Our Obituaries

Joy Virginia Blenis

August 20, 1917 - May 16, 2013

Joy V. Blenis passed from this life early on the morning of May 16, 2013, well into her 96th year. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan and grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. In her youth she was a competitive swimmer and played a mean game of golf. Her marriage in 1940 began her travels: two boys were born in Philadelphia and Boston and her two young brothers joined the family in Minneapolis. From...
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Donald Pelts

May 15, 2013

Donald Pelts, 72, of Memphis, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to every single person who crossed his path, died from a heart attack May 15, 2013 surrounded as usual by family and friends. Don is survived by the love of his life, Linda Kaset Pelts, his wife of over 47 years. Don was not Don…it was 'Linda and Don' always! He learned from his father, Poncie, the great...
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Elisabeth Crisler Buchignani

April 18, 1930 - May 11, 2013

Grace Elisabeth "Betty" Crisler Buchignani, 83, passed away on May 11, 2013. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Leo J. Buchignani, her children, Leo J. Buchignani Jr. (Mary Edna), Crisler Quick (Peter), Joan Barnett (Bill), 12 grandchildren, her brothers J.A. "Jac" Crisler, III (Mary) and Dr. Crile Crisler (Noel), and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her grandson Crile...
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Florence Finkelstein Messinger

December 24, 1919 - May 4, 2013


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Sidney Davis Selvidge, Jr.

July 21, 1943 - May 2, 2013

Sidney Davis Selvidge, Jr, 69, died May 2, 2013 at Methodist University Hospital. He was born July 21, 1943 in Greenville, MS to Sidney Davis Selvidge and Eugenia Sandifer Selvidge. Sid Selvidge was the Executive Producer of the internationally syndicated Blues radio program, Beale Street Caravan. He was an accomplished performer, producer, song writer and anthropology scholar. As a performer...
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Roy Andrew Gaia, Sr.

September 27, 1930 - May 1, 2013

Roy Andrew Gaia, Sr., passed away Wednesday, May 01, 2013 at Baptist Trinity Hospice House. Roy was a native Memphian and moved to Olive Branch sixteen years ago. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School, class of 1948. He served two years in the United States Army and was a decorated Korean War combat veteran. He was a sales representative for Georgia – Pacific Corporation for...
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Susan McEwen Clark

September 16, 1952 - April 30, 2013

Susan McEwen Clark passed away peacefully at her home in Memphis on April 30, 2013 surrounded by her family and friends. She was the daughter of retired United Methodist Bishop Roy C. Clark and the late Esther Maddox Clark. She is survived by her beloved husband, Mark A. Jones; three children in whom she gloried, Michael Taylor (Nicole), Andrew Taylor (Jordan), and Meghan Doyle (Wes); and...
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Phillip "Phil" T. Miller

April 18, 1942 - April 22, 2013

Phillip "Phil" Miller was born April 18, 1942 in Memphis, TN to the late Frank and Stella Miller. He died Monday, April 22, 2013 at the age of 71. He attended Christian Brothers High School. He retired from Cummins Diesel Recon. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Hackney Miller; two sons; Bobby Miller and Mark Miller, three daughters; Tammy Walker, Deanna Craig and Connie Williams. He has...
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Sarah Whitley Huettel Mitchell

September 26, 1964 - April 21, 2013

Sarah Whitley Huettel Mitchell, 48, born September 26, in Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2013 after a brief illness. Whitley graduated from Saint Agnes Academy and attended The University of Memphis where she was active in Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She loved to travel. Her favorite spots to relax were Pickwick Lake and Destin, Florida. Her most recent trips took her as far away...
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Cyril Henry Forck

November 11, 1920 - April 19, 2013

Cyril Henry "Cy" Forck, 92, of Memphis, passed away on April 19, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN after a brief illness. He was born in Folk, Missouri on a farm that was very dear to his heart. Tending the land and watching things grow was his passion until his death. On that day, despite torrential rain and cold temperatures, a row of tulips bloomed in his honor in his...
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Mary Hytken Dumont

June 27, 1912 - April 12, 2013

Mary Hytken Dumont, 100, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2013 at River Garden Hebrew Home in Jacksonville, Florida. Mary was born June 27, 1912, in Louisville, KY, the daughter of Harry and Ida Hytken. Mary grew up in Ruleville, MS. She moved to Memphis, TN, raised her family and enjoyed a successful career in real estate. The joys of her life were her daughters, grandchildren, great...
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Leonard "Lenny" Weiner

