J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home, 715 S Jackson Street, Tullahoma, TN (2025)

11/28/2025

Savion Sterling Smith, 26, passed from this life unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1999, in Wi******er to Ferriss Blackwell Jr. and Knika Smith.

Savion carried a profound grief after the loss of his beloved grandmother, Devonia “Bones” Smith, and his brother, Shamar Smith. Their passing left a deep hole in his heart that could never be filled. He missed them every day, and there is comfort in knowing they are now reunited in peace. In addition, he was preceded in death by his grandparents William B. Smith and Robert Jacobs.

He graduated from Tullahoma High School in 2017, where he was a standout athlete in track and football. He later attended Carson-Newman University. He loved live music and concerts, playing his PlayStation and Pokémon Go, kayaking, skating, and fishing.

Affectionately known as “Mouse,” those closest to him will remember how he always lit up the room with his presence and warm smile. He was a loving and devoted brother and big cousin. He knew exactly how to make himself known in any room he entered. Independent, self-assertive, outgoing, and friendly, he loved being someone everyone could call a friend.

He leaves behind family and friends who loved him dearly and who will forever cherish the time they had with him: his son/furbaby, Kendrick Todd Cam Newton III; mother, Knika (Bryant) Smith; father, Ferriss Blackwell Jr.; sister, Kana Smith; brothers, Cyrus Blackwell and Dailyn Counts Blackwell; grandparents, Ferriss “Mike” Sr. and Barbara Blackwell; aunts, Veronica Jacobs-Hill, Sandy Jacobs, Shawn Blackwell, and Sharra Blackwell; uncles, Labron Hill, Phillip Smith, and Thaddeus (Vanetta) Blackwell; special cousins who were like brothers, Justin Hill, Shandon Hill, Bronson Hill, Dustin Berry, Steven Brewer, and Randall Jacobs and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation, Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Elk River Tabernacle (87 Crestview Drive, Wi******er, TN 37398) with Funeral Services following at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Coleman March, Jr., officiating and Pastor Lee Brannon, eulogist. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery in Tullahoma.

Please keep the family of Savion Smith in your thoughts and prayers.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we pause to remember the loved ones who are no longer at the table but forever in our hearts.

We are grateful for the trust our community places in us and for the privilege of supporting you through life’s most tender moments.
Wishing you a day of gratitude, warmth, and gentle healing. 🕊️🧡

11/26/2025

Mr. Arthur Gene Gross, 89 affectionately known as "Art", passed from this life on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at his residence in Wartrace. He was born on September 3, 1936, to the late John L. Sr., and Sophie Jones Gross in Nashville. The family later moved to Fairfield, TN before finally settling in Wartrace, TN. Art attended Bedford County Training School. Upon completing high school, Art enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War.

In June 1963, Art married Mildred Louise Warren-Marsh and became father to Prentice Marsh, Jr. and Connie Marsh. Their union was also blessed with Timothy, Shirley, Eric and Marsha.

Art worked several types of jobs during his life, T.A. Noah Plumbing, Arnold Air Force Base Officers' Club, and finally Shelbyville Housing Authority where he retired. Art didn't stay retired long and began working as a handy man to many in the community. He was always there for anyone needed something repaired or built. Art was a devoted member of Bird Street Church of Christ and remained faithful until his demise on November 23, 2025.

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; daughter, Marsha; parents, John L., Sr., and Sophie Gross; siblings, John L. Gross, Jr., Frances Singleton, Mildred Ann Gross and Gary Gross.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Prentice (Nadine), Connie, Timothy, Shirley, and Eric; his siblings, James Porter, Elaine Joyce, and Morganthau Gross; grandchildren, Javondi, Christopher, Lloyd, Loren, Chandler, Chase, Lazarus, Ronnie, Trey, and only granddaughter Marsha; great grandchildren, Krista, Kirstin, Na"kya, Patience, Christopher Jr. "CJ" Landon, Keyshawn, Arthur, Ophelia, and Elyza; great-great granddaughter, Paislee; devoted friends and Brother in Christ, Bro. El "Scoop" Biggers and Terry Looper; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation, Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Bird Street Church of Christ in Shelbyville. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Bird Street Church of Christ beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Anthony Booker, officiating and eulogist. Interment will follow at Middle TN Veterans Cemetery in Pegram beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Please keep the family of Mr. Arthur "Art" Gene Gross in your thoughts and prayers.

