Memorials

This page is dedicated to honoring the memory of our classmates who have passed away.

If you know of a classmate who has passed who is not listed here, you can add a new memorial with a photo by clicking the Add Memorial button.

You can also write a tribute or leave your comments about those already listed on the page.

Stephen Bogue

Graduation year: 1974
There are currently no tributes.

Jack Brebaugh

Birth Date: 1955-02-02
Graduation year: 1974
Deceased Date: 2022-05-26
Obituary:
There are currently no tributes.

Michael Bustard

Birth Date: 1955-10-20
Deceased Date: 2022-07-13
Obituary:
Michael Scott Bustard
October 20, 1955 - July 13, 2022
Oylmpia, Washington - Michael chose a career in the Army special forces. He retired after 26 years serving his country.
Michael was loved dearly and will be sorely missed.
He will be laid to rest at, Tahoma national cemetery in Kent, WA on August 3, at 11:00am with military honors.
There are currently no tributes.

Sandra Cleaves

Graduation year: 1974
There are currently no tributes.

Gayle Clemmer

Graduation year: 1974
There are currently no tributes.

Laura Coffee-Palmer (Coffee)

Graduation year: 1974
Deceased Date: 2007-01-07
Obituary:
LAURA I. COFFEE-PALMER, died January 7, 2007. She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest E. Coffee; mother, Thelma S. Coffee; and brother, Mark L. Coffee. Laura is survived by husband, Art Palmer of Memphis; brother, David E. Coffee and wife, Pat Coffee of Chipley, FL; three nieces, Sheila, Cynthia and Brenda Rose; stepson, Christopher Palmer of Oklahoma City, OK; step-daughter, Jennifer Chancellor of Tulsa, OK; and loving dogs, Eve and Sophie. A memorial service will be held at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel at 3:30 p.m., Friday, January 19. Laura was a wonderful loving person and we know that the angels in heaven have welcomed her with loving arms. She will be missed. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar 901-725-0100
There are currently no tributes.

Mike Connable

Graduation year: 1974
There are currently no tributes.

Michael Freeman

Birth Date: 1956-05-23
Graduation year: 1974
Deceased Date: 2022-12-07
Obituary:
Michael "Mike" William Freeman, 66 of Memphis, TN died Tuesday, December 7, 2022, at home with his wife, Sue by his side.

Mike was born May 23, 1956, in Harlingen, TX to William Ralph and Mary Kathleen (McCloskey) Freeman. His family moved to Memphis in 1967 where Mike remained throughout his life. He was a well-known Memphis Historian and Elvis Expert. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1974, received a BA in Urban Studies in 1979; MA in American History in 1988. Both degrees were from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). His master's thesis was the biography of Clarence Saunders. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. He was an adjunct instructor at the University of Memphis – Dept of History 2002-2006.

He was a published author. He co-authored "Best of Elvis"; "Memphis Elvis-Style" and "Love Always, Patsy". He was the sole author of "Clarence Saunders and the Founding of Piggly Wiggly" published in 2011 and he was the publisher of "My Treasured Memories of Elvis". He wrote many articles that were published in various magazines, was interviewed on TV and radio, appeared in several Elvis related DVD's, assisted with several TV and film projects from around the world and spoke at various events about Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Clarence Saunders. He was co-owner of Elvis Presley's former home, 1034 Audubon Drive (1998-2006).

Mike was a member, previous treasurer and current President of the West TN Historical Society and served on the Shelby County Historical Commission 2012-2020. He assisted in writing the texts for many historical markers in Memphis. He was involved in the successful preservation of Lauderdale Courts and Overton Park Shell from demolition. He was co-owner of Memphis Road Tours, with his wife, Sue, offering tours of Memphis, Arkansas, Mississippi, central and west Tennessee. Mike has conducted tours since 1997.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, served valiantly in several callings and enjoyed being of service to his church community.

He is survived by his wife, Sue (Rough), whom he married on March 12, 2016; 3 brothers, Tim Freeman of Hawaii; Jim Freeman (Charli) of Hawaii; Robert Freeman of Memphis and one sister, Julie Sere (Mike) of Arlington, nephew Mitchell, nieces Aerin and Autumn, great-niece Madison, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and niece Aerial.
There are currently no tributes.

