Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services

01/12/2026

Jodie Sitzler

Jodie Lynn Sitzler, of Athens, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

She was a devoted follower of Christ and a member of New Hopewell Baptist Church. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, and Sister.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather and grandmother, Thomas and Nettie Price of Decatur; Grandmother, Ruby Vaughn of Englewood.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Walter Sitzler of Athens; Son, Zachary (Scarlett) and granddaughter, Sadie Sitzler of Madisonville; Daughter, Savanna Sitzler of Athens, Mother and Father, Tommie and Ed Vaughn of Athens; Sister, Melissa Skidmore; Niece, Lilly Skidmore of Athens; Brother, Kenny (Caletha) Vaughn; Nephew, Lane (Brianna) Vaughn of Decatur.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the Rev. Zachary Sitzler and the Rev. Ezra "Bo" Coleman officiating.

Interment will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in the Meigs County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., prior to the service on Tuesday.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Sitzlar family.

View Jodie Sitzler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

01/10/2026

Nina Dennis

Nina Hortnese Dennis, age 88, of Decatur, passed away on January 9, 2025.

She was a daughter of the late Gussie and Sylvia Dennis and a member of Brittsville Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her siblings, Vivian Rayburn, Daphne Farrell, and Bobby Dennis.

She is survived by her sisters, Alma Hicks, Mary Hyde, Mildred Clifton; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

No formal services will be held per Nina's request.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Dennis family.

View Nina Dennis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/09/2026

Music can help us express our feelings in a way words alone often can’t, which is why personalizing the music at a funeral or celebration of life is so important. If your loved one grew up in the 1940s – or just loved 1940s music – here are 10 songs you can incorporate into their service.

Want to incorporate music from the 1940s in your loved one's celebration of life? Check out our list for 10 beautiful options.

01/08/2026

Our Almanac Calendars are still available! 📖📅
If you haven’t picked one up yet, we have plenty left, so stop by when you’re in the area and grab some for you and all your friends and family!😀

Good news! Our 2026 Almanac Calendars have arrived. 📅
Swing by during business hours and grab one while they last. We look forward to seeing you!

01/08/2026

Irene Culvahouse

Irene Myrtle Watson Culvahouse, age 96, of Decatur, peacefully went to be home with her Saviour on January 7, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was a native of Monroe County and a longtime resident of Decatur, where she raised her children. She worked as a beautician up until her retirement. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Decatur.

She was a wonderful mom and attentive grandmother. Her door was always open, she always had candy for the children to enjoy. For the past decade she had been homebound where she enjoyed family, reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Washington Rankin Watson and Dulcey Mae Moses Watson, one brother, Hubert Watson, two sisters, Inez Watson Fuller and Kathleen Watson Grant.

She is survived by two sons, Chester Alan Culvahouse Ill of Decatur Tennessee and David Rankin Culvahouse and Allecia of Englewood, Tennessee; three grandson, Carter Cole Culvahouse, Deebo (Rachel) Simmons, and Kodi (April) Melton; one granddaughter, Hannah Barnes; grandsons, ; eight great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in the Decatur Cemetery with the Rev. James Staton officiating.

No formal visitation will be held, per Irene's request.

The family asks that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, donors@stjude.org

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Adoration Hospice and caregiver, Dedra Corroll for their loving care during Irene's illness.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Culvahouse family.

View Irene Culvahouse's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/06/2026

Frances Sue McKee

Frances Sue Runyan McKee, age 96, lifelong resident of Decatur, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

She was a cherished daughter of the late John Henry Sr. and Jessie Lou Runyan. Frances was deeply committed to her community and her faith, serving as a devoted member of Decatur United Methodist Church. Known for her love of baking, she created countless cherished memories through her warm hospitality and delicious treats.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Doc McKee; siblings, Mildred Wilson, Roy Runyan, Viola Runyan, Lillie Runyan, John H. Runyan Jr., Robert Runyan.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane Jennings, Linda (Michael) Verstynen, and Debbie (Jimmy) Goforth; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; other extended family members, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A private graveside service will be held per Sue's Request.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the McKee family.

