Obituaries

Mr. Darrel Lynn Ashley, age 59, of Woodbury, Tennessee, died Saturday, July 21, 2018 in LaVergne, TN.  Mr. Ashley was born in Tullahoma, TN and was a son of the late Movie and Nettie Lee Dodson Ashley.  He was a former employee of Palmer Foods and attended Pleasant View Baptist Church in Woodbury. 
Mr. Ashley is survived by his wife, Connie Leverette Ashley, Woodbury, TN; sons, Gerald (Kristyn) Gordon, Hanson, MA., Brad Gordon (Jerri Bryant), LaVergne, TN; brother, John (Kathy) Ashley, Chelasis WA; sister, Beverly Mitchell, Lynchburg, TN; grandchildren, Kimberly Paige Gordon and Kadience Gordon, both of Smyrna, TN, Ty Gordon and Lucy Kate Gordon, both of Massachusetts, Kristen and J.D. Bryant, LaVergne, TN; several nieces and nephews.
 
Family members will receive friends on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Cothran Cemetery in the Rover Community of Bedford County.
 
LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME  and CREMATION SERVICES, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2233 (www.lawrencefuneral.net)  in charge of arrangements. 
 
 

Ms. Mary Lyons born December 22, 1954 to the late Nora Lyons and Paul Burger.  She accepted Christ in her life at an early age.  Mary enjoyed the sports of softball and football, cooking, and being around family and friends.  When she was initially diagnosed, cousins, Patsy Verge and Becky Battle had a great celebration for her with lots of love and laughter.  Which she cherished so much.
Mary was a number 1 mother and grandmother, to her son, Ryan, and to her grandchildren who lovingly called her GiGi.  She fought until she transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life July 17, 2018.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Johnny Burger, Russell Lyons; sister, Celia Thompson; nephew, Howard Thompson; and grandson, Isaac Williams; aunts and uncles; and one devoted cousin, Polly Mount.
Mary leaves to mourn her, son, Ryan (Carrie) Lyons; grandchildren, Xharia, Ryan, Kindrick, and Adien; step-grandduaghter, Lakeshia Fullloive; brother, Johnny (Peggy) Lyons; sisters, Diane Lyons and Pauline Clark; sister-in-law, Katie Burger; devoted uncle, James Batey; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, July 22, 2018 from 2-3 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Interment will be in Hoover Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190  615-563-5337
 

Mary Evelyn Berg was born on May 10th 1934 to Doc and Mazie White of Adamsville, TN.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Doc White and Mary Mazie Treece White, her brothers, Tommy and Johnny White; and her husband,  Bob Berg.  
She is survived by 2 sisters. Marie Alexander of Woodbury and Lorraine Williams of Jacksonville, FL; 4 children, Joseph Allen (Marsha) Berg of Hampton, S.C., Marilyn (Randy) Whittington, Randall (Donna) Berg, and Christie Berg Hernandez all of Murfreesboro, 12 grand children and soon to be 18 great grandchildren, which is her LEGACY.  She was a member of Northside Baptist Church of Murfreesboro and was a great Christian woman. Mary Evelyn was retired from Colonial Corporation.  She loved baseball and was an avid Braves fan.  She enjoyed shopping, reading and watching her grandchildren play sports.  Her group of friends, the “Golden Girls” would sit together on the same pew at church every Sunday.
 
Funeral services will be 3 pm Sunday, July 22, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ken Polk officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 2 pm until 8 pm Saturday, July 21, 2018 and Sunday from 1 pm until the time of services. 
 
The Definition of Legacy: The dictionary would define Legacy as a gift or a bequest, that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. It is something descendible one comes into possession of that is transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor. Lessons of life knowledge and love passed from one generation to another. Evelyn Berg has just that. Her LEGACY was her gift to family and her friends from her 4 children, Marilyn, Randy, Joe, and Christie to her 12 grandchildren and soon to be 18 great grandchildren. Her LEGACY is secured through the teachings of life lessons, to the love that she shared unconditionally for all of them. We must learn from the example that she gave us and pass it forward to future generations of her family. Our lives are filled with amazing people. Having Evelyn (mom/mamaw) in it made it that much more amazing. She had a smile that would change the worst day into something that you would never forget. Just sitting talking with her would make your troubles fade away. Her love and devotion to her LORD was outstanding. She lived to serve HIM. She also lived for her family and loved them all unconditionally. She was a wonderful sister who always laughed when she was with her sisters, Marie and Lorraine and could talk until the sun set and then some.  She was a devoted wife of Bob and was a nurturing mother to her 4 children Marilyn, Randy, Joe and Christie. She was a loving MAMAW. Each of them have a specific memory that is special to them personally but all of them can agree that it was her smile, her never quit attitude, the occasions that she would talk about the times she had throwing corn cobs at her brothers and sisters, playing marbles growing up, being with her husband on their many life adventures, being a loving mother that would tuck her kids in at night and sit and talk to them for hours about anything that would come up.  She was interested in anything a grandchild or great grandchild was doing, and maybe even that banana pudding or macaroni salad she made with such love that will be missed. She was loved by so many others that were not of blood relation but that friendship she shared with them made them family. This is her legacy that will live on through her love and guidance and friendship with all. We all are spoiled by the time that we have had with her. We are saddened to see that time come to a close. But do not be sad for she has went to claim the place that has been prepared for her in Heaven by her Lord Jesus, and she is reunited with all the loved ones that made that journey before her. There she will watch over us and continue to guide us until she greets us with that beautiful smile and open arms when we are called to join her. We will continue to love you Mamaw more than any words by me can be said. I am going to miss you. Until we meet again, your eldest grandson, Dewayne.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 
 

