Mrs. Melissa Yrette King

July 10, 1981 – June 18, 2023

Service

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Interment

Lovvorn Cemetery

987 River Barfield Road

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Ms. Melissa Yrette King was born on July 10, 1981. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Ms. King was a devoted aunt and friend. She was well-known for her happiness and sweet and gentle spirit. She was immensely loved by her family and friends. On Sunday, June 20, 2023, she left this earthly life.

Ms. King graduated from Oakland High School in 1999 and entered into the field of customer service. She enjoyed assisting others and her leadership qualities led her into accepting various roles in her perspective field. Her compassion for people and her tenacity for continuous growth led her to complete an Associate Degree in Business Management at Daymar Institute in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She maintained a 3.9 G.P.A. and she achieved the President’s and Dean’s list. After graduating, she continued in the field of customer service.

Ms. King was proceeded in death by her parents, Patricia Ann King and Saint Edgar Martin Jr., her aunt, Connie King, and her uncles, John King, Frankie King, James King Jr., and Ricky King; her brother Saint Edgar Martin III.

Ms. King is survived by her aunts and uncles, Linda King, Brenda King, David King, Mattie Louise Martin, Cleo (Debra) Martin, Leo (Alma) Martin, Frank Henry (Dorothy) Martin, Linda Fay (John) Daniel; siblings, Patrick (Christine) King, Fredrick King, Fred (Vanessa) Martin, Melvin Lee Martin, Laqusha (Jason) Willard, Brittany Yeargins, Deadrick Yeargins, Pam Collins, and Tommy Mile; along with a special cousin and devoted friends, Wyakia (Kia) Martin Amber Visocky, and Lautausha Wilson; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Doris V. Bailey

August 8, 1940 – June 18, 2023

Service

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Family Visitation: 1:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M.

Held at

Saint Paul AME Church

521 College Street West

Fayetteville, Tennessee

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Interment

Pleasant View Cemetery

Fayetteville, Tennessee

Doris graduated from West End High School at the age of 16, whereas class president she gave the farewell address. She attended Tennessee State University for one year but graduated in the first black LPN class at Donaldson Hospital, and was one of the first black nurses to work on an all caucasian floor at Huntsville Hospital. Doris later worked as a Teacher Assistant for Lincoln County and Fayetteville City Schools and as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Lincoln County Hospital. In 1990 she received an Associate Degree in Sociology from Motlow State Community College and was subsequently hired as a Parent Involvement Coordinator for Head Start serving 13 counties.

Doris was a proud member of Browns Temple AME Church since birth, and took great joy in her Browns Temple family. She was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society and served as Browns Temple Cemetery President. She put together the first and only program to honor black veterans in Fayetteville for Browns Temple AME church. One of her proudest accomplishments was the Vance Family Genealogy research.

Doris was married to the late Ray Thomas Bailey who preceded her in death in 2013. She was also preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters; James Hayes, John Vance, Jesse Vance, Esau Vance, James Oliver Vance, Josephine Vance Suggs, Minnie Lee Vance Frazier, and Vera Sue Vance Thompson. She leaves to cherish her memories: a sister, Mattie Vance Freeman Kave; sister-in-law, Helen Vance, her children, LaRita (John) Mitchell, Quentin (Kim) Bailey, Chartan Bailey; grandchildren: John E. Mitchell, II, Kelsey R. Bailey, Joshua E. Mitchell, Erica (Chris) Jones, and Erick Mitchell; great-granddaughters, Arianna Jones, Brieanna Jones,; her caregivers: Patricia Bailey, Pixie Brown, Angela Hall, and Kathy Massey; her Browns Temple Family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends she loved dearly.

Mr. Andrew Vernon Chesterfield “Honeycomb”

August 24, 1958 – June 16, 2023

Service

Friday, June 23, 2023

Family Visitation: 1:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Andrew Vernon Chesterfield “Honeycomb” was born on August 24, 1958, and left this earthly life on Friday,  June 16, 2023.

