The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • B4

4B Friday, December 8, 2006 THE TENNESSEAN www.tennessean.com MIDSTATE SerpaS! DCS says Wish: Autistic teen turns attention to needy kids Search WISH to see more Holiday HOW TO HELP To donate toys, clothing or other items for the mission trip to Nicaragua, please call Gene Cotton, the trip coordinator, at 794-571 2. To donate money, checks should be made out to Christ United Methodist Church, 508 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Include 'Nicaragua' in the check's memo line. place where 63 percent of children don't continue beyond the sixth grade because of tuition at both public and private schools. The area also has a 75 percent unemployment rate, said Gene Cotton, coordinator of the mission trip.

"It's about relationships and doing things not only in our community but in the world," he said. "This is kind of a way to do something in a real positive way and help the people down there." The church is still collecting summer clothes, computers, 1 Wish List stories. Christian man." At first Gassner was concerned that the toys would take up valuable space and not leave room for the school and office supplies the villagers there need. But church officials welcomed the toys for the 10-day trip to one of that nation's poorest areas. The region the church group will target is a OBITUARIES progress is police say killed someone after he had fled state custody.

The teen had run away from state custody multiple times before, something Serpas said is a continuing problem. The chiefs comments also came the same day that a powerful state lawmaker from Nashville said she had no confidence in DCS' ability to manage juvenile justice. The department is charged with running the state's foster care and adoption programs, investigating child abuse and neglect and treating and rehabilitating youth offenders. "You ain't getting to them, but you keep letting them get back out to harm kids and families and neighbors in Nashville," Serpas said of DCS. DCS Deputy Commissioner Steve Hornsby, who oversees the department's juvenile justice component, said he had not seen the chiefs figures and did not want to address them until he had.

DCS has come under fire in the past two years for having an epidemic of runaways. Hornsby was appointed to oversee juvenile justice, staving off an attempt by some lawmakers to wrest that component out of the department. But the department has said it's made progress with its runaway problem and has pointed out that its mission is to treat and rehabilitate kids, not treat them like adults. And Serpas said he thinks that's what most of those kids need. "I'm all for rehabilitation," he said.

But at the same time, the chief pointed to 114 youths who were arrested on robbery charges this year and who have amassed a total of 1,255 charges, including murder. "I believe in rehabilitation, but these kids don't look like they can or want to be rehabilitated," he said. The latest incident, involving a 15-year-old accused of last week's fatal shooting on Interstate 24, is one of many, the chief said. This week a Metro Juvenile Court referee asked DCS officials to come to court Thursday and explain how many times Joseph Christopher Cox had been in their custody. Cox and Marvin Simpson also 15, are accused of the Dec.

1 shooting death of Joshua a a office and school supplies as well as cash, Cotton said. Contact Ailene Torres at 259-8304 or aytorrestennessean.com. HAMER, Peggie Ruth Johnson Age 50 of Nashville. December 4, 2006. Survived by husband, Leroy B.

Hamer; daughter, Kristy Sherrell Hamer Armstrong; stepdaughter, Jasmine I. Hereford; brothers, Harlis 0., Ralph D. and Reginald V. Johnson; sister, Reba Laverne (Lonnie) Falls; granddaughters, Brianna Sherrell and Za'Ria Leah Bibbs; aunt, Thelma Wade Williams; a host of other relatives and friends. She was employed at BellSouth since 1976.

Public viewing at the House of Hatch Funeral Home Friday, December 8, 2006 from 12 Noon until 6 p.m.. Visitation with the family Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., at the Jackson Street M. B. Church, 1209 Jackson funeral to follow, Pastor N.

Curtis Bryant officiating. Final resting place Hermitage Memorial Gardens (Lawn Crypt), 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN. Services respecfully rendered as a ministry of comfort by the HOUSE OF HATCH FUNERAL HOME, 3634 Clarks-ville Pike Ashland City (615) 726-8000. HELM, Fannie E. Perkins-Age 92 of Nashville.

Entered into rest Sunday, December 3, 2006 at St. Thomas Hospital. Preceded in death by husband, Henry Helm and children, Bobbie, Jesse and Calvin Perkins, and Bertha Sparkman. To cherish her memory, devoted children, sons, John W. (Glover) Perkins, James Perkins, Jr.

and daughter, Geraldine (Karlos) Reynolds; brother, Clem (Clara) Campbell; sisters, Lucinda Rucker and Hattie Pearl Sweeney, Cleveland, OH; son-in-law, Charles Sparkman; sister-in-law, Sabra (Thaddeus) Jarrett; twenty-four grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren; devoted friend, Gail Fuller; foster sons, James Fitzgerald and Gene Smith. Visitation with family Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 11-12 Noon, with funeral to follow at Lynn Creek Primitive Baptist Tabernacle, 117 Fairground Street, Franklin, TN, Elder James Fitzgerald officiating, Elder Percy A. Davis, Eulogist. Interment Greenwood Cemetery, Main, "Garden of Hope." SMITH BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 706 Monroe (615) 726 1476. made Brown, 19.

