Mrs. Bushonna Renee Early

November 7, 1967 – May 28, 2023

Service

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 3:30 P.M.

Held at

New Vision Baptist Church

5977 Elam Road

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Interment

Lovvorn Cemetery

987 Barfield Road

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Bushonna Renee Early, sister to Charles Bristol, Terry Carpenter, Alesia Carpenter, and Darron Carpenter; mother to Martina Carpenter, Tiko Releford (Erika), Takila Carpenter, and Mylika Carpenter; stepmother to Sheantail Long; and grandmother to Egypt Long.  She passed away on May 28th, 2023. Her final moments were spent in her home in Murfreesboro, Tn.

She was preceded in death by her father, Chester Carpenter and Mother, Cleo Charles. She leaves behind along with her siblings and children, Wendell Early, 12 grandchildren (Jaliyah, Mya, Destiny, Kamaria, Kaiden, Keelin, Kendrick, Kreed, Harleyah, Marley, Zayden, and Zayla), 3 great-grandchildren (Malachi, Kino, and Arielle). She is also survived by a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.

Bushonna will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing, as she is no longer suffering.

Bushonna’s ceremony will be held at New Vision Baptist Church – Buchanan campus on June 4th at 3:30 PM and the family will receive friends there between 2 PM and 3:30 PM.

Flowers can be sent to:

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton St.   ⸳   Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Mrs. Loretta H. Scates

May 3, 1943 – May 29, 2023

Services

Friday, June 16, 2023

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Mass: 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.

Held at

St. Ignatius of Antioch

601 Bell Road

Antioch, Tennessee

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Saturday, June 17, 2023

Graveside Service: 10:00 A.M.

Memory Gardens

Centerville, Tennessee

Loretta Holland Scates, affectionately known as “Cricket” peacefully departed this life on May 29, 2023, at The Meadows Senior Living Community in Nashville, TN. God blessed her to see 80 years before calling His faithful servant home.

Loretta was born on May 3,1943 in Shelbyville, TN to the late William Lee Holland, Sr. and Hattie Elizabeth Holland. The youngest of 4 children, she was raised in a loving, God-fearing home and was taught to love both her family and Christ. At the early age of 11, she was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Shelbyville, TN. 

She received her early education in the Bedford County Schools system and her High School diploma from Bedford County Training School in 1961. She attended Tennessee A&I State University in Nashville, TN majoring in Education and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965.

While at TSU, she pledged and became a member of the Alpha Beta chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. It was also at TSU where she met Marshall Ray Scates.  After graduating, they were married and moved to Detroit, MI in 1966. They later had 3 daughters, Kathryne, Darlene and Yvette.

While in Detroit, Loretta became a member of the Bathsheba Chapter #9 Order of the Eastern Star.  In 1969 she converted to Catholicism and remained an active and devout Catholic until her passing. Her faith in God, the Holy Bible and Jesus Christ were a major part of the life she lived and loved.

She was employed in the Detroit Public Schools System for over 25 years and continued working in education until her retirement. She was an advocate for higher learning and always encouraged continued education. To know her was a blessing.

She was a loving mother to her daughters and a devoted wife to her husband for nearly 37 years until his passing in 2003. Shortly after her husband’s death, she moved “back home” to Tennessee to be closer to her daughters and family.

She enjoyed singing, playing the piano and was an incredibly talented artist in her own right. She loved watching musicals and westerns on TV and loved gatherings with family and friends. She had a warm and kind spirit and tried to spread love wherever she went. She had her own unique ways of doing things and her presence on this earth will be dearly missed by many.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Lee Holland Sr. and Hattie Elizabeth Holland; her sister, Mai Dee Hendricks; her brother, William Lee Holland Jr. and her husband, Marshall Ray Scates.Loretta’s life will be forever cherished by her loving brother, John Holland Sr.; her sisters-in-law, Glyndon Singleton, Mable Scates, Clara Moore, and Mary Flagg; her brother-in-law, Joseph (Brenda) Scates Sr.; her devoted daughters, Kathryne Scates, Darlene (George) Lester and Yvette Scates; her grandchildren, Sean Lester, Mariah (Zae) Sway, Joshua (Callie) Lester, Ryan O’Neal, Kevin Griffin (*Mackenzie Mullinax) and Kassia Bryant; her great-grandchildren, Khalil Griffin, Kharri Griffin, Khalesia Griffin and Kinsley Lester; and a loving multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.  Mom loved each one of you very much.