January 16, 1932 - April 10, 2013

LEONARD "Lenny" WEINER, age 81, of Memphis, lived from January 16, 1932 until Wednesday ,April 10, 2013. Born in Brooklyn, NY he came to Memphis in 1952 and was stationed at Millington Aviation Electronics where he met and married the love of his life Janis "Footsie" Weiner. They were transferred to Norfolk, Va. where he served in the Antisubmarine Squadron 32 and then to Patuxent River, Md. ...
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Ruth Meyer O'Mell

December 24, 1916 - April 8, 2013

Ruth O'Mell, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Monday, April 8, 2013, at Baptist Hospital. She was 96. Ruth was born in Memphis in 1916, the fourth of five children of Flora and Solomon Meyer. After graduating from Central High School, Ruth worked as a bookkeeper at the old Bry's Department store in downtown Memphis where, as chance would have it, she was spotted on...
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Benjamin F. "Jack" Benton

January 10, 1924 - April 6, 2013

Dr. Benjamin F. (Jack) Benton, passed away Saturday April 6, 2013 at Baptist Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He was born January 6, 1924 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Ellsworth Benton and Freda Wening Benton. In 1932, the family moved to Steele, Missouri, and he graduated from high school there at age sixteen. He attended under graduate school at the University of Missouri in Columbia,...
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Geraldine White "Jerry" Kipnis

May 9, 1926 - April 4, 2013

Geraldine White "Jerry" Kipnis, 86, of Memphis, died April 4th after a long illness at Highlands of Memphis. She was born May 9, 1926 in Blytheville, Ark. to Isaac and Nola Goodwin. She lived most of her life in Memphis. "Jerry" was a member of one of the founding families of Holy Rosary Parish. She was an active member of the Ladies Club, Ave Maria Guild and volunteered at the soup kitchen at St...
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Ruthe Cohen Handleman

July 26, 1924 - April 3, 2013

Ruthe Cohen Handleman passed away on April 3, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. She was preceded in death by husband Alexander Handleman, son Michael Handleman and granddaughter Emily Veda Pew. She is survived by son Marc Handleman and wife Debbie, daughter Caren Handleman and husband Steve Pew, daughter-in-law Agnes Martin, grandsons and spouses Ethan and Sarah Pew and Corey and Melissa Pew, and great...
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Sue Ann Alley Frick

September 21, 1936 - March 25, 2013

Sue Ann Alley Frick, 76, died on March 25, 2013 under the caring hands of Baptist Trinity Hospice House. Sue was born in Jacksonville, Texas on September 21, 1936. She married her husband, Fred, in 1953 and they celebrated their 60th anniversary on January 24. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University. Between having 3 sons and supporting her husband in his career with Price...
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Alice Holden Warwick

July 24, 1915 - March 24, 2013


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Michael Richard Regan

November 20, 1951 - March 24, 2013

Michael Richard ("Mike") Regan, 61, passed away Sunday evening, March 24, 2013, at Baptist Hospital East in Memphis. He was a devout Catholic, predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Martin Regan, Sr. of Memphis. He is survived by his brother and sister in law, Terry and Trudy Regan, and their children Eleanor, Henry and Mary Caroline, all of Cambridge, MA, and his sister and brother in...
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John David Beeson

September 25, 1945 - March 24, 2013

John David Beeson, born September 25, 1945, in Greenville, Mississippi, went to be with his Lord and Savior March 24, 2013. He grew up in Memphis and was a graduate of Whitehaven High School and the University of Memphis, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He began his career in sales and marketing with Woolco and eventually established his own business, John...
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Paul Joseph Andreuccetti

October 18, 1936 - March 24, 2013

Paul Joseph Andreuccetti, 76, son of the late Baldo and Annie Andreuccetti, died March 24, 2013. He was the beloved and loyal husband to Angela Vanelli Andreuccetti,(52 years) and the devoted, loving father of Mark Vincent Andreuccetti (who preceded him in death), Theresa Andreuccetti(Joy Allen), Gina Andreuccetti, Claire Dickinson(Chad), all of Memphis, and Amy Richter(Chris) of St. Louis, MO....
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James Robert Chandler

October 3, 1919 - March 23, 2013

James Robert (Jim) Chandler, passed away in his sleep peacefully at age 93 on March 23, 2013. He was preceded in death in 2008 by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn Warder Chandler. His parents were the late William Ladelle and Irene Hockersmith Chandler. Born in Memphis in 1919, he was the youngest and last surviving member of that immediate family, which included older brothers William, Walter,...
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Charles Swift Treadwell

January 26, 1928 - March 22, 2013

Charles Swift Treadwell, 85, passed away at home in Germantown, Tennessee, Friday, March 22, 2013 after an extended illness. Born on January 26, 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Timmons Louis Treadwell Jr. and the late Jewett Alcorn Swift, he was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart who became his wife, Margaret Munn Treadwell of Enid, Oklahoma, his late brother Timmons Louis...
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Mary Clayton Martin Saunders

