Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel & Hamilton Memorial Gardens

09/14/2026

Mary Sue Sanders, 89, went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2026. Born on April 29, 1937, in Lumberton, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Margaret Pipkin.
Mary Sue graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina, with an associate degree in Secretarial Science. She married her high school sweetheart, John W. Sanders, and worked at North Carolina State University while he completed his degree, helping to build the foundation for the life they would share together. When John entered the Army, they moved to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where their first child was born. Following his military service, they settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they shared more than 60 years of devoted marriage centered on faith, family, and service to their community.
Mary Sue was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (and recently a great grandmother) whose first concern was always the well-being of others. She expressed her love not through grand gestures, but through countless daily acts of service, generosity, and quiet selflessness. Though stoic by nature and reluctant to draw attention to herself, she possessed an extraordinary work ethic and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.
A longtime member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, she served faithfully in numerous leadership roles and on countless committees over the years. Her children fondly remember that she made certain they were in Sunday School and church every week. On the rare occasion they stayed home, they were not allowed outside to play until church services had ended. She was the steady force behind countless activities that enriched the lives of her children and many others, volunteering through the PTA, swim teams, church youth programs, and the innumerable unseen tasks that make childhood joyful, secure, and fulfilling.
Her devotion to her family never diminished as her children grew older. She remained a source of steadfast love, encouragement, and support throughout their lives. Even near the end of her life, her concern remained fixed on those she loved. Her last meaningful words to her son were, “I'm not ready to quit being a mother.”
Though she never sought recognition and would likely have been uncomfortable receiving it, her influence on the lives of her family, friends, church, and community was profound and enduring. The example she set through a lifetime of faithful service, humility, perseverance, and love will continue to shape the lives of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bill Pipkin; and her beloved husband, John.
She is survived by her sister, Laura Dowdy; her children, Debra Sturgis (David), John Sanders (Leigh Ann), and Jay Sanders; her grandchildren, LCDR David Sturgis, Katherine Broyhill (Holden), Christian Sanders (fiancée Olivia Neville), Grace Wenger (Tyler); her great-grandson, Robert Wenger; her nieces and nephews; and many dear friends from her church family.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 16th from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 Wednesday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Rev. Dr. Col Paul Womack officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

09/14/2026

Dorothy Anne “Dot” Edwards, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on September 8, 2026, at Life Care Center of Hixson while under the care of hospice.
Dot was born September 7, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Ralph Lyon Jernigan and Mary Ann Hudson. An only child, she grew up in the Nashville area.
Dot married the love of her life, Johnnie Royce Edwards Sr., and they were married for 30 years until his passing in 1984. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family dearly.
Dot worked for Warren, Denney & Wallace, Certified Public Accountants, where she was a receptionist until her retirement.
Dot had a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. She especially loved birds, trees, flowers, and plants of all kinds and supported numerous wildlife causes throughout her life. She also loved going to the beach, where one of her favorite things was simply sitting in a lounge chair and watching the ocean, something she continued to enjoy whenever her mobility allowed. At home, she enjoyed watching old movies, particularly the older Hallmark movies that became favorites over the years.
Dot is survived by her daughter, Geneva Denise Mabry (Bradford L. Mabry); her son, Johnnie Royce Edwards Jr. (Patricia M. Edwards); her grandchildren, David M. Mabry (Dena L. Mabry), Joshua A. Mabry (Megan S. Mabry), Christopher A. Edwards, and Carl M. Edwards (Danielle W. Edwards); her great-grandchildren, Collin M. Mabry, Brandon A. Mabry, Nathaniel T. Mabry, James L. Mabry, Kelsey D. Mabry, Emma L. Mabry, Zale U. Edwards, and Gemma E. Edwards; and her step-great-grandchildren, Brooklyn E. Decker and Harper A. Decker.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnnie Royce Edwards Sr., and her parents, Ralph Lyon Jernigan and Mary Ann Hudson.
A private family graveside service will be held on September 14, 2026, at Nashville National Cemetery, where Dot will be laid to rest beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org), in recognition of Dot's lifelong love of wildlife and the natural world
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