All three had been to party earlier in the evening where a fight broke out. Later that night, a car pulled up beside the vehicle Brown was driving, with a group of his friends as passengers, and one of the teens shot Brown in the head, police said. Cox had escaped four times from state custody before he fled in November from a group home. Before his most recent escape, the juvenile court had ordered that he be placed in a secure facility because he had run away so many times. But the order isn't binding.

Under state law, a court orders child into DCS custody but has no authority to tell the department where to place the child. After hearing testimony at the detention hearing, Metro Juvenile Court referee Mike O'Neil ordered Cox and Simpson placed into detention before trial. "Having found probable cause, I'm not going to consider release," O'Neil said. "That's just not going to happen." A DCS supervisor told O'Neil that the state had had Cox for a total of six days since March. Then, Hornsby, the DCS deputy commissioner, told the referee that Cox should have been placed in a secure facility because he had a history of escapes, was a felon and was assessed as a risk to the community.

"There's no excuse for it," Hornsby told the court. The deputy commissioner said employees did the wrong thing when they placed Cox in an unsecured group home. He said he would assign a supervisor to the DCS central office to review such cases. Hornsby's words did not alleviate the concerns of one state lawmaker who oversees DCS and who sat in the 2Vz-hour hearing. "You see what the problem is," Sen.

Thelma Harper, D-Nashville, told a group of reporters. "I don't have to explain it to you. They're just not doing their job." Harper said she believes the responsibility for treating and rehabilitating young offenders should lie outside DCS. When asked if she planned to introduce legislation to take juvenile justice away from DCS, she told reporters to "stay tuned." Contact Sheila Burke at 664-21 44 or sburkeTennessean.com. African Drumming and Dance Ensemble concert event.

Who: Directed by Kwame Ahima, with accompaniment from the Vanderbilt Commodore Steel Drum Band. When: 7 p.m. Where: Blair School of Music's Ingram Hall, 2400 Blakemore Ave. How: Free to the public. Nutcracker Suite What: Nutcracker Suite Ballet Who: MidSouth Ballet Theater Inc.

When: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec.

10. Where: The Factory at Franklin, Jamison Hall, 230 Franklin Road. How: For more information, call 778-9900 or visit www.franklinnut-cracker.com. Tickets at The Little Cottage Toy Store, Spell's Dance Wear or Yarrow Acres. Aviation safety What: A safety program sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Who: Presented by Jim Trusty, an FAA aviation safety counselor. When: 10 a.m.-noon. Where: Nashville International Alport. Building 4221 at 322 Hangar Lane on the second floor. Why: Continuing education program in the understanding of causes and prevention of aviation accidents.

How: Register online at www.faasafety.gov, or call 479-8355 for any questions. Frostbite 5K What: Sumner County YMCA Frostbite 5K RunWalk Event. Who: Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. When: 5k Run begins at 8 a.m.; 1 -Mile Fun RunWalk begins at 8:45 a.m.; Polar Plunge at 9 a.m. Where: Sumner County Family YMCA, 102 Bluegrass Commons Hendersonville.

Why: Jog, walk or run through scenic Sumner County on a UASTFRRTC certified course. Proceeds benefit the Sumner County YMCA. How: Register online at www.active.com. Call 826-9622. and donated them to the therapist's group.

It's become a tradition that Patrick is trying to continue in Middle Tennessee. Dena Gassner asked her church if they would be interested in the toy collection to take with them to Nicaragua during an upcoming missionary trip to that country. "Patrick is doing what other high school kids do at that age," she said. "We are trying to expand his interests and his role as a developing young ALLEN, Mr. Glyn -Age 86 of Shelbyville, TN.

Funeral 2 o'clock today, Dec. 8, 2006. HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME, (931) 684-2265. CHILDERS, Gary Edward-Age 51, Unionville, TN. Services 11 a.m.

Friday, LAWRENCE F. Chapel Hill, TN, (931)364-2233. CLAMPET, Paralea Age 85 of Mt. Juliet. Dec.

6, 2006. Vis. 4-9 p.m. today. Funeral 1 p.m.

