Top Stories Memphis

President Barack Obama recently announced that the United States’ combat role in the seven-year Iraqi war is over. Defense Secretary Robert Gates later said that history will judge whether the war was worth it. We’d like to know:

How do you think history will judge America’s involvement in the Iraqi war?

E-mail your response to hotbutton@commercialappeal.com by Sept. 7. Keep your comments short and include your name, home address and daytime/evening telephone numbers where you can be reached. We’ll publish responses on Sept. 12.

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Time is short, so there is no time to waste in agreeing on some ground rules for the debate over the Memphis-Shelby County consolidation proposal to be decided by voters Nov. 2.

For one thing, those who have already made up their minds on the issue and are simply plotting how to make sure their side prevails should agree not to conduct strategy sessions in public buildings.

Throwing someone out of a strategy session because they have spoken out in favor of one position or another can be an awkward and embarrassing affair if the meeting is being held in a building that was paid for in part by the person who is getting the boot.

And, by the way, there is no substantive difference between being thrown out and being asked to leave.

Whatever former Collierville mayor Linda Kerley had to say about the meeting she was asked to leave Monday at Riverdale School, where members of an opposition group were planning how to approach the Leadership Germantown Alumni Association forum on consolidation later Monday night, she should not have been made unwelcome.

Kerley, a member of the Metropolitan Government Charter Commission that drafted the proposed charter for the merged governments, had acknowledged her support for merging Memphis and Shelby County governments.

That admission triggered the request by Jon Crisp, facilitator of the opposition group Save Shelby Now, for Kerley to leave the school building, Crisp said.

In fact, it would be good for Memphis, Shelby County and the suburban municipalities to put a check on emotional responses to the consolidation proposal. This is a business decision, with bottom-line implications for the entire community.

Competition is invigorating and in many cases very healthy. But cooperation among the disparate elements of the metro area will be useful in the future, as answers are sought to issues such as the environment, transportation, economic development and the like.

Whether metro government is approved by the voters or not, let’s keep the battlefield an unbloodied place to return to on Nov. 3.

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CLASS 6A

School / Pts /

1. South Panola (15) (2-0) 150

2. Meridian (2-0) 124

3. Madison Central (2-0) 114

4. Ocean Springs (2-0) 53

5. Gulfport (2-0) 46

Others receiving votes: Southaven 42, Petal 27, Natchez 14, Starkville 6, Hancock 6, Oak Grove 6, Pascagoula 6, Olive Branch 6.

CLASS 5A

School / Pts /

1. West Point (11) (2-0) 146

2. West Jones (2) (1-0) 118

3. Picayune (1) (1-0) 93

4. Wayne County (1-1) 56

5. Ridgeland (2-0) 42

Others receiving votes: McComb 38, Oxford 34, Moss Point 27, Brookhaven 19, Neshoba Central 12, Callaway 8, Lake Cormorant 7.

CLASS 4A

School / Pts /

1. Lafayette (11) (2-0) 155

2. Noxubee County (5) (2-0) 145

3. Purvis (2-0) 76

4. New Albany (2-0) 54

5. Quitman (2-0) 47

Others receiving votes: St. Stanislaus 22, Forrest Co. AHS 21, Shannon 17, Kosciusko 15, North Pontotoc 14, Northeast Lauderdale 14, North Pike 14, Pontotoc 12, Northeast Jones 8, Itawamba 7, Lawrence County 7, Greene County 6, Port Gibson 6.

CLASS 3A

School / Pts /

1. Forest (7) (2-0) 130

2. Philadelphia (5) (2-0) 125

3. Aberdeen (1) (1-1) 84

(tie) Charleston (1-1) 84

5. Tylertown (1) (0-2) 43

Others receiving votes: Winona 35, Raleigh 33, Franklin Co. 30, Water Valley 29, Hazlehurst 14, McLaurin 12, East Side 9, Choctaw Central 6, Belmont 6.

CLASS 2A

School / Pts /

1. Taylorsville (13) (2-0) 148

2. Puckett (2-0) 119

3. Bassfield (1) (1-1) 91

4. North Forrest (2-0) 71

5. Calhoun City (2-0) 64

Others receiving votes: Eupora 43, Lumberton 27, East Webster 23, West Bolivar 21, Ackerman 13, Pisgah 13, Hatley 7.

