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.)
Joshua Goad, 77
Robbins
December 5, 1948 – October 11, 2026
Joshua Goad, age 77, departed this life on Oct. 11, 2026.
LIFE
Born Dec. 5, 1948, Joshua was the son of Joshua and Bessie Young Goad.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents, Joshua and Bessie Young Goad
• Sisters, Pauline Goad Bowing and Geraldine Good Ridge
• Brother, William Avery Goad
• Niece, Kim Bowling
• Nephew, Ronnie Ridge
SURVIVORS
• Brother, Dennis Goad and wife Vickie
• Sister, Barbara Snyder
• Brother-in-law, Floyd “Big” Bowling
• Sister-in-law, Linda Goad
• Special friends, Coy Shannon and family, Eugene and Rebecca Truslow, and Timmy Marcum
SERVICES
• Graveside Service: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at noon at Black Creek Cross Roads Cemetery in Robbins, with Bro. Mike Smithers officiating.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Marjorie Mason, 75
Oneida
March 9, 1951 – October 10, 2026
Marjorie Bowling Mason, age 75, departed this life on Oct. 10, 2026.
LIFE
Born March 9, 1951, Marjorie was the daughter of Obie and Monie Harness Bowling. Lovingly known as “Margie” to her family and “Nina” to her grandchildren, Marjorie grew up in the Big Bull Creek community in Scott County, Tenn., on the Cumberland Plateau, with her sister and three brothers. She graduated from Norma High School in 1968 and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1973. She continued her education, earning a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Clemson University in 1981 and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1982. Marjorie devoted approximately 42 years to teaching biology, including more than 20 years at Faulkner University. She also taught at Jefferson State Community College, Dalton High School, and in South Carolina, among other places throughout her career. Her love of science extended beyond the classroom. She took students outdoors to explore, learn, and care for the world around them, including a class trip to clean up Turkey Creek that her son, Patrick, still remembers accompanying. Her students loved her, and their affection continued long after their time in her classroom. Wherever she went, former students would stop to talk with her, remembering her classes and telling her what a difference she had made in their lives. Those encounters were a lasting testament to her work as a teacher.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents, Obie and Monie Harness Bowling
• Sister, Brenda Sue Daugherty
• Brother-in-law, David Daugherty
• Brother, Roger Allen Bowling
• Sister-in-law and best friend, Joyce Ann Bowling
• Niece, Regina Bowling, who died in infancy
SURVIVORS
• Husband, Thomas “Tom” Mason
• Son, Patrick McLoughlin and wife Crystal
• Stepson, Tommy Mason
• Grandsons, Shane McLoughlin and wife Marlie, and Wyatt Reeder
• Great-grandson, Dakota McLoughlin
• Brothers, Jimmy Bowling, and Gary Bowling and wife Amparo
• Sister-in-law, Janie Bowling
• Nieces and nephews, Rhonda Claborn and husband Kenny, David Daugherty Jr. and wife Tammie, Dion Daugherty, Arnold Bowling, Rocky Bowling and wife Judy, Kristy Gray and husband Justin, April Bowling, and Amber Bowling
• Beloved extended family member, Francine “Franny” Keeton
• Great-nieces and great-nephews, Bradley Claborn, Tristan Claborn, Zachary Daugherty and wife Natasha, Danielle Garrett and husband Daniel, Megan Daugherty, Cassie Daugherty, Jodie Daugherty, Weiland Free, Regan Free, and Jadrien Buttram
• Danielle’s children, Malcom Daugherty, Bella Daugherty, Piper Daugherty, and Sunny Morrow
• Zachary and Natasha’s children, Kaleb Daugherty, Bailey Daugherty, Tobias Daugherty, and Everett Daugherty
SERVICES
• Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Oneida Church of Christ.
• Funeral: To follow at 7 p.m. with Bro. Johnny Polk and Bro. Savion Rayson officiating.
• Burial: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at noon at Bull Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.
Mildred Sexton, 71
July 11, 1955 – October 7, 2026
Mildred B. Letner Sexton, age 71, departed this life on Oct. 7, 2026.
LIFE
Born July 11, 1955, Mildred was the daughter of Dave and Mary Ruth Honeycutt Letner. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with the people she loved. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends and had a special way of making those around her feel loved. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, and the memories they made together will be treasured forever. Mildred enjoyed spending time with her family and friends above all else. She loved shopping, trying new things, and getting out to explore. She had a special fondness for butterflies and yellow roses, little reminders of the beauty and joy she found in life. Mildred was more than a mother, grandmother, and friend — she was a source of love, laughter, comfort, and strength to those around her. She was the best grandma, mother, and friend anyone could ask for. Her love for her family was unconditional, and her presence brought happiness to so many lives.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Infant daughter, Angela Sexton
• Brothers, Ernest Letner, David Letner, Walter Letner, Emmit Letner, Herman Letner, Lawrence Letner, Mervin Letner, and Kenneth Letner
• Sisters, Mae Walkins, Bessie Lodge, Ruby Mansberry, and Elsie Letner
• Special niece, Deanna Pierce
SURVIVORS
• Son, Lee Sexton and wife Heather
• Grandchildren, Byron Sexton and wife Savannah, Kysen Sexton, Jayden Sexton, Chelsey Fry and husband Jeremy, Mikayla Strader and husband Dallas, Abi Hutchison, and Bailie Monday and husband Brandon
• Great-grandchildren, Urijah, Brayson, Aaliyah, Lily, Baylee, Elainah, Jenson, Axel, Lincoln, Saint, Paisleigh, Hero, Mia, and Ben
• Dear friends, Gwenna Byrd and Vanessa
• Special niece, Tessie Sexton
SERVICES
• Visitation: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home.