August 20, 1921 - March 21, 2013

Mary Clayton Martin Saunders, age 91, died peacefully at her home. A native Memphian, Mary Clayton was the youngest child of John Donelson and Savilla Driver Martin. She graduated first in her class at Miss Hutchison's School and then graduated from Randolph Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1943 she married Lt. Robert Mills Saunders in the chapel at Barksdale Field where he was a...
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James "Jimmy" Robert Thomas

March 10, 1949 - March 19, 2013

James "Jimmy" Robert Thomas, 64, died suddenly Tuesday, March 19 2013. He was born in Memphis on March 10, 1949, to Elaine and John R. (Bobby) Thomas. After his retirement, he stayed busy helping friends and hunting with his two sons. He was a member of Incarnation Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Lisa Renee. He is survived by his wife of 23 years,...
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Frank Arthur Coyle, Jr.

January 14, 1941 - March 14, 2013

Frank Arthur Coyle, Jr. born January 14, 1941 in Memphis, TN, died March 14, 2013 in Memphis, TN. He was a Southern intellectual, football player, psychologist, and believer in social justice, a devoted son, loving husband, caring father and good friend. He was a member of the Order of the Stars and Bars, ACLU, NRA, and APA, among others and a lifelong Episcopalian. 1958 graduate of...
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Harold Weinman

November 6, 1919 - March 14, 2013

Harold Weinman, 93, of Memphis, died March 14, 2013 at the Methodist Hospice Residence. Harold was born November 6, 1919. He graduated from Tech High School. Harold served in WW II and was discharged from the Army's 385th fighter squadron in 1945. He married Shirley Faye Brown Weinman August 18, 1946 and they were married for 66 years. He was a member of the Baron Hirsch Congregation and Temple...
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James "Jim" Francis Burns

June 1, 1927 - March 13, 2013

James' "Jim" Francis Burns, 85, of Southaven, MS passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 13, 2013. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to all. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII and received the WWII Victory Metal. When working for the Army Depot, as a Photographer, Jim took Elvis's Army Induction photos. He retired from the Social...
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Marvin Posner

February 18, 1932 - March 12, 2013

MARVIN POSNER, ESQ., 81, of Memphis, retired attorney at law, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, after a prolonged illness. He is the beloved husband of Eileen Posner, and the son of the late Abraham Joseph and Bertha (Halpern) Posner of Nashville. He attended West End High School, Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Law School. After being graduated from law school in 1956, he and his...
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Martha Ellen McKinney-Rice

November 26, 1955 - March 10, 2013

Martha Ellen McKinney-Rice passed away March 10, 2013 at her home. She was born, the youngest child of Curtis and Evia McKinney on November 26, 1955 in Memphis, TN. She was a graduate of Christian Brothers University. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carlotta McKinney. She is survived by a daughter, Natalie Allen (Andy), a son, Jason Rice, two grandchildren, Evy and...
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Beverly Catherine Bestler Ross

November 17, 1926 - March 9, 2013

Beverly C. Ross, 86, art collector and philanthropist, died March 9 at Ave Maria Home after a long illness. She was the widow of Sam Ross, founder of Fantastic Sam's hair salons, who died in 2010. Mrs. Ross was born in Lagrange, Illinois, on Nov. 27, 1926, daughter of Lee and Lucille Bestler. Her first marriage ended in divorce. She met Sam Ross in 1965 at a sandwich shop in Chicago, and the...
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Wanda Wallace Duke

August 1, 1933 - March 9, 2013

Wanda Wallace Duke, 79 passed away surrounded by her family, on Saturday March 9, 2013. Wanda is preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Edward Clifford Duke, the man she fell in love with at thirteen years of age. Also, preceding her in death were her parents, Clifford and Marguarite Wallace and her sister Barbara Wallace Posey. She leaves four children, Daphne Duke Vescovo...
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Helen Marie Lenahan Lendermon

November 27, 1927 - March 9, 2013

Helen Marie Lenahan (Mimi) Lendermon, 85, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Helen was born November 27, 1927 to the late William and Cecila Lenahan. Helen graduated from Catholic High School in 1945. She was very devoted to her family and her church as a member of St. James Catholic Church for over 50 years. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert W. Lendermon,...
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JoAnn Edelson Kochman

July 3, 1925 - March 7, 2013

JoAnn Edelson Kochman, age 87, of Memphis, Tn., passed away on Thursday, March 7th. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Norman Kochman, and by 6 children: Linda Stein (Marty), Dr. Louis Edelson (Gay), Cheryl Edelson Kaplan (Gary), Dr. Jonathan Edelson (Karen), Dr. Michael Edelson (Judy), and Debbie Kochman Kaplan (Warren Lee); a sister, Greta Linville, and a brother, Peter Bergren. ...
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Lee Clarke Busby