CLASS 1A

School / Pts /

1. Durant (13) (2-0) 148

2. Mount Olive (1) (0-1) 112

3. Vardaman (1) (2-0) 95

4. Smithville (1-1) 56

5. Bogue Chitto (1) (2-0) 43

Others receiving votes: Okolona 27, Sebastopol 26, Cathedral 23, Nanih Waiya 23, French Camp 20, McAdams 17, Biggersville 16, Noxapater 15, Ray Brooks 7, South Leake 6, Weir 6.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

School / Pts /

1. Jackson Aca. (13) (2-0) 147

2. Jackson Prep (2) (2-0) 135

3. Brookhaven Aca. (2-0) 92

4. Madison-Ridgeland Aca. (1-1) 72

5. Simpson Aca. (2-0) 40

Others receiving votes: Pillow Aca. 35, Trinity Episcopal 19, Presbyterian Christian 19, Washington School 15, Parklane Aca. 7, Porter’s Chapel Aca. 7, Lamar School 6, Winston Aca. 6,

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

I was not surprised to read in your Aug. 29 edition that the leaders of public employee unions think the only solution to our Memphis City Schools funding debacle is a tax increase (“Search is on for school-funding solution”).

Memphis now finds itself the victim of 20 years of corrupt and incompetent political leadership. At a time when the nation’s economy suffers from the ill-fated attempts of the Democratic Party to place people in homes they could not afford and to intimidate the nation’s banks to provide loans to people in contravention of established credit standards, the people of Memphis are expected to pony up additional tax revenues to support the diabolical compact between government and the public employee unions to continue to support a wasteful, inept city government that overpays for everything from tire repair to city vehicle towing.

It is time for Memphians to realize they are being exploited by a city leadership that promises city schools administrators six- figure salaries and city employees exorbitant pensions after 12 years of service to ensure that these same individuals will vote to keep them in office.

Now is the time to rescind the salary hikes of city employees in the last two years that were neither deserved nor timely given the state of the nation’s economy. The citizens of Memphis are not receiving any level of city services or public education that could justify any tax increase since we are already paying the highest taxes in the state and are receiving nowhere near a level of service which justifies this.

Mayor A C Wharton may soon find himself trying to afford his public union salaries and pensions with the tax revenues generated by the large proportion of the Memphis population that relies on public assistance.

James Johnson

Memphis

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

When prosecutors and police begin talking up pre-kindergarten programs as crime-fighting tools, you know you’re getting somewhere with this vital community issue.

Expressions of support for pre-K by the likes of Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Bill Gibbons and Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell last week show how much traction the value of early childhood education is getting.

It has always made sense — and research supports the notion — that the socialization and positive effects on brain development that occur in pre-kindergarten make it a good public investment.

The educational benefits are well known. Most kindergarten teachers believe that children who don’t attend pre-K are less prepared to succeed in school.

That’s important across the board, but especially in Memphis, where too many 3- and 4-year-olds don’t get the foundation they need for success in school from busy or undereducated single parents.

Not only is that situation a predictor for crime, but for teenage pregnancy as well.

Looking at remedies that would enhance public safety in the broadest sense leads one to agree with Gibbons that pre-K programs can excite children about learning and avoid future lives of crime.

As Luttrell, the Shelby County mayor-elect observed, there is a strong correlation between the lack of an adequate education and a life of crime and incarceration.

The national nonprofit group Fight Crime: Invest in Kids recruits officials in the criminal justice system as advocates for investments in programs that fight the root causes of crime.

In Tennessee, they have their work cut out for them. Although outgoing Gov. Phil Bredesen has been a strong advocate for expanding the state’s investment in pre-K, the legislature has had to spend money from state lottery reserve funds to keep the expansion going, and the leading candidate to succeed Bredesen, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, is, like many in the state’s GOP majority, lukewarm about the idea.

Meanwhile, more children are slipping into poverty in Tennessee, making the case for expansion of pre-K stronger. At least for at-risk children, the level of state and local support must not be allowed to slide.

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

FOOTBALL SCORE

Cocoa-Fla. 14, Olive Branch 7

GIRLS SOCCER SUMMARIES

ECS 3, JACKSON CHRISTIAN 1

ECS / 1 / 2 / — / 3 /

Jackson Christian / 0 / 1 / — / 1 /

Goals — ECS, Allie Oliver (Adrienne Albertine), Oliver (Kate Jamison), Olivia Eagle (Albertine). Keepers — ECS, Kelsey Huggins; Jackson Christian, Lauren Cherry.

