Pafford Funeral Home

11/01/2026

Raise your hand if you're on a grief journey. 🤚

Progress doesn't always feel like progress. Some days may feel heavier, while others bring moments of peace.

You're doing your best, and that's enough. Keep moving at your own pace.

10/31/2026

Candy Corn: Love it or leave it?

It's the great Halloween debate: Is candy corn an absolute classic or the candy nobody actually wants in their bag?

Leave a 😋 if you love it and 🤢 if you would leave it!

10/30/2026

Jo Ann Horton, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Lexington.
Born October 11, 1943, in Scotts Hill, Jo Ann was the daughter of the late Ewing “Bill” and Bertha Moody Bartholomew. She was a retired employee of Salant/Salant and a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. Affectionately known as “Granny,” she was a hardworking woman who found great joy in taking care of her family and others. She loved to cook and feed people, always making sure no one left hungry. An avid Elvis fan, Jo Ann also enjoyed working word search puzzles, reading, and spending time outdoors. She was a faithful member of Judson Baptist Church for many years, where her faith and commitment were an important part of her life. Jo Ann and her beloved husband, Charles, shared 57 years of marriage.
She is survived by her son, Michael Horton (Shoral); two daughters, Lisa Prater and Tammy Weaver (Jeff); four sisters, Margie Sommer, Betty Montgomery, Darlene Odom, and Vicki Stanfill; five grandchildren, Jennifer Hutson (Josh), Jessica Bobo (Tracy), Brittany Blankenship (Max), Josh Weaver, and Tyler Horton; and three great-grandchildren, Grace, Blakely, and Oakleigh Bobo.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Horton; brother, Billy Bartholomew; and sister, Louise Williams.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Judson Baptist Church, with interment to follow in Judson...

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10/30/2026

Johnny Oran Utley, age 82, passed away October 30, 2026, in Jackson, Tennessee. He was born January 29, 1944, in Lexington, Tennessee, to the late Oran and Helen Olene Anderson Utley. Johnny was a member of Independence Church of Christ and retired from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), where he devoted his entire working career. He was proud of his years of service and was known as a respected and dependable man.
Johnny had a tender heart and a generous spirit. He was the kind of person who would help anyone in need, never hesitating to lend a hand. He was highly respected and deeply loved by those who knew him. His family meant everything to him, and he spent much of his life caring for his beloved mother. He also dearly loved his sister, Debbie.
One of Johnny's greatest joys was being there for his nephews. He took great pride in Cory and Clay, stepping in as a father figure and always offering encouragement, guidance, and support. He was incredibly proud of them and loved nothing more than seeing them do well. His love extended to his great-nephews, Mason and Reid, who brought him much happiness.
Johnny had a lifelong love of automobiles, especially Chevrolet cars. In his younger days, he enjoyed fast cars, and that passion never faded. He was also a devoted Elvis Presley fan and a loyal St. Louis Cardinals supporter. One of his favorite traditions was the annual trip with his high school friends to watch the Cardinals play,...

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10/28/2026

Around the world, families honor loved ones in different ways. In Japan, the Obon Festival welcomes ancestors, while in Mexico, Día de los Mu***os celebrates life with color and joy.

What remembrance traditions have you seen or admired?

10/27/2026

Ella Franklin was a special kind of woman whose love reached far beyond her own family. To those who knew her, she was a mother, a friend, an encourager, and a source of inspiration. She had a heart for people and a gift for making others feel loved and cared for. Ella was truly a mom to everyone she met, always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or provide a meal to someone in need.

Ella made a lasting impact on her community through her dedication to education, service, and helping others. She worked for War on Poverty Office of Economic Opportunity in the early 70’s and started the first Head Start at Bargerton in Lexington, Tennessee, helping lay the foundation for young children as they began their educational journeys. She worked in the Henderson County Circuit Court Clerk office for 23 years and was involved in the Business and Professional Women's Club. She also devoted time to helping troubled youth, always believing in the importance of encouraging others and giving them an opportunity to succeed. Her commitment to her community was evident in the many lives she touched throughout the years.

