Vaughn Funeral Home

04/01/2026

Leroy Jennings age 84, of Grandview, died at his residence, Monday, March 30, 2026.

He was born August 2, 1941 to the late William and Violet Cregar Jennings and raised in Jonesburg, Missouri until he moved to Tennessee in 1972. He worked for Southern Silk Mill for several years and spent many years as a carpenter and brick mason. He enjoyed farming and raising cattle the best of all. Leroy loved sports of all kinds and truly loved his family and his grandchildren.

Leroy is also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Carol Jennings, two brothers, Allan and Charles Jennings and his two sisters Laura Crabtree and Dorothy Cunningham.

Leroy is survived by his children, Wanda (Jon) Wilkey of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, Daryl (Patricia) Jennings of Grandview, Tennessee and Sharon (Bob Wisener) Reed of Spring City, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brothers Henry Jennings of Wright City, Missouri and George Jennings of Columbia, Missouri, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Per Leroy’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. There will be a private burial at Mt Sulphur Cemetery in Grandview.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is charge of the arrangements for Leroy Jennings. Please share your words or comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/01/2026

Jerry Cox age 73, of Grandview, Tennessee passed away Monday, March 30 at his residence.

He was born June 23, 1952 to the late Virgil and Beulah Reed Cox. He was a lifelong resident of Grandview and a graduate of Spring City High School, “Class of 1970”. Jerry worked as a stone mason and a carpenter for most of his career, but, he had also worked as a logger and a farmer; as a farmer, Jerry enjoyed raising cows and hogs and digging for ginseng. He loved to play poker with the kids and made sure that he won most of the time! Jerry was an avid baseball fan, especially the Atlanta Braves. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teasing everyone.

Jerry is also preceded by his sister Charlotte Coffinberry and his son Joshua Allen Gore.

Jerry is survived by his wife Lavonne Cox of Grandview, his children Jessica (Weston) McKee of Lebanon, Tennessee, Ashleigh Paige (Jason) Scales of Grandview and Kayla Cameron of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, his brother Jeff (Vicki) Cox of Chattanooga, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday April 4, 2026 in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Travis Hinch officiating. Interment to follow in Johnson-Stand Cemetery in Grandview. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 12PM to 2PM at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Jerry may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, PO Box 96105, Washington, D.C. 20090-6105
Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Jerry Cox. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/31/2026

Emma “Lois” Harris, age 90, of Spring City, passed away peacefully at Spring City Care and Rehab on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

She was born on November 2, 1935 to the late Sherman and Georgia Bare Holloway and was a life- long resident of this area. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Spring City. Lois was such a friendly and caring person, always helpful and often did things for people that they never even knew about. She did without a lot of things in her life, but that didn’t keep her from radiating joy and being a blessing to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

She is preceded in death by the father of her children; Harold Harris, sister; Thelma Holloway (Venus) Reed, special sister-in-law; Reba Harris Hutsell and brother-in-law; Clyde Hodge.

Lois is survived by her children; Kathy Harris James, Jeff (Brenda) Harris, both of Spring City and her “second daughter;” Darlene Hutsell Smith, her sister, Bernice Hodge of Spring City and her “third” sister, Barbara Cahlik of Spring City. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Jessica Harris (Aaron) Burlingame, Justin (Candi) Harris, and Emily Ann James, great-grandchildren; Alexia Bishop, Jagger Wesolowski, Brody Repasky, Anna Repasky, Neyland Sawyer, Kensley Harris, and Copper Harris, one great-great-grandchild; Lilah Rose Wesolowski and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Lois will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6PM in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Norman Huskey officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-6PM at the funeral home.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is charge of the arrangements for Emma “Lois” Harris. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/10/2026

Colonel Charles P. “Chuck” McIlwain age 91, of Spring City, Tennessee died Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Rhea Medical Center in Dayton, Tennessee.

He was born June 21, 1934 in Hankinson, North Dakota to the late David F. and Ethel Paulson McIlwain. Charles attended school in North Dakota and eventually achieved a master’s degree. In 1954, after graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Army. Charles was a career officer, having served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict and the Iranian Conflict in various capacities. He retired in 1988 as the Engineer Inspector General in Washington, D.C. after serving his country for 34 years. Charles was a member of the Spring City Methodist Church and was very instrumental in the design and building of the Family Life Center. He enjoyed hunting and fishing on Watts Bar Lake.

