daryl Lyons; her stepdaughters, Calisha Lilly, and Tieasha Lilly; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Judy Collins; father-in-law, Charles W. Motley; brothers- in-law, Charles R. (Sue) Motley and LaWanye (Sabrina) Motley; sisters-in law, Juliette (Dave) Davis, Daphane (Jack) Simmons, and Veronica (Ward) Dantzler; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her dear friends, Denita Strickland and Darlene Strickland.

Sherwin will be remembered for her faith, her warmth, and her unwavering love for family and friends.

A 3:00 PM celebration of Sherwin’s life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

11/09/2025

Happy Sunday! ✨

11/07/2025

Celebrating The Life of
Eula Mae Thomas
We do not own the rights to the music