Obituaries

Franklin Dale Simmons, Sr. January 10, 2024 at his home in Murfreesboro.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Walter Simmons and Addie Mae Vassar Simmons.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Underwood Simmons of Bradyville; daughter, Vickie Simmons-Mayton of Murfreesboro; sister, Evelyn Simmons Dawson of Murfreesboro; 3 grandchildren, Kaylee Mayton, Logan Mayton, Brittney (Kirk) Kalicharan and great grandchildren, Amaya Berkey and Izabella Kalicharan.  Also surviving is his stepson, Jr. Underwood and step grandchild, Elijah Underwood. 

A member of the Bradyville church of Christ, Mr. Simmons was retired from the Nashville Metro Airport Authority where he was a policeman, firefighter and worked in the Bomb Squad.  He was a veteran of the United States Army with the 101 Airborne where he was a Paratrooper.  Franklin enjoyed farming, fishing and hunting.

Visitation with his family will be Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon. Funeral services will be 12:00 Noon in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating. Burial will follow in the Thyatira Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Logan Mayton, Kirk Kalicharan, Mark Thompson, Mark Copley, Jr and Elijah Underwood.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Artie Jean (Legan) McIntyre, 84, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee departed this life on Sunday, January 7, 2024 after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. Preceding her in death were her husband, Kenneth “Ken” Albert McIntyre, and parents, Gayle Fayette and Wanda (Spencer) Legan. She is survived by her son, Jay Scott McIntyre and his wife, Sandra; granddaughter, Anneliese Hope McIntyre of Murfreesboro, TN; son, Bryan Keith McIntyre; granddaughter, Kayla Jean McIntyre of Bloomington, IN; and numerous friends and lives touched by her infectious smile and boundless love.

“Wonderful story of love! Tell it to me again;” is the beginning of J.M Driver’s well known hymn, and it is the summation of Artie Jean’s life. Her parents were thrilled to welcome their bundle of joy into the world on Sunday, July 2, 1939.  It worked out well that Artie Jean was an only child because her parents were able to give her a double helping of love. God must have taken it, pressed it down, shaken it together, and let it run over in Artie Jean’s life. In all that she did, she exuded love beyond measure.

When she and Ken met on a blind date, there was no doubt in his mind that he’d found someone special. That dinner and movie couldn’t have lasted long enough for him, but that wouldn’t be his hardest goodbye. Joining the Navy at the age of 17, Ken had to leave Artie Jean back on shore, but his heart stayed with her. He wrote her letters throughout his time in the service so she wouldn’t forget him for one of her classmates at Hazel Park High School. And after he got his land legs back underneath him, Ken and Artie Jean were married on May 11, 1963 at the Assembly of God Church in Ferndale, Michigan.

They began their lives together in the Detroit area, eventually settling in Ortonville, Michigan after Ken started his career with General Motors and Product Design in Pontiac, Michigan. While in Michigan, they were members of the Immanuel Congregation Church of Christ in Oxford. Not known to be idle, Artie Jean made a career in secretarial work providing administrative support and an unmatched positive atmosphere in the office.

If you ran into Artie Jean, she was sure to have a smile on her face and was probably working up some way to get you smiling and laughing with her. She loved to have fun, and because of that, fun never seemed to be too far around the corner from her. It definitely kept things interesting when the boys came along, and Artie Jean showed just how much more she could love through her creativity, wit, and wisdom.

It’s easy to forget that our parent’s were once our age, but Artie Jean made sure to remind her boys through her stories. Much to the kids benefit, Artie Jean was actually quite the athlete. She played basketball in high school and then moved on to racquetball and bowling in recreational leagues. And even in athletics, Artie Jean aimed to use her wisdom and experiences to offer love and comfort to others. When Jay was scared of thunder, she would tell him, “God is bowling. It gets really loud when He hits a strike.”

There was never a dull moment, and Ken and Artie Jean made quite the team. During their life together, they moved a handful of times or more, but anytime they moved, they made quick work of laying down roots. After retiring in 2002, the pair decided to move the family to Woodbury. They quickly became active members of Woodbury Church of Christ and the Woodbury Lion’s Club, and the community benefited in countless ways because of their hearts for service.

