George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home

06/08/2026

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06/08/2026

Velma Mae Douthitt Marberry, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026.

Velma was born in July 11, 1929, in Scott, Arkansas, to the late Russell Douthitt and Mable Hogue Douthitt. She was a godly lady whose faith guided every aspect of her life. A longtime member of Malesus Baptist Church, she faithfully served the Lord and was an example of Christian love, kindness, and devotion to all who knew her.

Velma devoted many years of her career to serving as the longtime secretary at South Side High School, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and friendly spirit. Through her years of service, she touched the lives of countless students, faculty, and families.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Velma treasured her family above all else. She lived a life marked by faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love for those around her. Her gentle nature and caring heart will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlos Marberry, Sr.; her sons, Steven Douthitt Marberry and Carlos Marberry, Jr.; and her sisters, Bernice and S***t.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Smith Marberry; her grandsons, Tyler Evans Marberry and Trenton Lee Marberry; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A service to celebrate the life of Velma Marberry will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons, with burial to follow in Ebenezer Cemetery in Malesus. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service.

Though she will be deeply missed, Velma’s legacy of faith, kindness, devotion, and faithful service will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/velma-marberry-12918547

06/08/2026

Robert and Lorene Holland are celebrating 75 years of marriage on June 16, 2026, a remarkable achievement. To commemorate this milestone, we invite you to join us for a reception at Meridian Baptist Church, located at 161 Harts Bridge Road, Jackson, TN 38301, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with you as we honor their enduring commitment. Please join us as we celebrate this significant occasion in their lives.

06/03/2026

Cheryl Butler Matthews, 79, passed away peacefully at her home on June 1, 2026 surrounded by love.

Born on December 14, 1946, to the late J.D. and Elizabeth Butler. Cheryl lived a life defined by love, faith, service, and dedication to others. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, respected educator, and a truly special friend to many whose kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit touched countless lives.

Cheryl was married to her beloved husband, Larry D. Matthews, her college sweetheart and lifelong partner for 58 years and together share a lifetime of cherished memories. She was the proud mother of two sons, Donnie and Jimmy, whom she loved with all her heart. Throughout their lives she was their greatest supporter, always offering encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her grandchildren, whom she adored. She treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. She had a unique way of making each grandchild feel special and loved and the bond she shared with each of them was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

A faithful Christian woman, she was a longtime member of Parkburg Baptist Church, where she found fellowship, encouragement, and opportunities to serve alongside her church family. Her faith was reflected in the compassion, grace, and generosity she showed to everyone she met.

Cheryl attended grammar school and high school in Jackson and graduated from South Side High School in 1964. She went to Lambuth College for the first two years and then transferred to the University of Tennessee at Martin and graduated with a B.S. degree in Education. She later attended Memphis State University and received her Master’s degree in Education. She was a dedicated teacher for 32 years. Cheryl devoted her career to educating and inspiring young people. Her patience, encouragement, and commitment to education left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues. After 32 years of service, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in education.

Outside the classroom, Cheryl loved spending time with her friends and treasured the many relationships she built throughout her life. Her warm personality, caring nature, and outgoing spirit made her a beloved friend to many. She was also a proud member of P.E.O., where she enjoyed fellowship and supported the organization’s mission of encouraging educational opportunities for women. Cheryl found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved planting flowers, arts and crafts, and traveling.

Those who knew Cheryl will remember her for her caring heart, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and devotion to her family and friends. She had a special gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether in the classroom, at home, in her garden, at church, or gathered with friends, Cheryl’s warmth and compassion were evident in all she did.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Larry D. Matthews; their two sons, Donnie (Monica) and Jimmy (Leslie); grandchildren, Dawson, Maggie, Ethan, Drew, Jackson, Whitley, and Wesley; her brother Steve Butler (Donna); two nephews, Brett and Blake; and many other family members, friends, former students, and colleagues who will cherish her memory. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, compassion, friendship, creativity, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at George A. Smith and Sons South Chapel, 1544 S Highland Ave., Jackson, TN 38301. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service and burial will be held at Parkburg Baptist Church Cemetery following the funeral.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/cheryl-matthews-12909796

06/01/2026

George A. Smith and Sons was honored to assist the family with their local arrangements.

Patricia Lee Clark, 78, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Jackson, Tennessee.