Mr. Archie Lee Evans

February 8, 1955 – May 28, 2023

Service

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Wake: 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M.

Held at

N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home

12 South Parkway West

Memphis, Tennessee

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Graveside Service

2:00 P.M.

West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery

4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd

Memphis, Tennessee

Archie Lee Evans, Sr. was born February 8, 1955, to Beulah Light and Andrew Mosely and Percy Sawyer, Sr. in Chatfield, Arkansas.  He departed this life on Sunday, May 28, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He accepted Christ at an early age and rededicated his life to Christ in 2013. His final membership was at  World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for 16 years and he was a member of the choir. He was a 1974 graduate of the of historic Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years in administration and retired from the Nashville and Murfreesboro Veterans Administration in 2017. 

During his life, he loved to fish, travel, and watch his Tennessee Titans! He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his fathers, Andrew Mosley and Percy Sawyer, Sr. and three brothers, Jerry Light, Sr., Harvey Sawyer and Carl Sawyer.

To cherish his memory, Archie leaves his wife of 48 years, Sharon Jones Evans; three children, LaTasha Robertson, Aquarius Floyd (Tommy Sr.) and Archie Evans, Jr.; his mother, Beulah Mae Sawyer; five brothers, Percy James (Janie), Isaac Sawyer, Bruce Sawyer (Rebecca), Tony Mosley and Dana Mosley; four sisters, Annette Sawyer, Amanda Sawyer, Terry Johnson (Chucky), Denise Mosley; 8 grandchildren, Tinesha, Shanice, Tre’Vondria, Mario, Courtney, Tommy, Annalise, Amani; 1 great-grandchild Myla; a special aunt, Rosemary Brice; a special cousin, Henry “Hank” Brice; a special niece, Leslie Light; and a special neighbor, Tony; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Gene Carol Johnson

November 18, 1947 – May 25, 2023

Service

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Family Visitation: 10:00AM-12:00Noon

Held at

Nelson and Sons Memorial Chapel

824 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Interment

Haley Cemetery

Wartrace, Tennessee

Gene Carol Johnson was born in Normandy, TN on November 18th, 1947, to the late Edmond and Mattie Johnson. He was the eighth of 13 children. Gene transitioned from this life on May 25, 2023, at the Life Care nursing home in Tullahoma, TN.

He attended Bedford County training school through 12th grade. He enjoyed making birdhouses, did not worry about anything, had a very calm spirit and was a free thinker. He would sometimes give you his thoughts in riddles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Mattie Johnson of Normandy, TN; four brothers, Thomas, Charles Johnson of Shelbyville, TN, Terry Johnson of Normandy, TN and Author Johnson of Manchester, TN; one sister Luella (Johnson) Payne of Murfreesboro, TN.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his two children, Michael Johnson and Carla (Ira) Morris; four grandchildren, Devante Johnson, Ciara Johnson, Kael and Taelor Morris all of Orlando, Florida; five brothers Leroy, Frank, Danny Johnson all of Shelbyville, TN, Michael Johnson of Lewisburg, TN and Sam Johnson of Dawson, George; two sisters, Doris Johnson of Normandy, TN, Onetta (Rickey) McGear of Shelbyville, TN; two sisters-in-law, Marie Johnson of Manchester, TN and Annette Johnson of Tullahoma, TN. A host of nieces and nephews and relatives.

Mr. Christopher D’Angelo Smith

March 2, 1974 – May 24, 2023

Interment Service

Friday, June 16, 2023

11:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Held at

Sand Hill Cemetery

LaVergne, Tennessee

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In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tennessee Kidney Foundation in memory of Christopher D’Angelo Smith.

Christopher D’Angelo Smith was born on March 2, 1974, to Mattie Thomas and Derek Smith in Smyrna, (Rutherford County) Tennessee.  He departed on May 24, 2023.  He accepted Christ at an early age and was a former member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Smyrna, Tennessee.

Chris was educated in the Rutherford County Public School System and graduated from Smyrna High School in 1991.  His school days brought many accomplishments, great friendships, and lasting memories.  One of his life passions was the art of wrestling, a sport in which he participated until he was no longer physically able.  People who knew and interacted with Chris will remember him as a kind and loving individual.

