Staff
Monday, December 23, 2013 1:16 pm

Pictured: Addison Melton ties a ribbon on the tree in honor of a family member.

The Relay for Life ‘Love Lights a Tree’ Ceremony was celebrated on the Cannon Courthouse lawn where friends and family purchased a light in honor or memory of family members who have fought cancer.

The rainy weather did not deter the faithful crowd as Bro. Herb Alsup began the ceremony with an opening prayer. The event was hosted by Stones River Hospital.

Sue Conley-CEO of Stones River and DeKalb Community Hospital recited the list of honorees adorning the live tree.
“It is touching to see the care and support of our community,” said Conley, “Cancer has affected almost everyone in some way, and this tree is a reminder of hope when we all work together for a cure. Anyone that would still like to purchase a light for our tree can do so until Christmas by stopping by Stones River Hospital.”

Young Addison Melton performed for the crowd by giving a speech in honor of her cousin, Brandon Swartz, who is a recent cancer survivor. Melton wrote the speech originally for her school’s annual 4-H speech competition.

“There is no one braver than my cousin, Brandon,” Melton smiled, “He is strong and I knew he would beat cancer.”
2013 Honorees and Memoriam included:

In Memory of:
Annie Northcutt and Jean Keathley given by Britt and Faye Knox.
Maurene Mooneyham given by Nathan, Mindy, Cody, Bell and Lily Sanders.
Jeremy Warren given by Mindy and Cody Sanders.
Billy Joe Mathis, Clifton Murphy and Louise Murphy given by Jean Murphy.
Michael Wayne Davis given by Nathan “Dick” Davis.
Jeff Nichols given by Barbara, Bubba and Dustin Nichols
Charlie B. Mathis, John Mears and Sam Mathis given by Pat Mears, Mazel Mathis and Robert Mathis
Billy Joe Mathis, Betty Markhum, Frank Markum, Jerry Mathis, Elizabeth Mathis Merritt, & William “Bill” Mathis given by James & Joyce Weise
Essie B. Tenpenny given by Hal and Lois Larimer
Jo Ann Hancock and James Dutton given by Gary and Jama Hancock
Kenneth Sissom given by Mike & Melissa Anderson
Betty Rigsby given by Greg & Connie Rigsby
Guy Alexander and Charlie Potts given by Bo and Shelley Alexander
Clennie Snow Bryson, Dovie Lee (Jones) Bryson, James Harley Smith, Clennie James (Jimmy) Smith, Royce Wayne and Bobbie Attress Prater given by Ida Smith and family
Russell Fann given by Josh and Brooke Fann
Eileen Lovett and Geraldine Walsh given by Sue Conley

In Honor of:

Sharon Fann given by Josh and Brooke Fann
Robert Pitts and Claudia Johnson given by Jeremy & Bridget Simmons
Travis Goodnight given by Sue Conley

To support Relay for Life, you can purchase a light for $5 in honor or memory of someone by contacting Lois Larimer 563-1858, Corey Adcock 563-2311 or stopping by The Stones River Hospital Administration Office. 563-7207