May 13, 1953 - March 5, 2013

Lee Clarke Busby, 59, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2013 at Methodist University Hospital. He was born May 13, 1953 in Memphis, TN. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence P. (Buzz) Busby and Jane Ogden Busby. He is survived by his brother, Lawrence P. (Larry) Busby (Suzanne) and sister, Jane Ruth Allen (Don) and his nieces, Sarah Lawrence Allen, Lauren Elizabeth Busby, and...
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Beverly Moore Bressler

June 25, 1916 - March 5, 2013

Beverly M. Bressler passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 in Dallas, Texas, where she had resided for several years. Beverly was born June 25, 1916 in Poplar Grove, Arkansas, the eldest daughter of Walter Moore and Ruby Turner Moore. She and her husband, George A. Bressler made their home in Memphis, Tennessee, where they raised their three children, were active members of their community and...
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Alice Fretz Morrison

March 24, 1925 - March 5, 2013

Alice Fretz Morrison, 87, widow of the Reverend Archie C. Morrison Jr., PHD, died on March 5, 2013 after an extended illness. With her husband she served many churches in the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Memphis State University and a retired teacher in the Memphis City School System. She is survived by her sister Mary Hardwick, her daughter...
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Michael Lawrence Cupp

July 7, 1959 - March 2, 2013

Michael Lawrence Cupp, age 53 joined his wife, Sylvia Tushek Cupp on March 2. Survived by his son, Kaley Jarek, his mother and step father, Doris and Donald Innocenti, his sisters, Teri Cate (Victor), Nancy Mays (Phillip) and brothers, James Innocenti and Steve Cupp; nephews, Joshua and Logan; nieces Kristin and Cara, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins and in-laws Sylvia and Charles Crain. ...
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Antone "Tony" Edward Baltz, Jr.

June 21, 1937 - March 2, 2013

ANTONE EDWARD BALTZ Jr., 75, longtime Memphis firefighter, died peacefully at his home March 2, 2013. He was born June 21, 1937, in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Antone E. Baltz Sr. and Josephine Gertrude Nuce Baltz. Served in the U.S. Army 1955-56, attended Christian Brothers College in 1958, operated concrete business from 1959 to 1995, and joined the City of Memphis fire department in 1960. He...
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Helen Weiss Siegel

December 11, 1919 - March 1, 2013


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Jack Landman Goldsmith

April 10, 1910 - March 1, 2013

Jack Landman Goldsmith, the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Goldsmith's Department Store, and a business and civic leader in Memphis for decades, died on Friday in Sarasota, Florida. He was 102 years old. Mr. Goldsmith survived his wife, the late Dorothy M. Metzger. His survivors include his daughter Joan Marks of Sarasota, Florida, and his sons Jack Landman Goldsmith Jr.,...
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Fannie Rosenberg Tannen

December 24, 1912 - March 1, 2013


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Claudette Shirley Kaplan

June 4, 1931 - March 1, 2013

Claudette Shirley Kaplan, 81, of Memphis, Tennessee, known to family and friends as Claudia, left this earth with the Love of her family and friends, and the excellent care of both Crossroads Hospice and the staff of The Memphis Jewish Home. Claudia was born June 4th, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to her parents, Jacob and Celia Mirotsnic, of Chicago, Illinois of blessed memory. She is...
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James Wesley Gower III

February 2, 1952 - February 27, 2013


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Karen "Kay" Berbig Pirani

June 22, 1932 - February 27, 2013

Kay Berbig Pirani, 80, died February 27, 2013 at Methodist Hospice Residence. She was born in Memphis and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. She married the love of her life, Jimmy Pirani in 1952. After raising their 5 children she became the hostess at Big John Grisanti's on Lamar and Airways. She later worked as a wine and liquor saleswoman for United Liquors until her retirement in...
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Lillian Margaret Sharpe Olson

June 17, 1922 - February 22, 2013

Lillian Margaret Sharpe Olson, 90, of Memphis, died February 22, 2013 at Methodist Hospice Residence. She was born June 17, 1922 in Sarnia, Ontario Canada. She was the widow of Walter Martin Olson. She is survived by her 2 sons, Ronald W. Olson (Vicki) and Robert A. Olson. She also leaves her 2 grandchildren, Justin Olson (Katie) and Jessica Pearl Olson, 2 great-grandchildren, Emma and Graham...
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Allen Edward Cohen

September 4, 1923 - February 22, 2013

Allen Edward Cohen, of Memphis, passed away on February 22, 2013. He was 89. Born and raised in Drew, Mississippi, he was the valedictorian of his high school class. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University. In 1943, he enrolled in Officer Candidate School of the United States Army and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He served in the Pacific Theater until...
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Victor Louis DeBacco, Sr.

