Obituaries

Sterling A. Harrell, 82, of Murfreesboro passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Thomas West hospital.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Ball Harrell of Woodbury; children, Brenda McKenzie, Beverly Wallace and Brian Harrell and his wife, Monica all of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Jessica Wallace, Julie Wallace Walker and her husband Brian all of Nashville and Cassy McKenzie of Murfreesboro; stepchildren, Jackie Elliott and her husband, Larry of McMinnville and Ricky Ball of Woodbury; brothers, William Howard Harrell and his wife, Mildred of Murfreesboro and Russell Harrell and his wife, Jo of Lawrenceville, GA. Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Mr. Harrell was preceded in death by his parents, Nollie and Hettie Campbell Harrell; his first wife, Geneva Blanks Harrell and his siblings, Glen Harrell, Sepal Boren and Pauline Jones.

Sterling was a member of the Kingwood Church of Christ and was retired from Colonial Corp. as the plant manager.  He also managed other privately-owned plants throughout TN.  Mr. Harrell loved his employees and was very passionate about his job as he was a cornerstone of his community and in the garment industry.  He would spend most of his mornings drinking coffee with his friends at Hardee’s “liars table”.  Sterling enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and yard work but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, July 19, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Doug Hutchins officiating.  Interment will follow in the  Riverside Gardens cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2019 and Friday from 10 am until time of his service.  Pallbearers include, Eric Parker, Ricky Ball, Bobby Francis, Brian Walker, David Godwin and Manny Camara.  Larry Elliott and Martin Harrell will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Blvd. Church of Christ Meals on Wheels or to Riverside Gardens Cemetery % Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Lillian Charlene Spence Higdon, age 88, passed away July 15, 2019 at St Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was of the Church of Christ faith.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly Burks and Robby Lee Sanders Spence; husband, George Franklin Higdon; sons, Timothy Higdon, Brent Higdon, Brad Higdon; daughters, Sherry Higdon, Jan Higdon, Nan Higdon; brothers, Gilbert Spence, Ernest Spence; and sister, Mildred Spence Smotherman. She is survived by her son, Bruce (Yong) Higdon of Rutherford County, George Scott (Lauren) Higdon of Georgia; brother, James Spence of Indiana; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Smotherman Cemetery with her son, Bruce Higdon officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com

Mrs. Peggy M. King, 86, a long-time resident of Nashville and native of Woodbury passed away on July 15, 2019 after an extended illness.  She was born on September 22, 1932.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William Houston Milligan and Ailene Bucey Milligan; husband J T King; son, Jeremy Thomas “Tommy” King; brothers, T J “Tip” Milligan, Kenneth McKeller Milligan, Bill Milligan; sisters, Alma White Orr and Bonnie Lee Eaton.

She is survived by a son, Larry (Beverly) King of Nashville; daughter-in-law, Shirley Ann King of Nashville; sister-in-law, Nadine Milligan of Woodbury; grandchildren, Steven Douglas (Stacey) King of Nashville and Amanda Barnhill of Arkansas; great grandchildren, Carter King, Miller King, Ann Douglas King, Preston King, Kylee King, and Jamison King; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. King grew up in Woodbury.  She was known to be a hard worker all her life.  One of her first jobs was with Bratten & McCrary Drugs which later became Woodbury Drugs.  She went on to work in the grocery business with Cooper & Martin-Malone & Hyde, Giant Foods of America.  She worked her way up to be the store manager of the 100 Oaks location.   During her time there she was tasked with helping close the last three of their stores in the Nashville area.  She continued in the grocery business as produce manager with Bill Crook’s Grocery.

