John P. Franklin Funeral Home

05/03/2026

05/02/2026

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Linetra Turner, 54, of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 27, 2026. She was born on November 30, 1971, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Deborah Carter‐Turner and the late Clarence Turner, Jr.

Linetra graduated from Howard High School, Class of 1990. She was employed with First Student as a bus aide. She enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking, and she was known for the warmth and love she poured into every gathering.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and lived her life as a faithful servant. Linetra was known for her devotion, ministry involvement, and strong Christian character. She was a member of Bibleway Ministries.

She was a hardworking and determined woman, motivated by her dream of launching her own lawn care service. Her creativity shined through in her love for decorating, and her joy was found in cooking and feeding others. For several years, she owned and operated her own daycare center, where she lovingly cared for young children and treated each one as her own. Her hands were always busy, her heart always open, and her life was a testament to service, compassion, and dedication.

Throughout her life, Linetra was committed to her work, her family, and acts of service—always striving to reflect the love of Christ in everything she did. Linetra lived a life of faith, strength, and perseverance. These scriptures reflect the
legacy she leaves behind and the comfort God gives to those who mourn: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” — Revelation 21:4

Linetra is survived by her daughters, Quinnetra Bonds and Taynesha Taylor of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandchildren, JaKhi Bonds, Kylah Bonds, Dalen Porter of Atlanta, Georgia, August Bush, and Kourtnei Stamper; her sisters, Sinetra Jones,
Sheri (Alonzo Sr.) Freeman, Cheri (Tremaine) Harris, and Shunteekia Moorer‐Turner; her aunts, Robbie Carter, Renita (Lemont) Johnson, Phyllis Cosper, Michelle Winston, Johann Baldwin, and Veronica (Charles) Moffett; and her uncles, Michael Baldwin of Akron, Ohio, Fredrick (Pamela) Baldwin, andAntwon Baldwin.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, as well as a special niece who has been like a daughter, Camar Jones. She is survived by many other family members and friends who rejoice in the promise that they will one day be reunited with her in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Deborah Carter‐Turner; her father, Clarence Turner, Jr.; her daughter, Alexis Turner Taylor; her grandson, Demetric Porter; her grandparents, Doris and Nathaniel Carter, Sr., and Lelia Baldwin; her uncle, Nathaniel Carter, Jr.; her brother, Ponzina Fluellen; and her nephew, Eric Fluellen.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on May 15, 2026, at John P. Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the celebration service at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of John P. Funeral Home.

Interment: Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.

05/02/2026

Jimmy LeRoy McGintis, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant to his community, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love.

Jimmy was born in Kensington, Georgia, to the late Joseph and Linner McGintis. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Anne Elizabeth O’Neill McGintis, for 48 wonderful years. Together, they built a strong and loving family.
Jimmy was a graduate of Hill High School in LaFayette, Georgia. He furthered his education at the University of North Carolina and Memphis State University and later earned his degree from The Paralegal Institute. He dedicated much of his professional life to service and excellence. Jimmy worked for 25 years as a Licensed Paralegal with the Law Offices of Attorney Howard Barnwell and Attorney/Senator Bill Ortwine. He later served as a Fraud Investigator with Provident (Unum) Life Insurance Company. His commitment to helping others extended into education, where he worked with the Hamilton County School District as a Special Education Assistant. He also served as a facilitator for the Community After School Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Jimmy was deeply involved in his community and church. He served as a member of the UTC Community Sports Board and was a faithful Deacon at First Baptist Church of East 8th Street. He was also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Anne Elizabeth O’Neill McGintis, and his brother, Joseph Taylor Jr.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Jeremy) Duckworth of Birmingham, Alabama, and his three cherished grandchildren: Alexander P. Duckworth, Carleigh E. Duckworth, and Phoenix E. Duckworth.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Linda (Larry) Wheeler of Savannah, Georgia; his brother, Reverend Michael (Jackie) McGintis of Kensington, Georgia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.

Jimmy’s life was marked by integrity, service, and a deep love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service honoring Jimmy's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 12 noon at First Baptist East Eighth Street located at 506 East 8th Street in Chattanooga.

05/02/2026

Hazel Elizabeth Robinson Bowles was born on September 12, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Herman and Elizabeth Sims Robinson. She departed this life on April 19, 2026.

Hazel accepted Christ at an early age and joined Westside Baptist Church. She later became a devoted member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, where she served faithfully as a lector and as a member of the Women’s Guild. In 2014, she relocated to Mableton, Georgia, with her late husband, James O. Bowles, Jr.

Educated in Chattanooga Public Schools, Hazel graduated from Howard High School in 1953. She continued her studies at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University), where she pledged Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1955, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Education in 1957. She later received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1976, with additional studies at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Hazel was a proud and lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On January 8, 2026, she celebrated 71 years of membership—having belonged to only two chapters during her lifetime: Sigma Chapter and the Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter.

Hazel dedicated 38 years to the Chattanooga/Hamilton County School System. She began her career in 1957 teaching at Joseph E. Smith Elementary, taught six years at Alton Park Junior High, and the final 25 years teaching language arts at Dalewood Middle School. Upon retiring in 1998, Hazel created the Hazel Elizabeth Robinson Bowles (HERB) Foundation to support Dalewood Middle School students with uniforms, supplies, and educational opportunities. Her community service also included volunteering at Memorial Hospital, supporting UNCF fundraising, and serving on local school boards. Her leadership and dedication earned numerous honors, including the Thomas Jefferson Award and the Key to the City of Chattanooga.

On March 11, 1963, Hazel married James, Jr., beginning 59 years of love, partnership, and friendship until his passing in 2022. She was a devoted mother to Pamela and Janel, and a proud grandmother to Cheryn, her “Sweetie Pie.” She also adored her loyal Shih Tzu–Terrier companions, Smokey and Jody.

Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James O. Bowles, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Pamela E. Bowles and Janel O. Bowles; granddaughter, Cheryn J. E. Moore; sisters‑in‑law, Joyce C. Bowles and Sylvia M. Bowles; and a host of bonus daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

Public viewing will begin at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the funeral home, followed by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega ceremony at 6:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in the funeral home chapel.

Interment: Chattanooga National CemeteryCemetery.

05/01/2026

🌹🌸🌺🌻

04/30/2026

As we close out April, we’re pausing to reflect on all the good around us… the simple joys, the blessings, the kind gestures, and the people who make life beautiful.

What are YOU thankful for today?