March 23, 1921 - February 20, 2013

Victor Louis DeBacco, 91, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at his home in Memphis, TN. He was born March 23, 1921 in Youngstown, Ohio. While serving in the army, he was stationed at the 2nd army headquarters in Memphis where he met Bernadine Wasson who became his wife in 1952. He worked for Gordon's Transports as a public accountant until the early '80s. Then he worked for the bankruptcy...
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Mary Ellen Boggs Smith

November 12, 1939 - February 20, 2013

Mary Ellen Boggs Smith, 73, of Millington passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 after a brief illness. She was born in Wynne, AR November 12, 1939 to the late Arthur Erwin and Margaret Kilgore Boggs. She was preceded in death by her husband Master Sergeant Harold Wayne "Smitty" Smith to whom she was married for over forty years. He passed away January 19, 2013. She is also preceded in death...
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Bettye Jo Rutledge Narrow

August 27, 1921 - February 19, 2013

Bettye Jo Rutledge Narrow, 91, died Tuesday, February 19th. She was born August 27, 1921 to Walter and Betty Rutledge in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was the widow of Edward Anton Narrow. A resident of St. Peter Manor, Bettye worked at the card case and had many wonderful friends there. She was also a previous employee of Sears, Noble, Inc. and Grahams Lighting. She is survived by her 7 children;...
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Shirley Broadhead (Turner) Hamilton

May 11, 1940 - February 19, 2013

Shirley Broadhead (Turner) Hamilton, 72, unexpectedly passed away on February 19, 2013, after suffering a brain hemorrhage due to a fall. Her kind spirit, generosity and exuberance for life touched everyone she met. Her upbeat personality and outstanding humor made her hard to forget. She was raised in Meridian, MS and attended the University of MS. Following college, she earned a Masters at...
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Jane Green Hollis

January 29, 1932 - February 18, 2013

Jane Green Hollis, died on Monday, February 18 due to complications from pneumonia and Lewy Body Dementia. Martha Jane Green was born to the late Bertha Snyder Green and Hix Howard Green on January 29, 1932 in Charlotte, NC. The family later moved to Atlanta where Jane graduated from E. Rivers Elementary School and Washington Seminary. Along with a few, close friends from Atlanta, she attended...
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William Richard Kantner

May 3, 1944 - February 17, 2013


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Barbara Coleman Goldsmith

August 5, 1953 - February 16, 2013

Barbara Coleman Goldsmith, 59, of Memphis, TN, died peacefully February 16 after a long battle with cancer. Barbara was born on August 5, 1953. She graduated from St. Agnes Academy (later inducted into the SAA Hall of Fame) and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in music education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Barbara was married to Jeffrey Coleman Goldsmith on August 14,...
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Gladys Breier Eskenazi

March 18, 1927 - February 14, 2013


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William Lee Whitman

June 5, 1941 - February 12, 2013

William Lee Whitman, 71, died February 12, 2013. He is survived by his sisters, Amy Whitman Klyman and Emelia Whitman Smith, as well as five nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William George Whitman, Jr.; his mother, Mary Frances Whitman; his brothers, William George Whitman III and Edward Morrison Whitman; and his sister, Mary Whitman Garrett. He practiced law in...
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David Caulfield

December 13, 1958 - February 10, 2013


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Samuel Leonard Crain, Jr.

October 8, 1951 - February 9, 2013

Samuel Leonard Crain, Jr., 61, died on February 9, 2013. He was a valiant warrior against the scourge of cancer, fighting it off for almost nine years, but in the end it proved too much even for this endurance athlete who loved to run 50-mile trail races, this outstanding trial lawyer who won many cases but still had the respect and friendship of his adversaries, this wonderful husband and...
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Rebecca "Becky" Joy Robinson Northington

June 19, 1941 - February 8, 2013

Rebecca (Becky) Joy Robinson Northington, of Germantown, Tennessee and Longboat Key, Florida, died Friday, February 08, 2013 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis after 71 years of a full and eventful life. She was born in Taylorville Mississippi on June 19, 1941. She married Harry Ronald Northington on June 19, 1959. She is a member of the Racquet Club of Memphis and past member of the Racquet...
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Omar Franklin Elder III

September 2, 1955 - February 8, 2013

Omar Franklin Elder, III, age 57, died February 8th, 2013 at Grace Nursing Home. Omar (Doc) was born in New York City to Omar Franklin Elder, Jr. and Betty Anne Nyman, who predeceased him. He was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut where he graduated from Greenwich Country Day School and The Lawrenceville School in Princeton, New Jersey. He attended the University of Southern California and was an...
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Ivan Anthony D'Cruz

