Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Louis Sutton, Sr., who entered his final resting place on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the age of 96. He passed away unexpectedly at the Maple Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Robert was born on November 4, 1928. He was a devoted father and cherished grandfather. He was a man whose kindness, hard work and passion for life left an unforgettable mark on those who knew him. Robert was a man of quiet strength and boundless love. His greatest joy in life was his family and he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his children, offering them unwavering support, guidance and kindness. His love was steadfast, his wisdom deep and his laughter a source of warmth for all who knew him.

A graduate of Drakesboro Consolidated School, Robert worked as a flagger for Quality Blacktopping. A true car mechanic, Robert found peace and joy working on cars. He could often be found with a wrench in hand, tinkering under the hood of a car. Whether fix a stubborn engine or making simple repairs, his passion for automobiles was matched only by his generosity in sharing his knowledge and skills especially with his sons. To him, cars were more than just machines, they were a way to connect, to create, and to pass down a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Robert will always remember his warm smile, his incredible work ethic and his ability to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity for laughter. He taught us all the value of perseverance, kindness and most importantly, love.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Shirley Ann Sutton, whom he loved with all his heart. Their bond was one of true love, respect and companionship. Now they are reunited once more. He is also preceded in death by both parents, Alex Sutton and Bessie Sutton; his two daughters, Wanda Walker and Susie Brown. Though his passing leaves an empty space in our lives, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace, embraced by the love of his life and his daughters.

He is survived by his children, Mary ( Todd) Martin, Robert ( Marcia) Sutton, Jr, Martha Sutton, Jimmy (Jordan) Sutton, Belinda (Travis) Johnson, who will carry on his legacy of kindness and strength; 16 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild who brought him immeasurable joy; one brother, Alex Sutton, Jr.; several brother-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s; several nieces, nephews, a circle of extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Friends and family will gather to honor and remember the incredible man he was during funeral services on Monday, April 7, 2025, 12:00 Noon, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 209 Oak Street, Greenville, KY with visitation Sunday, April 6, 2025 from  5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. at The Bibbs Funeral Home Chapel and 11:00p.m. Monday until time of service. Burial in New Zion Baptist Cemetery, Hopkinsville, KY.  Rev. John Lee III, Officiating and Rev. George Nelson, Eulogist. Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home, 109 Court Row, in Greenville, KY 42345. Online condolences for the family may be shared by visiting bibbsfuneralhome.com.

Judith Arlene Starling Meriwether was born on December 30, 1957 in Owensboro, KY where she spent the majority of her life. She was affectionately known to many as “Judy”. A graduate of Owensboro Senior High School where she played in the band, she went on to attend Western Kentucky University and joined the Kappa Alpha Psi Auxiliary. Sadly, on January 23, 2025, she went home to be with our Heavenly Father while residing in Hampton, VA.

Judy loved history, as she would frequent museums in various places that she visited. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing Solitaire, watching football, and attending family functions. While residing in Owensboro, she was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she was also a member of the choir. Judy also enjoyed spending time with her toy poodle, Champ.

 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Starling and Etta Lucile Starling Sutherland (Owensboro, KY), and her brother Alex Montgomery (Owensboro, KY). She leaves to cherish her memory: her sister, Linda Long (Decatur, GA), her children  Lawrence Henry “Trio” Meriwether (Owensboro, KY) and Sheridan Meriwether (Hampton, VA); her grandchildren Kaitlyn and Tyson Meriwether (Owensboro, KY) and Leilani and Shylon Harris (Hampton, VA); her niece, Tierra Long (Decatur, GA); and her great nephew, Desmond Ellis (Decatur, GA). Also to cherish her memory is her last living aunt, Emma Parker (Joliet, IL) as well as a host of cousins, family and friends.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery Chapel, 1300 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, Kentucky. Rev. Larry D. Lewis, Officiating / Eulogist.

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home, 109 Court Row, Greenville, Kentucky.

LOUISVILLE, KY., Larry Edward Davis, 73, Louisville formerly of Muhlenberg County entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 14, 2024 after a brief illness at Hosparus Inpatient Care Center in Louisville. He was born May 18, 1951. He served as a Lab Technician Microbiology until his retirement. After his retirement, Larry worked in Laboratory services at Santa Rosa Hospital and Nix Hospital, both in San Antonio, TX. Upon returning to Muhlenberg County his employment continued at the Muhlenberg Community Hospital, currently known as Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital. In addition, Larry was a loving caregiver for his mother until her passing. Larry was a graduate of Drakesboro Consolidated High School Class of 1969, Co-Valedictorian, member of the Beta Club, French Club, Marching Cardinals and held the esteemed honor as being the First Black Field Commander for the Marching Cardinals. After graduation he attended Lockyear College in Evansville. Larry started his Christian Walk at an early age at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Cleaton. Throughout his life he realized the need for a closer connection with God. Consequently, in 2018 Larry rededicated his life to Christ at his home church Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force and ended his military career as Staff Sergeant, after 20 years of dedicated service. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents James W. Davis and Lottie Mae (Gott) Davis, 2 brothers Charles W. Davis and Douglas E. Davis. 