Tim Garner

Birth Date: 1955-06-06
Deceased Date: 2015-08-17
Obituary:
TIM GARNER, 60, was carried home to his Lord Monday, August 17, 2015. Tim’s 1st and foremost love was for his Lord and loved witnessing for him. He also loved his family, hunting and fishing. Tim had a huge heart and was always there for anyone in need. He worked for University of Memphis as an HVAC Mechanic and was a member of New Life Church in Bartlett TN. He was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Victor Garner. His survivors include his loving wife of 21 years, Myrna Garner; one daughter, Gina Benkendorf; mother, Raymell Garner; two sisters, Renee Ford, Kimber James; two brothers, Kevin Garner, Ron Garner; two granddaughters, Amelia and Presley; as well as a host of extended family and friends. His family will receive guests Friday, August 21st at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave. from 2 p.m. until the service starts at 4 p.m. Online condolences can be made at familyfuneralmemphis.com.
There are currently no tributes.

Felix B. Gibbs

Deceased Date: 2012-06-01
Obituary:
FELIX “Phil” BERNARD GIBBS, 55, passed June 1, 2012. Visitations will be held Thursday, June 7 at Jefferson Mortuary, 7788 Church St., Millington from 5-7 p.m., and Friday, June 8 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 7317 HIghway 64 Memphis from 9-10:20 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 10:30 a.m. His wife, Elizabeth Malone Gibbs preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons, Felixeson and William Gibbs; mother, Bernice Liggins Gibbs; his sisters, Sherry and Sadelia Gibbs; brothers, Floyd, Jr., Karl and Marcus Gibbs, and three granddaughters.
There are currently no tributes.

Steve Gilbert

There are currently no tributes.

Janet Glidewell

There are currently no tributes.

Marty Goff

There are currently no tributes.

Jerry Guffin

There are currently no tributes.

Debbie Pearce (Hammons)

Birth Date: 1956-10-12
Deceased Date: 2017-02-26
Obituary:
On February 26, 2017, Deborah Faye Hammons Pearce peacefully passed away with her family by her side. The only daughter of Thomas and Linda Hammons, she was born on October 12, 1956 in Jackson, Tennessee.

At the time of her passing, she had worked for twenty one years for Mosaik Solutions and had attained the title of Vice President of Finance and administration.

While active in her church, Ellendale United Methodist, she was also active in her community and various other organization’s from sports to clean water.

Debbie will always be loved and remembered for her smile, willingness to help others, and being a great friend and great mother.

Preceded in death by her father, Thomas “Hoss” Hammons, and her stepfather Oscar Gilchrist, she has left behind, her mother Linda Gilchrist, her two sons Joshua and Brandon, with his wife, Nathalie, along with her husband Jay.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to an organization of your choice.

Remember her Smile!
There are currently no tributes.

