Delores York Talkington

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Delores "Dee" York Talkington, of Athens, TN and formerly of Cookeville, passed away on Sunday July 20, 2025, at her residence in Athens. She was born on July 3, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Rowe Harris York Sr. and Dorothy Gilreath York, who predeceased her. She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where she attended Paris School and graduated from Greenville High School.

A retired Judicial Commissioner for Putnam County, Dee embodied the values of fairness and honesty in both her professional and personal life. Her loving nature touched the hearts of many, becoming a source of guidance and support for her children and their friends as they navigated their formative years.

Dee was a devoted member of One Eleven Fellowship Church, where she demonstrated her commitment to her faith and community. She is remembered for her warm personality and generosity.

Dee leaves behind her cherished children: Wood Talkington (Elizabeth), Andy Talkington (Nancy), and Suzy Jackson (Richard). She also is survived by siblings Rowe York Jr. (Bonny) and Vernon York (Debbie), along with her grandchildren: Brantley Belle Talkington, William Wood Talkington, Jack Talkington (Emily), Hayley Talkington (fiancé, Naseeb Nuseibeh), and Amelia Walker (Isaiah). Delores was also a proud great-grandmother to Ainsley and Daniel Walker. She cherished her many nieces and nephews and had a special bonds with Fawn Blohm (Jeff) and Kailian Blohm, Brian Miller (Ty) and Beth Garrett (Steve) and Meghan Garrett. Dee also spent many years as a foster parent and built special relationships with many of her children, including Wayne Julian.

In addition to her parents, Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Harry W. Talkington Sr., and her siblings, Frances Miller, Judy Alexander, and John York.

A funeral service honoring Dee will be at 11 a.m. Saturday July 26 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Orbin Lane and Steve Thornton will officiate. Visitation for friends and family will be Saturday from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Dee will be laid to rest at Cookeville City Cemetery.

Charitable donations can be made in her name at Isaiah 117 House at www.isaiah117house.com or Safe Haven Baby Boxes at www.shbb.org 

Dee Talkington will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, guidance, and unwavering support will continue to resonate in the lives of her family and community.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.