J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home

02/08/2026

Mr. Devan Depriest Hawley, 36 passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Pastor Scott Dobbins will officiate, and Pastor Theresa Northcutt will serve as eulogist.

Devan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Cecil L. Davidson; his paternal grandparents, Roosevelt and Flonell Hawley; and uncles, Larry Hawley and Stevon Hawley.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved daughter, Lilliyanna French Hawley; parents, Taja D. Davidson and Dexter D. (Pamala) Hawley; stepfather, Earl D.(Shanika) Bean, Jr.; maternal grandmothers, Marcia L. Hendon and Phyllis D. Adams; step-grandfather, Earl. D. Bean, Sr.; siblings, Amber D. Bean, Christopher D. (RaChandra) Bean, Tajaya D. Bean, Charis R. (Christian) Weaver, Olivia N. Bean, Jayla R. Bean, Tameka (Kithome) King, Ruebon Hawley, and Daniel Hawley; uncles, Gerald L. Davidson, Tony (Crystal) Hawley and Derrick (Desire) Hawley; aunts, JaCenda D. (Chris) Robinson, Bari Shawn (Dwight) Little, Pat Hawley, Tamatha (Marcus) Cooper, and Trina Smith.

Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Please keep the family of Devan “Devo” Hawley in your thoughts and prayers.

02/07/2026

80 years later we are still standing as Tullahoma’s longest locally owned family funeral home. True connections and we truly care for you!

I remember when funeral homes were owned by the families whose names were on the sign. I was fortunate enough to work during that era, back in the late 1900s 😉

You thought you knew who you were dealing with. You thought you knew where the money stayed. You thought you knew who was accountable.

Sometimes all that changes silently and the only thing that looks different is the branding, and even then maybe not for years after acquisition.

Same building. Same chapel. New ownership quietly entering behind the scenes.

Everything looks and seems the same. Until one day, the prices raise. Quotas are implemented. The people are replaced. The connections are lost.

If you’re planning ahead, or walking into a funeral home for the first time, ask the questions people don’t think to ask.

Ownership matters.
Especially here... and now.

If this made you pause, share it.
And if you’re planning ahead, ask the questions no one prompts you to ask.
You can start here in the comment section ❤️

01/29/2026

We are proud to welcome Angel Wilson as the newest Licensed Funeral Director with our Funeral Home family. A Fayetteville native with over 20 years of experience, Angel brings compassion, expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to serving her hometown. As we celebrate 80 years of service to this community—we continue to raise the bar and set the standard in funeral care. Angel’s addition reflects our ongoing commitment to dignity, respect, and personal service.

•Angel has a strong relationship with local clergy and churches throughout Lincoln County, helping families hold services in the place of worship that feels right for them.

•We offer the convenience of making arrangements from the comfort of your own home, when leaving home feels like too much.

We are honored to continue our legacy of care and grateful for the opportunity to serve Fayetteville families for generations to come. In your time of need, please give us a call at 931-455-2723.

01/23/2026

Ms. Christy Marie Gomez, 56 of Tullahoma passed from this life on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. She was born in Abilene, Texas on November 17, 1969 to the late Modesto Gomez and Leona Stillman Gomez. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joey Gomez.

She was a woman whose love showed up in everyday acts of kindness and who loved to cook for anyone who was hungry. She was a mother not only to her own children, but to anyone who needed a mother’s love. Having a compassionate and caring soul, she found joy in the company of her family and loved spending time with them. She loved listening to music and sharing a good laugh. In her spare time, she enjoyed stargazing and sitting on her porch watching the night sky. She was also blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed gardening.

She is survived by her loving children, Maria (Chelsea) Espinosa of Tullahoma, Michael (Sam) Gomez of New York and Christopher (Michelle) Gomez of Santa Fe, TN; siblings, Mitchell (Misty) Gomez, Randy Gomez, and Robert (Kellie) Gomez; niece, Brianna (Blake) Williams; adopted daughter, Shirly Meneses of Tullahoma; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family is planning a Celebration of Life service at a later date.

Please keep the family of Ms. Christy Gomez in your thoughts and prayers.