Andrew was preceded in death by Larry Chesterfield and Rosie Nelson.

Andrew leaves to cherish his memories, son, Dwjuan (Juana Stone) Miller; stepchildren, Antonio Miller and Tawanna Anthony; sisters, Gloria (Frank) Gaines, Thelma Chesterfield, Velma (Bruce) Mittchell, Fatinna Chesterfield and Darlene Chesterfield; brothers, Jesse Chesterfield, Donald Chesterfield and Jerry (Toni) Chesterfield; sister in law, Elaine Chesterfield; a host of nieces and nephews; best friends, Chris Oliver, Richard, and Tim McAdoo; good friends, Wanda Kay Anthony, Chris Strickland Tommy Climber, Justin, Jeff, Jamie Murry, Willy and Mike King; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Jesse Freeman

October 14, 1951 – June 4, 2023

Services

Friday, June 9, 2023

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson and Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

****

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon

Funeral Service: 1:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

****

Interment

Johnson Road Cemetery

Christiana, Tennessee

Jesse was ready to go to Heaven and expressed this many times.  Sunday morning, June 4, 2023, the Lord said “Come on my child because I know you are tired” he quietly rose up and went toward the beautiful bright light to rest eternally. 

Mr. Jesse Freeman was born October 14, 1951, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Mr. Newman and Mrs. Sarah Freeman.  He was educated in the Rutherford County school system; he was a very skilled carpenter and a very successful entrepreneur. Additionally, he worked for Tennex-Mahle for over 20 years until his health failed.  He always planned to get better so he could get back to work; he missed walking through the plant talking to his co-workers.

He accepted Christ at Smyrna Baptist Church under Pastor J.W. Rankins.  He loved ushering members and friends into service each Sunday.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Newman and Mrs. Sarah Freeman, sisters Mrs. Ocydean Richardson and Ms. Marjorie Beard, brothers Mr. L.C. Freeman, Mr. Thomas Freeman, and Mr. John Freeman.

Left to cherish his memories are sisters Mrs. Shellie North, Mrs. Viola Malone, and Mrs. Cornelia Cooper, sister in law Mrs. Dora Freeman, brother Mr. Collier (Mary) Freeman along with a plethora of nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. When Jesse began staying inside more due to his health, he really missed cruising around town and seeing people. His nephew John (Ann) Beard and nephew Jimmy Freeman would come by often to see him. Seeing family when he was house bound truly made him happy.

Jesse was very devoted to his life partner Carlice Knox whom he loved deeply. Jesse was a quiet, kind and funny person. He would help anybody that needed him. Whenever Carlice’s brothers were working on something or mowing yards, he would always jokingly vow to be right there saying “I’ll be over to help” or “I’ll be there later”, but for some reason he would never make it and would find it funny.

Carlice loved Jesse very much and he knew this. She made a promise to be with him through thick and thin and did so very patiently and lovingly. While there were very difficult times, she took care of him and wouldn’t have had it any other way.  Jesse had bonus family who stepped in to help take cake of him when needed – Mrs. Guther White who welcomed Jesse into her home with loving and welcoming arms preceded him in death, Mr. Julian Isiah Knox-Majors, his little caretaker, Mr. Graylon Miller, Mr. Carvis Knox-Majors, Mr. Clyde (Deborah) Knox, Mr. John (Vera) Knox, Ms. Bella Knox, Ms. Coreatha Knox, Ms. Shell Knox and Ms. Natalie Knox and friend Mr. Melvin Watkins.

Mrs. Mary Marie McAnally

October 29, 1955 – June 23, 2022

Service

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Graveside Service: 10:00 A.M.

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Nelson Cemetery

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

Mr. Pablo Garcia

May 25, 1940 – June 23, 2022

Service

Monday, June 27, 2022

Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 5:00 P.M.