• Funeral: To follow at 1 p.m. with Bro. Jake Slaven officiating.
• Burial: To follow at the Letner Family Cemetery in Helenwood.
Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.
Wilma Shannon, 75
Muncie, Ind.
October 12, 1950 – October 4, 2026
Wilma Lee Bowling Shannon, age 75, departed this life on Oct. 4, 2026.
LIFE
Born Oct. 12, 1950, Wilma was the daughter of Everett and Sarah Bowling. She was born and raised in Robbins, Tenn. She was a high school cheerleader and started singing in church at a young age. In 1967, she married James Shannon and settled in Muncie shortly thereafter. Together, Wilma and James began a music ministry, sharing Southern gospel music throughout many states. Originally called the Shannon-Byrd Trio and partnered with Wilma’s brother-in-law Jimmy Byrd, the group grew to become simply the Shannons as both of their sons joined them on stage, honoring God through song. Along with a love for music, Wilma also loved to cook and could often be found in her kitchen making the Southern food she grew up on. Her passion for cooking resulted in her publishing eight cookbooks and becoming affectionately known as “The Cookbook Lady.”
As a heart attack survivor in 2001, Wilma also spoke out about heart disease to help other women learn the signs of coronary disease. She also spoke about faith at women’s groups and was quick to have a smile for everyone she met. Wilma made friends everywhere she went. Her family, however, was closest to her heart and what she dedicated so much of herself to. A strong woman of faith, Wilma fought hard until the very end of her battle with cancer.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents, Everett and Sarah Bowling
• Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Elizabeth Shannon
• Siblings, Ida Bowling Smith, Mary Lois Byrd, Larry Bowling, and Paul Bowling
SURVIVORS
• Loving and devoted husband of 58 years, James Shannon
• Sons, Shawn Shannon, and Chris Shannon and wife Stacey
• Siblings, Magaret Day and husband Keith, Beatrice Bouslog and husband Trey, Shirley Duncan, and Madgie Overton and husband Johnny
• In-laws, Jimmy Byrd and Gyretha Bowling
• Grandchildren, Lexiana Shannon and Drake Shannon
SERVICES
• Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville.
• Funeral: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville, with Bro. Jeff Chaney and Bro. Charles Webb officiating.
• Burial: To follow at Kilbeck Cemetery in the Black Creek community in Robbins.
Arrangements by Four Oaks Funeral Home.
Ricky Smith, 61
Oneida
March 10, 1965 – October 9, 2026
Ricky Allan Smith, age 61, departed this life on Oct. 9, 2026.
LIFE
Born March 10, 1965, in Oneida, Ricky was the son of Imogene Smith. He was saved many years ago and attended Clay Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church for many years, where he loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. Ricky was a very compassionate and caring person. He enjoyed hunting with his son and riding the side-by-side with his grandsons. Everyone knew him as the Cornhole King. Ricky was a devoted Tennessee Volunteers fan who proudly cheered on the Big Orange. Though he may no longer be cheering from Neyland Stadium or his favorite chair, his family will carry on his Volunteer spirit in his honor.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Mother, Imogene Smith
• Brother, Ronald Smith
• Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clement and Emma Laxton
• Nephew, Dustan Laxton
SURVIVORS
• Loving wife of 31 years, Barbara Sue Smith
• Daughters, Lashae Smith and husband Zachary, and Makayla Crews and husband Tyler
• Son, Colby Smith and wife Caiti
• Grandsons, Kyzer Smith and Rylis Smith
• Brothers, Darrel Smith, David Smith and wife Becky, Tim Smith and wife Linda, Scott Smith and wife Phyllis, and Mark Smith and wife Joyce
• Sisters, Sandy King, Donna Hauser, Sharon Brewster and husband Stanley, Rhonda Watson and husband Don, Pam and Jr., Jennifer and Dean, and Michelle Shults and husband Artie
• In-laws, Hugh and Donna Laxton, and Mike and Della Stanley
SERVICES
• Visitation: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at White Rock Baptist Church in Huntsville.
• Funeral: To follow at 7 p.m. with Bro. Mark Smith and Bro. Melvin Stephens officiating.
• Burial: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Sexton Memorial Cemetery in Oneida.
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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