Saturday. BOND MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 615-773-2663. JOHNSON, Barbara 61 of Unionville. Dec. 5, 2006.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time. GOWEN-SMITH CHAPEL, (931) 684-1372. MARTINEZ, Mrs. Angela-Age 30 of Shelbyville. Funeral 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006. HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME, (931) 684-2265. FUSTON, Modena Hancock Age 78, of Woodbury died Saturday December 2, 2006 following a sudden illness. A native of Warren she was the daughter of the late Norman Buel (N.B.) Lila Martin Hancock.

She is survived by her son daughter-in-law, Steve Kathie Fuston of Columbia; 2 grandsons, Bert Brent Couch of Columbia and her beloved caretaker, Wanda Farless of Woodbury. She is also survived by many friends in the community. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, December 10, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Carl Witty, Bro.

William Timothy Hill Bro. David Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethany Cemetery. Pallbearers include David Duggin, Jonathan Moore, Ethan Campbell, Jeremy Morris, Jason Morris, James Thomas, Mance Davis and Chad Howse. Honorary Pallbearers will be the men of the West High Church of Christ.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday from 1 p.m. till 8 p.m. Ms. Fuston was a member of the West High Church of Christ, a ret. merchant and owner of Fustons 5 10 and Fustons Antiques.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Allen Fuston. WOODBURY FUNERAL HOME, (615) 563-2311. www.woodburyfuneralhome. net QUINN, James Russell Age 86, Dec 7, 2006. Visitation Dec 8, 5 p.m.

9 p.m. Services Dec 9, 10 a.m. CENTRAL FUNERAL HOME 931-723-7774 BALLENTINE, Roger-Age 62 of Nashville, TN. December 7, 2006. Services 11 a.m.

Monday, December 11, 2006 at PHILLIPS ROBINSON, (615) 262-3312. BENDER, Clarence W. Age 61. Visitation 11-12 Saturday at Mays Chapel, Mt. Juliet.

Survived by loving family. TERRELL BENNETT, Charlie-Age 89 Nashville. December 6, 2006. Survived by loving family. Obit later.

TERRELL BROADY F. (615)244-4755. BREAST, Van K. Service 2 p.m. today, First Presbyterian.

Vis. 12-2 p.m., at Cheek House 615-373-3040. Children's Chorus presents Winter Concert today Fergus, Ann Marie Age 69 of Nashville, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at her home. She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy M. Fergus and grandson, DeWayne Fuhrer.

She is survived by her daughters, Tina (Marcus) Fuhrer, Melinda (Kenny) Mertens, Shirley Gilbert, April Fergus and one son, Roger (Audrey) Fergus, all of Nashville. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Chris Fuhrer, Kennon Mertens, Jalyn Thompson, Amanda Wloch and Anthony Price; two great-grandchildren, Lia and Alexis; three siblings, Ruby Buchanan, Cecil Ford and Eddie Ford. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 2:30 p.m., in the Dignity Hall of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, by Don King. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park, with family and friends serving as Pallbearers. Visitation Friday, from 10 a.m.

until 7 p.m. at WOODLAWN-ROESCH-PATTON FUNERAL HOME, 660 Thompson Lane, (615) 383-4754; A Dignity Memorial Provider. GERLACH, Deanna Gillespie Age 33 of Nashville. December 5, 2006. Survived by son, Michael Taylor Gerlach; parents, Donnie (Carolyn) Gillespie, Debra Parker; brother, Dewayne Gillespie; grandmother, Mrs.

Donald T. Gillespie; many aunts, uncles other family members. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, December 8th, Forest Lawn Chapel, with Raymond Vogtner officiating. Visitation with the family will be Friday, 10-11 a.m..

FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, (615) 859-5279. GRANSTAFF, John Age 82 of Nashville, December 7, 2006. Preceded in death by wife, Mary M. Granstaff; parents, John Jordan Granstaff, Effie Lotus Hearne Granstaff. Survived by daughters, Jane (Keith) Dugger, Emily (Bill) Conrey, Joanne Granstaff; son, John Robert Granstaff; grandchildren, Kristine Conrey, Nathan Conrey, Brett Conrey, Joshua Conrey, Christopher Dugger and Laura Dugger; sisters, Geneva Lawrence, Jeanette Redding.

Funeral service to be conducted 12 Noon Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Hibbett Hailey Funeral Home, with Bro. Gordon Donahoe officiating. Interment to follow in Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Grandchildren and nephews to serve as Pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be Friday from 4-8 p.m.

