Moore-Cortner Funeral Home

04/24/2026

Happy Arbor Day!

04/23/2026

Deborah Carolyn Beckett, age 75 of Hendersonville, Tennessee, formerly from Franklin County, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at NHC Hendersonville. She was born on May 7, 1950, in Franklin County, Tennessee. Following her high school graduation in 1968, she attended nursing school in Chattanooga. While in Chattanooga, she also worked as a switchboard operator for South Central Bell Telephone Company. She later joined the United States Navy, where she met and married David Wayne Beckett, who was also serving in the Navy. They resided in Virginia and California until he died in service. Deborah relocated back to Franklin County, where she spent several years working with special needs children. She later moved to Shelbyville and was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church. She lived a life of faith, caring about others, and was often found distributing gospel tracts to people she would meet. She is preceded in death by parents, Austin Pete Steele and Leona Bean Steele; grandparents, Saul Steele and Ida Ashley Steele, William Crawford Bean, and Dora Pruitt Bean; and husband, David Wayne Becket. She is survived by her sons, Steven (Willa) Beckett of Shelbyville and Timothy Beckett of Murfreesboro; sister, Ginger (Michael) Hill of Estill Springs; grandchildren, Kimberly Beckett of Decherd, Jordan Cooper of Shelbyville, and David Carpenter of Shelbyville; great-grandchildren, Kenneth Beckett of Decherd, Tiffany Beckett of Decherd, Ezra Carpenter of Shelbyville, and Percy Carpenter of Shelbyville; special aunt, Jean Bean of Wi******er; nephew, Rev. Justin (Laura) Hill of Wi******er; great-niece, Makenzie Hill; and great-nephew, Austin Hill of Wi******er. Visitation will be from 11am-2pm on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will be at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

04/23/2026

Margie Ruth Gipson Gillespie, age 90 of Tullahoma, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in the Prairie Plains Community of Coffee County on October 12, 1935, to the late Jess and Maggie (Coker) Hill. After working at Lanier for many years, Margie became a dedicated homemaker. She was the master of many trades, winning several ribbons for quilting and sewing, as well as clothing she made being featured in Singer Sewing Machine books. Margie enjoyed working in the garden and cooking…she made the best fried pies. A sports enthusiast, she cheered for the Tennessee Volunteers, as well as the Atlanta Braves. She cherished her beloved family and the time spent together, especially taking pictures of them. She was one of a kind and her family will miss her loving nature and generosity of time that Margie so willingly gave. She loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Hickerson Station Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, J.D. Gipson who passed away in December of 1988, and Richard Gillespie who passed away in June of 2016; daughter, Jaye Denise Gipson; brothers, Doc Hill, J.M. Hill, Eillis Hill, John Hill, and Eugene Hill; and sister, Orene Perry. Margie is survived by her sisters, Jennie Mae Branch and Elsie Champion; son, Joey Gipson; granddaughter, Lindsay Anne Gipson; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 27, 2026, in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Bro. Patrick Phillips and Bro. Bill Walkup officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Garner Cemetery in Decherd with Jay Phillips, Peyton Phillips, Matthew Gluch, Bob Martin, Bobby Gipson, and Dakota McKinney serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

04/23/2026

The Missing Man or Fallen Comrade Table may be seen at specific events to honor missing, fallen, or imprisoned service members. Each component of the table is chosen with intention and purpose. While the components of the table and their meaning may vary slightly, many sources generally agree on the following:
- The tablecloth is white symbolizing the purity of motives when answering the call to duty.
- The single red rose reminds us of those who are missing or lost as well as their loved ones.
- A yellow ribbon represents continued hope for those who are missing; a red ribbon represents a country who inspired them.
- The slice of lemon on a bread plate represents the bitter fate of those who have died or those who are missing.
- A pinch of salt on the bread plate symbolizes the tears of those waiting or grieving.
- The inverted glass represents that the service member cannot partake.
- A lighted candle symbolizes either hope for their return or remembering a fallen comrade.
- The empty chair represents their absence.
Picture is used with permission from the Veteran's family.