Chris was loved by many and leaves to cherish his memory: son, Shaun Baysinger; daughter, Navaeh Smith; bonus children, Grady (Brittany) Jones, Christopher (Jessica) Jones, Sara Lopez, Daniel Lopez and Avani Williams; bonus grandchildren, Kayden, Grady IV, Mason, Brylee, and Dallas Jones; mother, Mattie Thomas; father, Derek Smith; sisters, Deidra (Devon, Sr.) Sims, Kimberly Webb and Brandi Webb; brother, Clarence Webb, Jr.; former wife of 20 years, Amy Boner-Smith; grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy (Andrew) Smith-Taylor; uncle, Aaron Smith; aunts, Donna (Rodney) Shelton, Doris Tatum, and Wyomia Clark; nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and devoted and special friends.

Mrs. Lalita Renea Crenshaw

August 13, 1953 – May 23, 2023

Services

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Lie In State: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Memorial Chapel

824 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Friday, June 2, 2023

Family Visitation: 10:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M.

Held at

Schrader Lane Church of Christ

1234 Schrader Lane

Nashville, Tennessee

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Interment

Middle TN State Veterans Cemetery

1:00 P.M.

7931 McCrory Lane

Nashville, Tennessee

The world was blessed with the life of Lalita Renea Crenshaw on August 13, 1953, to the late William Carol White, Sr. and Rose Evelyn McClain White in Nashville, TN. She was the eldest of 3 children, Williams Jr, and Terri. She transitioned from this earthly life on May 23, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home.

Lalita was a strong woman with a fighting spirit that carried her through tough times that were brought on by health challenges. She fought long and courageously. Most importantly, she was a woman of faith in God through Christ.

She enjoyed being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an infamous prayer warrior and adored her brothers and sisters in Christ.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Carol White Sr., her husband, David Harold Crenshaw Sr., and her son, David Harold Crenshaw Jr.

She is survived by her precious daughters, Stacy R. Bryant, Atlanta, GA, Tracy L. Crenshaw, Memphis, TN, Davina M. Crenshaw, Birmingham, AL, and Deanna M. Crenshaw, Phoenix, AZ. Loving Mother; Rose E. Wiseman, Nashville, Tn; Sister, Terri D. Greer (Arthur), Columbia, TN, Sericka Robinson (Larry) Gardner, KS, Pheda Hinds, Nashville, TN, Diana Davis (Gerald); brother, William C. White, Jr. (Joyce), Antioch TN, David White, Grandview, MO; Sisters in law, Olivia Crenshaw and Brenda Crenshaw, Nashville, TN; Brother in law, James Crenshaw (Becky), San Diego, CA; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and numerous extended relatives and friends. Lalita was loved by so many, and she returned love to so many more.

Mrs. Bessie Hampton

February 7, 1955 – May 12, 2023

Service

Friday, May 19, 2023

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Memorial Chapel

824 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Saturday, May 20, 2023

Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 3:00 P.M.

Held at

Woodfork Chapel AME Church

1011 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Interment

Mt. Ararat Cemetery

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Bessie Jannice Hampton, affectionately known as Squeakie, was born in Shelbyville, TN on February 7, 1955, to the late Sol Sims and Mary “Babe” Smith. She was one of six children. Bessie went to her heavenly home on Friday, May 12, 2023, with her loving sister, nieces and cousin by her side.

Squeakie was a lifelong member of Woodfork Chapel A.M.E Church where she held numerous offices and positions in the church including church schoolteacher, church secretary, steward board, and was also a part of the Women’s Missionary Society.

The evidence of her love for Christ was apparent in all that she did, and she served Him with her whole heart.

Bessie was a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School, where she was on the track and field team.

Shortly after graduating, she was employed at Tyson Foods as a production worker and later became a quality control inspector until her retirement in 2017.

Bessie was a devoted wife to William Gregory Hampton until his passing in 2012.

She lived a happy life and enjoyed her family, church family, and friends. Squeakie was also an avid Atlanta Braves, Tennessee Titans, and Golden State Warriors fan. She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and going on trips with her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Gregory “Greg” Hampton; mother, Mary “Babe” Smith; and her brother, Kenneth “Butchie Boy” Smith.