August 27, 1935 - February 7, 2013

Dr. Ivan Anthony D'Cruz died at home on February 7, 2013 at the age of 77. He was a kind and brilliant man who loved his family and whose family cherished him in return. Dr. Ivan D'Cruz studied medicine at the T National Medical College and Nair Hospital. Then he obtained his MD degrees at Bombay University. He excelled at Bombay University and received gold medals in medicine and surgery....
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Pauline "Polly" Cohen Underberg

August 3, 1934 - February 4, 2013

Pauline (Polly) Cohen Underberg, 78, of Germantown, TN passed away Monday, February 4, 2013 after a long illness. She was born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, and graduated from Grenada High in 1952. Polly attended Memphis State College, where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, and graduated with a teaching degree. She was married to her loving and devoted husband Ronnie for 53 years....
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Rose Jenkins Smythe

April 21, 1920 - January 31, 2013


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Walter J. Klein

February 18, 1940 - January 29, 2013

Walter Jay Klein, 72, of Hoover, Alabama, died Tuesday, January 29th in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Klein served his country in the Air Force and was a manufacturer's sales representative for the SPX Corporation. He is survived by his wife: Toby R. Klein and four sons: Joe Klein of Helena, Al.; Jason Klein of Jackson, Ms.; Jarod Klein of Colorado Springs, CO.; and Steve Cohen of Millington, TN. Mr...
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Louis "Lew" Weinberg

October 25, 1914 - January 27, 2013

Lew Weinberg, whose name was synonymous with retailing in Memphis for nearly 75 years beginning with a clothing store on Main Street during the depression of the 1930's and culminating in the founding of the James Davis Store, died at his home on Sunday, January 27. He was age 98. Born in Memphis, Lew came of age during the depression years and coupled an active business spirit with a sense...
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Helen Margaret Kelly Dooley

January 2, 1910 - January 24, 2013

Helen Margaret Kelly Dooley, 103, died January 24, at Signature Healthcare at St. Peter Villa. Born January 2, 1910, Mrs. Dooley was the sixth child of the late William Joseph and Kathryn Louise Kinsella Kelly. She was a lifelong Memphian and attended the former St. Mary and St. Thomas Schools. In 1926, she married the late Memphis Fire Department District Chief Dan H. Dooley, Sr., the first...
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Jean Hudson Theobald

October 13, 1926 - January 22, 2013


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Rebie Perry Gooch Spicer

April 8, 1910 - January 22, 2013

Rebie Perry Gooch Spicer died peacefully Tuesday, January 22, at Allen Morgan Health and Rehabilitation in Trezevant Manor at age 102. She was born April 8, 1910 in Birmingham, AL to Mr. and Mrs. Tunstall Barker Perry. She was a graduate of Birmingham Southern College and was a life-long artist. She was the widow of R. Delmas Gooch, Sr. who died in 1968 and Norwood Spicer who died in 2002. ...
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Bernice Schramm Cooper

August 21, 1930 - January 22, 2013

Bernice Schramm Cooper died January 22, 2013 at Baptist Hospital. Mrs. Cooper was the widow of Irby Cooper. She is survived by her 3 daughters; Laurie Cooper, Debbi Cooper, Cindy Cooper Ehrenkranz; her 2 sons, Pace Cooper and David Cooper; her 1 sister, Rose Mass; her 23 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Baron Hirsch...
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Ralph Earl Franklin

October 18, 1924 - January 20, 2013


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Harold Wayne Smith

October 22, 1939 - January 18, 2013


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Margaret Ellen Metz

February 14, 1955 - January 17, 2013

Margaret Ellen Metz, beloved wife, sister, friend, mentor, philanthropist, linguist and world traveler died Thursday, January 17th, at age 57 of breast cancer. The youngest child of the late Charlie and Peggy Metz, Margaret was auspiciously born on Valentine's Day and she collected hearts from both artists and friends her whole life. A graduate of St. Agnes High School and Duke...
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Gary L. Ault

July 14, 1941 - January 16, 2013

Gary L. Ault, 71, died January 16, 2013 at his home. Gary was born July 14, 1941 in Medina, Ohio. He was a hair stylist in Memphis for over 25 years. His is survived by his life partner Jack Wagnild, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, January 20 at Canale Funeral Directors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Church Health...
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Sally Steiner Endler