04/22/2026

Carolyn Sells Hoosier, age 75 of Sherwood, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. A native of Franklin County, she was born in Sinking Cove on February 5, 1951. Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Bill “Pud” Sells; and sisters, Linda Jane Sells and Shirley Jean Garner. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-five years, Gerry Hoosier; daughters, Sandy Smart (Kevin), Holly Hoosier (Paul), and Britney (Erik) Green; grandchildren, Shelby, Hunter Cole, Bo, and Ellie; her loving mother, Elaster (Morris) Sells; siblings, Danny Sells (Teresa), Fay (Jerry) Hoosier, Kathy Sells, and Johnny Sells; and many nieces and nephews. She married the love of her life in October 1970 and throughout those years they raised a beautiful family on their farm where they taught the importance of hard work and strong family ties. Carolyn always created a home that felt welcoming to all. She enjoyed sitting on the front porch, riding on the side-by-side checking cattle with Gerry, watching the grandchildren ride horses, and found great comfort in listening to her grandson Bo play the guitar and sing gospel hymns. Her family was everything and she cherished the times together, especially the Sunday suppers. Visitation will be from 1-3pm on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will be at Cumberland Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

04/22/2026

Roy F. Partin, age 88 of Decherd, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at St. Thomas Rutherford Medical Center in Murfreesboro. A native of Franklin County, he was born on November 7, 1937, to the late Beelus J. and Edith (Starnes) Partin. A hard-working individual, as a young fellow, he began working with his father at the family sawmill. He then began working professionally in manufacturing, working his way up into supervisory positions. Before his retirement, he was employed as a supervisor at the Hat Corporation of America and Wilton Corporation. He was a long-time farmer, specializing in raising cattle. Roy’s love of agriculture continued into his favorite pastimes such as raising tomato plants in his garden and riding around and looking at farmland. He also enjoyed a good game of cards and had weekly games with his daughters. Roy served his beloved community as a Decherd Alderman from 2012-2021. He loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Gum Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His humble nature and ability to lead a simple life combined with his outgoing personality will be missed by his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen Partin; and siblings, Sue Hill, Johnny Partin, and Joe Bill Partin. A wonderful and loving father, Roy is survived by his loving daughters, Donna (Eddy) Woodall and Debbie (Randy) Hill; grandchildren, Jared (Angela) Woodall, Justin (JoCarole) Woodall, and Jamie (James) Price; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Woodall, Brandon Woodall, Mason Woodall, Luke Woodall, Eva Grace Woodall, Ellie Price, Jack Price, and Daisy Price; sisters, Shirley (Wayne) Burch and Molly Perry; and special friends, Dianne and Jimmy Hensley. Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, Friday, April 24, 2026, in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Tubb officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Garner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Gum Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

04/22/2026

"When we saw tiny Earth... what struck me wasn't just Earth, it was all the blackness around it. Earth was just this lifeboat hanging in the universe. Planet Earth, you are a crew." — Christina Koch (astronaut)

Image from recent Artemis 2 mission: "Earthset" - NASA

04/21/2026

Say their name.
One of the most common things we hear from grieving families is this: ‘Please don’t be afraid to say their name.’ It may bring tears — but it also brings their loved one back into the room, if only for a moment.
Their worst fear is that their loved one will be forgotten. Don't be afraid to say their name.
Image from: https://bit.ly/4sOHVFx

04/21/2026

Dr. J. Lynn Williams, MD, age 68 of Wi******er, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Highpoint Health Medical Center. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 8,
1957. She was the daughter of the late Robert Lent and Barbara Jean (Casey) Williams.

Lynn graduated from Franklin County High School in 1975 and earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1979. She worked for the EPA in Alabama before attending St. George’s University in Grenada, where she received
her Doctorate Degree in 1986. Lynn completed her residency in Family Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1990 and became board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Williams established her practice in Wi******er, Tennessee, dedicating 35 years of caring service to the community. She was member of the Tennessee
Academy of Family Physicians, where she had the honor to serve a term as president. Dr Williams was currently serving on the board of Trustees at the Highpoint Health Medical Center.