ECS 1, USJ 1

ECS / 0 / 1 / — / 1 /

USJ / 1 / 0 / — / 1 /

Goals — ECS, Allie Oliver (pk); USJ own goal. Keepers — ECS, Kelsey Huggins; USJ, Carrie Cobb. Records — ECS 2-0-1, USJ 1-0-1.

VOLLEYBALL SCORES

COLLIERVILLE KICKOFF CLASSIC

SILVER BRACKET

Bolton 26-13-15, Whitehaven 23-25-12; Arlington 25-19-15, Munford 18-25-6; SBEC 25-25, Germantown 14-21; Brighton 25-25, Ridgeway 11-19.

SEMIFINALS — Riverdale 25-25, Bolton 9-12; Battle Ground 25-25, Brighton 10-23

CHAMPIONSHIP — Riverdale 25-25, SBEC 19-18.

GOLD BRACKET

Cookeville 25-25, Briarcrest 14-13; Siegel 25-25, Harding 20-18; Collierville 25-25, St. Benedict 15-21; Houston 25-25, Father Ryan 7-21; St. George’s 25-25, Cookeville 21-20.

SEMIFINALS — Collierville 25-25, ECS 11-23; Siegel 25-25, St. George’s 21-20.

CHAMPIONSHIP — Siegel 25-25, Collierville 19-21.

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Briarcrest 38, Carver 0

Brighton 47, Bartlett 13

CBHS 10, Germantown 0

ECS 42, Cordova 12

Hillcrest 42, Fayette-Ware 0

Houston 26, Bolton 7

Mitchell 41, Kirby 6

Oakhaven 36, Douglass 0

Ridgeway 25, White Station 14

St. Benedict 40, Fayette Aca. 10

St. George’s 35, Harding 12

Whitehaven 29, Fairley 12

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

SCOTTIE ADKINS, 42, died August 26, 2010. N. J. Ford & Sons, (901)948-7755

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Mary Frances Ammons, 89, of Memphis, died August 25, 2010. She was the widow of the late, Willie D. Ammons. Mrs. Ammons is survived by three children, Audrey Henson, Rachel Wooldridge, Tommy Ammons; two sisters, Eldridge Childress of Ripley, TN, Joyce Fitzgerald of CA; a brother, Amos Harrison of Pope, MS; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Forest Hill East Funeral Home

901-382-1000

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TURKESSA DENISE JOHNSON AVANT, 35, died August 25, 2010. Snow, (901)946-9726

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Robert Leo Brady, 82, went to be with his Lord on the morning of August 25, 2010. Mr. Brady was a World War II Navy veteran and a retiree of the former Henders Tank and Boiler Company, which was located in Horn Lake, MS. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette “Nettie” Brady; mother, Cora Mae Johnson; father, LeGrand Brady; and brothers, LeGrand W. Brady, Jr. and Jack Brady. Robert is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Cuneo (“Bubba”) and Terie Lynch (Tom); brothers, Charles Brady (June), Richard Chambers (Barbara), and Sherman Chambers (Sheryl); sister, Norma Haygood (Forest); grandsons, Kyle and Kevin Lynch; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The family would like thank all of the staff at Wesley Meadows, Trinity Mission, Baptist DeSoto, Providence and Sanctuary House for the loving care that they all provided to Mr. Brady, with extra special thanks to Katherine Swann. Visitation will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday at Family Funeral Care, with funeral services to immediately follow at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family has requested that memorials be sent to Youth Villages Operations Center, 3320 Brother Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38133 or www.youthvillages.org or you may send memorials to the American Diabetes Association, 5583 Murray Road Memphis, TN 38119. Online condolences may be made at www. familyfuneralmemphis. com.

Family Funeral Care

901-761-8000

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HENRY EARL CAMPBELL, JR., 30, died August 22, 2010. Visitation 9 a.m. Saturday, August 28 until service at 11 a.m. at J. O. Patterson Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be in Forest Hill Midtown. He leaves two sons, Henry Earl Campbell III and Cameron Campbell; parents, Joycelyn M. Campbell and Henry Earl Campbell, Sr.; sister, Tequilla Campbell. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been established for his two sons, Henry and Cameron.

