John P. Franklin Funeral Home

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

Mr. John Andrea Taylor, age 68, passed away on February 11, 2026 at a local hospital. He was born on August 4, 1957, at Erlanger Hospital. John was the son of the late John Taylor and Nellie L. McKenzie Taylor.

John was a graduate of Central High School. He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and was of the Baptist faith. His faith remained an important foundation throughout his life. He was employed for many years at Cavalier Corporation and later worked at Hamilton County Nursing Home, where he retired after dedicated service.
John enjoyed gospel music, movies of various genres, and was an avid fan of the Golden State Warriors and the New England Patriots. He found joy in simple pleasures and valued time spent with family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Taylor and Nellie L. McKenzie Taylor; his brother, Samuel L. Taylor; and several uncles and aunts.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Ariel L. Taylor of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Paige B. Taylor of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his brothers, Anthony C. (Minnie) Taylor of Harrison, Tennessee, and Ronald L. Taylor of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his companion and caregiver, Minnie King of Harrison, Tennessee; four aunts, Annie Ruth Armour, Mary E. Lewis, Elnora (Roy) Miller of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Sandra (Ed) Parker of Harrison, Tennessee; along with a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed by the funeral service at noon in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hwy 153 North.

02/18/2026

Charles Robinson, an angel sent from God, was born on February 3, 1985. His Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ chose to send him to heaven with his mother on January 31, 2026. Charles was such a blessing during his time in this world. As a child he was smart and intelligent, learning to read books at 3-4 years old and excelled in school with above average grades through home school education. Charles accepted Christ at a very young age and spent his teenage years while in home school traveling around the country as an ordained Minister with his loving mother preaching the gospel, saving souls and bringing hundreds of souls to Christ. Charles was an ordained teenage Minister and Preacher memorizing every message to preach from memory without paper notes. Charles received so many testimonies about how he blessed so many people with the original messages he wrote with his mother memorizing every message so he wouldn’t have to use notes in the pulpit. Charles and his mother along with their sister/brother in Christ, Lizzie and Terry King, for over 25 years operated a street ministry on the street around MLK Boulevard in Chattanooga feeding the homeless and assisting them in finding home placement and other social needs. Preaching the Gospel and helping others was the joy of Charles’ life. Although Charles suffered a lengthy illness throughout his adult life, he still worked and was blessed with two amazing children who were the joy and strength of his life.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Freeman; brother, Tracy Freeman; sister, Marquitta Chapman; grandparents, Charles and Fannie Freeman; uncles, Gregory and Errol Freeman; aunts, Carol and Mary Freeman; cousin, Anthony Shepherd.

Those left to honor and cherish Charles’ memory, includes his wife, Candi Robinson: son Christian Robinson; daughter, Madison Robinson; step-daughter, Margo Johnson; step-son Jaimain Johnson; brother, Curtis Freeman; sisters, LaFonya Freeman, Markeyda Hubbard and Tamera Davis; uncles, Elder Charles Freeman, Jr., Elder Elroy (Debbie) Freeman, and Anthony Freeman; aunt, Berlinda Freeman; cousins, Retonga Freeman (Marquise), LaKisha Walker (Jyra, Britnee, Miracle), Robert Walker, Jr. (Christian), Erlissa Howard (Michael, Noah, Christian), Adrien Freeman, Randolph (Syrinthia) Higginbotham, Yolanda Hill (Joyce, Tenisha, Courtney, DJ), Teresa Robinson and the entire Robinson/Fountain Family; Best friend Brannon Mays.

Public viewing will begin at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, followed by the celebration of Charles’ remarkable life at noon in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Beautiful Greenwood Cemetery.

02/18/2026

Danny Glenn Jones, 69, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on February 3, 2026 at Memorial Hospital. Born on November 27, 1956 in Chattanooga, he was the son of the late Nathaniel Jones Jr. and Onethia Elizabeth Springer.