11/22/2025

Celebration of Life for Ariel McGee Vaughn & Baby Kiel

11/18/2025

At the young age of 34, Ariel Montre McGee Vaughn of Tullahoma transitioned from this life on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Ariel was carrying her precious 7-month-old son, Kiel, who transitioned with his mother and was lovingly born into heaven. Their passing follows another immense loss for the family. Ariel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kortez Vaughn, Sr., who passed away on June 10, 2025.

Ariel was born on May 31, 1991 in Tullahoma to the late Arthur Ward II and Sernobia McGee. In addition to her husband and father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Sterling Sr. and Sallie McGee; paternal grandfather, Arthur Ward, Sr.; uncles, Ronnie McGee, Sr. and Sterling McGee, Jr.

Ariel was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tullahoma and was baptized at a young age. She began serving early in the church as an usher and later joined the youth choir, where she loved to sing her favorite song, “I Can Go to the Rock.” A 2009 graduate of Tullahoma High School, she spent her younger years playing Rec Softball and church league basketball. She worked for many years as a medical assistant and CNA. She was blessed with many talents, among them a beautiful singing voice and a natural gift for modeling. She served as a plus size model for teenage girls and was featured on The Mo’Nique Show, where she had the opportunity to be mentored by Mo’Nique herself.

Family and friends will remember Ariel as silly, funny, and full of life. She loved to laugh—her infectious laugh could light up any room. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and going boat riding.

To her mother, Ariel was a steady rock and source of strength. Many see her mother as a strong woman, but she credits that strength to Ariel’s unwavering support, love, and grounding presence. Ariel leaves behind a profound emptiness in her mother’s heart and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish her most precious memories are her son and daughter, Kortez Vaughn, Jr. and Karmella T. Vaughn; loving and devoted mother, Sernobia McGee; sisters, Alexandria “Lexie” McGee, Ariel Walton, Kaitlyn McKnight, Bre Hathaway, Zhane Thomas, Arierion Ward, Desiree, and Brynetia Rodriguez; brother, Tylon; grandmother, Alice (Richard) Rowe; aunts, Annette McGee Veals, Debbie (Vincent) Cooley, Lydia Tabbs, Phyllis Tabbs, Kadaya Lyles, Toi Brown, Vickie McGee, and Doris McGee; uncles, Michael McGee, Ronny Ward, and Sumner Rowe; special nieces and nephews, Jariah McGee, Ky’Onnie Wigfall, Jeremiah (Sara) McGee, and Jace McGee; great-niece, Tahlia-Faye McGee; mother-in-law, Coretta (Darrell) Vaughn Smith; sister-in-law, KeAria Owens; brothers-in-law, Karl Parson, Jr., Matthew and Martin Parson; bonus brothers, Rashad Vance, Kelvin Turner, and Rodney White; special friends, Heather, Delondra, Ana, Tiffany, Jenny, and Marketta; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation, Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tullahoma with Funeral Services immediately following at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Ramon Wyatt, Officiating and Rev. Dr. Elmore Torbert, Jr., eulogist. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Please keep the family of Mrs. Ariel McGee Vaughn and baby Keil Vaughn in your thoughts and prayers.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes This Veterans Day 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Their service protects the freedoms we hold dear, and their memory lives on in our hearts and communities.

At Welton Funeral Home, we are deeply grateful to our veterans and their families. Your service inspires us every day to serve our community with the same compassion and respect you’ve shown our nation.

Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service. ❤️🤍💙

11/04/2025

Honoring Every Life, Uniquely 🌿

At J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home, we believe every life tells a story — and every farewell should reflect that story beautifully. Whether it’s a favorite song, cherished photos, a special theme, or meaningful keepsakes, our team helps families create personalized services that truly honor their loved ones. 💕

From traditional ceremonies to unique celebrations of life, we’re here to help you design a service that feels personal, comforting, and memorable.

📞 Contact us today to learn how we can help you plan a heartfelt tribute. (931)455-2723

10/27/2025

If you’ve already pre-planned a funeral or cremation with another funeral home, you can still choose us. We’ll honor your existing pre-arrangements and policies — no fees, no stress.

Let us help you continue your plans with care and peace of mind. Contact us today at 931-455-2723 to learn more!

10/14/2025

Mr. Kenneth Andre Johnson, Sr., 55, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. Born on September 23, 1970, in Tullahoma, Andre was the beloved son of the late Willie Tolbert, Jr. and Bernice Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eva Johnson and Frank Johnson, and his aunt, Deborah (Billy) Wilkerson.

