George Washington Lyons, Jr.

September 7, 1972 – April 1, 2021

Service

Friday, April 9, 2021

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Sand Hill Church of Christ

315 Fergus Road

LaVergne, Tennessee

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Interment

Sand Hill Cemetery

LaVergne, Tennessee

Mr. George Washington Lyons, Jr., aka Little George, was born on September 7, 1972. At age 48, he passed away on April 1, 2021.  Mr. George graduated from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, TN and was a huge fan of the Tennessee Titans football team.

He is survived by his parents George Washington Lyons, Sr., and Mai Katherine Akins; siblings, Durall Lyons, Tony Martin, Johnithen Martin, Tonya and Timothy Lyons, Darryle, Derrick, Eldrae and LoSaiya Bowers; aunts, Deloris Akins, Danna Akins, Linda Akins, Mary Mintlow and Lula Lyons; uncles, Tom Akins, Billy Lee Akins, William Akins, Robert Mintlow, Ray and John Lyons; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Gencie Mai Newman

April 19, 1920 – March 30, 2021

Services

Friday, April 16, 2021

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

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Saturday, April 17, 2021

Family Visitation: 10:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M.

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All Services Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Interment

Johnson Road Cemetery

Christiana, Tennessee

Mr. Ricky McClain

August 28, 1942 – March 21, 2021

Service

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon

Funeral Service: 1:00 P.M.

Held at

Bird Street Church of Christ

428 Bird St., Shelbyville, TN

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Interment

Mt. Ararat Cemetery

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Mr. Ricky McClain, age 78, passed away Sunday, March 21st suddenly at Meharry Medical Center. Ricky McClain was born on August 28, 1942 to the late Grant and Naomi McClain in Bell Buckle, Tn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Wright, three brothers, Clifford (Doris) McClain, Alva (Ann) McClain, Maurice McClain, and stepfather, Ephrom Trice.

Ricky McClain graduated from the Bedford County Training School. Retired from Baird Ward.

He is survived by his children, Latisha (Larry) Felton and Jeremy McClain; grandchildren, Tashawn Munoz, Steven Woods, Tasia, Simeon McClain, Anaija Felton and Anthony Felton; devoted sister, Inez Young and Martha Anderson; devoted brother, George McClain and Thurman Trice; sister in law, Elizabeth McClain; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. R.C. Harvey

January 9, 1933 – March 14, 2021

Service

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Family Visitation: 1:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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The Celebration of Life Service

will be streamed live via

Zoom & Facebook

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/7185955802
Meeting ID: 718 595 5802

Join Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1018622588661871

Mr. R.C. Harvey was born on January 12, 1933, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to the late Sullivan and Alice (Reynolds) Harvey. To this union, two children were born, Maxine and R.C. Harvey. R.C. professed his faith in Christ at a young age. He was educated in the public school system and found a love for working with his hands.

As a youngster, his family moved to East St. Louis, IL, where he later met and married Annie Smith.  To this union, six children were born; five daughters and one son. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He was a devoted minister of the Full Gospel Church of God in Christ, Centreville, IL. He was employed with Swift Meat Packing Plant in East St. Louis, IL, for over 17 years. During layoffs, he provided for his family by starting his own small hauling business.

As a man with limited education, he knew that there was no limit with God. He truly believed that with God, “ALL Things Are Possible.” These words were so profound throughout his life as he was blessed to build two homes, one for his family and the other for rental property. He was employed at General Motors Corporation, Wentzville, MO. While working for General Motors, he was a devoted employee and recognized for his outstanding performance. He later retired after 28 years of service.

Due to an unfortunate dissolve of the marriage, R.C. later met and married Ethel (Matthews) Harvey, who preceded him in death. R.C. was a man who had been married for over half of his life.  He truly believed the words, “A Man That Findeth a Wife, Findeth a Good Thing.” After some time, God led him and Annie Harvey back into each other lives, which rekindled their love. R.C. Harvey and Annie Harvey were reunited in Holy Matrimony and later moved to Murfreesboro, TN, where he departed his life on Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Preceded in death, parents, Sullivan Harvey and Alice Morgan, daughter, Mary Harvey, grandson, Delmar Saffore Jr., sister, Maxine (Wilfred) Bevils, and sister-in-law, Lessie (Walter) Burton. 

R.C. leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife, Annie Harvey, Murfreesboro, TN, daughters, Linda Saffore, Belleville, IL, Sandra (Stevie) Lancaster Sr., Cahokia, IL, Priscilla Montgomery, Murfreesboro, TN, Debra Harvey, Nashville, TN, son, Randall Harvey, Las Vegas, NV; nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Mr. Acie Jefferson Lawrence

November 16, 1933 – March 12, 2021

Service

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Visitation: 3:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 E. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN

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Friday, March 19, 2021

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Cherry Grove M.B. Church

4078 Yeargan Road

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Interment

Evergreen Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

He loved the game of golf. He began playing with his brothers and won many trophies. He was a fan of the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Vols. He always supported his grandkids in their sports. He loved and supported all of us no matter what. We will truly miss him.

