Vaughn Funeral Home

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

02/12/2026

Debra Delange, 68, of Spring City died Monday February 9, 2026 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

She was born on July 19, 1957 in Lakeview, Michigan. Debra loved thrift store shopping, buying shoes and purses; and playing card games. She was of the Baptist faith.

Debra is preceded in death by her father; Charles Hallengren and her husband, Jerry Delange.

Survivors include her mother, Mary (Cliff Spencer) Hallengren of Spring City, her children; Connie (Emanuel) Williams of Dayton, Tennessee and Michael Stevens of Kansas City, Missouri, her brothers; Allen (Mandy) Hallengren of Albuquerque, New Mexico, James Hallengren of Dayton, Tennessee and David Hallengren of Big Rapids, Michigan, 3 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Debra is also survived by her best friend Katie Winters of Dayton, Tennessee and her adopted grandchildren Colby, Percy, Jackie and Artie.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Senior Lighthouse Center, 135 Ferguson Drive, Spring City, Tennessee.

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

02/11/2026

Joy Cronan Corcoran, age 85, of Spring City, TN, and most recently of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, MS, with her children by her side.

Joy was born December 25th, 1940, in Port Allen, Louisiana to the late Thomas Larkin Cronan, Jr. and Edna Dovie Reidinger Cronan. She was a graduate of Istrouma Baptist High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After graduation, Joy worked for several years at Baton Rouge General before deciding to take to the skies. She became a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines where she would meet her husband of 55 years, Eugene F. Corcoran, Jr. Gene was a pilot for TWA, and he convinced her to go out with him. When he arrived to pick her up in her dream car, a white Corvette convertible with red leather interior, she thought it may be a sign! They were married on October 28, 1967, and resided in Chicago, Illinois. After the birth of their first child, they decided to move to the suburbs. They lived in Elgin, Illinois for about 10 years and then in Hampshire, Illinois for the next 25 years.

Joy was the most amazing stay at home mom. She loved her yard and garden and always had an incredible ability to make things grow. She was one of the local Girl Scout leaders and was a member of the ladies’ bowling league at Hampshire Lanes. After the kids were all out of elementary school, she worked for Hampshire High School as the assistant to the Resource Center Director in the morning, and the assistant to the Athletic Director in the afternoon.

Joy and Gene moved to Spring City, Tennessee in 2004, and started a very fulfilling retirement. They were able to travel frequently and loved taking trips with their siblings. National Parks and European River Cruises were their go-to destinations. They were also die-hard UT Lady Vols fans and enjoyed basketball season tickets. They loved traveling to see them play during tournament time!

Joy and Gene served together with the Senior Citizen Awareness Network (S.C.A.N) where they visited the elderly in their homes. They were also members of the Grandview Twirlers Square Dancing Club. Joy joined another bowling team in Dayton, TN, and was a member of the local chapter of the Red Hat Society. She loved hosting Red Hat Luncheons and always tried to have a fun craft or activity for the ladies.

What she loved more than anything was hosting her children and grandchildren at their home on the lake. She spent countless hours giving golfcart and boat rides and sitting on the dock watching the kids swim.

Joy was a member of First Baptist Church of Spring City and served as a greeter on Sunday mornings.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene F. Corcoran, Jr., her daughter Kimberly C. Corcoran, her sister Jacquelyne C. Owens, her brother Thomas L. Cronan, III, her great grandson Keaton S. Jones, and her parents.

Survivors include her son Eugene F. Corcoran, III of Spring City, TN, her daughter Ashley C. Majors (Bart) of Hattiesburg, MS; grandchildren Chelsea J. Jones (Brandon), Benjamin D. Majors, Blake L. Majors, Rhyan C. Majors and great grandchildren Kendall A. Jones and Colton S. Jones.

A graveside memorial service will be held later this year at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Evanston, Illinois.

Donations in Joy’s honor can be made to the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, First Baptist Church of Spring City, TN, the Tim Corcoran Campership Fund at Camp Manitowish YMCA in Boulder Junction, WI, or the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office SCAN program.

Obituary Announcement Courtesy of Vaughn Funeral Home

02/10/2026

Mildred P. Mims 82, passed away at her residence in Crossville, Tennessee Sunday, February 8, 2026.

She was born May 7, 1943 in Grandview, Tennessee to the late Claude and Vadie Reed Garrison. Mildred was a graduate of Spring City High School, “Class of 1961”. She lived several years in Ohio and worked in the textile industry for many years retiring from Robinson Manufacturing Company in Dayton, Tennessee. Mildred loved to work jigsaw puzzles and to travel. She and her late husband Gerry enjoyed traveling in the United States and overseas. Mildred was a member of Grandview Baptist Church.

Mildred is preceded in death by her first husband; Glenn Tharpe and her second husband; Gerry Lee Mims. She is also preceded in death by her brothers; Alvin and Melvin Garrison.

Survivors include her sisters; Jeanette (Charles) Ledbetter of Grandview, Tennessee, Joann (Bill) Garrison of Elyria, Ohio and Sue (David) Hayes of Grandview, Tennessee and her brother; Ken (Ruth Ann) Garrison of Grandview, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 3 PM in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev David Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson Stand Cemetery in Grandview, Tennessee.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 1 PM to 3PM at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mildred P. Mims. Please share your memories and condolences with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com