Jeff Hardage

Birth Date: 1956-03-03
Deceased Date: 2014-05-09
Obituary:
Jeff was well-loved by his family and a host of friends. As the third of four children, he is remembered by his siblings as the peacemaker of the family and the one sibling that no one ever fought withat least not too often. His brother and sisters (David, Susan, and Linda) were with Jeff the last weeks of his life and will remember that time as trying and sad but also special. He was grateful for their presence and everyone had the opportunity to express their love.
Jeff lived most of his life in Memphis but also lived for a brief time in Illinois and in Nashville, then settled in Plano Texas in the early 2000s. Jeff was devoted to his mother Jane and often told his friends in Texas that he would be with her for holidays as long as she lived.
Jeff attended Bartlett schools from 1st to 12th grades and, to this day, keeps in touch with several friends from his school years. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Psychology from Memphis State University. Many Memphians will remember Jeff as the bartender at Anderton's Restaurant during his college years as well as the owner of Jeffrey's Restaurant later. Jeff's gregarious personality made him lots of friends at both restaurants and he certainly enjoyed both. Jeff spent most of his career in sales and particularly enjoyed the traveling aspects of sales as it allowed him to meet lots of people and make many lasting friendships. Dental implants were his specialty for the last several years. At his death he was employed by Hiossen Implants in Dallas.
Although Jeff was twice divorced, he was one of those rare people that can remain friends with a former spouse. He and his first wife, Karen, remained close friends and partners in parenting their son Aaron as well as both being over the moon' over their granddaughter, Lillian. Jeff's second wife, Glenda, was also a close friend until his death and his Memphis visits always included a visit with Glenda. Being a grandparent was one of the highlights of Jeff's life and a joy he shared with both Karen and Glenda. Jason's son, Jorik, was the first grandchild and Jorik and Jeff had quite a good time with their road trips each summer when Jorik visited from his home in Hawaii. Aaron and Wendi's daughter Lillian was born in 2011 and delighted Jeff with her sunny personality and, most recently, with her chatter and phone calls to Papa'. Jeff's mother Jane always enjoyed seeing him with his grandchildren
Jeff had strong opinions about religion and politics and was always ready to defend his beliefs usually with humor ;). He was strongly committed to the Catholic faith and attended Catholic churches both in Nashville and Memphis where he spent most of his adult life. Most recently, he was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano, Texas. Jeff's life and friends at Seton were an important part of his life for many years. His involvement in ACTS, RCIA, COA, as an EM, in his Saturday morning bible study, and countless other ministries will be deeply missed.
Jeff will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and co-workers.
Jeff is survived by his son George Aaron Hardage and his wife Wendi Ann, his mother Jane Hardage, siblings Linda Clemens and husband Mike, David Hardage, Susan Willis and husband Mike, granddaughter Lillian Lee Hardage, grandson Jorik Brumley and step-son Jason Brumley and wife Cokie. Jeff is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father Jesse Hardage.
There are currently no tributes.

Ray Heath Jr.

There are currently no tributes.

Ronald Holder

Birth Date: 1956-01-13
Deceased Date: 2013-04-12
Obituary:
Ronald Steven Holder, 57 of Fresno, California formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, died April 12, 2013. Ronald was the son of the late Roy Flavel and Marianne Reindler Holder born January 13, 1956 in Memphis, TN.

Ronald died from complications caused by a long-term, disabling illness; he suffered for nearly 30 years. Although the disease robbed him of many opportunities in life, he chose to overcome adversity as a Mason.

Ronald was a Past Master of Leila Scott Lodge, Past Commander of St. Elmo Commandery of Knights Templar, Past High Priest of Penn Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master of Eureka Council of Cryptic Masons, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and an Odd Fellow. He was a Charter Member of the Memphis Knights of St. Andrew and served as it's Chaplain for a few years. He was a member of Zaman Grotto and of Faith Court of the Order of the Amaranth.

Mr. Holder was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents: Horace W. and Gladys M. Holder, Ignatz and Theresa Reindler; and paternal aunt, Frieda W. Huberty.

Survivors include: his brother, Roy D. Holder of Acworth, GA; nieces: Tracey R. Sender of Kennesaw, GA, Mary K. Conklin of Sunderland, MA; nephew D.Sean Holder of Lawrenceville, GA; and several cousins from Alabama, California, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Tennessee.
There are currently no tributes.

Karen Jacobson

Birth Date: 1956-02-28
Deceased Date: 2024-04-06
Obituary:
Karen Jacobson Austin Sampson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister passed away April 6, 2024. Karen was born February 28, 1956, in Jacksonville Florida to Mary and Gerald Jacobson. Her father was in the Navy so her life, along with her siblings, was a constant adventure, moving to new ports, new friends and a lifetime of memories. Karen had a great love for family. She was very generous to all. She was a great listener and loved to offer her advice, wisdom and sympathy to anyone in need. This became so evident in her later years when her poor health prevented her from getting out. She connected with old friends and some friends she met through Facebook. She also was a prayer warrior for the same friends and family. Karen and the love of her life, Russell, were married July 17, 1991, and raised a blended family. She was mother to Michelle Austin, Patrick Lee Adkins, Michael Lee Sampson (Savannah McGahey), Julia Sampson Dodd (Travis Dodd) and Jessica Sampson Hall (Tim Hall) She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Mason Sneed, McKenna Sneed, Teagan and Crew Dodd and Jackson Hall; and her siblings, Kathleen Jacobson Helton (Stephen), Mary Jacobson Wilkins (Kurt) and Jerry Jacobson (Gayla). They will miss her tremendously. Her family was and always will be the core of her heart. She also loved her animals and had many through the years. Her latest little fur baby is Xena (Warrior Princess) who will miss her dearly. Karen also had a great love for music and sang in a band in her youth. She continued to find peace in music even when she could no longer sing. Karen will be a welcome addition to Heaven’s choir.