Held at

Sand Hill Church of Christ

315 Fergus Road

LaVergne, Tennessee

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Interment

Sand Hill Cemetery

LaVergne, Tennessee

Mr. Pablo Garcia was born on May 25, 1940, in Mexico.  He passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Stonecrest Medical Center in Smyrna, Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Garcia; daughters, Bertha Trejo of LaVergne, TN, Blanca Ocon of Indianapolis, IN, Irma Villanueva of Indianapolis, IN, Sandra Garcia of LaVergne, TN and Arselia Garcia of LaVergne, TN; one son, Jesus Garcia of Portland, OR; 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Michael Anthony Beard

September 27, 1962 – June 18, 2022

Service

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Memorial Service: 3:00 P.M.

Held at

Olive Branch Church

1115 Minerva Drive

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Michael Anthony Beard was born September 27, 1962, to the late John Beard and Annie Ruth Green Beard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick, stepbrother, Andrew Taylor Jr. and his grandparents.

He received his education in the public school system of Rutherford County, attending Smyrna High and Riverdale High School.

Michael was baptized at an early age by Rev. Wellington Johnson at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Smyrna, Tennessee.

He was employed by A.D.S. Security as a Life Safety Consultant.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory, stepfather, Andrew (Dorothy) Taylor; sister, Angela (Chad) Beard Hohl, brothers, John Beard, Quinn Beard and Jimmy Freeman; stepsisters, Cheryl Strong and Carol (Mark) Armstrong; uncles, James (Tamaisa) Green, Sam Green, Richard (Van) Green and Jerry Green; aunts, Margaret Burks, Evelyn (Willie) Willis and Gloria (Ann) Crowder; first cousins, Thomas Mosby, Chris Green, Frank Green Jr., Darrien Green, Nickie Brown, Frank Burks, Lavere Willis Stewart, Felecia Willis, Marco Green, Yolonda Green, Sonia Batey Vaughter, Vanlisa Roupe, Jerrell Green, Chris Crowder, Ima Crowder, Terrance Martin, Shonta Robinson, Willie Willis Jr., Monoleto Green and Mashia Watson; and many devoted friends.

Mr. Thomas Franklin Pugh

May 23, 1970 – June 16, 2022

Service

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 3:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Tom was born on May 23, 1970.  He passed away on June 16, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his mother Susan Allen.

Tom is survived by wife, Jacqueline Harris Pugh; children, Kelsey Schulz, Cornelius Pugh, Cajuan Pugh, Dzion Martin and Rhyesha McCullough; his sisters, Virginia Furgason, Tonya Johnson and Samantha Cagle Territo; brother, Joseph Cagle; sister-in-law, Jacquatia Brown; aunt and uncle Eddie and Leanne Barrett…Tom was very fond of his Uncle Eddie; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tom was hilariously funny, good with children and we loved him very much.

Mr. Bryant Keith Johnson

December 7, 1972 – June 19, 2022

Service

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Lie In State: 11:00 A.M.

Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon

Funeral Service: 1:00 P.M.

Held at

Fairlane Church of Christ

101 Dow Drive

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Interment

Willow Mount Cemetery

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Watch live on Facebook at

https://fb.me/e/2a4S9PMnQ

Today we celebrate the life of Mr. Bryant Keith Johnson. Keith was born on December 7, 1972, in Shelbyville, TN to Robert and Elaine Johnson. He accepted Christ at a very young age. He departed this life suddenly on June 19, 2022, at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital. 

Keith was a graduate of the 1991 class of Shelbyville Central High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served for 5 years. 

At a very young age, the Lord blessed Keith with the skill set to become a Master Barber. In the barbershop, he was not only a barber, but he was also a friend, comedian, disciplinarian, and a scholar of life. He was an avid fisherman. Keith never met a stranger, he would laugh with you, cry with you, and most importantly pray with you. 