Acie “Sonny” Jefferson Lawrence was born November 16, 1933 to the late Jim C. and Maybell Lawrence. He transitioned to his heavenly home March 12, 2021 at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Esther Lawrence. Also, his brothers, George and Jesse Lawrence; his sisters, Della Miller, Jimmie Stella Hughes, Mary Lou Frazier, Fannie Johnson and Delida Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, eight children, Donna (Larry) Abrams, Sandra Lawrence, Kenneth Lawrence, Regina Lawrence, Deborah Hughes, Sonia Akins, Trina (Ricky) Smith, and Tamika Lawrence; 18 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren and one God son, Michael Akins. He is also survived by two sisters in law, Rena Mai Lawrence of Akron, OH and Dorothy Lawrence of Louisville, KY; a devoted niece, Judy Batten and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our Dad was educated in the Rutherford County School System. He united with Cherry Grove M.B. Church at an early age. He was baptized in the outside pool by Rev. A.F. Murray. He joined the choir along with his uncle Acie Lytle who brought him to church. He was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Rev. C.L. Dowdy. He retired from General Electric after 35 years of service, while simultaneously driving school bus #55, for the Rutherford County School System and also having his own bus service; transporting churches and other groups.

Our Dad and Mom were married February 9, 1952. They had a beautiful union for 56 years. Our Dad was the Patriarch of the Lawrence Family. “Uncle Sonny” as he was called was President of our Family Reunion for many years. We had a great Dad and he was a wonderful provider. He not only looked out for his immediate family but he had time and love for his entire family.

Mr. Emmett J. Smith

April 23, 1961 – March 9, 2021

Service

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Family Visitation: 10:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

In lieu of flowers we respectfully ask that you honor Emmett by donating to our son’s Education
Fund. Donations can be forwarded via Venmo (search – Emmett Smith’s Education Fund)
Direct Link: Venom.com/Laurie-Smith-359, or donations can be forwarded to:
P.O. Box 111664 Nashville, TN 37222.
Thank you for your Prayers!

Emmett J. Smith Jr. experienced his last sunset on Tuesday March 9th, 2021. He was the son of Emmett Smith Sr. and the late Flora Lee Smith, the second son of 6 siblings.

He was preceded in death by his mother Flora Lee Smith, sister Jill, and brother’s Freddie and Julius.

Emmett was survived by his wife Laurie, sons Desmond, Cassius, and Eli. His father Emmett Smith Sr., sister Margo, brother Randy, aunt Eunice, mother-in-law Barbara, niece(s) Staci, Chanell, Shaquita, Brandy, nephew(s) Jacob, Cornelius, Stevie, Freddie, Jay, Ken, brother & sister-in-law Tim & Karen, best friend Mike, family friend Maxine and many other cousins, colleagues, work and business partners.

When I first met Emmett he loved to impress me with his creative talents and simultaneously try to get me to have Bible Study with him. I wasn’t quite ready for Bible Study but he kept working on me and helped facilitate my re-dedication to Christ. He was cool like that, he wouldn’t beat you over the head with the Bible but was always open and ready to share the Word. He spent his early years at First Apostolic Church of Inglewood, in Inglewood CA and his later years in one-on-one communion with God.

He was an excellent cook which his three sons inherited. He was an artist, a gun aficionada, loved classic music (Frank Sinatra), old westerns and the complete analysis of the movie The God Father. He was also one of the smartest men I knew, IQ through the roof. He’d recently stopped drinking coffee but prior was a total connoisseur of a good cup of coffee and a glass of 1856. He loved a good game of dominos, which he’d start off by saying “I’m going to destroy you”, and in my case would proceed to do just that. We had some really good times with friends and family over a table of dominoes.

Emmett spent most of his career self-employed. He worked hard and loved hard.

He was outgoing and loved on the women in his family. He missed his mother so much. He was the type of momma’s boy which made him extra protective of ‘all’ the women in his life. I’d have to be careful of telling him when a female in the family was having problems because he’d go straight into fight mode and ready to eliminate any and all obstacles. I/we loved him for that, it made us feel like the world could not touch us because my hubby had our backs.

If you spoke with him for more than a few minutes his family would always be the highlight of his conversation. He loved us so much.  He loved taking photos and videos of the boys. He’d get so frustrated with me when we’d come home and share our days adventures with no pictures to show.  Now I see why, he knew his days would be short and he wanted to make sure we had as many physical memories as possible. We have so many videos that we are starting to catalogue them. Hearing his voice makes us laugh and cry at the same time.

Emmett and his brother Freddie had HUGE hearts. They’d run across a family living in their car and go on a mission to get them food and connect them with employment. So many times they’d purchase bags of food and hand it out under the bridges here in Nashville.  They understood that giving does not have to be overly organized, when you have open communication with God, you consult with Him and then get busy. Those Smith brothers were something else.

Emmett and I had 25 years together and I thank God for the time. We especially thank God for allowing us to be right by his side as He ushered him Home.

