Obituaries
Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area
Lisa Moses
Mar 29, 2026
Lisa Moses, 57, of Athens, departed this life peacefully on March 29, 2026, at home with her family at her side.
She was born on December 20, 1968, in Etowah, Tennessee to late June Sampson Jr., and Gena Triplett Sampson. Throughout life, she grew to have tremendous faith in Jesus and was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland. She...
Wilma Carroll
Mar 26, 2026
Wilma Jean Dunn Carroll, 91, of Benton, departed this life peacefully at her home on March 26, 2026.
She was born on February 18, 1935, in Cleveland, to the late Fred and Gertie Officer Dunn.
Throughout life, she enjoyed long rides and sitting on the porch. Loved by those who knew her and will be deeply missed.
In addition to her parents, Fred...
Myrtle L. Lawson
Mar 26, 2026
Myrtle Louise Lawson, 79, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. She was known to many as “Myrtle at the Bank” for her sunny disposition and long tenure at Benton Banking Company/First Volunteer Bank.
She was born on April 10, 1946, to Johnny and Anzlee Qualls Clayton. Throughout her life, her family was...
Sheila L. Swafford
Mar 25, 2026
Sheila L. Swafford, 65, a resident of Benton, departed this life peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by her family at home.
She was born on July 25, 1960, in Cleveland, to Margaret “Gig” Milen Swafford and the late Buddy R. Swafford Sr. Throughout life, Sheila never met strangers and loved people, was an avid traveler, and loved spending time at...
Linda F. Rymer
Mar 24, 2026
Linda Faye Hicks Rymer, 73, of Delano, departed this life peacefully on March 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Etowah, Tennessee on February 1, 1953, to the late Clyde Hicks and Dessie Sanford.
Linda was of the Baptist Faith. Throughout life, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents,...
Zenda B. Saylor
Mar 15, 2026
Zenda B. Saylor, beloved Mother, Granny, Sister and Aunt, departed this life peacefully on March 15, 2026, due to injuries sustained from a car accident.
She was born on December 12, 1954, in Joliet, Illinois to the late Elmer and Barbara Walker Wilson.
Zenda spent many years of her life caring for mentally and physically challenged people in both Kentucky and Tennessee....
Wilby J. Ledford
Mar 15, 2026
Wilby Jean Ledford, 83, a resident of Benton, TN, passed away March 15, 2026, at home, supported strongly and lovingly by her children, grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She was born November 18, 1942, in Anderson County, TN, where she grew up. She attended Lake City High School and later moved to Oliver Springs High School, where she graduated. Wilby...
John L. Beard
Mar 14, 2026
John Beard, 66, a resident of Linsdale, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 13, 1959, in Athens, to the late Warren G. and Pauline Beard. A loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He was honored to be selected to the Polk County High School Hall of Fame, where he starred as...
William J. Rose, Jr.
Mar 13, 2026
William J. Rose, Jr., 31, departed this life on March 13, 2026.
Services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.
Carolyn Shelton Croft
Mar 12, 2026
Carolyn S. Croft, 81, of Delano, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026. She was born on December 22, 1944, and lived in Delano for the entirety of her life. She was a graduate of Polk County High School where she spent most of her time on the basketball court. Carolyn worked a few different jobs but her...
Kathleen L. Ashley
Mar 4, 2026
Kathleen L. Ashley, 85, of Benton, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Kathy was born on July 4, 1940, in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Harold and Doris Pearce Oliver.
Kathy was a very precious, beautiful, Godly lady. She radiated a continuous glow. She had an inner beauty and loved Jesus, her family,...
David Adams
Feb 19, 2026
John "David" Adams, Jr. was born November 7, 1956 to John "Red" and Christine Goble Adams, the youngest of four children. He went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Praise be to God that he is at rest, free of pain and suffering. David was a kind, compassionate man who loved his Lord and Savior, his...
Doug Waters
Feb 19, 2026
Rubin Douglas Waters, aged 56, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away peacefully on February 19, surrounded by his family after battling lung cancer.
Doug was born on August 6, 1969 in Cleveland, TN.
Doug was predeceased in death by his beloved father Aster Lee Waters. He is survived by his two sons Cody Waters, of Cleveland,...
Timothy T. Jones
Feb 16, 2026
Timothy Thomas Wyatt Jones, 59, of Old Fort, Tennessee departed this life on February 16, 2026.
He was born on December 11, 1966, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late Jessie Jones, Jr. and Birdie Wallace Jones.
In addition to his parents, Jessie Jones, Jr. and Birdie Wallace Jones, he was preceded in death by his...
Herbert W. Arp
Feb 9, 2026
Herbert Weyland Arp, 94, of Benton, Tennessee passed away peacefully, February 9, 2026, with his family at his side.
Born December 29, 1931, near Blue Ridge, Georgia, he was the middle child of Virgil and Beedie (Patterson) Arp and the last of five siblings who preceded him.
He moved to Ohio in early 1950. He worked many jobs including setting plants at...
Mary Nell Quarles
Feb 7, 2026
Mary Nell Quarles, 76, left peacefully surrounded by love and family in the comfort of her own home on February 7, 2026.
She was born on April 27, 1949, in Etowah, Tennessee to the late Elbert Adam and Magdalene Mary Goforth Owens.
Throughout life, she enjoyed the ocean and traveling to Florida. Â She loved her...
Nancy "Eloise" Bachus
Feb 7, 2026
Nancy Eloise Bachus, 89, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on February 7, 2026.
She was born on April 22, 1936, in Attalla, Alabama to the late Eugene Franklin Harris and Annie Mae Harris.
Throughout life, she enjoyed being in The Word and loved Jesus Christ. Â She enjoyed reading and being out in the country....
Don Ledford
Feb 5, 2026
William Don Ledford, 84, a resident of Benton, TN passed away February 5, 2026 at home, supported strongly and lovingly by his wife, Wilby, his children, grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was a member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Benton First Baptist Church where he was active since 1964.
Don graduated from Bradley Central High...
Danny Bates
Feb 4, 2026
Sammy "Danny" Bates, 78, of Delano, departed this life peacefully on February 4, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on June 25, 1947, in Reliance, to the late Luke and Carrie Jenkins Bates. Â Danny was a lover of life, enjoyed simple things, and loved his family. Â A few of his fondest memories included mountain rides with...
Beatrice Sue Smith
Feb 3, 2026
Beatrice Sue Smith, 79, of Old Fort, departed this life peacefully on February 3, 2026, at her residence.
She was born on September 4, 1946, to the late Ozzle Reed and Martha Mae Rymer Phillips Browder in Chatsworth, Georgia.
Beatrice wasn't just the heart of the family; she was its soul. Â She had a warmth...
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