Charles is preceded in death by the love of his life; his wife Nancy Ann McIlwain and his brothers Patrick and David McIlwain.

Survivors include his daughters Carrie (Dwight) Vaughn of Warrenton, Virginia, and Colleen Owens of Spring City, Tennessee and his son Bradley McIlwain of Spring City, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brother Michael McIlwain of Blue Springs, Missouri; six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Chuck and Nancy will be held on a later date this year in Spring City.

Memorials in memory of Chuck may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org; one of his favorite charities.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Colonel Charles P. McIlwain. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/06/2026

Adam Lee Black, age 40, passed away at his residence on Thursday March 5, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1985 to Berlin and Gloria Black in Fort Smith Arkansas. He has been a resident of Tennessee for the last six years and moved from Kentucky. Adam was of the Baptist faith and attended Revolution Church in Crossville.

Adam was a mechanic and really enjoyed doing small engine repairs and working on boats. He loved being outdoors and in nature. Being on the water and fishing was where he found peace. Music was also one of his passions and he and his daughter Autumn spent a lot of time singing together.

He is preceded in death by his father; Berlin Black and his grandparents.

Adam is survived by his mom; Gloria Black, children; Autumn Black, and Jackson and Patsy Pighue of Jamestown, brother; Jared (Darla) Black of Spring City, sister; Sabrina Black of Oklahoma, nephew; Michael Black, his father’s family in West Virginia and his fiancé; Salina Reeder of Spring City.

There will be a Memorial Service in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2PM with Brother Greg Kelly officiating. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vaughn Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Adam Lee Black. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home-com

03/03/2026

Bettye Reed 86, of Spring City passed away Monday, March 2nd 2026 at Golden Years Retirement Resort.

She was born on December 9, 1940 in Jamestown, Tennessee to the late Cecil and Mazelle McDonald Norris. Bettye attended school in Jamestown, after which she moved to Nashville and worked as a manicurist for a while. After marrying her late husband Bailey Reed, she moved to Spring City in 1964. Bettye worked alongside her husband at Bailey Reed Motors for many years and also owned and operated Bettye’s Fashions. She was a faithful member of the Spring City Foursquare Church and was involved; along with her children, in many community events. Bettye loved doing woodworking and had a workshop in her home; she also loved to read, knit and do crossword puzzles.

Bettye was also preceded in death by her infant daughter Lori Ann Reed and her brothers Bruce McDonald and Don Norris.

Survivors include her children Jamie (Johnny) Spivey Reed of Maryville and Jim Reed of Spring City, her granddaughter Chelse Reed of Dayton and her sister Linda Parsons of Jamestown, TN.

As per Bettye’s request, there be will no visitation or services. Memorials may be given in her memory to The Spring City Lions Club, PO Box 684, Spring City, Tennessee 37381.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of the arrangements for Bettye Reed. Please send words of comfort to and share memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/03/2026

Lucille “Lucy” Harvey 92, of Spring City passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Golden Years Retirement Resort. She was a lifelong resident of this area. Lucy attended school at Mars Hill School. She loved to go to yard sales and flea markets, but she especially loved her family. She has lived the last several years with her sister Frances. Lucy was a lifelong member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Spring City.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband Roger Harvey and her siblings Maxine Wright, Isabella Rodgers Crouse, Harold Miller, Flora Mae Pendleton and Earnest Miller. She is also preceded in death by her faithful dog companion, “Skeeter Sue”.

Survivors include her sister Frances Spicknall of Spring City, Tennessee and her brother Junior (Shirley) Miller of Spring City, Tennessee. She is also survived by her children Ruby (Tinker) West of Cleveland, Tennessee and William (Kathy) Pendleton of Spring City, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home at 1PM with Rev. Ronnie Arwood and Rev. Bill Randolph officiating. Interment to follow at Friendship Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, from 5PM until 7PM and also Wednesday, March 4th from 12PM until 1PM at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Lucille Harvey. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

02/26/2026

02/23/2026

Shirley J. Whitted 89, of Spring City, Tennessee, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at Spring City Care and Rehabilitation.

