Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning, December 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home with Dr. James Hinkle and Tommy Marvin officiating and Deacon Herman Grimes giving the closing prayer. Visitation will be on Sunday evening, December 22nd from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Mama Jean will be buried at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on December 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Those desiring memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Martha Jean Dorton Larkins, known to many as “Mama Jean”, age 90 died peacefully on December 18, 2024, at her home, the very same day 17 years later that her late husband Billy Joe “Horsehead” Larkins died.
She was born in the Vernon Community of Hickman County on August 24, 1934, and graduated from Hickman County High School. She married the love of her life on April 21, 1957, and were married for 50 years at the time of his death. Mama Jean was a bookkeeper by trade, but she excelled in food preparation, especially when she managed the dining room at Dickson Country Club. Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Annie Mae Dorton and Mary Willie Dorton Duncan and her brother John E. Dorton, her grandson Charles Lorraine Bird IV, her nephew Larry Wayne Duncan and her niece Tina Denise Dorton.
Mama Jean truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive as her generosity knew no bounds. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a beautiful soul who shared her love of life with everyone she met. Her radiant smile lit up every room she entered.
Mama Jean was known for her love of baking and cooking and was most happy when she was preparing a meal for family and friends. She enjoyed giving away her goodies and making sure that everyone who entered her home felt welcome and loved. Although she is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her three children, Dawn Larkins Vesey and husband Roger, Dianne Larkins, Doug Larkins and wife Lorri, her three grandchildren, Abigail Ferrell (Ryan), Adam Hurt and Chelsea Hedine (Alex); her seven great-grandchildren, Brady Lee Ferrell, Riley Joe Ferrell, Ally Ryann Ferrell, Elaina Claire Hurt, Madelyn Josephine Hurt, Lynley Jean Hedine and Henry Judson Hedine. Also surviving are her Children from the Northside, Jimmy and Judy Bone.
Casket Bearers will be Adam Hurt, Ryan Ferrell, Judge Tommy Woodall, Teddy Pruett, Dr. Jerry Tidwell and Mike Pearson.