News Summary
Chattanooga and Rossville are grieving the losses of beloved community members Marla Jean Sconyers Moore, Harold Hensley, Sean Erik Maxwell, Mary Forston Benson, and Jose Antonio ‘Tony’ Hernandez-Ero. Each made significant contributions that deeply impacted their families and the community. Funeral arrangements are being made to honor their memories, while the community reflects on the lasting legacy they have left behind.
Chattanooga Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Residents
The cities of Chattanooga and Rossville, along with surrounding areas, are in mourning following the recent passing of several cherished members of the local community. Among those remembered are Marla Jean Sconyers Moore, Harold Hensley, Sean Erik Maxwell, Mary Forston Benson, and Jose Antonio “Tony” Hernandez-Ero, all of whom touched the lives of many through their contributions to family and society.
Obituary Details
Marla Jean Sconyers Moore, aged 68, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Her family will host a receiving of friends and family on Tuesday, July 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel, located at 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN. A celebration of Marla’s life will occur immediately after, from 7 to 8 p.m. Marla will be laid to rest beside her parents at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Clayhatchee, Alabama, on July 7.
Harold Hensley, aged 73, of Rossville, Georgia, died at his home in Saltville, Virginia, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. His contributions to the community over the years have left a lasting impact.
Sean Erik Maxwell, a beloved son, brother, husband, and father, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. He is survived by his parents, Ellen and Bill, siblings Jami and Cody, his wife Tara, and their children Aiden and Piper.
Mary Forston Benson, aged 80, also passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at a local health care facility, leaving behind memories cherished by her family and friends.
Lastly, Jose Antonio “Tony” Hernandez-Ero, aged 92, of Apison, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Known for his strong faith, love of family, and service to the community, Tony was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on April 24, 1933. He had a distinguished 23-year military career as a paratrooper in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam and earning two Bronze Stars for his service. Following his military career, Tony worked with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Funeral Arrangements
The Hernandez family will accept visitors on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Chattanooga Funeral Home–East Brainerd Chapel. A funeral service for Tony will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 12 p.m. at the Chattanooga First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 7450 Standifer Gap Rd, Chattanooga, TN. He will receive military honors during his interment at Chattanooga National Cemetery following the service. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Grace Missions Fund or Gideons International in honor of Tony.
Community Impact
The loss of these beloved residents has reverberated throughout the community. Friends, family, and neighbors are remembering Marla, Harold, Sean, Mary, and Tony for their kindness, service, and the lasting legacy they leave behind. Arrangements for the funerals are entrusted to the various chapels of Chattanooga Funeral Home, which serves the area during this difficult time.
The collective grief reflects the impact these individuals had on their families and the broader Chattanooga area, showcasing the profound sense of community felt by all who knew them.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Grieves the Loss of Loretta Elizabeth Mayfield Owens
Chattanooga Bar Foundation Honors New Class of Fellows
Beloved Educator Malinda Blankenship Torbett Passes Away
Beloved Chattanooga Community Figure Passes Away
Chattanooga Mourns the Loss of Mary Charles Ford Parker
Hamilton County’s New Municipal Bond Amid Healthcare Concerns
Community Mourns Passing of Al Bowles, Jr.
Tribute to Reverend Doctor Albert James Bowles, Jr.
Chattanooga’s Historical Trolley Lines and Their Impact
Chattanooga Designated as North America’s First National Park City
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Tony Hernandez-Ero
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Heritage Funeral Home: Lamar Parker White
- Google Search: Chattanooga Obituaries
- Lane Funeral Home: Matthew Aaron Thurmond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Times Free Press: Jacob Carlson
- Google News: Chattanooga
- Taylor Funeral Home: Charles Patterson
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga community service
- Dignity Memorial: Theresia Costello