Patty was born on October 8, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio, to Albert and Anna Ruth Scales. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and was a former member of St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Patty retired from Ohio Bell as a Senior Utility Clerk after many dedicated years of service. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren, enjoyed playing cards, and was an enthusiastic supporter of The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Kathy Allegrini and Dorothy Brown; and brothers-in-law, Larry Allegrini and Jerry Brown

Survived by her son, Steven (Dana) Clark; grandchildren, Stephanie, Michael, Katelyn, Cody, Courtney and Cory; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill (Marcia) and John (Debbie) Scales; sister, Ruth Ann Usher; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger Hilltop, 3030 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204 where funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, June 5, 2026 with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne, Ohio.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/patricia-clark-12906358

06/01/2026

Raymond Cedric Addison, Jr., age 81 of Jackson, passed away on May 30, 2026 in Jackson, TN.

Ray was born on January 24,1945 in Dawson, GA to the late Raymond Cedric Addison, Sr. and Carolyn Louise Herrington Addison. Ray attended Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA where he studied engineering. He worked as a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Southern for around 30 years alongside his wife. Ray was a dedicated member at Love & Truth Church for 20 years. Ray's favorite hobbies include reading and studying every morning in his reading corner, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and telling them about Jesus. Ray was a spiritual leader and source of strength and unwavering support for his family.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Byron Addison, and his sister, Dianne Coley.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Smith Addison of Jackson, TN; his children, Isaac Addison, Greg Addison, Amy Madwah, and Brent Richardson; his grandchildren, Amanda Ingle, Aliya Madwah, Aidan Madwah, Aminah Madwah, Alijha Madwah, Austin Addison, Brandon Addison, and Meagan Addison; his great grandchildren, Shepherd Ingle, Beth Addison, Daisy Addison, Asher Pierce, Greyson Pierce, Parker Addison, and Sawyer Addison; and his sister, Ruby Smith.

A service to celebrate the life of Ray Addison, Jr. will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with burial following in Hickory Flat Cemetery. Pastor Chris Smith of Love and Truth Church will officiate the service. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 p.m., one hour prior to the service.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/raymond-addison-12907491

06/01/2026

Today Jerry Smith celebrates 72 years of being with George A. Smith and Sons!

His father, George Arthur Smith, founded the firm in September 1930 and he and his twin brother, Jack Smith, joined the firm in 1954 after returning from college.

Changes have occurred over the 96 years we’ve been in business but inside our doors are the same people, same heart, same love for our community.

Serving you like you were a member of our own family. That’s George A. Smith and Sons.

05/29/2026

Mary Lou Gray, age 93, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026 in Jackson, Tennessee.

Mary Lou was born on May 21, 1933 in Juno, Tennessee to the late Arzo Henry Fanning and Leora Woods Fanning. A woman of deep faith and servant-hearted devotion, she was an active member of Union Grove Baptist Church where she faithfully served for 55 years teaching Sunday school, working at Vacation Bible School, serving in Women’s Mission Union, and filled countless other roles within the church throughout her life. She was especially known for her remarkable card ministry, through which she sent thousands of handwritten cards offering encouragement, comfort, and love to others over the years.

Mary Lou found joy in the beauty of God’s creation. She loved nature, flowers, gardening, and fishing, and she especially cherished watching and caring for her hummingbirds. She possessed a strong will and adventurous spirit that carried her through life with determination and grace.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Wilford Gray; her son, Thomas Thurmond, Jr.; son in law, Gary Moyers; the father of her children, Thomas Duncan Thurmond, Sr.; her stepson, Ernie Gray, Jr.; and her siblings, Esther Rhodes, Jack Fanning, and Shirley McKowen.

She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory, including her daughters, Mary Blankenship (Tony), Maragret Moyers, and Melinda Thurmond; her daughter-in-law, Julie Thurmond; her grandchildren, Adam Thurmond, Jessica Blankenship (Zack), Travis Thurmond, Jeremy Blankenship (Amanda), Joshua Blankenship, Daniel Blankenship (Stacy), Jacob Blankenship (Savannah), and James Moyers (Faith); her great-grandson, Lleyton Blankenship; her sister, Pat Garey; several nieces and nephews; and her stepchildren, Betty Jo Insley (Ray), David Gray (Diane), Mike Gray, and John Gray.

The family would like to thank her friends and all the healthcare workers that have served Mary Lou over the last year and a half. Thank you for your love and compassion.