01/06/2026

Sharing as a courtesy on behalf of the Moore family.

01/05/2026

Ms. Myra Friend-Ellis, 78 of West Louisville, Kentucky passed from this life on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Baptist Health Floyd.

She was a woman of quiet strength, deep commitment, and unwavering care for others. Born on August 6, 1947 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Myra lived a life rooted in service, stability, and meaningful relationships. She spent much of her life in Kentucky, including her later years in West Louisville, where she remained closely connected to family, friends, and community.

A dedicated professional, Myra devoted decades of her life to social service, politics, and education, where she was known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and compassion. She was not only a committed worker but also a mentor to many, especially those entering politics and community-based work. Myra generously shared her wisdom, encouraged leadership grounded in integrity, and guided others with patience and care. Her career reflected her belief in showing up, doing meaningful work, and supporting others with dignity.

Beyond her professional life, Myra was deeply family-oriented and community-minded. She is survived by her beloved godchildren, Johni Ison and Erin Halvorson, along with a large family of cousins and loved ones who cherished her presence and guidance.

She was also known for her involvement in social and service-oriented circles, where her warmth, laughter, and steady spirit left a lasting impression.

She will be remembered for a life well lived, defined not by noise or recognition, but by consistency, kindness, and the many lives she quietly touched. Her legacy lives on through family, community, and the countless people who benefited from her care, service, and mentorship.

Family and Friends will gather for a Graveside service on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery in Tullahoma, Tennessee beginning at 11:00 A.M. CST with Rev. James A. Crutchfield, Jr. as Eulogist.

Please keep the family of Ms. Myra Friend Ellis in your thoughts and prayers.

12/26/2025

As we wish our community a Merry Christmas, we also hold close in our hearts those who are experiencing the holidays differently this year.

For anyone facing their first Christmas without someone they love, please know you are not alone. It’s okay to feel joy and sorrow, or neither at all.

May today bring you moments of peace, comfort, and remembrance. 🤍

With Love,
Tracie, Ms. Emma, Angel, Chris, Kaleb, Lee, Otis, Paul and Willie C.

12/22/2025

Mr. William “Bubby” Pentecost, 66 of Wartrace passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his residence. He was born on November 21, 1959, to the late Sherman Lee and Margaret Lorene Pentecost Robinson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Waymon Robinson; his sister, Marilyn Pentecost; and five brothers, James, Gary, Jackie, Ivory Wayne, and David Robinson.

William attended school in Coffee and Franklin Counties and was a 1978 graduate of Franklin County High School. Following graduation, he served his country in the National Guard of United States.

He was a dedicated and loyal employee of Tyson Foods, where he worked for 32 years before retiring. He was a man of strong faith and attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tullahoma. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and often shared his talent at various churches. His favorite song to sing was “Never Would Have Made It.”

On April 10, 2021, he was united in marriage to Shelia Corn. He enjoyed playing co****le and especially looked forward to his annual Brothers Trip. Above all, he was a devoted family man.

William was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Shelia; daughter, Ausha (Julius) Smythe; grandchildren, Souzah, Ellianah, Moudiah, Yalinah, Tarizah, Hezariah Smythe; step-children, Kristin Dupree and Gary Dupree, Jr.; step-grandchildren, Cingston, Kashlyn, Amya, and Lorenzo Dupree; brothers, Doyle (Cathy) Pentecost, Kenneth (Charlotte) Robinson, Steve Robinson, Allen (Karen) Robinson and Floyd Robinson; sisters, Paulette Pentecost, Fredia (Clarence) Freeman, Nena (Earstin) Kinslow, Darlene (Curtis) Parks, Sylvia Pentecost, Anita Holbert, Dorothy Winton, and Alice Mitchell; mother-in-law, Lottie Corn; brother-in-law, Gary Corn; sister-in-law, Pamela Corn and Linda Robinson; aunt, Euralene “Nun” Sheffield; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other relatives.

Visitation, Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Celebration of Life service following at 1:00 p.m. with Minister Arnell Horton, officiating and Pastor Ramon Wyatt, eulogist. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Please keep the family of Mr. William "Bubby" Pentecost in your thoughts and prayers.