J.O. Patterson Mortuary

(901)324-4022

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ROBERT DOLMON, SR., 89, August 22, 2010. Gillespie Funeral Home, (662)895-2470

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Forrest Dowling III. Coast Guard Veteran. Celebration of Life August 30, 4:30 p.m. Buntyn Presbyterian Church (Prescott at Southern). Reception/visitation following service

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Keith Vincent Dralle, 52, of Collierville died Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at his home. Visitation will be on Saturday August 28 at 10:00 at Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, at the Blecken Pavilion with service to follow at 11 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Memorial Park Funeral Home and flowers may be sent there. He was born in 1957 in Englewood, NJ. Keith graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1979 with a degree in business. He was married to Diana in Dayton Ohio in 1982 and they moved to Memphis in 1985. He was a pilot for Federal Express for 25 years. Keith had a great love for his family and all things outdoors and was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church. Keith was a loving husband and father who genuinely had your back. He will be remembered for the uncountable acts of love and kindness that he gave, never expecting recompense. No man was more loved. He is survived by his wife Diana, his two sons, David and Ben, his mother, Nancy, his sister Lyn, his two brothers Dan and Jon, his niece Dallas and his nephews Tyler, Cameron and Jordan.

Memorials may be made to Nature Conservancy. The website for a tribute memorial can be found at: http://my.nature. org/donate/tribute-giving.html

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Patricia Ethridge, 66, passed away August 19, 2010. Family Funeral Care. 761-8000

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D. H. Ferrell, 77, died Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis. Mr. Ferrell is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gloria Ann Ferrell, two sons, Marc Allan Ferrell, and Brian Keith Ferrell, and one granddaughter, Elizabeth Ashley Ferrell, and five siblings, Dorothy Hardin, Frances (Edwin) Clement, Bob Ferrell, Nancy Easley, and Barbara Turner. A visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home Friday, August 27, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be at Memorial Park Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 2:30. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be sent to Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.

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JASON CALVIN “JC” FISHER passed away in the early morning on Sunday, August 8, 2010, at his residence in Fresno, California. He was born on March 20, 1913, in Concord, North Carolina. J C was a cotton buyer for Cannon Mills from 1933 until retiring in 1983. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1937 after his marriage to Caroline Rowan. They had a son Robert “Bobby” Holmes Fisher who passed away on December 7, 1962. J C and Caroline relocated to Fresno in 1973. J C was a member of Sunnyside Country Club and a member of Westminister Presbyterian Chruch. He will be buried with his son Bobby and his wife Caroline who passed away on November 17, 2006. A Graveside Servcie will be held at Memphis Memorial Park in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, send remembrances to your favorite charity.

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Jesse “Mac” Gray, Jr., born September 15, 1942 in Memphis, TN, died suddenly August 21, 2010 in Kingwood, TX. Mac graduated from Rice University in 1966 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He went on to enjoy a 44 year career with Texaco and Shell Oil companies, retiring from Shell May 1, 2010. Mac is survived by his wife, Shirley Gray; daughter, Melissa Gray; and sons, David and Jeremy Gray. Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2010. Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2010. All services were held at Kingwood Funeral Home.

Kingwood Funeral Home

(281)358-9005

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SANDRA GREEN, 53, died August 24, 2010. E. H. Ford Mortuary, (901)345-9558

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MARY LEE HOLMES, 106, died August 18, 2010. Visitation, Saturday, August 28, from 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. at M. J. Edwards Airways Chapel. Burial in New Park Cemetery.

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RUBY MAE HUDSON, 82, died August 19, 2010. Snow Funeral Home, (901)946-9726

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Carlene M. Johnson, 85, of Cordova, TN, passed away in her home Wednesday, August 25, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Johnson. She was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and retired from Southwestern Bell after 35 years of service. She leaves one daughter, Sharon J. Overman of Cordova, one grandson, Chris Rheaume, one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter. Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2010 with a service to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Roller Family Funeral Home. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena, AR

Roller Family Funeral Home

(901)371-9500

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REV. WADDELL McMAHAN, 63, died August 23, 2010. E. H. Ford Mortuary, (901)345-9558.

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EARMA MITCHELL, 47, of Bartlett. Visitation tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1234 Pisgah Rd, Cordova, with funeral at 12 Noon, Saturday, August 28 at the same location.