Danny was educated in the Chattanooga school system and graduated from Howard High School in 1974. From a young age, he was a gifted singer, lifting his voice to the heavens and offering comfort and joy to those who heard him. He proudly served his country, spending four years in Germany as a member of the United States Army, and later continued his service as an active member of the Army National Guard, dedicated to helping the community and protecting his country.

For ten years, Danny worked at Wheland Foundry, where he was known as a hard worker and a loyal co-worker. A man of deep faith, he was a Baptist and an active member of Rock of Salvation Ministries, where his angelic voice often brought peace to grieving families and joy to the congregation. His love for his wife, Carol Jones, was unwavering; he loved her with his whole heart. His wife’s grandchildren meant the world to him, and he would glow in conversation whenever he spoke about them.

Affectionately known as Danny Jack, he was loved and adored by many. The joy he brought into any room could never be replaced, and his presence, kindness, and music will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Danny is survived by his brother, Kenneth Jones of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his aunts, Alberta Hicks, Delores Simmons, Wanda Anderson, and Vivian Cunningham; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Jones Jr. and Onethia Elizabeth Springer; his beloved wife, Carol Jones; his sister, Lynda Joyce Lloyd; and his brothers, Nathaniel Jones III, Andre Jones, and Fletcher Williams Jones all of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A memorial celebration of life will honor Danny on Monday, February 23, 2026 in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors at 2:00 PM.

02/18/2026

Elzia Johnson‑Cummings (“Cookie”), age 75, was born in Chattanooga, TN, to Patrick Johnson and Edna Settles Thomas on October 29, 1950 and departed this earthly life on February 14, 2026. She was the youngest and only girl among five children.

Cookie accepted Christ at an early age and attended various churches throughout her life. Her last membership was at the former New First Baptist Church under Pastor Dereck Vinson, where she served faithfully until the church disassembled and her health began to decline.

She was a proud graduate of Riverside High School, class of 1968. Cookie worked several jobs before finding her true calling in skilled care, where she completed her career at Memorial Hospital.

A woman of unwavering faith, Cookie was dedicated to God, her family, and her friends. She always had a word of wisdom, a prayer, correction when needed, or something funny to say. She mothered many—both by birth and by love. A forever fashionista, she delighted in cooking, shopping, and entertaining.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick Johnson and Edna Thomas; her husband, Edward Cummings; her brothers, Raymond Thomas, Jr., James Thomas, and Clarence Huling; and a special sister, Wilma Jo White Perry.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Carla (Aubry) Sewell and Audrey (Jarvis) Porter; brother, Gerald (Johnna) Johnson; godson, Ernest Lloyd Bynum, Jr.; grandsons, Aubrey Johnson, Terrence Johnson Palmer, Timothy Bowman, Jr., Tory Sewell, and Kalen Sewell; bonus granddaughter, Shaina Rizer; five great‑grandchildren; one great‑great‑grandson; and a special friend, Michael Thompson—along with a host of other loving family members and friends.

Public viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 AM in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, 423-622-9995.

Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

02/18/2026

Cameron Dionte Woods, age 17, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed peacefully into heaven on January 23, 2026.

Cameron was born on October 14, 2008, to Christian Woods and Nikela Woods. He accepted Christ at the age of 10 and was a devoted member of the Transfiguration Church. A student at Brainerd High School, Cameron was known for his kind spirit, bright smile, and love of life. He enjoyed gaming, spending time with his family, and bringing joy to those around him.

