Julia "Judy" Hassell Oliver

Julia “Judy” Hassell Oliver, born May 7, 1941, peacefully departed this life on February 4, 2026, while residing at Harlan Morris Retirement Home in Trenton, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was a faithful member of Union Methodist Church in Trenton and later renewed her Christian faith at Doris Chapel Church of Christ.

She was born in Nebo, Tennessee, to the late Louie and Maudie Crouch. Judy was a hardworking and dedicated business owner who proudly operated Cotton’s Café for 38 years. Through her years at the café, she became well known and deeply loved throughout the community, touching countless lives with her kindness and strong work ethic. 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bobby Hassell and Don Oliver. 

Judy is survived by her daughter, Angie Tirey (Kenneth) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; her son, Joey Hassell (Kathryn) of Jackson, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Chris Nelson (Jennifer) of McKenzie, Tennessee, Jon Hassell of Jackson, Tennessee, Desi Hassell of Brownsville, Tennessee, Jenna Hassell of Memphis, Tennessee, and Savannah Hassell of Ripley, Tennessee; along with six great-grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved. 

Judy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her unwavering work ethic, and the many lives she touched during her years at Cotton’s Café. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to explore destinations worldwide. She also had a special fondness for collecting Santa Clauses, which she proudly displayed year-round in her room at Harlan Morris. 

Judy was a lifelong Memphis Tigers basketball fan, but her heart was especially devoted to the Bethel Women’s Basketball Team. She faithfully attended games for many years and proudly supported the team as one of its most dedicated fans. Affectionately known as “Gmom” by the team—a name lovingly used by her grandson, Chris—she held a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike.

 Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Judy’s honor to the Bethel Women’s Basketball Team, c/o Chris Nelson, 180 Brooks Avenue, McKenzie, TN 38201. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Harlan Morris Retirement Center, Gentiva Hospice, and Judy Temple, a dear friend, for the compassionate care and support shown during Judy’s time of need. 

Honoring Mrs. Oliver as pallbearers will be Jon Hassell, Shane Hassell, Mason Powers, J.D. Dudley, Timothy Grear, Gary Laster. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Bethel Women’s Basketball Team.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Johnson- Williams Funeral Home in Newbern, Tennessee. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Brother Tim Fuqua officiating. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery, 205 West 8th Street, Trenton, Tennessee.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Julia "Judy" Hassell Oliver.

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