She and her husband made their home in Nashville for many years but she always had a love for her hometown of Woodbury.  During earlier years she and her husband enjoyed planting a vegetable garden together.  After she retired, she enjoyed having family over for a regular Tuesday night supper with fried chicken and Thursday lunch of BLT sandwiches.  She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly called her “Mamye”.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 from 11-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Garden.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Steve Bass Foundation providing scholarships for underprivileged children in law enforcement.  Contact Smith Funeral Home for details.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Estel Smith Reed, 95, passed away Friday, July 12, 2019 at Alive Hospice.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

She is survived by her nephew, Bobby Hollis of Nashville and his children, Rebecca Tatum and Alex Hollis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Leona Pittman Smith; her husband, Joe D. Reed, Brother, Clarice Smith and sisters, Alma Hollis, Earlene Todd and Ethel Todd.

Ms. Reed was a lifelong resident of the Sunny Slope community and the Sunny Slope Church of Christ.  She was retired from Armour Creamery in Woodbury.  Her grandparents bought the county farm in 1901 and it is now a Century farm.  

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Tuesday, July 16, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup, Bro. Joey Ferrell and Jason Morris officiating.   Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10 am to 2 pm Tues., July 16, 2019 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net . 

Charles Markum, Sr., 72, passed away Sat., July 06, 2019 at his home following an extended illness.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his daughter, Renee Trail of Woodbury; son, Charles “Bubba” Markum, Jr. of Woodbury; granddaughters, Mackenzie Trail, Macayla Gaines and Mylee Markum and his sister, Patsy Sanders of Smithville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Callie Mae Brown Markum; Brothers, Dorris, Frank and Ralph Markum and his significant other, Agatha Lucille Sherrill.
 
Charles was a logger and he loved to tinker with things.
 
Graveside Services will be 2 pm Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Cherry Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10 am until 1:30 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home. 
 
For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

William Allen “Bill” Johnston, 78, passed away Monday, July 08, 2019 at St. Thomas Rutherford following an extended illness.  He was born in Eugene, OR. to his parents, the late George and Rose Youngblood Johnston.   

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Johnston (LaDell Peterson) of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Mark Wayde Peterson (Shannon Donnelly) and Haily Peterson all of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren,  Haven and Kason Bean of Murfreesboro and special niece, Nancy (Norman) Pelham of Woodbury.  Also surviving are several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie Johnston; brother, Lawrence Johnston and sister, Pauline Grove.

Bill was a member of the church of Christ and was retired from Jennings Tire Company.  Bill’s passion in life was being a fireman.  He first became a volunteer fireman in 1980 for the City of Woodbury.  He became the Chief of the Woodbury Fire Dept in 1982 until he retired in 2014.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Norman Pelham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Tuesday, July 09, 2019 and Wednesday until the time of service. For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Terry Brower, Jr., 79 died Saturday at his home in Murfreesboro. He was a native of Grand Rapids, MI.

Survivors include: his wife of 32 years:  Pauline Smith Brower, children:  Rick Brower of AZ, Patrick Brower of Murfreesboro, Ross Brower of AZ, Todd Brower of Woodbury, Danny Baker of Murfreesboro, Nancy Huseman of Rensselaer, IN

Siblings:  Fran Hayward & Mark (Marcia) Brower all of MI, also surviving are 14 grandchildren & numerous great and great- greatgrandchildren and nieces & nephews.

He was a member of Crossway Baptist Church. He worked as an auto body repairman and a carpenter.  He was a past Sunday School Teacher and went on many mission trips. He was a member of Gideons International and a member of the Lions Club.

Funeral Services for Terry Brower, Jr. will be Monday at 7:00pm in theChapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment:  Remington Cemetery in Remington, IN Bro. Steve Austin, Bro. Sherman Boyd and Bro. Bobby Nichols will conduct the service.

Visitation is 2:00 PM until time of service at 7:00 PM Monday. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideons International.

Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. David Lawrence Bierbaum, Sr., 60, of Bradyville passed away on June 22, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 5, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Terrance “Terry” Bierbaum and Betty Elizabeth (Dahlhauser) Bierbuam and by a brother, Kyle Bierbaum.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Bain Bierbaum of Bradyville; sons, David (Amanda) Bierbaum, Jr. of Lebanon, Buddy (Liz) Bain, Jr. of Smithville, and Dustin Bain of Bradyville; daughters, Jennifer (Keith Kessner) Bierbaum of Bradyville and Natasha (Harry) Russell of Bradyville; brothers, Dick (Senga) Bierbaum of South Carolina and Robert “Rob” (Isbelita) Bierbaum of Florida; sister, Terri Lynn (Thomas “Pig”) Nickens of Walter Hill; sister-in-law, Christy Fox of Fosterville; 13 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
David was a heavy equipment operator for Jacobs Construction for over 20 years. They were like a second family to him. He loved to be outdoors, camping, fishing, and riding his motorcycle with Lisa. He liked to grill for his family and friends, tell some good stories and joke around. He was laidback and liked to be silly at times. He was all about family, he loved teaching his grandkids how to have fun and still take care of the important things. They loved to be on the lake boating and swimming. He enjoyed classic rock and country music. He was a big Florida Gators fan. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on June 26, 2019 from 11-3 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 3 pm. Interment will be in Amity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Martha Knox Rogers, age 72, passed away June 19, 2019, at the home of her daughter, Samantha Jean Richardson, in Pensacola, Florida after a rapid battle with lung cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, C.D. & Lois Knox Rogers; Sister, Hazel (Al) Beck; Brothers-in-law, Nile Hollis & Jim Strickland; Brothers, Joe (Mary), Ray, & Gail (Joyce) Rogers.
Martha was born on September 2, 1946 in Readyville, TN. She graduated from Cannon County High School in 1964 then moved to Florida at the age of 24. She lived in Pensacola for the rest of her life, but always considered Tennessee home. She made her career at Westinghouse for 27 years where she worked her way up from a secretarial role to being a floor supervisor for manufacturing. She always loved and was loved by her family, spending many years as a fun-loving aunt before becoming a mother to Samantha in 1989. In recent years, Martha enjoyed the company of her grandsons, Paul Thomas (7) and Theodore Knox (3), as well as spending time with her closest friends, Carmen & Ellen. She especially loved antiquing and playing bingo. She is survived by her daughter, Samantha (Michael); Grandsons, Paul & Theodore; Brothers, Jack (Myrna) Rogers & Mark (Jean Anne) Rogers; Sisters, Ovie Hollis, Jean Matthews, Joyce (Tom) Harris, Lynda Strickland, Joan (Bill) Bryson, & Cathy (Alvin) Brandon, as well many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 10 AM Monday, June 24, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Interment will follow at Thyatira Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the funeral home.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Janie Witty, 87, of Woodbury passed away on June 19, 2019.  She was born in Woodbury, TN on February 10, 1932.  Her parents were the late Leburn Allen and Mettie Gannon Allen.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Witty; brothers, Edward Allen and Jerry Lee Allen; sisters, Mildred Norene Edwards and Olivene Corley. 
She is survived by brother-in-law, Howard (Barbara) Witty of McMinnville; many nieces and nephews; church family and other members of the family.
 
Mrs. Janie was born in the middle of the Great Depression and learned how to become a “Jill of all trades”.  She met and married the love of her life in 1949.  She and Mr. Charles were seldom apart.  She quickly became a cherished member of the Witty family and continued to be up until her passing.  She worked for a time at the Colonial Shirt Factory, but she and Mr. Charles owned and operated Cedar Valley Antiques for many years.  They had a passion for antiques, an eye for how to find a bargain, and a knack for how to fix up a piece to sell.  They spent many happy hours together buying, selling, and restoring them.  She was a devoted and loving wife.  Even though they never had children of their own, she had a mothering nature and treated her nieces and nephews like children.  She had a great memory and could tell you where a particular piece came from, how much they paid, and a little history to go with it.  She was a good Christian lady and worshiped with her church family at the New Hope Church of Christ.  Her unique voice and laugh and sweet loving spirit will be remembered fondly by her family and friends.
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, June 22nd from 12-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Bro. David Dunn will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either the New Hope Church of Christ or Auburntown Church of Christ.  Share thoughts and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337