Cameron is preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Louise Partridge and Brenda Woods, grandmother, Renita Partridge, and great-aunt Tekelia Partridge.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents, Christian Woods and Nikela Woods; great-grandmother, Nellie Crutcher; great-grandfather, Joe Partridge; grandparents, T.L. Woods and Georgia Woods; brothers, Christian “Lil Chris” Woods, Journee Harris, Jakel Woods, Tristian Shepherd, Knowledge Woods, and Amarley Trammell; sisters, Tykela Graham, Jamiyah Collins, Chrissi Bledsoe, Kionne Freeman, Kiyomi Woods, Amazing Woods, and Kayleigh Woods; god-sisters, Christin Phelps and Chelsea Phelps; aunts, Delea Partridge and Jaquoyah Foster; uncles, Deltric Malone, Darius Woods, and Kentrell Woods; and special cousins, Terella Crutcher, Taishauna Muir, and Leigha Hudson, along with a host of other loving cousins, family members, and friends.

Cameron’s warmth, laughter, and faith will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Public visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, on Friday, February 20, 2026, followed by the funeral service at noon at Olivet Baptist Church located at 741 East M L King Blvd.

Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.

02/17/2026

Jerry Earl Stewart, 75, of Summit, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at his sister’s home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Born on March 23, 1950 in Hillsboro, Alabama, Jerry lived a life filled with joy, laughter, and kindness. Always quick with a joke and a smile, he never met a stranger and treated everyone like family. Jerry attended Booker T. Washington High School and proudly worked for more than 40 years as a self-employed concrete finisher. He also enjoyed working on cars and using his hands to build and repair things for others. A faithful member of Fields Chapel A.M.E. Zion Methodist Church, Jerry loved his church family and took great pride in caring for the church grounds and facilities. He was known for his giving heart—always willing to lend a helping hand and, as many would say, would give you the shirt off his back.
Jerry was deeply devoted to his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Eva Jewsome McGhee; father, William Jefferson Stewart Sr.; stepfather, Theodore McGhee Sr.; brothers, William “Big June” Stewart, Carolyn Stewart, Bobby Stewart, Michael King; and baby sister, Evelyn McGhee.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 50 years, Annie Joyce Stewart, and his daughters Stacy Regina Hughes, Sonya La’Trice Russell (Willie), Rhonda Ann Bailes (Nicholas), and Tasha Nichole Maston (Ryan).
He is also survived by sisters Annette Roberts and Angela Sanders; brothers Frank King Jr., Theodore McGhee Jr., and John “Dutch” McGhee, all of Chattanooga; 11 grandchildren—Demetrius Hughes, Brittany Hughes, Brittsha Hughes, Siana (CC) Hughes, Marquita Hughes, Siara Hughes, Kiara Hughes, Christian Maston, William House, Thaddeus Sims III, and Jeremiah Sims; 23 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Morris Brown Jr.; sisters-in-law Edna Faye Sanders, Mary (Judi) Woodard, and Mary Frances King; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also leaves behind a special friend, Kenneth Kirk.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and services following at 12:00 noon.

Interment: Summit Cemetery.

Jerry’s love, laughter, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

02/17/2026

Rayfield (Ham) Crayton Pearson Jr, was born in Jackson’s Gap, Alabama on October 29, 1939, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Rayfield Crayton Pearson, Sr.

Rayfield attended the Chattanooga Public School System. He was employed with Norfolk Southern Railroad for many years.

Rayfield was a BBQ grill master of smoke and flavor! He was known throughout the city for his legendary slow cooked BBQ and hot coleslaw! His homemade BBQ sauce was strictly original! It was sooo good, it would knock the shoes off your feet! When he wasn’t tending to the grill, you could find him enjoying his second pastime, fishing at the Chickamauga Dam.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dayle Lemoine Crayton, Sr; brother, Thomas Lee Crayton Pearson; grandsons, Tremoine Crayton, Kelvin Crayton, Melvin Crayton, and Odarius Poe; granddaughter, Kiwonna Crayton; great-grandson, Tremone Franklin.

Left to cherish his memories: his devoted daughter and caregiver, Vernisa Ann Crayton, son Orlando (Katrina) Crayton, both of Chattanooga, TN; his beloved sister, Virginia Robinson, of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama; 10 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at John P. Franklin Funeral Home.