09/14/2026

Charles Landon Beene, age 67, of Harrison, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Charles was an avid fisherman and loved gardening.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Beene; brother, Robert N. Beene and stepdaughter, Teri Ellis.
Left to cherish Charles’ memories are his wife of 36 years, Susan E. Beene; mother, Ola Mae Beene; stepson, Gary M. Ellis; 3 grandsons, Evan M. Ellis and wife Rebecia, Ethan B. Ellis and Logan M. Ellis; cousins, Gloria Carver and Judith Martin; uncle Jeffrey Pennington and wife Tonya; and many dear friends at Harrison Masonic Lodge 114. Charles also leaves behind his beloved dog, Cowboy.
The family will receive friends from 11 am until 2 pm on Tuesday, September 15, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Masonic graveside services will follow at 3 pm on Tuesday, at Harrison Cemetery on Highway 58, Harrison, TN 37341.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

09/14/2026

Robin Leigh Lee, 67, passed away on September 11, 2026. Born on February 7, 1959, Robin was the daughter of Robert and Carol Crandall and made her home in Harrison, Tennessee.
Robin devoted more than four decades to nursing as a L.P.N., a calling that reflected the compassion, strength, and selflessness that defined her. Through long shifts and demanding days, she remained a source of comfort to those who needed care, always offering a gentle presence, a helping hand, and often, her own special touch.
Twenty-six years ago, Robin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Though MS brought challenges and eventually changed so much of her daily life, it never defined who she was. Robin faced her illness with remarkable strength, courage, and perseverance. Even through the hardest seasons, her love for her family and her faith remained at the center of her life.
Those who knew Robin will remember how deeply she cherished her family and how naturally she put others before herself. Whether she was at the ballfields with her husband, singing in the church choir, tending a garden, camping with her family, or simply enjoying the outdoors, she found joy in being surrounded by the people she loved. During the years of raising her children, she was a constant source of encouragement - spending many nights at the kitchen table helping with homework or a last-minute class project, even after a long day at the hospital.
Robin's faith in God was an important part of her life and became one of the most meaningful pieces of the legacy she leaves behind. Through her example, her love, and even through the difficult final chapter of her life, she helped lead her daughter Ashley back to God. Her family finds comfort in knowing that the faith she carried here has now become sight, and that she is reunited with those she loved who went before her.
Robin was married to Allan Lee, and together they built a family that was the center of her heart. She is survived by her two children, Ryan Lee (Lauren) of Harrison, Tennessee and Ashley Sutton (Johnnie) of Harrison, Tennessee; and seven grandchildren: Aiden Sutton, MiKayla Sutton, Reid Sutton, Roan Lee, Jace Lee, Sophia Lee, and Nate Lee. She is also survived by her brother, Bob (Margaret) Crandall, as well as her beloved in-laws, Maurice and Virginia Lee.
Robin was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Carol Crandall, and her daughter, Michelle Lee.
Robin's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the many medical professionals who cared for her throughout her journey, including the dedicated staff of Erlanger Baroness Hospital, Erlanger East Hospital, Siskin Hospital, Kindred Hospital, and her Hospice team. The family is especially grateful to Ms. Shay and Ms. Naomi for the extraordinary compassion, tenderness, and dignity they showed Robin and her family during her final days. Their kindness will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel on Monday, September 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm and Tuesday, September 15th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National MS Society.
Robin spent her life caring for others, loving her family fiercely, and holding onto her faith through both joy and suffering. Her family will carry her love, her strength, and her faith with them always.

09/11/2026

Thank you Sarah in the Chattanooga Funeral Home Flower Shop for the beautiful Chattanooga Fire Department Spray on display during Hamilton County's 25th anniversary observance of 9 - Eleven.

09/11/2026

Daxa Desai, 74, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on September 7, 2026. Born on September 19, 1951, in India, Daxa will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Daxa’s life was marked by steady devotion and a generous spirit. She carried herself with a quiet strength, offering kindness in ways both seen and unseen, and giving of herself with a selfless care that made others feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

She earned a BA degree, a reflection of her commitment to learning and the foundations she built through diligence and purpose.

Daxa was married to Mayur Desai. She was a beloved mother to her son, Harsh Desai, and his wife, Lauren, and a cherished grandmother to their children, Priya and Arya Desai. She was also a loving mother to her daughter, Mugdha Alverson, and her husband, David, and a devoted grandmother to their son, Kyran Alverson.

She is also survived by her sister, Meena Naik, and her brothers, Hemal Desai, Trushar Desai, and Dilip Desai.