J. A. Lofties Funeral Home

(901)465-3989

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Helen Hood Oenning, 90, of Bartlett, Tennessee died Tuesday at her home. She was preceded in death by husband, Wilbur Oenning; daughter, Jeanne Miller; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Survivors include a daughter, Elaine Evans of Bartlett; 2 brothers, Carl Hood of Memphis, Stanley Hood of Columbia, SC; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday August 28, 2010 at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel in Blytheville with interment following in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Cobb Funeral Home

(870)763-4431

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LEVY T. PACK, 80, died August 20, 2010. Stephenson-Shaw, (731)427-7411

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BUCKLER “Mr. Buck” PATTON, JR., died at his home on August 25, 2010 in Memphis, TN. Services will be held Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar Ave. Visitation will be at 10:30 and services at 11:30. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Patton, three children, Betty Joe Feuerstacke, Buck Patton III, Carla Patton McCown, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Buck was the Outdoor editor for The Memphis Press Scimitar for 29 years reeling in readers every week with sports, hunting and fishing, while entangling his articles with the relationships of his family, pets (dogs and squirrels) and his close friends; splashing them with his ‘Mr. Buck humor’ about life, using his characters Bass Boat Benny, Possum Patton and Uncle Dudley. While writing for The Memphis Press Scimitar he hosted a sports section on a local radio station, did commentary for Memphis State University Football and Basketball Radio Network and helped coaches recruit talented, soon-to-be athletes to enroll at Memphis State University. After retiring from The Memphis Press Scimitar, Mr. Buck wrote for PKC Magazine and The Shelby Sun Times. Besides being a writer he was also a wonderful, selfless husband, humorist, hunter, fisherman, father, father-in-law, and grandfather; and this love was returned from his family. All of us will miss him dearly. The family requests memorials to be sent to Colonial Park United Methodist Church, 5330 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38119; or Crossroads Hospice of TN, 1669 Shelby Oak, Suite 106, Memphis, TN 38134.

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Herbert Richardson, 80, of Memphis, TN died August 23, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Hospital. He leaves two daughters, Sandra Richardson Hubbert and Annie Richardson; one son Clinton Richardson, all of Memphis, TN; one brother Percy Richardson of Southaven, MS; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, LaSalle Richardson. Family will receive friends Saturday, August 28, from 2-5 p.m. at M. J. Edwards Funeral Home, 5494 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38116. Burial services will be held Monday, August 30, at 1 p.m., West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill-Irene, Memphis, TN 38125.

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DOROTHY MILDRED

WEATHERRED ROOP was born in Brighton, Tennessee and would have been 103 on October 2, 2010. She was born in 1907 to William Benjamin Weatherred and Mabel Crunk Weatherred. She had three sisters and one brother, Edith Weatherred, Sarah Weatherred, Louise Weatherred Stephenson and William Weatherred. After growing up in Brighton, she met and married the dashing John Wilson Roop of Memphis on May 11, 1929. He was in the automobile business and they lived in Jacksonville, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina before moving to Memphis where they had four wonderful children. Wilson Jr. (deceased), Henry, Robert and Laura Dee. They lived in the Cooper-Young district until 1956 when they moved to their present home on forty acres south of the airport. Dorothy lived for her family providing them wonderful motherly advice and her delicious meals. She was known for her habit forming salmon croquettes that many said were the best you could get. In 1958, Mr. Roop died suddenly of a heart attack and she was the stalwart one who lived by her principles of love for family and always helping the family in their needs. She was widowed for 52 years and remained active in church work where she was the oldest member of Longstreet United Methodist Church. She and her close friend Etoyle Flowers could be seen on many Sunday mornings with Dorothy at the wheel of her golf cart going across the field to go to Longstreet next door. Even though she didn’t drive a car or play golf, everyone at church looked for the “golf cart lady”. Her daughter, Laura Dee says her Mother never forgot to share kindness with anyone she met. She also gained the nickname of “Miss Puddin” for making her delicious banana pudding and giving it to so many friends, doctors and church members and also a reputation of not forgetting to send a loving card to her friends on their special occasions. She was a lifelong Christian lady with one of the sweetest smiles and pleasant disposition admired by everyone who knew her. She truly was an example for others to follow the Golden Rule. Enjoying life on her 95th birthday, celebrating with family, she danced the night away with her son-in-law on the Tunica Queen riverboat. She enjoyed traveling with Wilson and Robert to see Hawaii, Seattle/Vancouver and Yellowstone National Park. She also enjoyed seeing Branson and Williamsburg with Morris and Laura Dee on her birthdays. And, she had so much fun with Henry. His funny stories always brought a loving smile to her face. She is survived by her sons, Henry and wife Norma Roop, Robert Roop and her daughter Laura Dee and son-in-law Dr. Morris Robbins and four grandchildren, Henry Roop Jr., Walter Roop (Cindy) Becky (Ronnie) Hopper, Timothy Roop and six great-grandchildren, Helon and Lacey Roop, Tyler and Olivia Roop and Victoria and Trenton Head. Special thanks go to Dr. Robert Burns and her wonderful caretakers, Delores Shively, Nancy Burse, Easter Hill and the Methodist University Hospice team members. They were so loving to her and all the family, Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association and the Methodist University Hospice. Services will be Saturday, August 28 with visitation from noon to 1 p.m.. with the funeral service following at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