Giving came naturally to Ella. She never hesitated to share what she had with those who needed help. Sundays often found her preparing food to send to others, and she loved cooking for family, friends, and anyone she knew who might enjoy a home cooked meal. During the Christmas season, she thoughtfully packed and sent boxes to those...

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10/23/2026

George Foster, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Jackson following a long illness. A beloved fixture in the Lexington and Henderson County community, George will be remembered for his generous heart, his love of people, and the fifty years he devoted to owning and operating Green Thumb Nursery.

Through Green Thumb Nursery, George shared his extensive knowledge of plants and gardening with generations of customers. He partnered with 4-H and the UT Extension Service to give children hands-on opportunities to learn how to grow plants, shrubs, and trees. Whether he was helping a young person discover the joy of gardening or advising a customer on what would thrive in the Southern climate, George gave freely of his time and knowledge.

Born on August 20, 1947, to the late Henry and Berna Pratt Foster, George was the oldest of seven children. After losing his father when he was just ten years old, George took on a significant role in helping his family, working the soil and planting flowers and vegetables. Those early experiences helped shape the hard-working, resourceful man he would become.

George's commitment to his community extended well beyond the nursery. He served on the City Planning Board for thirty-eight years and on the Henderson County School Board for ten years. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, always willing to lend a hand wherever he could make a difference.

Known for his loving...

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10/23/2026

Who is the veteran you’re honoring today? Share their name so we can thank them together.

We’re proud to serve veterans and their families with the highest level of care and attention. Every detail matters because their service matters.

10/23/2026

Ms. Carlene Derryberry, age 95, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Lexington.
She was born on March 9, 1931, in Darden to the late Ellis and Vernie Hays Duke. Carlene retired from Salant/Salant and was a longtime, beloved member of Union Baptist Church, where she was the oldest member.
Known affectionately as “Mamaw,” Carlene was a loving, caring woman who loved everybody and made everyone feel welcome. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, especially when everyone came together to quilt. She enjoyed gospel music, playing bingo, and spending time with those she loved. A wonderful cook, Carlene was especially known for her delicious pies and the meals she lovingly prepared for her family. Her favorite color was yellow, a fitting reflection of the warmth and sunshine she brought into the lives of so many. Her kindness, generous heart, and love for her family and friends will be remembered for generations to come.
She is survived by her son, Ricky Derryberry (Gwen); sister, Evelyn Middleton; two granddaughters, Kristin Higgins (Dustin) and Deanna Derryberry; three great-grandchildren, Shelby Tubbs (Jordan), Taylor Higgins, and Madison Higgins; and one great-great-grandchild, Blake Tubbs.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, James Derryberry and Gilbert Mays, and three siblings, Jean Johnson, Lenois Duke, and Clois Duke.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24,...

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10/22/2026

Joe Mack Hampton, age 80, passed away on October 21, 2026. Born on July 27, 1946, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Martin Wade Hampton, Jr., and Wilma Lee Tillman Hampton. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, artist, and man of faith, Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and craftsmanship that will be cherished for generations.
Known to his family as “Papa,” Joe had a special gift for making everyone feel important and loved. He was a devoted family man who treasured time spent with those closest to him. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play basketball, proudly cheering them on from the sidelines. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his steady presence, generous heart, and loving spirit will be deeply missed.
Joe was blessed with gifted hands and a remarkable talent for building and creating. He built every structure on his property, including the family home, leaving behind a lasting testament to his skill, hard work, and dedication. He was also a talented artist whose creativity reflected his unique ability to see beauty and possibility in the world around him.
For 40 years, Joe faithfully served the students and community of Scotts Hill High School as a coach, educator and administrator. Throughout his career, he taught art, worked in the library, taught history, and served as assistant principal. He also briefly...

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