She was born October 14, 1936 to the late John and Martha Fugate Pendergrass and was a lifelong resident of Spring City, Tennessee. She was a member of Bogles Chapel Baptist Church. She enjoyed being on the go, shopping, and eating out. Shirley was known for making the absolute best coconut pie. Shirley loved taking care of her home and kept it spotless.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband; Glenn Whitted, daughter; Rebecca Whitted, grandson; Johnathan Strickland, daughter-in-law; Laura Whitted and all of her siblings.

Survivors include her children; Katie (Doyle) Smith of Spring City, Tennessee, Wanda (John) Johnson of Cold Brook, New York, Peggy Dean, of Dayton, Tennessee, Richard Whitted of Cumberland County, Tennessee, Charles Whitted of Evensville, Tennessee, Steve Whitted and Tim Whitted of Spring City, Tennessee.

Shirley is also survived by grandchildren; Brandi Miller, Heather Miller, Josh Smith, Justin Whitted, Alysia Chavez, John Whitted, Matt Whitted, Travis Whitted, Scott Mullis and Andrew Johnson. 7!great-grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home in Spring City, Tennessee with Rev. Aaron Revis officiating. Interment will follow at Ewing Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 1pm until 2pm at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Shirley J. Whitted. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

02/23/2026

Rhoda R. Clawson-Collins of Elyria (2012) & Spencer (2025), Ohio was called to Heaven on February 15th, 2026, under the care of hospice at Medina Hospital in Medina, Ohio. Rhoda lived an impressive and fulfilled 96 years. Born on August 8, 1929 to her late parents Dewey and Mary Ford Clawson, Rhoda spent her childhood in Spring City TN and was a graduate of Spring City High School, “Class of 1951”. She later became a devoted wife for 65 years to her late husband Johnny Collins and a loving mother to Diana Bansek and Wesley Collins. She was also an inspirational grandmother to Brittany Sidoti and an admired great grandmother to Willow and Juniper Sidoti.

Rhoda was known for her warm smile, generous heart and loving spirit. She had a passion for sewing, growing tomatoes and adored spending time with the ones she loved dearly.

Rhoda was also preceded in death by her son Wesley Collins, her sister Izora and her brothers Charles, Robert, Ulyess, Dewey Jr. and Jimmy Clawson,

She is survived by her daughter Diana (Rick) Bansek, her siblings Hassie Stamely and Ralph Clawson, granddaughter Brittany (Chris) Sidoti and great grandchildren Willow and Juniper Sidoti.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2pm in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Forgey officiating. Interment will follow in Long Cemetery alongside her father and mother and several siblings.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 27, 2026 from 12:00pm until 2pm at Vaughn Funeral Home

Memorials may be given to Long Cemetery c/o Barbara Roach, Spring City, TN.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Rhoda Clawson- Collins. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

02/12/2026

Stephanie Sherrill, age 43 of Dayton, Tennessee died Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Erlanger Medical Center.

She was born July 29, 1982 in Bartow, Florida. Stephanie was a graduate of Rhea County High School. She was a member of Norman’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Stephanie worked at Walmart before becoming a full time wife and mother. She loved to fish, make jewelry and spend time with her grandchildren.

Stephanie is preceded in death by her husband, Randy Sherrill and her father, Estes Harris.

Survivors include her mother, Doris (Jerry) Sneed of Dayton, Tennessee, her children; Tiffany Sherrill, Amber Sherrill, Amy Sherrill, Nick Sherrill and Dakota Sherrill, all of Dayton, Tennessee. She is also survived by her brothers; Jeremy (Shawn) Harris of Decatur, Tennessee and Timmy (Bebe) Sneed of Dayton, Tennessee and her grandchildren Genesis Grace Sherrill and Kingston Randy Lynn Sherrill.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:00pm at Dunn Cemetery in Bledsoe County with the Rev. Clarence Partin officiating.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Stephanie Sherrill. Please express your words of comfort and share memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com