By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Norma Jean Keel, 50
Placeholder Image
Updated: Sep 22, 2012, 7:53 PM
Published: Sep 22, 2012, 7:55 PM

McMinnville resident and Van Buren County native Norma Jean Keel, 50, was born Dec. 27, 1961 and died Sept. 20 at her residence following a short illness.
An employee of Batesville Casket Company and member of the Baptist Church, she was the daughter of Judy Groves of Rock Island and the late Otis Groves. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandfather, Oliver Marler.
She was married April 10, 1981 to Wayne Keel of McMinnville. In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two children and their spouses, Stephanie and Kevin Knox of Cookeville, and Jon and Michelle Keel of McMinnville; seven grandchildren, Matt Kirby and Morgan Keel, both of McMinnville, and Kaylee Patterson, Alexis Patterson, Mackenzie Knox, Addison Knox and Paisley Knox, all of Cookeville; maternal grandmother, Gladys Marler of Dayton; brother, Tommy Groves of North Carolina; three sisters, Teresa Holland of McMinnville, Janet Price of Dunlap, and Christine Rumple of Washington; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service and interment will be held at 2 p.m. today at Drake Cemetery in Van Buren County with Ronnie Powell officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at High’s.
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Sept. 23, 2012
Martha Raye Watson, 71
Wallpapers 1920x1080.jpg
Published: Apr 7, 2025, 1:49 AM

McMinnville resident and Coffee County native Martha Raye Watson, age 71, was born Jan. 17, 1954 and died April 2, 2025 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro following an extended illness.

A retired caregiver and member of the Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Willie and Ethel St. John Crouch. Mrs. Watson was married December 29, 1970 to Fred B. Watson, Jr. who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Donna McCormick, Richard Crouch and Ruth Rogers.

She is survived by sons, Fred B. Watson, III and David A. Watson (Sydney Brown) both of McMinnville; daughter, Tonia L. (Carlos) Copley of McMinnville; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; sister, Ann McCormick of the Smartt Station community and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service and interment will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Warren County with Wayne Cantrell to officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.