Larry leaves behind to cherish his memories a Godson Lawrence Tramill II of Greenville, a brother James (Sandra) Davis of Greenville, 3 sisters Diane Davis of Fort Lauderdale, FL., Connie (Victor) McCoy of Louisville, and Regina (Leon) Combs of Greenville, a sister-in-law Denise Davis of Beechmont, God Brother Dr. Ronald (Doris) Warford of Katy, TX., 2 aunts Margie Drake of Chicago, IL., and Leola Johnson of Central City, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, a very special friend Pat Cox of San Antonio, TX.

Funeral services are 1PM Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 990 Holt Road Cleaton, KY with visitation from 11AM – 1PM at the church until time of service.

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row in Greenville, KY 42345.

GREENVILLE, KY Mary Jean Baker, 79, of Greenville entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 9, 2024 at her residence in Greenville surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 23, 1945 and loved attending yard sales, domestic work and spending time with her family. She was a graduate of Drakesboro Community High School and a member of Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Greenville, her employment consist of working at Cowdens Sewing Factory, Maple Manor Nursing Home, Dame Sewing Factory and Flynn Sewing Factory.

She was preceded in death by her parents Howard Drake and Gertrude Drake, granddaughter Ashton Danielle Bard, great-grand baby boy Bentley William Rife, 2 brothers DeCarlo Drake and William Drake, 2 sisters Ola Yvonne Bard and Wilodean Ellis. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memories a loving husband George Baker of Greenville, 4 daughters Carmon (Tyrone) Rife, Tyra Baker, Michelle Baker and Marisa Baker all of Greenville, 6 grandchildren LaMichael Rife, Breana Dulin, Aaron Bard Jr., Channa Fostor, Leila Cunningham and LaBray Cunningham, 2 great grandchildren Sander Dulin and Emoni Dulin, 4 brothers Randall Drake of Atlanta, GA., Kenneth (Debra) Drake of Greenville, Ali ( Brenda Sue) Drake of Providence, and Billy (Buffy) Drake of Madisonville, 5 sisters Cozetta Drake of Greenville, Reda (Jerry) Reynolds of White Plains, Freda Drake of Bowling Green, Bernice Baker of Louisville, and Patrice (George) Cox of Central City, 1 aunt LouElla Drake of Crofton, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Funeral services are Saturday, December 14, 2024 1PM at Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church 402 Hopkinsville Street, Greenville KY.

Visitation from 11AM – 1PM until time of service. Burial in West End Cemetery in Greenville, KY with Rev. Glenda Sheral McCoy Officiating. 

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row Greenville, KY 42345.

OWENSBORO, KY., Alex Darrell Montgomery, 73, of Owensboro passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Twin Rivers Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born July 15, 1951 in Owensboro, KY. Mr. Montgomery was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Owensboro and his achievements include being a Health Inspector for the city of San Antonio, Texas for several years, a Western Kentucky Graduate, majoring in Biology and Kentucky’s first black licensed EMT Paramedic, working for Bowling Green, Warren County. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, an avid reader of various genres and loved playing the drums.

Mr. Montgomery served honorably for 20 years in the U.S. Navy

Loved ones preceding him in death are his parents Odie T. Montgomery and Etta L. Sutherland.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories 2 sisters Judith Meriwether of Hampton, Virginia and Linda Long of Decatur, Georgia, 4 aunts Martine  Finch of Owensboro,  Emma Jane Parker of Joliet, IL., Clarissa Dean, and Thurman Duncan both of Hardinsburg,  a uncle Melvin C. Montgomery of Indianapolis , IN., a nephew Lawrence “Trio” Meriwether of Owensboro, 2 nieces Sheridan Meriwether of Hampton, Virginia and Tierra Long of Decatur, Georgia, 2 great nieces, 3 great nephews, special friend Edna Goodwin of Memphis, TN., other more distant cousins, relatives and friends. 

Visitation from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial at Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery Owensboro, KY. Rev. Jeremiah L. Parks, Officiating. 

Funeral services are Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 507 Plum Street Owensboro, KY.

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row Greenville, KY 42345. 

OWENSBORO, KY., Hassel Turner Tutt, 77, of Owensboro entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Wellington Parc Health System,  Inc. in Owensboro, He was born on April 10, 1947. Mr. Tutt was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Owensboro and retired from United Mine Workers of America. His past time revolved around hunting, listening to music and watching Westerns.