Karen Jacobson Sampson was preceded in death by her parents Commander Gerald Jacobson, Mary Flood Jacobson Fitzgerald, stepfather Charles Fitzgerald as well as many other family and friends.
There are currently no tributes.

Steven Jacobson

There are currently no tributes.

Debbie Ray Kelley

There are currently no tributes.

Mark Chris Kelley

There are currently no tributes.

David LaFrain

There are currently no tributes.

Sandra Noah (Leathers)

Birth Date: 1956-10-17
Deceased Date: 1981-10-01
Rosamary Dunwoody - October 17th, 2023
Loved her!!! Amazing woman and friend!

Linda Warra (Linhoss)

There are currently no tributes.

Tim Malone

There are currently no tributes.

Deborah Martin

Birth Date: 1956-06-09
Deceased Date: 2018-02-18
Obituary:
Deborah Lynn Martin, age 61, resident of Memphis, departed this life Sunday afternoon, February 18, 2018 at the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville.

Ms. Martin was born June 9, 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Memphis State University and was employed as a radiological technician and lymphedema therapist. She held a variety of interests in literature and the arts. She was a faithful servant of The Lord and an active supporter of animal rescue organizations, MIFA and WKNO. Ms. Martin enjoyed reading, cooking, knitting and genealogy.

Ms. Martin is survived by her husband, Charles E. Monaghan, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA; her father, Billy G. Martin of Ripley, TN; her mother, Kathryn Finch Swicord of Franklin, TN; two brothers, Michael Martin (Fran) of Ripley, TN, Dennis Martin (Judith Ammons) of Brighton, TN; her sister, Barbara Layden (Scott) of Franklin, TN; three nephews, Josh Martin of Ripley, TN, Brian Smith (Sumner) of Nashville, TN, Nicholas Smith of Franklin, TN; her niece, Aliyuh Martin of Ripley, TN; and a host of loving cousins.
There are currently no tributes.

Eronia Neal

Graduation year: 1974
There are currently no tributes.

Jerry Palmer

There are currently no tributes.

Sherry Parrish

There are currently no tributes.

Larry Patterson

There are currently no tributes.

Charles Poindexter

Birth Date: 1956-06-19
Deceased Date: 2021-02-23
Dennis Lee (Gilliland) - September 30th, 2024
I'll never forget Charles. He was a tremendous basketball player, but an even better friend. We had so many good times on & off the court. He will always have special place in my heart❤️????
Rosamary Dunwoody - October 17th, 2023
Charles was such a good friend! We shared a few classes together and always enjoyed finding a common ground in each class in order to get the best from our teachers! He was super fun, super considerate and a good friend at BHS

Kevin Schram

Birth Date: 0956-07-02
Deceased Date: 2017-06-25
Obituary:
Kevin Wayne Schram

Knoxville, TN

Kevin Wayne Schram was born July 2, 1956, and passed into eternal rest on Sunday, June 25, 2017. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father-in-law William Catlett, and his stepfather, Gil Mills. He is survived by his wife of nearly 37 years, Carole Catlett-Schram; daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and Clinton Blevins; mother, Dixie Mills; father and step-mother, Don and Shirley Schram; mother-in-law, Norma Catlett; sister-in-law and her husband, Barbara and Bill Cooper; nephew, Will Cooper; and a host of beloved extended family, friends, and work associates.