He was a graduate of Tullahoma High School and a member of Blessed Hope Pentecostal Church in Tullahoma. He worked for many years as an auto mechanic, a trade he took pride in and mastered with skill. He loved spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed motorcycles.

He is survived by his significant other, Tiffany Cheers; daughters, Latisha Lee, Shaney Morris, Amber Johnson, Astasiah Cheers, and Amaya Johnson; sons, Tyler Lund, Andre Johnson, Jr., Adre’veon Johnson, Adrean Johnson, and Jerome Cheers; sisters, Delicia Berry-Wigfall, Chatina (William) Berry, Tiffany Jones and Missey Wells; brothers, Steve (Tonia) Berry, Anthony Berry, Joe (Melissa) Brown, and Devon (Ayna) Wells; grandchildren, Peyton Tapley, Ma’Zayah Johnson, Alayah Morris, Alexa Tapley, Kaycence Johnson, Kyler Morris, Genesis Johnson, Kaydrian Tapley, Braxton Tapley, Zavion Johnson, Mercy Lund, Braxton Brasham, K’Zhiana Brown, A’Zhalia Jordan, and Alandus Jordan, Jr.; aunts, Gloria (Samuel) Garrard, Sr. and Mary (Don) Bryant; uncles, Anthony (Maggie) Johnson, Joe (Debra) Johnson, and Frank (Vicki) Johnson and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside Services will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Please keep the family of Mr. Kenneth Andre Johnson, Sr. in your thoughts and prayers.

10/01/2025

At J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home, we honor the strength, courage, and memories of those we've lost to breast cancer, and we stand in support of all who continue to fight.

This month, we wear pink not just for awareness—but for remembrance, for hope, and for a future without breast cancer. 💗

To the survivors, the fighters, and the loved ones we've said goodbye to—you are in our hearts every day.

💖 Let us continue to raise awareness, support research, and share stories that inspire strength and healing.

09/28/2025

Deaconess Barbara Blackwell Brannon, 84 was born to the late Julia C. Blackwell and Fred A. Blackwell, SR., who nurtured in her a love for education, family, and faith. She transitioned from this life on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Highpoint Health in Wi******er. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Lee R. Brannon, Jr. in 1963 and together they built a home filled with love, respect, and dedication to their family. She was also predeceased by her in-laws, Helen T. Brannon and Lon Lee Roy Brannon, Sr.

Barbara’s early education was shaped at Townsend School, where she graduated in the Class of 1958. She furthered her education at Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her commitment to learning and service to others continued as she later achieved a Master’s degree in Sociology from Middle Tennessee State University.
Her professional journey began in North Carolina, where she served as Dean of Women at Kittrell College, guiding and mentoring young women with wisdom and compassion. Upon returning to Tennessee, she worked at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) before beginning her long career with the State of Tennessee, where she served faithfully in various roles until her retirement.

Barbara’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Berleta Brannon Giles (Paul); her devoted son, Lee Roy Brannon, III, and her “daughter-in-love,” Tonya S. Brannon. She was the proud grandmother of Stanley Xavier Burnette (affectionately known as Zach), Hannah Leigh Brannon, and Mikah Grace Brannon, who were each the light of her life.

She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn B. Nelson and Marva G. Allgood; her brothers, Floyd R. Blackwell, Sr. and Ferris M. Blackwell, Sr.; and her sisters-in-love, Kay M. Blackwell, Vicenna Blackwell, and Barbara D. Blackwell.

In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom were blessed by her love, encouragement, and grace. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Rev. Fred A. Blackwell, Jr.; her sisters, Alfreida B. Morris and Rev. Gloria B. Maddox; her sister-in-law, Janette B. Blackwell; her brothers-in-law, Michael Dartis, Napoleon Nelson, and Ruben Morris, Sr.

Barbara lived a life of service, faith, and compassion. Her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will forever remain an inspiration to her family and all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched.

Visitation, Friday, October 3, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Elk River Tabernacle in Wi******er. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Elk River Tabernacle in Wi******er beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Elder Eric Vanzant officiating and her devoted son, Pastor Lee Brannon III, as eulogist. Interment will follow at Wi******er Memorial Park.

Please keep the family of Mrs. Barbara Blackwell Brannon in your thoughts and prayers.

J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home

11/28/2025

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