August 27, 1954 - January 16, 2013

Sally Steiner Endler of Memphis passed away January 16th, 2013 at the age of 58. She was born in Texas, the beloved daughter of Pope and Josephine Steiner. She graduated from the International Business School of Miami and went on to be extremely involved in the Memphis community. From a young age, Sally was always a spirited, passionate, and optimistic person who lived life to the fullest. ...
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Maria Anna Patti Rotolo

November 20, 1913 - January 13, 2013

Maria Anna Patti Rotolo, (Mary), 99, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 13, 2013. Born in 1913 to Antonio and Ignazia Patti, from Sicily, Italy, Mrs. Rotolo resided in New York, but has lived in Memphis since 2004. A member of a large and loving extended family, Mrs. Rotolo spent her life as a loving mother and wife, and worked as an accomplished seamstress. She was preceded in death...
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John Malcolm Gibbons, Jr.

November 25, 1931 - January 11, 2013

JOHN MALCOLM GIBBONS, JR., died January 11, 2013. He resided at Signature Healthcare-St. Peter Villa in Memphis at the time of his death. Born in Memphis on November 25, 1931, he graduated from high school in Smackover, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Rhodes College. Mr. Gibbons served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and then re-enlisted in 1964, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam...
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Dyer Brainerd Holmes

May 24, 1921 - January 11, 2013

Dyer Brainerd Holmes, NASA's first Director of Manned Space Flight, retired President of the world's largest supplier of guided missiles, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), designer of the Patriot anti-missile system, and retired Chairman of Beech Aircraft, died on Friday, January 11, 2013 in Memphis, TN. He was 91. Mr. Holmes, affectionately known as "Bear", was born in New York City in 1921, prepared for...
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James Wilson Hume

July 25, 1958 - January 9, 2013


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Patrick Poindexter Carey

August 23, 1938 - January 9, 2013

Patrick Poindexter Carey died peacefully at his home on January 9. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January, 2012. Patrick was born in Memphis on August 23, 1938, to Ethel Poindexter Carey and Samuel Davids Carey and baptized at St. John's Episcopal Church. He attended Campus School and graduated from the Baylor School in Chattanooga. He began his university career at Sewanee...
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Charles (Chuck) Phillips Baker , Sr.

April 11, 1947 - January 6, 2013

Charles (Chuck) Phillips Baker, Sr., of Germantown, passed away Sunday, January 6th at the age of 65. Born in Memphis, he was a graduate of Central High School and Memphis State University where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marie Baker and his brother Frank Baker. Mr. Baker leaves a son Charles (Chuck) P. Baker, Jr. and his...
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Carolyn Lang Sternberger

March 25, 1907 - January 6, 2013


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Maude Ann McCormick

August 5, 1917 - January 5, 2013

Maude Ann McCormick, 95, died January 5, 2013. She was born August 5, 1917 in Memphis, TN. She attended Sacred Heart School and Central High. She served with Calvary Episcopal Church ministries and enjoyed her Bible studies, working constantly in her flower garden and her beloved sewing time, especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving...
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Donald Walter Meyers

December 28, 1928 - January 4, 2013

DONALD WALTER MEYERS, 84, of Memphis, TN passed away peacefully at his home Jan. 4, 2013 surrounded by his loved ones listening to his favorite jazz music. Don was born in Findley, OH, December 28, 1928 to Clara Geisler Meyers and Howard Meyers. His love of music and radio began at Cincinnati Music Conservatory where he graduated in 1948. His first big break came with his debut program "Matters...
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Myrtle Stupnesky Junov

April 17, 1918 - January 2, 2013

Myrtle Junov, 94, died in Hendersonville, North Carolina on January 2, 2013, where she moved in 2004. She was born in Memphis on April 28th, 1918 to the late Bessie and Louis Stupnesky. She lived with her husband in Lepanto, Arkansas and Memphis prior to her move to North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Junov and three sisters, Esther Bodin, Fannie Volman and Rose...
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Ruth Bernstein

March 10, 1928 - January 1, 2013

Ruth Bernstein passed away on January 1, 2013 at the age of 84 at Allen Morgan Health Center. She was born on March 10, 1928 and was the youngest of 9 children born to the late Celia and William Bernstein. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Throughout her life, she was a longtime caregiver for her mother, brother, sisters and sister in law. Ruth began her career at...
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Virginia Parker Donelson

February 6, 1929 - December 27, 2012

Virginia Parker Donelson, 83, of Memphis, Tennessee, died on December 27, 2012 at Allen Morgan Health Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Taylor Donelson, Jr.; her parents, Virginia Johnson Parker and Percy Parker, her sister, Miriam Parker Beasley, and her brother, Larry McCormick, Jr. She was born February 6, 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Bruce Elementary...
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Mary Nell Culp Stevens