Mr. Tutt served proudly in the U.S. Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marcellous Tutt, Jr. and Margaret Wells Tutt, 3 brothers Oliver Wendell Tutt, Sylvester L. Tutt and Henry F. Tutt.

Survivors include his son Hassel T. Tutt, Jr., of Greenville, 2 daughters Nicole Tutt and Raven Tutt both of Louisville, several grandchildren, 3 sisters Martyne Tutt Sayres of Greenville, Gwenetta Tutt Murphy of Greenville, and Mary Tutt (James) Finch of Russellville, a loving companion Sue Frierson of Owensboro, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.    

Visitation from 11am – 12noon until time of service. 

Funeral services are 12noon Friday, October 18, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 507 Plum Street Owensboro, KY. Burial in Reynolds Cemetery, Greenville, KY. Rev. Jeremiah L. Parks, Officiating. 

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home, 109 Court Row, in Greenville, KY 42345.

OWENSBORO, KY., Rev. Charles Daniel Williams, 84, of Owensboro entered into eternal rest Saturday, September 28, 2024 at The Heartford House in Owensboro. He was born July 18, 1940 in Pettit, Kentucky to the late Georgia Rowans and Chris Williams. He was an Associate Minister, active participant in the Brotherhood Organization, sang faithfully on 5th Sunday’s in the Brotherhood Choir at the Sweeney Street Missionary Baptist Church in Owensboro, and was employed by Owensboro National Bank for approx. 9 years. Hobbies include, playing checkers, pool, making homemade ice-cream and the spirit of laughter surrounded him whenever he spoke.

Those preceding him in death is his brother James Williams and a sister Deborah Moorman.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories are 2 cousins Louis Hall of Evansville, IN and Samuel James, Jr of Owensboro, a host of nieces, nephews, distant cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation 10am to 11am at the church. Burial in West End Cemetery, Greenville, KY. Rev. Robert C. Kendrick, Eulogist.

Funeral Services are 11am October 5, 2024 at the Sweeney Street Missionary Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. 

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row, Greenville, KY 42345.

CENTRAL CITY, KY., Curtis A. Shelton, Sr., 83, of Central City entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro. He was born in Central, KY on October 7, 1940 to the late Mott Shelton and Dorothy Wood. Curtis was a faithful member of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Central City and was the oldest member of the congregation and previously employed by KU. Curtis loved watching sports, reading the Bible, newspaper and singing gospel music. 

A special loved one preceding him in death Fannie A. Alexander.     

He leaves behind to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 53 years Oneida Shelton of Central City, a son, Curtis (Pam) Shelton, Jr. of Gainesville, GA., a daughter Marsha Lynn Shelton of Central City, 2 grandchildren Tia Shelton and Lake Shelton, 2 special family friends Bryron Hawkins and Brent Lee, a host of cousins, other relatives, and many friends. 

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row, Greenville, KY 42345.

GREENVILLE, KY., Tony Edward Reynolds, 69, of Greenville entered into eternal rest on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at The Heartford House in Owensboro. He was born January 9, 1955 in White Plains to the late Charles Robinson and Jewell Reynolds. His church membership had been sustained with the First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville. Tony loved his church, remained an avid football fan of the Baltimore Ravens and had a great sense of humor. 

Tony was preceded in death by a brother Kenneth Jones, a sister Brenda Maypray. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memories a daughter Charlotte Husky of Fredrick MD, 3 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, a great grandson, 2 brothers Dudley (Darlene) Reynolds of Evansville, IN and Walter Maypray of Merrillville, IN., 3 sisters Jackie Tucker of Greenville, Sherry Maypray of Merrillville, IN., and Jacqueline (Gregory) Fitch of Colton CA., several aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a special friend Theodora Cobb. 

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at First Missionary Baptist Church at 209 Oak Street Greenville, KY with Rev. John Lee III, Officiating / Eulogist.

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row Greenville, KY 42345.

CENTRAL CITY, KY., Annie Louise Bard, 87, of Central City entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Maple Health & Rehabilitation in Greenville. Born on September 23, 1936 in Central City, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Crowe and Mary Louise Alexander. A devoted and faithful member of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Central City, Annie was the oldest living member and served with dedication on the Usher Board, Homecoming Committee, Choir, and Culinary Staff. She was also a faithful member of the BAAM Choir and supported all church functions with unwavering commitment. Annie’s contributions extended beyond the church. She was a passionate member and supporter of the Muhlenberg County NAACP holding various positions and maintaining her membership until her passing. For over 25 years Annie was a beloved member of the Leader News family, where she wrote the featured column, “Around Muhlenberg.” Annie loved serving God, attending church, and supporting her community. She was deeply involved in supporting her granddaughters and great-grandsons. 