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BILL SCOTT, JR., 67, died August 26, 2010. He was employed by John Deere Harvester. Visitation: Saturday, August 28, at Jefferson Mortuary, 7788 Church St., Millington, from 3-7 p.m.

Jefferson Mortuary

(901)872-8800

www.jeffersonmortuary.com

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Charles Wayne Talley, 86, of Memphis, TN, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2010. He was a WWII Army 101st Airborne veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart. Charles was a retired US Postal service mail carrier and a member of Audubon Park Baptist Church. He was a member of the Memphis Four and Young at Heart singing groups playing for many nursing homes and senior citizens. Charles enjoyed fishing and gardening in his spare time. He is preceded in death by his parents Rex and Bessie Talley, and two sons David and Daryl Talley. He is survived by his loving wife Oneita Talley, his two sons Gary Talley of Franklin, TN and Don Talley (Glenda) of Memphis, TN, one brother Brooks Talley of Gross Valley, CA, two step-grandchildren Olivia Davis and Anthony Faught, three great grandchildren Adam Davis, Eliseia Faught, and Truden Faught. The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at Memorial Park Funeral Home with funeral service to follow at 3:30pm in the chapel. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in honor of Charles to the Alzheimers Association.

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Barbara Thomas-Manley, 74, of Germantown, passed away on August 26, 2010 at Collierville Baptist Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with her illness. She had many interests which included her love for travel and the different cultures of the world. She was a gourmet cook, enjoyed painting, loved art and had many other talents and passions in life. Mrs. Thomas-Manley had a zest for life. Most recently, her giving spirit and love for the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital led her to crochet special hats for those in need. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was the life of the party. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.N. Wallace (Marie and Didge); her first husband and father of her four children, Mr. Norman Vann Thomas, Sr.; and her second husband, Mr. Leon Manley. She leaves behind her four children, Vann Thomas, Jr., of Cordova; Elizabeth Thomas, of Atlanta; Catherine Maness (and John), of Germantown; and Robert “Gator” Thomas (and Lisa), of Memphis; her grandchildren, Tripp, Kaitlin, Ashley, Taylor, Jackson and Ethan; her great-grandchild, Trey; her dear friend and caregiver, Shenita Edwards; and a host of other loving family members and friends. The family would like to invite you to join them for a celebration of her life on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Gator’s home, 3460 Waynoka Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations or memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to:

High Point Funeral Chapel

(901) 454-5795

www.highpointchapel.com

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CLIFTON WATERS, 87, died August 20, 2010. Services will be held August 28, at 12 Noon at M. J. Edwards, 1165 Airways. (901)327-9360

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GEORGIA MAE WILLIAMS, 65, died August 22, 2010. Snow Funeral Home, (901)946-9726

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LATISHA WILLIAMS, 35, died August 20, 2010. Grant Funeral Home, (662)363-2058

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SHELDON WOODS, 45, died August 20, 2010. Visitation, Friday, August 27 from 4:30-7:30 at Williams Temple COGIC, 508 Boston. Service 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2993 Park Ave. Burial in Memorial Park Southwoods.

M. J. Edwards Funeral Home

Airways, (901)327-9360

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Fayette County -

Wanda Austin of Memphis, longtime Property Manager for Poplar Place died suddenly, August 25, 2010 at Baptist Memorial Hospital of Memphis. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Stephens and her mother, Naomi Stephens, both of Memphis. Private Graveside Services will be at 2 PM Saturday at Lamb Cemetery in the Lambert Community of Fayette County. The family requests that memorials be directed to the Childrens Burn Center, c/o Al Chymia Shrine Center, 5770 Shelby Oaks Drive Memphis, TN 38134.