A Love Like No Other:

Keith met the “LOVE” of his life, Conswella Sparrow-Johnson and they united in matrimony on December 26, 2001. Both knew that they had found their soulmate that God intended for them to have and continued to keep God in their union. 

They say there is a reason

They say time will heal;

Neither time nor reason

Will change the way I feel.

Gone are they days

We used to share.

But in my heart

You are always there.

The gates of memories

Will never close;

I miss you more

Than anybody knows…..

Love and Miss you everyday

Till we meet again

Always and Forever

Your Spoog

In their union, Keith and Conswella had three beautiful children: Keon, Kora, and Kegan. Keith always wanted his children to strive to be the best that they can be by holding the accountable for their actions. They knew that if they were not living up to their expectations,  he was going to let them know but was never unkind about it. He was a father who was compassionate, encouraging, and supportive. During Keith’s military years, had an adorable daughter, Breahnna Kaylin C. Johnson and a bonus son, Keith Smith. 

As we look back over time

We find ourselves wondering…..

Did we remember to thank you enough

For a all you have done for us?

For all the times you were by our sides

To help and support us…..

To celebrate our successes

To under our problems

And accept our defeats?

OR for teaching us by your example,

The value of hard work, good judgment,

Courage and integrity?

We wonder if we ever thanked you

For the sacrifices you made.

To let us have the very best?

And for the simple things

Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?

If we have forgotten to show our

Gratitude enough for all the things you did,

We’re thanking you now.

And we are hoping you knew all along,

How much you meant to us.

Keon, Moo, and KD

He is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Herbert and Odesser Murray and Cecil and Martha Johnson. 

He leaves to cherish in his memory, his parents, Robert “Cecil” and Elaine Johnson, his brother, Derrick Johnson, his sister, Kevi ”Teneille” Booker, mother-in-law, Lisa Sparrow-Draine, 2 sisters-in-law, Telisha and Conisha Sparrow, one brother-in-law, Timothy Sparrow, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He also leaves to cherish his devoted friends: Steven Whitaker, Chad Clay, Jeremy Frazier, Thomas Coop, Steven Buchanan, and David Brown, two devoted cousins: Earl Garner and Chris Johnson, and a very devoted uncle, Curtis Johnson. 

Tonya Nicole Moore

January 1, 1995 – June 10, 2022

Service

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon

Memorial Service: 1:00 P.M.

Held at

Stones River Church of Christ

1607 Hamilton Drive

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

On January 1, 1995, I was born to Lura Fields and the late Randy Moore in Nashville, TN.  They named me Tonya Nicole Moore.  I am survived by one sister, Briona Moore, step-sister, Mirah Mintz and step-brother, Richard Mintz. My grandfathers are Levi Turner and Robert (Carmenlita) Wade. My godmother is Adrian Cammon and my topflight best special care takers, Edward Brooks, aka Poppa and Deashay Woods.  My aunts are Sharon Norris, Byrd Elleen Moore, Deborah (Tony) Frazier, Betty (Eugene) Meeks, Pamela (Anthony) Dennis and Myra Key.  My uncles are Marvin Harris, Anthony Harris, Raymond (Jalisa) Moore, Kenny Moore and Lenton Moore.  My fan club, Janiah Jordan, Tanaya Miles, Traves Woods, Nevaeh Woods and Justin Lillard.

I graduated from Siegel High School in 2014 and attended Special Kids where I learned how to communicate by using a communication device.  I loved proving everyone wrong in serious situations because I knew who I served.  Car rides, staying up all night laughing and sleeping all day long was my thing.  Sometimes I faked sleep just to hear Poppa and Mama talk about me and smile while my eyes are closed.

So, to my family and friends if you are reading this, that means I have entered another stage of life; no more pain or suffering, I have returned to my first love, my Heavenly Father.  So don’t shed a tear Mama, don’t be angry or upset Poppa, I’m free! Remember Psalms 147:3, He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.  We will be together again…See you later.

Tonya