February 18, 1917 - December 25, 2012

Mary Nell Culp Stevens, 95, known to her friends as Kay and her family as Memaw, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2012. She was born in Bells, Tennessee on February 18, 1917. She lived a full and active life. She was named Queen of the Strawberry Festival in 1934. She was a MIFA volunteer through the Memphis Jewish Community Center for more than 10 years and received volunteer of...
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Harriet Wise Stern

August 22, 2012 - December 22, 2012

Harriet Wise Stern, died Saturday, December 22 at the age of 79. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many, Mrs. Stern was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Dr. Thomas N. Stern. She is survived by her three children; Susan Edelman (Jim) of Memphis, Carol Ciaglo (Tom) of Louisville, Colorado, and David Stern (Alexandra), of New York City, her 9...
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Robert P. Colmer, Jr.

May 13, 1925 - December 22, 2012

Robert Percival Colmer died December 22nd after a blessedly brief battle with cancer. Bob was born May 13, 1925 in Moss Point, Mississippi to Ruth Harbin Colmer and R. P. Colmer. The Colmer family later moved to Starkville Mississippi. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Fred Newton Colmer. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Elaine Dies Colmer, Daughter, Ruth Elaine...
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Albert Irvin Wolf

September 28, 1925 - December 19, 2012

Albert "Cookie" Irvin Wolf, 87 died Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Methodist Hospice Residence. He was the widower of Faye Fisher Wolf and is survived by his two daughters, Lainie Feigenbaum (David) and Maureen Gordon (Doug). He was "Papa" to his four grandchildren, Lissa Klein (Dan), Michael Feigenbaum, Barry Gordon, and Nikki Gordon, and his great-grandson Samuel Ethan Klein. Graveside...
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Alice Skopp Levitch

December 19, 2012

Alice Skopp Levitch, 97 of Memphis, was known for her wonderful outlook on life, beautiful smile, and high heel shoes. She died Wednesday, December 19th. Mrs. Levitch was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Levitch, her daughter, Sandy Vogel Lewis, and brother, Rabbi David Skopp. She was a lifetime member of Baron Hirsch Congregation. She is survived by a daughter Debby (Ron) Wilk, two...
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W. Wise Swepston Jones

December 22, 1935 - December 18, 2012

W. Wise Swepston Jones, Sr, 76, died Tuesday December 18, 2012 at his home. He was born December 22, 1935 to Egbert A. and Willie Wise S. Jones. He is survived by his wife Melissa Brinker Jones, his children W Wise S Jones, Jr and his wife Sharon, K. Wesley M. Jones and his wife Ruth Mary, and Minta Jones Ford and her husband Price as well as his grandchildren Christie, Wesley, Russell, Sophie,...
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E.W. Atkinson, Sr.

October 24, 1928 - December 17, 2012

E. W. Atkinson, 84, died December 17, 2012 at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He lived a life that glorified the Lord with great joy. He was born in Pickens, MS on Oct. 24, 1928 to Edward Atkinson and Bessie Burton Atkinson and was the youngest of nine children. He grew up in Pickens and moved to Memphis in 1947. He came to Memphis to work with his brother, George, who was like a father to him...
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Teresa Alice Posey

January 28, 1922 - December 14, 2012


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Sylvia Bloom Weiner

February 24, 1918 - December 12, 2012

Sylvia Bloom Weiner, 94, died Wednesday December 12th at the Memphis Jewish Home. She was born in Helena, Arkansas to Ely and Sophie Bloom. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Weiner. She leaves behind a loving family; her children, Sharon Kustoff(Bernie), Ava Gwen Weiner, and Ivan Weiner(Cathie); her grandchildren, David Kustoff(Roberta), Edward Kustoff(Nicole), Lisa Giardino(Robert...
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Dorothy Robbins Myers

August 2, 1924 - December 12, 2012


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Lidiya E. Botvinnik

May 14, 1924 - December 11, 2012


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Libby Wolf Makowsky

November 1, 1921 - December 10, 2012

Libby Wolf Makowsky, 91, of Memphis, died Monday, December 10th, at her home. Mrs. Makowsky, daughter of the late Morris and Celia Wolf was the owner and retired president of Rose Warehouse Co. and a member of Temple Israel. She is survived by a son: Mark Rose (Mary Margaret); three daughters; Leslie Rose (Danny Bozof), Vera Dormady (Dennis), and Joan Scheinfeld (Steven). She also leaves five...
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Charles Joseph Cohen

August 25, 1937 - December 10, 2012

Charles Joseph Cohen, 75, died December 10th in Memphis, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hyman Leon Cohen and Pauline Herzfeld Cohen Gross, and his grandson, Chase Robert King. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 25, 1937, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Susan Steckol Cohen, his son Hal...
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