Alicia Yarbro Cutler

Alicia Yarbro Cutler, 63, of Dyersburg, died Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2017 in the Chapel of Curry Funeral Home conducted by Reverend Jim Tom Pilcher and Reverend Ed White.

The family will receive visitors Friday, February 10th, from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Born October 20, 1953 to the late Nannette Summers Patterson (9/24/91) and Thomas Ross Yarbro (6/24/15), she was the first of six daughters. Being a daughter was a role she never took lightly; she would care for her parents until their dying day. Being a sister was also a responsibility she shouldered handily, helping to raise her five young sisters, and still "mothering" them until her dying day. Her proudest accomplishment was becoming a mother to two boys, Jim Tom and Bobby. They were her greatest joy, as were their children.  She also had 12 nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews, whose lives she shaped forever. From birthday parties and graduations to college applications, to marriages and babies and beyond, she was always there with her proud, wide grin. Even when family members would find themselves in a predicament, she fought to find a solution and always made her people feel unconditionally loved. Her greatest desire was to make sure that everyone was okay. 

Alicia always gave more love than she ever expected to receive. But she got it back ten-fold in 1991 when she met George Dale Cutler. Although she would tell you to never believe in fairy tales because "it's just not real life," she often recounted her own tale that began when, with a fragrant gardenia (always her favorite scent) behind her ear, she walked into a crowded room and there he was. It was love at first sight for both of them. Married on January 1, 1993, they built a truly beautiful life together and in the precious words of Juice Newton, the sweetest thing they ever knew was loving one another.

Her occupation was her family. She was as smart as a rocket scientist (sometimes smarter, depending on the topic) and poured all of that brilliance and passion into the family business of farming. She was Vice President of T.Y. Farms, Inc. and she loved it -- it was challenging work but filled with people, namely her father Tom, who she loved. And she never shied from rolling up her sleeves and throwing sandbags on a river bank or doing whatever needed to be done.  

She loved Tennessee football and if the Vols have a winning season this year, we'll know she had a hand in it. She loved her friends and was known as one of the best listeners around who also loved to give advice, whether you asked for it or not (and she was usually right). A lifelong member of the Democratic Party she was always knowledgeable and passionate about politics, and although she will be dearly missed, her family is glad she doesn't have to endure these next four years. And finally, her cooking. That magical lady must have had fairy dust that she sprinkled on everything she cooked. No matter the recipe, it tasted better under her care. Her family members will all die trying to replicate her pink cake, her breakfast casserole, her dressing, even her Rice-a-Roni. 

She leaves behind many people who aren't quite sure what they'll do without her  -- her husband, Dale Cutler of Dyersburg; two sons, Jim Tom Pilcher (Heather) of Caruthersville, MO, Bobby Pilcher of Dyersburg; five sisters, Jennifer Yarbro Milligan, Beth Yarbro LeMay (Joe), all of Dyersburg, Grace Yarbro Ozment of Memphis, Becky Yarbro Duggins (Kent) of Greensboro, NC, Jayne Anne Yarbro Cronauer of Obion County; seven grandchildren, Walker Ross Pilcher, Wallace Brock Pilcher, Cedric Dunn, Delonzo Dunn, Kaitlyn Pilcher, Kylee Pilcher, Jackson Pilcher; and numerous nieces and nephews.          

The family requests memorials be directed to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN  38101-9929, or First United Methodist Church, of which she was a member -- PO Box 452, Dyersburg, TN  38025-0452. 

Arrangements entrusted to Curry Funeral Home, 1984 St. John Avenue, Dyersburg, TN  38024.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.curryfuneral.com.