with Patsy Nobles Jones
“Let the same stars your loved ones gazed upon remind you that God has heavenly light to shed on whatever problem is in your path – now and always.” Unknown
Our community expresses sympathy to 13 families — Rhonda Isaacson Dutton (7-3-63 to 1-10-23); Lilah Patterson Robison (10-11-48 to 1-11-23) from Chester County High School Class of 1966 – Caves Springs; Parker Lake (10-31-13 to 1-12-23), his little friends at East Chester School treasure memories and smiles made – New Friendship; Gary Massey (7-12-57 to 1-15-23) – no service; Keith Busby (5-23-64 to 1-20-23) – private service; James Gordan (7-31-41 to 1-21-23) beautiful obit – no memorial; Richy Butler (3-13-53 to 1-23-23) beloved husband of Jacquita Hames – Estes; Elecia Ellis (3-21-59 to 1-24-23) from CCHS Class of 1977 and daughter of Mickey and Jo Anderson Ellis – graveside service at Henderson City; James Stout (10-5-40 to 1-24-23) Finger Auto Repairman – Old Friendship; Benny Parker (2-10-66 to 1-25-23) – New Friendship; Tristin Armstrong (6-11-98 to 1-27-23) son of Thomas Armstrong and Melanie Lucas – New Friendship; Joseph Bethune (1-21-43 to 1-30-23) – pending at this writing.
Our community was saddened to learn of the death of Deborah “Debbie” Young Hickman (4-14-57 to 1-22-23). She was the daughter of Jimmy Neal Young (1931/1996) and Cardell Russom Young (1931/1991) and step-daughter of Madge Newman Thomas Young.
Debbie’s daughters, Haley (Alex) Cutler (1992) and two children, Savannah (2014) and Preston (2016) live in North Carolina. Debbie’s other daughter, Nici (Mike) Ward (1976) and three children, Austin (1996), Tres ((2002) and Hayden (2003) live in Jackson. Debbie lost one daughter, Hannah Hickman.
My era went to school with the Young sibling at Jacks Creek School. Weekends were spent riding horses at western clubs. Debbie and Alan had dark brown eyes while Don and Chris had those big blue eyes. They played basketball and were all good-looking kids. Their home was less than a mile from Unity Church.
Debbie’s parents and brothers are buried at Unity – Donald Young (1954/1995), Christopher Young (1961/2014) and Alan Young (1952/2015). We recall nieces and nephews – Will, Brittany, Deah and Jonathan; plus great nieces and nephews – Ethan, Carley, McKenzie, Emory, Addie, Aubree, Brooklyn, Ella and Elaina. Two special friends of Debbie’s were supportive, Tonette Connor Wallace and Debbie’s best friend, Teressa Connor Mosier were present. Also, Madga Young, Debbie’s step-mother was sick and unable to attend, but step-sisters, Lori, Beth and Tiffany expressed love and support.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 28, at Unity Baptist Church. Dr. Huggins, Lance Bailey and Lori Thomas spoke comforting words, shared memories and expressed how today can still bring all families together again. They were hoping prayerfully words would offer sincere feelings and comfort. Many loving words were spoken that reached tearful eyes for many tender-hearted people in the crowd of 35. Scars in Heaven is a song that tugs at your heartstrings with words, “Only the hands that hold me.” God bless the family. They plan to all meet for supper before returning home. Debbie requested her ashes be scattered at the Smokey Mountains.
Prayer requested for Eddie and Faye Lott Plunket; Sherril and Sheila Ryals; Mary Hemby; Martha Climer, Liz Mooney, Joe Climer; Felicia Silva, daughter of Lisa Goff, Pauline Climer Smith. Regina East and Roy Sharp went home – yeah – blessings to all.
QUESTION – Would you rather look fit but be incredibly weak or look overweight and out-of-shape but be super strong?