Bessie leaves to cherish her memory, her stepdaughter, Cheri Hampton; grandchildren, Alaysia Johnson, Demarcus Bailey, and Major Cannon, all of Chula Vista, CA; her three sisters, Ricki (Jessie) Rippy of Wartrace, TN, Diana (Wilkie) Buchanan and Deidre Smith; her brother, Joe (Donna) Smith, all of Shelbyville, TN;  aunt, Theresa Burrage of Dayton, OH; a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including three devoted nieces, Kenya Smith, Ebone Smith, and Chernita Smith; great nephews, Jordon and King Smith; cousin, Bonita Stewart; and dear childhood friend, Jeanette Marable who were always just a phone call or visit away.

“Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Mrs. Lillie Diane Buchanan

June 14, 1949 – May 6, 2023

Service

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Galilee P.B. Church

917 Sevier Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Interment

Willow Mt. Cemetery

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Lillie “Poochie” Diane Buchanan was born June 14, 1949, to the late Enis and Katie Buchanan.  She departed from this life, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at her residence.  She was a faithful member of Galilee Primitive Baptist Church and also an Eastern Star member and a great help to the community.

She enjoyed cooking for the public and enjoyed being around family and friends.  She was full of life, greeting everyone with a smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Enis and Katie Buchanan and grandchildren, Antonion Taylor and Patrick Buchanan.

Lillie leaves to cherish her daughter, Rochelle Buchanan Adams; son, William Buchanan; three great grandchildren, Damion Taylor, Anthony Taylor and Joey Vañdezz; very devoted brother, Anthony (Shirley) Buchanan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Edward Allen Osborne

December 31, 1959 – May 14, 2022

Service

Friday, May 20, 2022

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

Johnson Road Cemetery

Christiana, Tennessee

Edward Allen Osborne was born December 31, 1959, to the late Winford Osborne Jr., and Vinnie Osborne Rucker.  He departed this life on May 14, 2022, following an extended illness. Preceding him in death were two brothers, Michael Ervin Osborne, and Perry Lewis Osborne.

Allen enjoyed ironing clothes and took on this responsibility for the whole family.

 Allen attended Christiana Elementary School in Christiana Tennessee, and Cascade Middle School in Bell Buckle Tennessee.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Vinnie Rucker of Bell Buckle Tennessee. Two children: one son, Tyrell Johnson of Sheffield, Alabama, and daughter China Osborne of Louisville Kentucky; Two sisters; Lisa (Geno) Demons of Mableton, Georgia. Trina (Gregory) Pugh of Cleveland Tennessee.  Four brothers; Timmy (Wilma) Osborne of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Demetrius Huvon Osborne of Athens, Tennessee, Lonnie (Winona) Osborne of Clarksville, Tennessee; One Brother/Cousin; Jeff Bowen of Nashville Tennessee; Three Grandchildren; Isaiah, Isaac, and Jaden Johnson, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Mr. Robert Lee Bishop

August 8, 1940 – May 13, 2022

Service

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Canvas Community Church

2011 South Cannon Blvd.

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Interment

Cedar Grove Cemetery

Lewisburg, Tennessee

Born August 8, 1940 in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Robert Lee Bishop was born to the late Sam Bishop and Vera William Bishop. 

Robert graduated from Jones High School.  In his earlier life, he was a plaster contractor.  He later went to work at ICP heating and cooling where he retired in 2002 after working for 34 years.

He was preceded in death by his brother, James (Bean Water) Bishop; his daughter, Karen Bishop Basila; his son, Darren Pigg; and his bonus son, Joe Ferguson.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife, Eloise Ferguson Bishop; two daughters, Wanda Bishop of Huntsville, AL and Tara Pigg of Lewisburg, TN; one bonus daughter, Shirley McFerrin of Murfreesboro, TN; three sons, Cedric (Ann) Pigg, Darrel (Pinky) Bishop and Adam (Lisa) Ewing of Rockvale, TN; one bonus son, Vincent (Resa) Ferguson of Nolensville, TN; three sisters, Francis Rector of Warrenton, VA, Carolyn (Fred) Hill of Nashville, TN and Gladys (James) Ordway of Lewisburg, TN; two brothers, Charles (Marsha) Bishop of Southfield, MI and Larry Bishop of Lewisburg, TN; 11 grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.