Beyond her medical practice, Lynn was deeply committed to service, serving on the board of the Noon Rotary Club as well as an active member and the current Senior Warden at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Lynn’s interests included music, sports, biking, journaling, movies, reading, and spending time with her family. She never missed an opportunity to share that she was thinking about you by sending a card for any and every occasion.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents: Jennie Lynn Toye Casey, Beverly Allen Casey, Sr, Ernest Lent Williams, and Ethel Bennett Williams.

Lynn is survived by her life companion, Betty Pinkerton; Betty’s children, Neely (John) Anderson and Jena (Jeremy) Dost; grandchildren: Mia Boyd and Thea, Cy and Fox Dost. Lynn’s brothers: Richard Lent (Laura) Williams and Robert John (Susan) Williams and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Williams (Clay) Minatra; nieces and nephews, Steven Lent Williams, Lesley Ashlyn Hurst, Mary Lane (Jacob) Doss, Katherine Ann (Parker) Sole, Robert Thomas Williams, and John Samuel Williams; great-nieces and great-nephew, Kylie Jane Hurst, Addison LuAnn Hurst, Jase Holland Doss, and baby girl Doss arriving in July.

Lynn leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, leadership, compassion and care for us all and will be profoundly missed.

Visitation will be from 4-8pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. A memorial service with holy communion will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 30th at Trinity Episcopal Church with a reception following in Parrish Hall.

04/20/2026

04/19/2026

Carlene Bracken Boswell, age 93, of Wi******er, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Viva Senior Living. She was born on May 17, 1932, at home in Eastbrook in Franklin County to the late Floyd Stanley and Rosa Rebecca (Williams) Bracken.
Carlene was a talented seamstress who could look at the latest fashion and create beautiful garments without the use of a pattern. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting and tatting, often making treasured throws, scarfs, and other items for her family and friends. She was gifted with arts and crafts and could make something out of anything she found. Her green thumb brought beauty to their landscape especially through the flowers she lovingly tended.
She shared her kind and joyful spirit with others, volunteering for many years at the nursing home, where she made a lasting impact on those she served. In the evenings, she found peace in listening to music, playing the organ, or reading poetry. In her younger years, Carlene also enjoyed a good bowling match with family and friends, later in life, she and Loyd enjoyed taking day trips across Tennessee, and attending small musical events.
She was a faithful member of Owl Hollow Church of Christ until her health began to decline.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Loyd Boswell; brother, Bert Bracken; and son-in-law, Tim Long.
Carlene is survived by her loving daughters, Brenda Boswell Long and Linda (Keith) Boswell Trout; grandchildren, Troy (Kim) Long, Kelly (Chris) Master, and Kayla Long; great grandchildren, Katie Rae Long (Cole), Kabella and Koralynn Master; great-great grandchildren, Crew and Cashion Ashley; brother, Neil (Barbara) Bracken; nephew, Robert “Butch” (Colleen) Bracken; nieces, Nancy Thames, and Beverly (Greg) Ray; and many great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2025, at 11:00am from the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flower memorial contributions may be sent to the Franklin County Library.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com

04/19/2026

Janet Lynn Walker, age 62 of Wi******er, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2026, at the Waters of Wi******er. Janet was born on April 2, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Joseph Eldridge Walker and Charlotte Lee (Gipson) Johnson. She previously worked on the assembly line in the auto manufacturing industry and as a waitress. Janet enjoyed being outdoors and listening to music, especially Led Zeplin. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Hernandez and Brenda Walker. Janet is survived by her daughter, Mandy (Heath) Roberts; son, David Davis; grandchildren, Montana (Trevor) Carter, Mattison Barnes, and Brooklyn Davis; great-grandchildren, Wesson Barnes, Hazel Carter, Helena Carter, Liam Carter, and Maya Carter; sister, Karen (Brad) Beshere; brothers, Johnny Walker, and Joseph Gipson; step-father, Jimmy Johnson; step-siblings, Suzanne (Mark) Fawcus, Barbie (Clayton) Renner, Michael (Gwen) Johnson, Stephen (Deb) Johnson; and several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and the Waters of Wi******er for their love and care during this time. A private service for Janet will be held at a later date. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com