Joan Caldwell Brooks, 55, a resident of Fayetteville, died Thursday evening (July 15, 2010) at Lincoln Medical Center. She was a native of Lincoln County and the daughter of the late Edward P. and Yvonne (Daniel) Caldwell. Ms. Brooks was a registered nurse for 28 years and was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Brittany Brooks of Fayetteville; son, Edward Bryan Brooks of Athens, Ala., grandson, Corbin Simmons of Fayetteville; two sisters, Kathy (Tom) Gilland and Mellea (Mike) Bradford, both of Fayetteville; and nieces, Taylor, Alexis and Haley Gilland. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home with interment following in Stewarts Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Joan Brooks Memorial Fund at U.S. Bank. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Geneva Harris Brown, 79, of Fairhope, Ala., died Saturday (July 10, 2010). She was a native of New Market, Ala., and a longtime resident of Fairhope. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope with burial in Memory Gardens of Fairhope. Announcement courtesy of Hazel Green Funeral Home.

Martha Jester Burch, 75, a resident of Gurley, Ala., died Friday afternoon (July 16, 2010) at her residence. A native of Lincoln County, she was the daughter of the late Viola Stevenson and Carl Jester. She was a retired dispatcher for the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and a member of the Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her daughters, Deborah Doughty of Gurley, Ala., Dianne Burch of Gurley; son, Danial Burch of Huntsville; grandson, James Morgan of Gurley; sisters, Florence Johnson of Fayetteville, Etha Jean Moses of St. Louis, Mo., Nancy Brazelton of Madison, Ala.; and sister-in-law, Vernell Presnell of Fayetteville. Visitation with the family was Tuesday from 5 until 8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsville Police Citizens Foundation Fallen Officer‘s Memorial. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

General Leo Coulter, 86, a resident of Ardmore, died Wednesday (July 14, 2010) at Countryside Health Care in Lawrenceburg. Funeral services were held at Ardmore Chapel Friday morning with interment following at Gatlin Cemetery. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Jean Liggett Cushing, 68, a resident of Fayetteville, died Saturday (July 17, 2010) at Lincoln Medical Center. A native of Marshall County, Mrs. Cushing was a daughter of the late Carl Allen and Louise White Liggett. She was of the Baptist faith and was the former owner of Shelbyville Sewing Center. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sara Primm, who died in 2009. Survivors include two daughters, Denise (Tommy) Primm of Lewisburg, Tina (Donald) Doherty of Athens, Ala.; a son, Ricky Cushing of Fayetteville; four sisters, Clara Mae Davis of Shelbyville, Jo Ann Bills of Lewisburg, Betty Hobby of Shelbyville and Mary Defoe of Lewisburg; three brothers, Allen Liggett, Eddie Liggett, both of Lewisburg, Billy Wayne Liggett of Shelbyville; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home, Chapel Hill, with interment following at Wheel Cemetery in Bedford County. Pallbearers were Cody Primm, Lane Primm, Charlie Hobby, Troy Potts, Bill Woodside and Trevor Arnold. Lawrence Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Lois Dixon, 86, of Fayetteville, died Tuesday (July 13, 2010) at the Lincoln Care Center. Mrs. Dixon was a native of Lincoln County, the daughter of the late William Bruce and Edith Elizabeth Touchstone Crabtree. She was a housewife. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Dixon; daughter, Sherry Ann Boyd; brother, Marshall Crabtree; sister, Pauline Ables. Survivors include grandchildren, Jada (Billy Helums) Bain of Fayetteville and Ralph (Amanda) Boyd of Fayetteville; great-grandchildren, Amber Bain, Heidi Boyd and Camren Boyd; sisters, Ruth Roles of Fayetteville, Margie Galloway of Florence, Ala.; brother, Bill Crabtree of Fayetteville. Funeral services were conducted Thursday morning in the chapel of the Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with the Rev. James Barnes officiating. Burial followed in Lebanon Cemetery. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Arthur Dean Eslick was born on Oct. 22, 1937 in Fayetteville, Tenn., to the union of Arthur and Alene (nee McDonald) Eslick. "Dean", as he was affectionately known, accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Paul AME Church in Fayetteville. In addition, he received his education in Fayetteville. In 1956, he graduated from West End High School where he excelled in all sports, including baseball, basketball and football. As a result, he earned an athletic scholarship, which he later turned down, to Alabama A&M University. He moved to Cleveland in 1956, where his first job was with William Taylor and Sons (a part of May Co. Stores). He also worked for a period of time at Petries and Red Robin