Mrs. Lena Combs, 84, of Readyville passed away on July 16, 2018.  She was a native of Combs, Arkansas born on May 17, 1934.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd A. Deaton and Norene Attaberry Deaton and by all her siblings. 
She is survived by her husband, Hubert Combs; a son, Dennis (Karen) Combs of Davenport, FL; a daughter, Vanessa (Steve) Moss of Readyville; four grandchildren, Jacklynn Combs, Hunter Moss, Lauren Moss, and Savannah (Josh) Terrell.
 
Mrs. Combs and her husband met in the small community of Combs, Arkansas where they were born and raised.  It has many similarities to the area in Readyville they have called home for the last several years.  She and Mr. Hubert were approaching their 63rd anniversary on December 24.  They shared many great adventures and wonderful years together.  She and her family enjoyed traveling.  They saw many places like Hawaii, Alaska, British Columbia, and many others.  Many of those trips were in a motor home and she enjoyed fishing and camping with the family. She was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ.  She was always active in church and enjoyed outings with the senior group, the Hilltoppers. 
 
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 19, 2018, at the Combs Cemetery Building with Lynn Turner officiating.  Pallbearers will be Devin Deaton, Jimmy Deaton, Bryan Deaton, Jason Smith, Randall Smith, and Josh Terrell.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Combs and WJ Combs.  There will be a visitation thirty minutes prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Combs Cemetery, P.O. Box 745, Elkins, Arkansas 72727.  Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.  Smith Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.  Share memories and condolences on the guestbook page for her obit at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190  615-563-5337
 

Mr. Robert “Rob” Higgins, 85, passed away on July 17, 2018.  He was a native of Cannon County, born on May 7, 1.  1933. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob & Syrean Jones Higgins and by all his siblings.He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Lee Higgins; son, Bobby (Catherine) Higgins of Lawrenceville, GA; daughter, Debbie Higgins of Woodbury; five grandchildren, Blake Foster, Ashley Carter, Daniel Higgins, Dylan Higgins, and Mary Kate Peabody; and four great grandchildren, Hayden, Clayton, Grayson, and Hudson.
Mr. Higgins was a retired employee of TDOT in the Highway Planning Department.  He had over 40 years of service.  He enjoyed working on the farm, raising cattle, pigs, and goats. He and Mrs. Lee had over 100 goats at one point.  He was crazy about his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  When he was able he attended Sunny Hill Church of Christ, before it closed for good.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 1-4:30 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the chapel at 4:30 pm.  Herb Alsup will officiate.  Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190 (615)563-5337
 

Mr. Dale Rowe, 81, of Dunnellon, FL passed away on July 14, 2018.  He was born on October 15, 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Rowe and Annabel Kennedy Rowe.     
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Toopa” Dillon Rowe; two sons, Seth Rowe and fiancé Sarah Pelchat of Ocala and Zachary Rowe of Dunnellon; granddaughter, Haley Rowe; brothers, Dean (Ruth) Rowe of Michigan, Tim (Nancy) Rowe of Minnesota, and Sid Rowe of Michigan; sisters-in-law, Martha Dillon Brandon of Nashville, Christine Dillon of Woodbury, and Nancy Dillon of Franklin; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; special niece, Tamara Dillon of Woodbury; and his special companion “Baby” a Miniature Pinscher given to him by his brother-in-law, Jackie Haley many years ago.
 
Mr. Rowe grew up in Pontiac, Michigan and found his life’s calling to be a Firefighter.  He served as an engineer for the Pontiac Fire Department until he retired in 1985.  He met his wife when she moved to Michigan to work for National Life & Accident Insurance Company.  When their twins were three they decided to move to Florida and he never wanted to live anywhere else.  They celebrated 53 years of marriage.  He was an avid lover of classic cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles.  If you ever had the chance to be in his garage you would see a plaque on the wall that said “Four wheels to move the body. Two wheels to move the soul.”  His unique sense of humor and love for motorcycles and cars carried over to his sons as well.  They enjoyed fishing in the Gulf and visiting family.  He was a member of the Dunnellon Church of Christ but when they were in Woodbury, they attended Sunny Slope Church of Christ.  He was a veteran of the US Marines serving during the Korean War.
 
A visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 9-10 am.  Funeral services will follow immediately in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  He will receive Military Funeral Honors.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to any of the following, Florida School of Preaching, Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Fund, or Wounded Warriors.  Contact Smith Funeral Home to donate.  Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net   Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

Mrs. Sandra Sellars, 63, of Beechgrove passed away on July 11, 2018.  She was born on February 9, 1955 in Pontiac, Michigan.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Leon Eaglen, Sr. and Bessie Justice Lovvorn, step-father, Buford Lovvorn, husband, Kenneth Anderson, Sr., and a brother, John “Mickey” Eaglen.She is survived by the man who loved her, Clayton Carberry; son, Kenneth “Bubba” Anderson, Jr. of Manchester; daughters, Missy Trail of Manchester and Ann McKee of Beechgrove; brother, Marvin (Stephanie) Eaglen of Murfreesboro; sisters, Brenda (Troy) Vaughn of Murfreesboro and Becky Gadd of Beechgrove; three grandchildren, six great grandchildren and another great grandchild expected soon.
She was born in Michigan, but her roots were in Tennessee.  Her family moved back to Tennessee when she and her sisters were very young.  She enjoyed going fishing, yard sales, flower gardening, and visiting the Smoky Mountains.  Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.  Spending time with family was always special.  The grandchildren and great grandchildren called her Nana.  Over the years she held many different jobs.  Most them required someone with a good personality and she fit the requirement well. 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, July 16, 2018 from 2-5 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 5 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Earl Carnes will officiate.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190  615-563-5337
 

Luther Othel Harris, age 91, of Bradyville passed away Friday, July 13, 2018 at his home.   He was a native of Williamson Co., Green Chapel Community. 
Survivors include his daughters, Peggy & Lonnie Stephens of LaFayette and Paula & David Parker of Bradyville; Siblings, Odom (Nona) Harris of Dover; Grandchildren, Krista & Lynn Trail of Bradyville, Brian & Elizabeth Parker of Murfreesboro, Trenton Stephens of Longmong, Colorado, & Angela & Don Moore of Bradyville; and Great Grandchildren, Kaitlynn & Kathryn Trail, D.J. & Abigail Moore, and Lyla & Liam Parker.
 
The family wants to send a special thank you to the caregivers that took special care of Mr. Harris.
 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Essie Anglin Harris; Parents, Thomas Francis & Nancy Elizabeth Edwards Harris; Siblings, Eckela Harris, Ovilee Bryant, Coradee Lock, Lucille Lock, Perla Nugent, Valma Pewitt, & Mazel Sullivan; and Grandchild, Marcus David Parker.
 
Mr. Harris was a Christian & was a Veteran of the Army.  He was a Farmer and a Logger.  He enjoyed working, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Monday, July 16, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Danny Freeman officiating.  Interment will follow at Ivy Bluff Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 2 to 8 PM Sunday, July 15, 2018 at the funeral home.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Myron Van Nichols, 65, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford surrounded by his family.Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Sandy Duggin Nichols of Woodbury; Parents, Ray & Jean Cummings Nichols of Woodbury; Sons, Rodney (Michelle) Nichols of McMinnville & Chad “Tank” (Tiffany) Nichols of Clarksville; Grandchildren, Haley “Haley Bird”, Brittney “Little Bit”, & Max “Maxster”; Great Grandchild, Blakleigh Paige “BP”; Brothers, Ronnie (Geri) Nichols of Murfreesboro, Shane (Pat) Nichols of Woodbury, & Dale (Christy) Nichols of Murfreesboro; and Sister-in-law, Donna Nichols of Woodbury.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Nichols.
Van was a member of the Sunny Hill Baptist Church and was retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier.
A celebration of Van’s life will be Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 5 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home where his family is requesting everyone tell stories of his life, the good, the bad and the ugly.  Visitation with the family will be from 3 pm until 5 pm. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Good Shepherd’s Children’s Home, The Galilean Home, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, or any charity of your choice.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Bonnie McCrary Jernigan, 88, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Woodbury Health and Rehab. 
She is survived by her children, Janice & Jerry Higgins and Stephen & Wanda Jernigan all of Bradyville; grandchildren, Becky & Matt Barber, Rachel & Zach Brooker all of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, Riley Brooker, Bennett Barber and Emma Barber; siblings, Kenneth & Joyce McCrary of Murfreesboro, Nancy & Larry Carter of Christiana.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Suebelle Harney McCrary; husband, James B. Jernigan.
 
Ms. Jernigan was a member of the Amity Baptist Church and was retired after 30 years from G.E.  She enjoyed working in her flower garden, sewing, crocheting, painting and ceramics.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Friday, July 13, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Leonard Herman officiating.  Interment will follow in the Thyatira Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Matt Barber, Zach Brooker, Martin Daniel, Dwight Carter, Curtis Carter, Joey McCrary, Stephen Broyles, and Tim Jernigan. Visitation with the family will be from 2 pm to 8 pm Thursday, July 12, 2018.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net