Her achievements also included being honored as a Kentucky Colonel, serving on the Democratic Executive Board Committee, and holding the esteemed position of Worthy Matron of the Magnolia Chapter 84 of the Order of Eastern Star, where she held various positions in the organization. 

Annie was preceded in death by her husband Warren Bard Sr., a son Warren E. Bard, Jr., 2 brothers Donald Phelps and Ronald Mason, Sr., 2 sisters Gloria Jean Bell and Carolyn Sue Briggs. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memories her daughter Diana (James) Gregory, Greenville, 3 granddaughters Tony Gregory of Central City, KaRhonda (Karl) Jernigan of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Yvonda Gregory of Greenville, 6 great-grandsons LeMon, Marquise, Da’Shawn, Kamon, Kaden and Desmond, 2 great- great-grandsons Kentrell and Shane, 2 brothers Jimmy (Connie) Talbott of Central City and Terry (Rose) Talbott of Central City, a sister Linda Talbott, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 4 sister-in laws JoAnn Mason, Rita Tidwell, Rev. Lauretta Bard and Linda Bard, she also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow at Old Unity Cemetery Graham, KY. Rev. Otis L. Cunningham Sr., will serve as the eulogist, with Min. Therron Cunningham officiating.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church 411 N. 1st Street Central City, KY.

Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row, Greenville, KY 42345.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Muhlenberg County NAACP Annie L. Bard Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to 226 West Main Cross Street, Greenville, KY 42345.

GREENVILLE, KY., Sharon Bard, 72, of Greenville passed away at Baptist East Health Hospital on Monday August 12, 2024 in Louisville with her family by her side. She was born on February 7, 1952 in Greenville to James William and Jessie Elizabeth Shelton. Sharon was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville where she served in the following capacities; Former President, Vice President, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of the Matrons Mission Ministry; Previous Assistant Treasurer of the church; A Member of the Board of Trustees; Sang Praises in the Church Choir and Assisted in the Culinary Department. In addition, Sharon also sustained a deep devotion as a Member of Circle # 5. Sharon spent her days and evenings serving her family as a housewife and caregiver. She had an open-door policy. Everyone was welcomed into her home and she freely gave them whatever they needed. 

Loved ones preceding her in death her husband Tom Bard, parents James and Jessie Shelton, son Tom Bard, Jr. (TJ), daughter Tonia Bard, and sister Carolyn Ann Tidwell. 

Survivors include daughter Sonia Conner (Russell), son Ryan Bard (Stephanie), Louisville, grandchildren Jessica Bard, Kyran Riley (Caroline), Charmaine Keys, Nyra Bard, Nicee Conner, Ryan and Rylee Bard, great-grandchildren Tom James, Avianna, and Aniyah, sister Valarie Curry, Louisville, brothers James Shelton, (Shirley) Chicago, IL., Hylan Shelton, Greg Shelton (Brenda), Louisville, and Steve Shelton, sister-in-laws Celastine Bard and Orale Parker, brother-in-law Wendell Bard, uncle Wilbur Frazier, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM with services to follow at 1:00 PM at First Missionary Baptist Church 209 Oak Street Greenville, KY 42345.

The burial will be in West End Cemetery Greenville, KY 42345. Rev. Terrence Minor, Eulogist and Rev. John Lee III, Officiating.

Final tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row Greenville, KY 42345.

DRAKESBORO, KY., Brian Jagoe, 42, of Drakesboro passed away at his residence on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Drakesboro, KY. He was born January 27, 1982 in Greenville. Brian was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville. He worked as a Chef at Rubbies Southside Grill & Bar in Central City. Brian loved fishing, watching YouTube, cooking, spending time with his son, nephews and was well known in the community. Everyone like him and he didn’t meet a stranger. He always kept a smile on his face.

Loved ones preceding him in death are his parents Dwight Jagoe and Elizabeth Ann Reed, grandparents Walter Jagoe and Doris Jagoe, Bennie Vincent and Sarah Vincent, 3 uncles Walter Jagoe, Jr., David Vincent and Harvey Sanders, 1 aunt Linda Jagoe Eaves.

Survivors include a son Isaiah Allen of Owensboro, 5 brothers Mark (Amber) Vincent of Washington, DC., Carlos ( Mary) Hampton, Troy (Nandria) Hampton, Scotty Wells and Gerald Wells all of Central City, 4 sisters Alleesha Reed and Paige Wells both of Hopkinsville, Morgan Wells of Central City, and Sade ( Bilal) Wells El-Amin of Lexington, several aunts, uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 11am to 1pm at First Missionary Baptist Church 209 Oak Street Greenville, KY 42345 followed by funeral services at 1pm. 

Burial will be in West End Cemetery in Greenville, KY. Rev. John Lee III, Eulogist.

Final tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home 109 Court Row Greenville, KY 42345.