Stores. On Aug. 10, 1965, Dean gained employment at Standard Press Steel (SPS). He retired from the company as a raw materials handler on Aug. 29, 2003 after 38 years of service. On Feb. 5, 1963, he was joined in Holy matrimony to Luella Green. Their union was blessed with four children – Renita, Marie Aileen, Reginald Donald and Deanetta Monique. Dean was an outgoing, friendly, and good-hearted family man who had an infectious smile. He loved to tell each of his children and grandchildren that they were his favorite and not to tell! He loved to tell jokes, make people laugh and listen to music – especially the Blues – and was always singing and dancing. He was not a great dancer but he loved to try! Dean had a collection of caps for all occasions and was rarely seen without one. He also loved to watch "Cops", wrestling and the "Judge" shows on TV (Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, Judge Mathis, etc). He was an avid Cleveland sports fan, attending numerous Cavs, Browns and Indians games with his kids, brother, sister and wife. Dean was a huge "Chevy Man", owning several makes and models with some of his favorites being the Chevy Impalas and Caprices of which he owned several. On Friday, July 2, 2010 Arthur Dean Eslick departed this life. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Francis French, James Norman Eslick, William Henry Eslick and Sinia Delores Myrick. Those left to mourn and to cherish his memories include his wife, Luella Eslick; children, Renita Eslick, Marie Aileen Eslick, Reginald Donald (Kimberly) Eslick and Deanetta Monique Eslick (Cedric) Whitlow; siblings, Peggy Mildred Goodrich, Polly Ann Jeter, Bobby Joe (Barbara) Eslick, Lillie Ester Patterson, Marie Antionette Eslick, Gloria Jean Eslick, Dorinda Jackson, Calinda (Jerry) Shull and Jacqueline Cordelia (Andrew) Eslick; six grandchildren; aunt, Katie Carrethers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday at Smith Funeral Home, Cleveland, Ohio, with interment in Cleveland Memorial Gardens. Smith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Robert Earl Graham, 72, of Kelso, died Thursday evening (July 15, 2010) at his residence. He was a native of Lincoln County and the son of the late Ovie Blair and Edna Lee Bradford Graham. Mr. Graham was retired from The Exchange and was a member of the Chestnut Ridge Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, Margie Noles Graham of Kelso; three daughters, Carol (Terry) Locker of Petersburg, Connie (Anthony) Carter of Spring Hill and Martha (Eric) Peters of Kelso; three sons, Robert David (Betty) Graham, Earl Wayne (Martha) Graham and Glen Blair (Susan) Graham, all of Fayetteville; two sisters, Sherrel (Jimmy) Williams of Lewisburg and Janice (Thomas) Raby of Shelbyville; 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Mr. Graham was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Graham. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Wayne Hollingsworth officiating. Interment was in Campbell Cemetery. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Lona Bailey Johnson, 95, died Tuesday (July 6, 2010) at Donalson Care Center. Funeral services were held Saturday (July 10, 2010) at St. Paul A.M.E. Church with the Rev. Chris Grizzard officiating. Howard Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

James Eddins McCaleb, 58, a resident of Huntsville, Ala., died Friday evening (July 16, 2010) in UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. A native of Lincoln County, he was the son of the late James Hardison and Mary Eddins McCaleb. He was a systems engineer at Northrop Gruman, was retired from the Army and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Church of Christ. Mr. McCaleb was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy Bates. Survivors include his wife, Britta McCaleb of Huntsville; daughters, Patty Tapp and husband, Shayne, of Hernando, Miss., Melissa Goodwin and husband, Griffin, of Huntsville, Ala., Mia McCaleb of Huntsville; brother, Jerry McCaleb and wife, Glenda, of Winchester; grandchildren, Savannah Tapp, Hannah Thornton, Meagan Thornton and Watson Goodwin; aunts, Ruth McCauley and Lavern West, both of Fayetteville. Graveside funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon at Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens with Bro. Jim Black officiating. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Janet Olson, 96, a resident of Fayetteville, died Saturday (July 17, 2010) at the Fayetteville Care and Rehab Center. She was a native of Gillett, Wis., the daughter of the late Joseph and Hilda Faulkner Kuehl. She was a beautician and of the Lutheran faith. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Olson, and her daughter, Carol Little. Survivors include her son, James Olson and wife, Angela, of Fayetteville; brother, Joseph C. Kuehl, Jr., and wife, Marion, of Colgate, Wis.; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Martha Partain, 93, of Fayetteville, died Wednesday morning (July 14, 2010) at Donalson Care Center. She was the daughter of the late Luther Ray and Matalou Long McNatt, was retired from Burroughs Corporation and was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include a daughter, Lucy Ann Latham of Sterling Heights, Mich.; son, Gale Partain of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Brian Partain and Julie Herberg; and three great-grandchildren, Tori and Marley Partain and Katie Herbert. Graveside services were conducted Friday morning at Riverview Memorial Gardens with Bro. Jim Steelman officiating. Burial was beside her husband, Malcolm D. Partain. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Charles Ray Scott, 49, a resident of Ardmore, Ala., died Saturday (July 10, 2010) at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Graveside services were held Wednesday afternoon at Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, Ala., with Bro. McCafferty officiating. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Virgie Lee Smith, 94, a resident of Fayetteville, died Sunday (July 18, 2010) at the Donalson Skill Care Center. She was a native of Lincoln County, the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson and Ruby Barnes Whitaker. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Goodrich Smith in 2008. Survivors include her son, Thomas G. Smith of Fayetteville; sister, Ruth Pirtle of Madison; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Graveside funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon at Rose Hill Cemetery with Bill Wood officiating. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Smith Swing, 70, of Fayetteville, died Monday night (July 12, 2010) at her residence. She was a native of Lincoln County and the daughter of the late Clarence Fulton and Claudia Caroline Modlin Smith. Mrs. Smith retired from Redstone Arsenal and was a member of the Liberty Church of Christ for 33 years. Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Joe L. Swing of Fayetteville; son, Mike Swing and wife, Shane, of Columbia; daughter, Melissa Vickery and husband, Jack, of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Francis Daniella (Santiago) Rodriguez of Mason, Texas, Sr. Airman Joe Alexander Swing of Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, Caleb Elijah Swing of Columbia; three great-grandchildren, Nicolas, Nathan and Natalie Rodriguez; and sister, Joyce Beddingfield of Fayetteville. Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon at Higgins Funeral Home with Bros. Bert Watkins and Richard Rogers officiating. Burial followed in Wrights Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wright’s Cemetery Fund or The Lincoln County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Higgins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Sylvia Paulette Thomison was born April 25, 1958 in Jackson to Ruth Williamson. She was the eighth of nine children, two of whom preceded her in death. Sylvia went home to be with the Lord on Sunday (June 6, 2010) at home with her husband and family. Sylvia and Charles Thomison were united in marriage on Aug. 4, 1979. She attended high school in Jackson, where she was an All State basketball player. She and Charles met at Tennessee State University where Sylvia attended on a basketball scholarship. They traveled together as Charles pursued a career in the United States Air Force. She was a passionate, faith-filled woman who never hesitated to share the Word of God with whomever she met. Sylvia was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She is survived by her husband of thirty years, Charles; her two children, Cherry (Michael) of Austin, Texas, and Brandon (Melanie) of Ellenwood, Ga.; two grandchildren, Michael, Jr., and Lauren; four brothers, Walter Edward (Glenda) of Long Beach, Calif., Ronald, Anthony and Steven of Jackson; two sisters, Jacqueline (Leon) of Puyallup, Wash., and Marcia (Arlester) of Tacoma, Wash.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday (June 12, 2010) at World Changers Church International, College Park, Ga., with Minister Gwendolyn Thompson officiating. Pallbearers were Jeoffrey Clark, Jeremy Thomas, Brent Williamson, Timothy Harden, Shaunta Hall, Jonathan Thompson and Ronald Williamson, Jr. Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Fayetteville. Gus Thornhill’s Funeral Home, Inc., Ga. in charge of arrangements.

John V. Walsh, 75, a resident of Fayetteville, died Wednesday (July 14, 2010) at his home. He was a native of Denver, Colo., and retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 22 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Carol Sharpe of Fayetteville; daughters, Sharon Walsh, Trisha Leone Sandora and Susan Walsh; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be planned at a later time. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.