Thank you Lord for your Mercy and continued Grace as we learn to live without our Emmett, the husband, son, father, brother, uncle and friend from heaven!

Mrs. Guther Lee White

February 28, 1925 – February 27, 2021

Service

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 E. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN

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Friday, March 5, 2021

Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon

Funeral Service: 1:00 P.M.

Held at

Smithfork District

Association Tabernacle

2701 Halls Hill Pike

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Interment

Bradley Creek Cemetery

Milton, Tennessee

Guther Lee Knox White, age 95, transitioned to eternal rest on February 27, 2021. She is resting in Christ with her parents Mr. Willie Frank Knox and Zollie Odom Martin Knox Martin, her brother George H. Martin, sisters Dellie Knox Word, Carlene Knox Smith, Hannah Frances Knox McHenry, and Alice Knox Brown all preceded her in death.

She met and married her husband Jesse White in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. While she was raised and educated in Wilson County Tennessee, one of her proudest moments was receiving her General Educational Development Diploma in June of 1975! She retired from Middle Tennessee State University where she worked for many years.

Guther was loved and cherished dearly by her children. She was preceded in death by her eldest daughter Annie Lee Knox Majors. Her legacy continues with her eldest son John W. Knox and Mrs. Kitty Knox, Henry C. Knox and Mrs. Deborah Knox and daughters Jewel E. Moore and her baby Carlice F. Knox and Mr. Jesse Freeman, and sister in law Gracie Turner.

She had an intimate relationship with each of her grandchildren and enjoyed so many special moments with them. She will be extremely missed by her granddaughters Coreatha T. Knox, Z. Michell Knox, and Natalie N. Knox. Her grandsons Henry C. Knox II, Anthony C. Knox, Justin C. Knox Majors and Mrs. Lindsay L. Knox Majors, Graylon R.W. Miller and Ira Nathaniel Rankins II who preceded her in death. She was blessed to have bonus grandchildren Eunice C. Moore, Donnicka Banks, Earl Vanzant, Makesha Vanzant, LaToyia Johnson and Vanessa Pincheon as well as a plethora of loving great grandchildren, nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews. While many were very kind and helpful to our mother, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Bella Knox, Wes and Rita Slayden, Ms. Geraldine Alsup, Juanita Mathews, Gabriel and Sarah Stovall.

She was a baseball fanatic! She enjoyed watching The World Series with Bitty whom she never wanted out of her sight- no one could do anything quite like Bitty! She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and loved math.

She gave her life to Christ at Bradley Creek Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. She worshipped for many years at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where the late Rev. H.L. Jordan was pastor. Later, she united with Faith Chapel Original Church of God where she faithfully served as a Mother under the pastorships of Elder Dallas Green and Dr. Linda Kennedy.

We rejoice in her home going because we know that the way in which she lived she will live again. We smile because she is right where she wants to be.

Emanuel Edward Brown

September 18, 1961 – February 23, 2021

Service

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Celebration of Life: 3:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 E. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN

Mr. Theodore Jesse Lewis Briggs, Jr.

May 25, 1950 – February 18, 2021

Service

Friday, February 26, 2021

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 E. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN

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Saturday, February 27, 2021

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Sand Hill Church of Christ

315 Fergus Rd., LaVergne, TN

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Interment

Gladeville Cemetery

Lebanon, Tennessee

Theodore Jesse Lewis Briggs, Jr., was born to the late Theodore Jesse Lewis Briggs, Sr., and Cora Lee Henderson Briggs on May 25, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was educated in the Mount Pleasant school system where he later graduated in 1969. He then went into the United States Marine Corp. He was employed through Food Lion, Hour Daniels and Whirlpool where he retired. He professed his life in Christ at an early age.

Early on February 18, 2021 he left his earthly body to enter into his heavenly body. Where he was preceded in death by his mother Cora Lee Briggs; father, Theodore Jesse Lewis Briggs, Sr.; son, Maurice Coleman; brother, James Briggs; and sister, Anita Wyatt.

He leaves in memory his wife, Debra Briggs; daughter, Monique (Michael) Butler; sisters, Marilyn (William) Rankins, Corine (Vincent, Sr.) McGowan and Brenda Briggs; brothers, Henry (Betty) Briggs, Victor (Connie) Briggs and Ted (Carolyn) Briggs; four grandchildren, Denisha Coleman, Jaylen, Tamari and Lyric James; sisters in law, Sandra Webb, Denise (Gary) Alexander; brother in law, Bruce “Stacey” Shepherd; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Stella Mai Daniels

June 19, 1930 – February 17, 2021

Services

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Lie In State: 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Visitation: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 E. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN

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Friday, February 26, 2021

Lie In State: 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

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Graveside Service

11:00 A.M.

Evergreen Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Mrs. Stella Mai Daniels, age 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Grant Daniels; daughter, Mary E. Daniels; and son, Melvin Edward Daniels Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, four loving children, Henry “Dubie” Knox, Ruth O. Daniel, Judy Daniels and Sheila Daniels Johnson; 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.