View Frances McKee's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/06/2026

Did you know that cuddling not only makes you feel warmer, but it also releases oxytocin? This feel-good hormone helps reduce heart disease and lower blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. That’s a lot of benefits! So, grab your favorite cuddle partner - human or animal - and enjoy the day!

01/05/2026

Jade Fairbanks

Jade Fairbanks, age 32, passed away on January 3, 2026, after a courageous fight with advanced metastatic cancer. She joined her beloved Daddy on the banks of paradise, surrounded by peace and eternal love.

Jade was full of life, with an innocent and carefree nature that drew people to her effortlessly. She was stubborn in the best way-strong-willed, independent, and determined to live life to the beat of her own drum. Even in the face of unimaginable illness, Jade fought with quiet strength, resilience, and grace that inspired everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sammy Fairbanks; her uncle, Jackie Fairbanks; her aunt, Karen Denton; her maternal grandfather, Don Brown; and her paternal grandparents, Junior and Imogene Fairbanks.

She is survived by her grandmother, Alice Brown; loving mother and stepfather, Teresa Brown and Reed Buckner; her loving siblings, Samantha Fairbanks (Justin West), Kari Pritchett (Phil Bates), Gary Fairbanks (Daralea), Brandi Pritchett (Rob Faughnan), Beth Blankenship (Brandon), Clayton Buckner, Carrie Davis, Kristi Burnett; and her honorary brother, David Poole (Tori).

She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Sara Lamb, Matt Gossett, Haylee Gossett, James Hawkins, Alyssa Hawkins, Alex Hawkins, Hayden Smith, Chance West, Brayden Poole, Heaven Poole, Conner Poole, Blake Fairbanks, Peyton Fairbanks, Landon Fairbanks, and Carson Gary.

Jade is lovingly remembered by her amazing best friends, Courtney Earwood; Veda and Bradley Witt; Sarah Beyer; and Ashley Allsteadt, who stood by her with unwavering love, laughter, and loyalty.

She is also survived by far too many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins to list, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Jade's life, though far too short, was filled with love, light, and a spirit that will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and her memory will be forever cherished.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026 in the chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the Rev. John Garringer officiating.

The family will recieve friends from 5 - 7 p.m, prior to the service.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve Jade's family.

View Jade Fairbanks's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/05/2026

Evelyn Goines

Evelyn Doris Goines, age 71, of Decatur, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

She was a daughter of the late George and Mary Lee Farmer.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Goines; great grandson, Jameson Michael Mobriant; siblings, David Farmer, Jimmy Brown, George Farmer; father and mother in-law, Ravanell and Cam Goines.

She is survived by her children, Sherry (Mike) Russell of Decatur, Mary Nell (Ryan) Means of Decatur; grandchildren, Jessica (Charlie) Mobriant of Decatur, Michael (Paige) Russell of Signal Mountain, Caylee (Austin) Lamb of Decatur, Gracie Wilford (Nathan Hull) of Decatur, Dakota (Amanda) Means of Phoenix City, AL, Brady (Abigail) Means of Fairbanks, Alaska; great grandchildren, Trey, Waylon, Noelle, Auguste, Jamisyn, Clint, Lillian, John, and Wyatt; siblings, Dale (Carolyn) Farmer of Polk County, Dean (Debbie) Brown of Cleveland, TN, Patsy Flowers of Monroe County, Johnie Farmer of Athens, TN, Phyllis (Jim) Laws of Ten Mile, TN; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the Rev. James Staton officiating. Interment will follow in the Meigs County Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 4 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 and from 1 - 2 p.m., prior to the service on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Goines family.

View Evelyn Goines's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Grief shows up in all areas of our lives, including the workplace. If you have a grieving colleague, check out these helpful suggestions for offering support and encouragement at a time of loss.

Grief touches all parts of our lives, including the workplace. If you'd like to support a grieving colleague, check out these suggestions!