A service to celebrate the life of Mary Lou Gray will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church, 755 Beech Bluff Road, Beech Bluff, Tennessee, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church and again on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour at 1:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mary Lou’s memory be made to the children’s and youth department at Union Grove Baptist Church.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/mary-gray-12903918

05/28/2026

Mary Virginia “Ginny” Lawrence, age 101, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026. Born on September 24, 1924, Ginny lived a remarkable life filled with devotion to family, faith, service, and community.

Ginny was raised on a farm near Humboldt, Tennessee, and graduated from Humboldt High School. She married her first husband, James Simmons, in Humboldt, and together they shared 54 years of marriage and raised three children: Mike, Patricia, and Chris.

During World War II, Ginny proudly supported the war effort while her husband served in the Army. While stationed with him in California, she worked in military offices for a year. When Jim was deployed overseas to Guadalcanal, Ginny moved to Willow Run, Michigan, where she became an inspector on B-24 bombers. After the war, the family made their home in Jackson, Tennessee, where she spent most of her life.

A hardworking and civic-minded woman, Ginny managed two floor covering stores for more than 30 years. She developed a deep interest in local politics and became an Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Madison County, a title she continued to hold with pride. She was also instrumental in sponsoring “The Vote to Rid Jackson and Madison County of the Blue Law.”

Ginny had a vibrant personality and a love for dancing. She studied with the Arthur Murray School of Dancing, and the Jitterbug was always her favorite. Her energy and enthusiasm for life touched everyone around her.

For a period of six years, Ginny lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she was one of eight founding members who helped establish a Cumberland Presbyterian church in the Lake Hamilton area.

In 2001, Ginny married Wayne Lawrence, and together they shared many blessed years. Ginny often said that God had richly blessed their lives, and she remained thankful every day for her family and faith.

She is survived by her son, Mike Simmons; daughter, Patricia Ramage (Ken); grandchildren, Ginny Leverette (Chris), Kristin Hughes (Josh), Haley Baker, Destiny Davis, Ryan Simmons (Makala), and Tyler Simmons (Samantha); along with many beloved extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Simmons and Wayne Lawrence; and her son, Chris Simmons.

A small service to celebrate the life of Ginny Lawrence will be held Friday, May 29, 2026 at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. A private burial will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.

Ginny will be remembered for her strength, patriotism, determination, quick wit, love of dancing, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her century-long life was truly one well lived.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/mary-lawrence-12902231

05/26/2026

Cornelia S. “Tillie” Tiller, 70, of Jackson, Tennessee passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, following a brief battle with brain cancer.

Born in Macon, Georgia on October 13, 1955, Tillie was the daughter of Bob and Cornelia Tiller. She graduated from Jackson Central-Merry High School and later attended the University of Arizona, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and earned a degree in agriculture - the perfect foundation for the adventurous life she would go on to lead.

After college, Tillie embraced a wide range of experiences that reflected her independent spirit and love of service. She drove a combine in Texas, taught school in Douglas, Arizona, and worked on cattle and pig farms in rural West Tennessee.

She later attended Columbia Bible College in Columbia, South Carolina and studied French at the Alliance Française de Paris in Paris France in preparation for her life’s calling.

In 1986, Tillie moved to Chad Africa where she served as a Christian missionary for TEAM, The Evangelical Alliance Mission, for over 35 years. She spoke French, Arabic and Chadian Arabic and devoted her life to sharing the Gospel and serving the people of Chad with compassion, humility and unwavering faith.

“Tillie left an indelible mark for the Gospel on the Goz Beida community where she served her last 8 to 10 years in Chad.” ~Rich Hoyt, Regional Member Care Coordinator for TEAM-Africa

“Because of Tillie, the missionary station and health center in Dourbali, Chad functions and serves many.” ~Pastor Tao Vaileck Elysee

Tillie is survived by her mother, Cornelia Hall Tiller and her sister, Susie Tiller Alexander (Chris). She was preceded in death by her father, Bob Tiller.

A service to celebrate the life of Tillie Tiller will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 pm at All Saints Anglican Church, 212 McClellan Rd., Jackson. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church. Prior to the service, the family will have gathered at Ridgecrest Cemetery for a private committal service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to recognize and express sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and Alive Hospice, in Nashville, Tennessee, for their compassionate and expert care.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/tillie-tiller-12899878