Kevin worked very hard to put himself through college to become a nuclear safety analysis engineer. After earning his degree, he enjoyed a long and fulfilling career, working for several companies in the area including TVA and ORNL. He ultimately started his own business, Schram and Associates, Inc., which made him very proud. After retiring from work, Kevin enjoyed watching UT football and basketball, cooking elaborate meals, and especially spending time with his dog, Cammie, and his two cats, Lucy and Molly. He took Cammie for long walks nearly every day, and it made him happy to make friends with other neighborhood "pups" and their owners. Kevin loved talking to friends, old and new, and telling funny stories and jokes. Kevin was of the Christian faith and took comfort in prayer during hard times.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Jobson, Dr. Mike Sherrod, and the staff of Fort Sanders and Parkwest Medical Center. A very special thank you to dear family friend, April Stone, and all of Kevin and Carole's wonderful and kind neighbors in Village Green.
There are currently no tributes.

Theresa Shea

There are currently no tributes.

Janet Murphree (Steiger)

Birth Date: 1955-10-14
Graduation year: 1974
Deceased Date: 2023-07-12
Obituary:
Janet Louise Murphree, age 67, of Foley, Alabama, (formerly of Memphis, TN) passed away on July 12, 2023, after a brief battle with Intestinal Cancer. She was born on October 14, 1955, in Millington, Tennessee, to the late Beatrice and Buddy Steiger. Janet was a hard-working individual who was kind to everyone she met. Raised by a single parent after her father's passing when she was only 9 years old, she had to earn everything that she got. Nothing was given to her. She was the caregiver for many of her family members, including her late mother, late grandfather, great aunt, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Janet was their angel, always knowing how to take care of the sick.

In her professional life, Janet worked with highly educated individuals, including those with master's degrees, PhDs, and doctorates. Her wit and wisdom were relied upon to solve their problems. She had a Doctorate in Common Sense. Later on, she began substitute teaching, working with special education students and physically handicapped children. The students adored Ms. Janet and eagerly awaited her as their substitute.

Janet attended Bartlett High School in Bartlett, TN. graduating in the Class of 1974. Following high school, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Garry Butler before transitioning to the business office at UT Bowld Hospital. She concluded her career as a Research Assistant for the University of Memphis Psychology Department, retiring in 2005.

Janet found solace in her faith and was a member of Ellendale Baptist Church and Hope Presbyterian Church. Her spirituality brought her comfort and strength throughout her life. She traveled to Belize, Africa, and Romania on mission trips.

In her free time, Janet had a love for travel, having visited over 40 National Parks. She also enjoyed participating in 5k races, biking, hiking, and indulging in her passion for cooking and baking (usually for other people). Banana Bread and cheese ball were world renowned! She was a big supporter of the University of Memphis Tigers, going to Bowl games and basketball games. Her biggest thrill as a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan came as she attended game 5 of the 2021 World Series. She never missed an opportunity to watch the Blue Angels practices.

At Janet's request, there will not be a memorial service or celebration of life. Instead, she would like to be remembered every time you visit a National Park, appreciating the beauty of the scenery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Janet's memory.

Janet is survived by her loving husband, Robert D. Murphree of 46 years, and is preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice Steiger, father, Buddy Steiger, and brother, Donnie Steiger. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness and care.
There are currently no tributes.

Jerry Sutton

There are currently no tributes.

Cynthia Wilsom

There are currently no tributes.

Patricia Kincade (Woods )

Graduation year: 1974
Deceased Date: 2009-06-25
Obituary:
PATRICIA "Trish" WOODS, KINKADE, 52, of Hernando, MS, was called home by her Savior in a tragic auto accident on June 25, 2009. She was a member of Parkway Baptist Church in Hernando, MS and worked for Baptist Desoto Hospital. Mrs. Kinkade was currently battling breast cancer and was a member of a cancer support group. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Don; mother, Bessie Woods of Cordova; sister, Johnnie McLean of Clayton, NC; brother, Martin Woods of Cordova; children, Donald Kinkade, Jr. of Horn Lake, MS, Douglas Kinkade of Perryville, AR, Jennifer Kinkade of Bridgetown, MS; granddaughter, Madison; and a host of family who loved her dearly. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 28th and service will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 29th at Forest Hill East Funeral Home. Interment will be at Forest Hill East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Parkway Baptist Church, 50 Parkway, Hernando, MS, 38632 or Susan G. Komen For The Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX, 75265-0309. Forest Hill East Funeral Home 901-382-1000

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Jun. 27, 2009.
There are currently no tributes.

Bobby Worrell

There are currently no tributes.