Threads of Life: Dedicated LPN worked as a nurse for more than 20 years
In Remembrance Of: Pamela Day, Zora Burress, and Bettie Chitwood
You’re reading Threads of Life, a weekly obituaries newsletter that remembers and honors our friends and family members who made an impact on Scott County through the ways they lived their lives. Threads of Life is delivered to you courtesy of Jones & Son and West-Murley Funeral Homes. (Want to adjust your subscription settings? Click here.)
Zora Jean Burress, 89
June 25, 1937 – June 25, 2026
Zora Jean Burress, age 89, departed this life on June 25, 2026.
LIFE
Born in Smokey Junction, Zora was the daughter of William Frank Cross and Mary Elizabeth Massengale Cross. She relocated to Miamisburg, Ohio, in 1958. She loved bluegrass music, especially the Monroe Brothers and George Jones. As a young girl, she frequently sang in church with her siblings, Arnold, Nora and Evelyn. In later years, she continued singing at Victory Hill Baptist Church in Miamisburg, Ohio. She was best known for quilting and crocheting afghans for her family members and beloved friends.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: William Frank Cross and Mary Elizabeth Massengale Cross
• Husband: Theodore Norman “Ted” Burress Sr.
• Son: Theodore Norman “Teddy” Burress Jr.
• Daughter: Beverly Jean Holleran
• Brothers: Ova Cross, Arnold Cross and Bratcher Cross
• Sisters: Pearl Owens, Nevada Lowe, Canzada Owens and Nora Ward
SURVIVORS
• Daughters: Dr. Teresa Clark, and Mary Michelle Walker and husband Jimmy
• Sister: Evelyn Lowe
• Brother: Odel Cross
• Seven grandchildren
• A plethora of great-grandchildren
SERVICES
• Visitation: Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville.
• Funeral: To follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Keith Massengale officiating.
• Burial: To follow at Nicks Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in the Smokey Junction community.
• In Lieu of Flowers: Memorial donations may be made to the Colon Cancer Foundation.
Arrangements by Four Oaks Funeral Home.
Bettie Chitwood, 83
Winfield
October 6, 1942 – June 24, 2026
Bettie Chitwood, age 83, departed this life on June 24, 2026.
LIFE
Born Oct. 6, 1942, Bettie was the daughter of George and Mary Moore Creekmore. She was a member of the Leatherwood Baptist Church. She loved the Lord, gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with her family and friends.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: George and Mary Moore Creekmore
• Husband: Clarence “Hank” Chitwood
• Sister: Rose Marlow
• Brothers: Bobby Creekmore and Donald Creekmore
SURVIVORS
• Sons: Porter Mayberry and wife Salena, and Greg Mayberry
• Grandchildren: Emily Miller and husband Gregory “Bill,” Savanna Reynolds and husband Jacob, Austin Mayberry, Ethan Mayberry and wife Jerica, Karleigh Bowling and husband Jeff, and Adam Davis
• Great-grandchildren: Luna Miller and Charlee Bowling
• Sisters: Georgia Simpson and husband Wayne, Carolynn Sexton and husband Wayne, Mary Ann Meadows and husband Tommy, and Tonie Kidd and husband Trent
• Brothers: Ralph Creekmore and wife Marsha, and Lonnie Creekmore and wife Patsy
• Sister-in-law: Rose Creekmore
SERVICES
• Visitation: Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Winfield.
• Funeral: To follow at 3 p.m. with Bro. Peyton Slaven and Bro. Phillip Kidd officiating.
• Burial: To follow at the Jonathan Chitwood Cemetery in Winfield.
• In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made to The Jailhouse Ministry, P.O. Box 5461, Oneida, TN 37841.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Pamela Day, 66
Winfield
April 6, 1960 – June 24, 2026
Pamela Gay Day, age 66, departed this life on June 24, 2026.
LIFE
Born April 6, 1960, Pam was the daughter of Rev. Sherman Smith and Beulah Burke Smith. She was a member of the Norma Missionary Baptist Church. She was a dedicated LPN who loved working as a nurse for more than 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing and quilting with her friends at the senior center, and watching Tennessee football.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: Rev. Sherman Smith and Beulah Burke Smith
• First husband: Charles King
• Sisters: Judy Duncan, Sue Trammel and Shonda Mayfield
SURVIVORS
• Husband: Jamie Day
• Daughter: April King Newport and husband Benny
• Son: George King and wife Brandi
• Grandchildren: Karlie Newport, Jaden Stephens, Charles King and Kingston Newport
• Stepdaughter: Marcie Smith
• Brother: Mitchell Smith and wife Jenny
SERVICES
• Visitation: Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jones & Son Funeral Home.
• Funeral: Eastern Star service at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the funeral service with Bro. James Pennington and Bro. Mark Smith officiating.
• Burial: To follow at the Sherman Smith Family Cemetery in Winfield.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Threads of Life is sponsored by Jones & Son Funeral Home and West-Murley Funeral Home: Proudly serving the families of Scott County with care, dignity and trust. Visit jandwfh.com.
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Our Newsletters:
• Monday morning: The Daybreaker (news & the week ahead)
• Tuesday: Echoes from the Past (stories of our history)
• Wednesday: Threads of Life (obituaries)
• Thursday evening: The Weekender (news & the weekend)
• Friday: Friday Features (beyond the news)
• Sunday: Varsity (a weekly sports recap)