HIBBETT HAILEY FUNERAL HOME, 429 Donelson Pike, 615-883-2361; A Dignity Memorial Provider. HOLLANDSWORTH, Robert E. "Gene" Age 59 of Anti-och, TN, December 6, 2006. Gene was an excellent stone engraver throughout Middle Tennessee. Survived by wife, Lisa Hollandsworth; son, Richie (Tammy) Hollands-worth; daughters, Angelica Hollandsworth, Amber Whitlow, Arlene (Joe) Walker; brother, Donnie Hollands-worth; sister, Brenda Wanamaker; grandchildren, Anthony Ryan Walker, Christopher Hollandsworth.

Services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Pastor Phil Dillingham officiating. Interment 1 p.m., Mapleview Cemetery in Smyrna, TN. Pallbearers, Richie Hollandsworth, Joe Walker, Donnie Hollands-worth, Charlie Boner, Roy Hilton, Mike Whitlow. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m.

Friday and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 3009 Columbia Franklin, TN 37064; 615-794-2289. BREAST, Winifred Davis Smith Of Nashvile, TN. December 5, 2006. BornApril 2, 1930, in Paducah, KY, Winifred was the daughter of the late George Tandy Smith and Winnie Potter Smith.

She was a graduate of Tillman High School in Paducah and earned a music degree from Peabody College. Music was always a part of Winifred's life from playing the organ in her church in Paducah to singing in the choir and directing the children's choir at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. She performed concerts of American folk music while playing the zither. Winifred recorded three collections of folk music and one delightful Christmas album. Her music career included singing and recording with the Jordanaires and the Anita Kerr Singers, performing on the Arthur Godfrey Show and in the Windstrum Trio, as well as teaching music and voice at Harpeth Hall School and at Blair School of Music.

She enjoyed her membership in the Centennial Club and the Women's Musicale, and was an elder at First Presbyterian. She married John K. Breast, Jr. in 1954, and had three children. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Her grace, dignity, compassion, talent and laughter blessed all who knew her. Her life was a song! She is preceded in death by her husband, John K. Breast, Jr. and by her sister, Molly Smith. Winifred is survived by her daughters, Ellen (John) White, Susan (Chuck) Odom, and her son, David (Beverly) Breast; sister, Martha Tandy (Charles) Hersh; brother, Lee Potter Smith; grandchildren, Meredith White, Stephen White, Marilyn Odom, Alan Odom, Adam Kuzina, and Alex Kuzina.

Visitation with the family will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 8, and a.m., Saturday, December 9, at Cheek House at First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. December 9, at First Presbyterian, conducted by the Rev. Sandra Randleman and the Rev.

Mark DeVries. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Unit of Alive Hospice Nashville or to the Siloam Family Health Center, P.O. Box 41687, Nashville, TN 37204. BRENTWOOD-ROESCH-PATTON, 9010 Church St.

Brentwood, TN 37027, 615-373-3040. A Dignity Memorial Provider. BROOKS, Thomas Jefferson Of Nashville. December 6, 2006. Survived by wife, Evelyn Alexander Brooks; 5 children; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Complete notice later. J. W. AD KINS FUNERAL HOME, 615-292-8367. CREWS, Paul Richard Age 85.

Dec. 7, 2006. Visitation Friday 5-8 p.m. service Saturday 11:30 a.m. at HICKORY-CHAPEL, 615-331-1952.

FULLER, Thomas Of Lebanon. Visitation today 12-3 5-8 p.m. at MOUNT OLIVET FUNERAL HOME, (615)255-4193. Send items for Midstate Datebook at least three days in advance to or fax them to 259-8093. FRIDAY, DEC.

8 Children's concert What: Blair Children's Chorus Winter Concert. Who: Directed by Hazel Somerville. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Blair School of Music's Ingram Hall, 2400 Blakemore Ave. How: Free to the public.

Coin show What: Coin show. Who: Sponsored by the Hend-ersonville and Midstate Datebook Middle Tennessee Coin clubs. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Gallatin Civic Center Gym, 210 Albert Gallatin Gallatin. Why: Coins will be bought, sold and appraised along with other collectibles. How: Free admission and parking. For more information, call 868-9456 or e-mail gallatin.coin.showearthlink.net. SATURDAY, DEC.

9 Collecting toys What: The Mounted Patrol division of Metro police will be collecting donated toys. Officers will also accept letters written to Santa Claus that they will deliver to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Who: Open to the public. As an added incentive, police officers will offer a complimentary Nashville Zoo admission ticket for every new toy donated. When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 9-1 0. Where: Nashville Zoo. Toys designed for children ages 1 2 and under. Toys must be unwrapped.

Why: Annual Christmas basket program. Steel drums What: SANKOFA Vanderbilt.