Daxa’s care for others was perhaps most warmly felt in her kitchen, where her love of cooking for everyone became a daily expression of her kind-hearted nature. In gathering people around food she prepared with attention and warmth, she offered comfort, connection, and a sense of home that will be deeply missed.

09/11/2026

Chattanooga Funeral Home President Stephen with Talk Radio host Jed Mescon. Chattanooga Funeral Home is proud to be a sponsor of the 9 - 11 observance at Fountain Square on Georgia Avenue.

09/07/2026

Charles Dorman Roach, a devoted family man, a successful Chattanooga businessman and veteran of the U.S. Navy died August 28, 2026 following a brief illness. Born Nov. 12, 1933, he was 92 years old.
Dorman spent four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boxer aircraft carrier during the Korean War, serving three overseas tours of duty.
For nearly 69 years, Dorman shared his life with his devoted wife, Ina. Together they built a family, a business and a legacy defined by hard work, generosity and an appreciation for life.
Dorman's story was, in many ways, the story of a Chattanooga entrepreneur who started small and dreamed big. He and his four brothers, Jim, Richard, Zane and Dennis created Modern Pattern Engineers in the mid-1960's, a humble pattern shop off Main St. in downtown Chattanooga. Over the years the business grew into a major manufacturer, supplying parts to some of the country's largest car manufacturers. The expanded business in Lookout Valley on Modern Industries Parkway grew to hundreds of employees.
Of course, one of those employees was their beloved son, Chuck, who ultimately became company president. Sadly, Chuck passed away at the age of 51, forcing Ina and Dorman to bear a cross that no parent should ever have to bear. The loss of their only child was a devastating blow, yet they found a way to put aside their grief, continuing to live life fully, finding ways to enjoy their family, friends and the blessings their years together had brought them.
They were generous, perhaps to a fault, and many family members and friends can recall being the recipients of that generosity. For Dorman, giving to others was not simply something he did. It was one of the ways he found joy in life.
Dorman is survived by his wife, Ina, his brothers, Zane and Dennis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorman Roach was a man who kept moving. He served his country, built a business, raised a family, endured unimaginable loss and continued to find reasons and ways to enjoy life and help others. He lived well, and he lived long.
Perhaps fittingly, his final resting place will be beside his son, Chuck.
Private military services were held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Visit Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel and Hamilton Memorial Gardens to learn about cemetery options today. Contact us to learn how we can help you plan for yourself or someone you love.

09/06/2026

Linda Gail Chastain, 73, passed away at her home on September 3, 2026.
Linda was a boilermaker welder for TVA for many years. She attended church at North Hixson Church of God.
In her retirement, she loved tending to her plants and flowers and was an avid collector of many things.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Sammy Smith.
She is survived by her devoted, loving husband of 57 years, Dewayne Chastain; her two daughters, Lynn (Mark) Henderson and Dawn (Shane) Cobb; her grandchildren, Brock and Addie; as well as her sisters, Karen Jackson, Barbara (Dennis) Keys, Geannie (Terry) Smith; her mother, Edna O’Conner and her much loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. with Dr. Butch Varner officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, Sept. 8, from 5-8 p.m. at North Chapel.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.

09/06/2026

Helen G. Lackey, born September 1, 1931, in Thomaston, Georgia, to Vera Alma Stevens and Ernest Milliard Gilbert, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.
Helen graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1948 and later completed the two-year Secretarial Program at the Women's College of Georgia in Milledgeville.
nnnShe is survived by her three children, David (Betty), Daniel, and Gaye(Dave), three grandchildren, Amanda (Woody), Eric, and Lan, and four great-grandchildren Wyatt, Campbell, Katie, and Kayla and 2 great great-grand children Kynleigh and Liam.
She served alongside her husband as a pastor's wife and Sunday School teacher at Lakewood Baptist Church from 1972 to 1979. In the 1980s, they continued their ministry at Calvary in Red Bank until Bruce's passing in 1988. Helen later worked at Cigna for 15 years.
Helen will be remembered for her steadfast faith, devotion to her family, and lifelong commitment to serving the Lord. Her love and legacy will live on through the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.
The Family would like to thank Hospice Nurse Rochelle and CNA Felecia for the compassionate care they provided our Mother and Family until her passing.
The family will receive friends on Monday September 7th from 5-7 pm and on Tuesday September 8th from 11 am-12 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. The funeral service will be at 12 pm in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Greg Powell officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com