Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

Larry Lamar Kersey

Larry Lamar Kersey

Jan 18, 2026

Larry L. Kersey, 67, of Ocoee, departed this life peacefully on January 18, 2026, at a local hospital.

There will be no services at this time.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com .

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Christina Marie Milen

Christina Marie Milen

Jan 17, 2026

Christina Marie Milen, 48, of Old Fort, passed away on January 17, 2026, at the family residence.

She was born on June 24, 1977, in Cleveland, TN to Deborah Shipman Pendergrass and the late Tommy Roy Pendergrass.

Throughout life, Christina developed a strong bond with animals, raising and nurturing to many dogs, especially her buddy...

Tommy Lane

Tommy Lane

Jan 15, 2026

Tommy Lane, 74, of Varnell, GA., departed this life on January 15, 2025, at Hamilton Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Athens, TN, to the late Tommy and Jean Lane.

A graduate of Mason High School in Mason, Ohio, Tommy signed an athletic scholarship at Cleveland State Community College to play...

Johnnie "Diane" Vaughn

Johnnie "Diane" Vaughn

Jan 11, 2026

Johnnie "Diane" Vaughn, 65, of Benton, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

No services will be held at this time.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com .

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Sue Martin

Sue Martin

Jan 10, 2026

Thresa Sue Martin, 73, of Reliance, departed this life peacefully on January 10, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on March 9, 1952, in Archville, to the late Rev. Frank and Louise Green Jones.  A lover of life, she was a simple lady, that adored her family.  She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church.  She...

Angela D. Higdon Dalton

Angela D. Higdon Dalton

Jan 9, 2026

Angela Dawn Higdon Dalton, born February 25, 1976, in Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on January 9, 2026.

Angela was truly a mother to all. Not only to her own children, but to countless others who lovingly knew her as "Momma Ang." Her home and heart were always open, and her love was loud, deep, and unconditional.

...

Bonnie R. Wilcox

Bonnie R. Wilcox

Jan 8, 2026

Bonnie R. Wilcox, 81, of Reliance, departed this life peacefully on January 8, 2026, at an Athens healthcare facility.

She was born on January 22, 1944, in Polk County, Tennessee, to the late Harley C. and Lonnie Shell Rymer.  Throughout life, Ms. Bonnie was a prior member of Archville Baptist Church but most recently had joined Towee...

Faye Bain

Faye Bain

Jan 3, 2026

Brenda Faye Bain, 74, of Linsdale, departed this life peacefully on January 3, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on January 13, 1952, to the Thad Cross and Opal Morgan Cross in Athens, Tennessee.  She was loved by her family, and she enjoyed spending time with them.  She will be missed by all who had the...

Ibra Cook

Ibra Cook

Dec 28, 2025

Ibra Cook, of Benton, departed this life peacefully at his residence.

No services will be held at this time.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com .

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Lois C. Stephenson

Lois C. Stephenson

Dec 25, 2025

Lois C. Stephenson, age 91, of Ocoee, Tennessee, passed away December 25, 2025. She has been living with her youngest daughter, Jenny Cross, with family support for her the last few months. She was constantly surrounded by family and all those that love her.  She walked daily with the Lord, trusting Him in all things and sharing His love...

Reba Burgess

Reba Burgess

Dec 24, 2025

Reba Joyce "Spence" Burgess, a lifelong resident of Benton, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on February 16, 1931, in Benton, TN., to the late James Frances and Mary Mae Cassade Spence.  She was a preschool Sunday school teacher and member of Benton Station Baptist Church, where at...

Trenton Allen Setser

Trenton Allen Setser

Dec 21, 2025

Trenton Allen Setser, age 23, of Benton, Tennessee, passed away on December 21, 2025. He was born on July 10, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia. Though his time on this earth was far too short, the love he gave and the lives he touched will remain forever.

Trenton was the kindest, sweetest, most caring, and loving soul. He...

Ronald "Ronnie" T. Davis

Ronald "Ronnie" T. Davis

Dec 20, 2025

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our Beloved Daddy and Coach Ronald "Ronnie" Terry Davis, a resident of Benton, departing this world on December 20, 2025, at the age of 79.  Born on May 9, 1946, in Cleveland, TN, to the late R.L. Davis and Lucille Wilson Davis.

A 1964 graduate of...

Gregory E. "Greg" Brackett

Gregory E. "Greg" Brackett

Dec 20, 2025

Gregory E. "Greg" Brackett, 58, a resident of Old Fort, Tennessee, passed away on December 20, 2025.

He was born on December 10, 1967, in Cleveland, TN., to Mary Jane Wilcoxon Lott and the late Mac E. Brackett.

Greg was a dedicated volunteer with the West Polk Volunteer Fire & Rescue.  He was very well...

John L. Longley

John L. Longley

Dec 20, 2025

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of John L. Longley, a dedicated husband, father, and Paw.  Whose life was characterized by unwavering hard work and a remarkable ability to bring joy to those around him.  Born on June 25, 1941, John's journey concluded on December 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and unwavering dedication.

...

Tony R. "Duke" Carroll

Tony R. "Duke" Carroll

Dec 19, 2025

Tony R. "Duke" Carroll, 84, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on April 10, 1941, Springtown to the late Monroe and Delzia Chastain Carroll.  He married the love of his life Billie Bates, and they were married over 50 years until her death.

...

Charles Timothy "Tim" Wattenbarger

Charles Timothy "Tim" Wattenbarger

Dec 14, 2025

Charles Timothy "Tim" Wattenbarger, 86, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home with his loving daughter by his side.

He was born on March 16, 1939, in Conasauga, TN., to the late Charles Clarence and Elsie Sharpe Wattenbarger.

Tim worked in construction and pipe fitting.  He founded Cleveland Automatic...

August Lee

August Lee

Dec 12, 2025

August Lee, of Reliance, passed away on December 12, 2025.

The world lost a bit of its shine on December 12, 2025, with the passing of August Lee, a remarkable soul whose spirit seemed untouchable and whose kindness knew no limits. August was born August 5th, 1935, in Reliance, Tennessee. Though his name was known differently to...

Katie Davis

Katie Davis

Dec 11, 2025

Debra Kathaleen "Katie" Davis, 67, a resident of Calhoun, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord surrounded by family on December 11, 2025, at her home.

She was born on August 16, 1958, in Cleveland, TN., to Evelyn Adams and Sewall Anthony.

Katie was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and homemaker.  She had unwavering...

Linda Jo Sisum

Linda Jo Sisum

Dec 8, 2025

Linda Jo Sisum, 60, of Englewood, Tennessee, departed this life unexpectedly on December 8, 2025.

She was born on February 27, 1965, in Delta, Colorado.

Linda lived a full life blessed by a large and loving family. She loved to crochet and spent many days creating beautiful handmade pieces; nearly everyone who knew her has...