Peebles Fayette County

Funeral Homes & Crematory

West Chapel-Oakland, TN

901-465-3535

www.peeblesfuneralhome.com

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Dyersburg – CLEARCHUS BYARS, SR., 71, died August 23. Thompson’s, 731-635-9322

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Ripley – Paul Denwell

Childress, 78, of Ripley passed away at his home Wednesday, August 25, 2010 with his loving family at his side along with his pastor Bro. Mickey Basham. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Ripley, where he was a member, longtime deacon and served on the building committee. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Ripley Memorial Gardens. Garner Funeral Home has charge of the services. Mr. Childress was born in Lauderdale County to William Arthur Childress and Eula Mary Keltner. He was a retired home builder, merchant and real estate agent. He started his building career in 1959 with City Lumber Company and Charles Griggs Building Materials and was the owner of Paul Childress Paint and Building. He was a Korean War Army Veteran, was stationed in Fort Jackson, SC, and served 10 years in the Army Reserve. Mr. Childress is survived by his loving wife Maurine Goff Childress; 3 sons Paul Timothy Childress of Little Rock AR, William Mark Childress and Jonathan David Childress of Ripley; a sister Louise Latham of Ripley; a brother William Arthur Childress Jr. of Ripley, and 5 grandchildren. The family requests any memorials be sent to First Baptist Church Ripley or the American Cancer Society.

Garner Funeral Home

731-635-1271

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Bolivar – W. C. CLARK, 59, died August 24, 2010. Hardeman County, (731)658-7473

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Kenton-GERALDINE C. DROKE 70, died August. 24. Brownsville-Bells, (731)772-1551

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Springville – MICHAEL GREEN, 55, died August 25, 2010. Karnes & Son, (731)692-3711

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Covington – TERRANCE HOBSON, 36, died August 23, 2010. J.A. Lofties (901)465-3989

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Springville – JOHN B. HOWELL, 79, died Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at his home in Springville. He was born November 28, 1930 in Arlington, TN. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, August 27 and service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 28, both at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN. Burial will be in Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Mr. Howell was married November 19, 1950 to Clara Mae Markle Howell who survives. He was a member of Hartland Baptist Church, Memphis and owned and operated Howell’s Resort in Springville TN. He formerly owned and operated Howell’s Trash Service in Shelby County for 25 years. In addition to his wife, he leaves three daughters, Pat Williams, Pam Lowery, Jan (Trey) Sprouse, all of Springville; four sons, John Wayne (Robin) Howell of Memphis, William Ed Howell of Springville, Jerry Lynn Howell of Memphis, Michael (Pam) Howell, Sr. of Springville brother, Marvin (Jackie) Howell of Lantana, TX; sisters, Barbara (John) Starnes, Marie (Armstrong) Carnathan, both of Memphis; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

Ridgeway Funeral Home

(731)642-2121

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Oakland – FREEMAN JONES JR., 53. Visitation tonight from 5-8 p.m. in our Chapel, with funeral services on Saturday, August 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church at 155 Travelers Rest Rd, Warren, TN.

J. A. Lofties Funeral Home

(901)465-3989

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Whiteville – THOMAS LEE JONES, died August 20, 2010. Motley & Rivers, 731-254-8004

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Dyersburg – JEWELL FAWN LOVLACE, 83, died August 25. Dyersburg, (731)285-3021

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Jackson – GERALD F. PARISH, 87, died August 25. Lawrence-Sorensen 731-424-2424

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Fayette County – NELLIE KING POWELL, 103, died August 26, 2010. Peebles, (901)465-3535

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Stanton – CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR, 24, died August 28, 2010. Rawls, (731)772-1472

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Spring Creek – BRISON COLE TIMS, 1 day, died August 26, 2010. Ronk, (731)696-5555

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Munford – REVEREND DOLLY LEE WILLINGHAM, 82, died August 25, 2010 at Millington Healthcare. Rev. Willingham was the pastor of Emmanuel Temple United Pentecostal Church for 41 years. She was a longtime volunteer for the Navy Relief Society. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 27 at Munford Chapel. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 28 at New Hope Christian Life Church, Covington, TN. Burial will be in Helen Crigger Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chief Petty Officer, Willis W. Willingham, USN Ret. She leaves her daughter Judy (Charles) Shipley; son, David (Kay) Willingham; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Temple United Pentecostal Church, P.O. Box 981, Covington, TN 38019.

Munford Funeral Home

Munford Chapel

(901)837-0123

brentwoodfuneralservices.com

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Byhalia – WILKIE BOGAN, 69, died August 21, 2010. J. F. Brittenum (662)252-2341

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Senatobia – Elizabeth Wilson Carpenter, 75, passed away August 24, 2010 at her residence. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 27, graveside at New Bethel Methodist Cemetery in Rossville, TN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Carpenter and her son, Thomas Irving Carpenter. She is survived by her son, Wilson Wade Carpenter of Senatobia; her sister, Helen Bell of Atlanta, GA, and her granddaughter, Katherine Carpenter. The family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Pate-Jones Funeral Home

(662)562-4481

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Batesville – LIZZIE FORD, 89, died August 22, 2010. Cooley’s, (662)563-8829

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Clarksdale – Victoria Lee Melton, 6, died August 24. Meredith-Nowell 662-624-6218

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Como – MRS. BUFORD MORRIS ORR, 85, died August 26. Ray-Nowell, (662)487-1234

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Ashland – JERRELL POFF, 73, died August 25, 2010. Holly Springs, (662)252-1161

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Grenada – ROBBY C. SMART, 74, died August 25, 2010. Garner-Harper, (662)226-4711

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Oakland – LEONARD SMITH, 55, died August 25, 2010. Cooley’s, (662)563-8829

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Oxford – V. KYLE WELCH, 77, died August 25, 2010. Waller Funeral Home, (662)234-7971

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Independence – Robert E. Wilhite, 74, passed away August 26, 2010 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at Independence United Methodist Church were he was a member on Tuesday, August 31 at 11 a.m. He is survived by his wife, Diane Wilhite of Independence, MS; his daughter, Oralie Wilhite (Raymond) of Chesapeake, VA; two adopted daughters, Susan Ricks (Daryl) of Independence, MS, and Nancy Norcisa (Steve) of Milwaukee, WI; two step-daughters, Donna Sherman of Muskego, WI, and Laura Sherman of Water Valley, MS; his brothers, Billy Joe Wilhite of Tennessee, Larry Wilhite of McKinney, TX, Don Wilhite of Tennessee, and Jerry Wilhite of Eads, TN; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Florence Wilhite. Any memorials may be sent to Independence United Methodist Church building fund. P.O. Box 52, Independence, MS 38638.

Pate-Jones Funeral Home

(662)562-4481

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Oxford – EMMITT EUGENE WILLIAMS, SR., 84, died August 26. Waller, (662)234-7971

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North Carolina, Lake Toxaway -

OSCAR “Jack” Gomez, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at the age of 86. He was born June 11, 1924, in New Orleans, LA. Jack was a long time resident of Memphis, TN and Naples, FL. Jack was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a graduate of Louisiana State University and served as a tail gunner in World War II. Jack had an amazing entrepreneurial spirit and was a legend in the automotive parts industry. Mr. Gomez is survived by his wife Patsy “Patty” Wright Gomez, sons Richard Gomez (Pat) and Bruce Gomez of Naples, FL; daughter-in-law Simone Lutgert of Naples, FL; grandchildren Bridgit Dowling (Steve) and Monica Gomez (James Kehr) of Park City, UT; Alex Gomez and Rodney Weiss of San Francisco, CA; Stacey Gomez and Brian Gomez of Atlanta, GA; Lana Gomez of Los Angeles, CA; Heather Weiss Dockweiler (Jamie) of Naples, FL; and four great grand children. Jack was preceded in death by his wife Sarita Marcuse Gomez and son Barry Jack Gomez. Private funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you please send a donation to the charity of your choice in his honor.

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Texas, Austin – Ralph Lee Willard, of Austin, passed into the “Blue Skies” on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at the age of 62. His love for the city of Austin, especially its music community, and the surrounding hill country, was infinite.

Heart of Texas Cremation & Burial Service (512)243-7277

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© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Tennessee Supreme Court declined today to hear the city of Memphis’s appeal over school funding, leaving officials pondering how to pay a bill that could reach $57 million.

With its decision, the court essentially agreed with rulings by two lower courts that said the city could not reduce its funding to Memphis City Schools.

In 2008, the City Council sliced its school contribution by $57 million as part of an effort to shift funding to the county.

“We have a cloud of real uncertainty that’s been removed from us. We’ve languished for two years on this,” school board member Martavius Jones said tonight.

The amount the city will owe is somewhat uncertain. Although the council originally withheld $57 million, the amount due could be lower based on declining enrollment and other factors.

© 2010 Memphis Commercial Appeal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.