Ken was the project’s guy and handy man, and Artie Jean was the secretary and woman’s touch. There was a pattern of Ken would make it, and Artie Jean would doll it up. She had a knack for crafting throughout her life and had a striving to perfect her craft. Going to craft shows and classes became a hobby and a half, and her paintings of nature scenes and still life portraits were sights to be seen. Yet, even with all of her talents, there was something else that Artie Jean aimed to be the best she could be.

Through and through, Artie Jean was a Proverbs 31 woman. She was an amazing wife, mother, and grandma. Her housekeeping didn’t go unnoticed, and it wasn’t just the cleaning. Artie Jean made a warm and safe environment for her family to come home to every day. The atmosphere she created, the tender love and care that she showed, and the light she brought into even the darkest of days will be hard to recreate. Ken had it right from the very first date — Artie Jean was someone special.

After losing Ken in 2014, Artie Jean began attending at North Boulevard Church of Christ with Jay and Sandra. There have been too many cherished memories made to count during the 10 years and 1 day it took for her accomplish her purpose on this earth without Ken by her side. Her family can take comfort in the laughs and smiles shared leading up to her departure, but their hearts are still broken at the loss of women they had the privilege to call “mom.”

Visitation will be held at North Boulevard Church of Christ on Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 2-3 pm. Memorial services will be that same day at 3 pm at North Boulevard Church of Christ. Tony Holt and Al Bugg, Jr. will officiate. Her final resting place will be in Oxford, Michigan beside her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to the Woodbury Lion’s Club.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Vicky Diana Campbell, beloved wife, mother and nanny, age 68, of Woodbury passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was born in Cannon Co., the daughter of Charlene Farless Parker of Woodbury and the late Ike Parker, Jr.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Larry Campbell of Woodbury, daughters, Jamie (Tyler) Morton of Murfreesboro and Angie Seivers (Anthony) James of Woodbury; grandchildren, Tristan Morton and Emma Morton both of Knoxville, Christopher Javon “C.J.” Seivers and Asher D. “A.J.” James both of Woodbury; siblings, Mark and Roger (Danna) Parker both of Woodbury and Deborah Fricks of Bradyville.  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A member of the church of Christ, Vicky was a Master Barber.  She enjoyed doing anything involving crafts including sewing.  She loved making people laugh, helping people and spending time with her precious family.  Most of all, she loved taking care of her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Barker officiating.  Interment will follow in the Cherry cemetery. 

Visitation with her family will be from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 8, 2024 and from 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ms. Lynda Faye (Armstrong) Shapcott, 85, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. She was born to the late Shelah and Katie (Melton) Armstrong on Sunday, September 4, 1938 in Antioch,, Tennessee. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Shapcott Chumbley; brothers, Ray Houston Armstrong, Walter Irving Armstrong, and Paul Byford Armstrong; sisters, Robbie Armstrong Smith and Bernice Armstrong Brandon; and nephew-in-law, Billy Henson.

She is survived by her son, William “Butch” Shapcott; grandchildren, Matthew Chumbley, John Shapcott, Katie Shapcott, and Joseph Allen; 3 great grandchildren; nieces and caretakers, Patsy Henson and Sherri (Steve) Goforth; special cousins, Linda Armstrong Sherrill and Sue Maxwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

Born toward the end of the Great Depression and just before the start of World War II, Lynda quickly learned the importance of camaraderie, duty, service, law, and order. Growing up in a family of 8 just reenforced those lessons with each passing day. It was expected for everyone to pitch in and help with work that needed to be done, so leaving school before finishing wasn’t out of the ordinary.

Luckily, Lynda had been blessed with an extra helping of common sense and self-discipline, so it couldn’t have impacted her trajectory much when she left high school. Her desire to serve and to do her part seemed to be her driving force in life, but when the opportunity arose for her to do training at the Watkins Institute, she didn’t pass up on the opportunity.

Opportunity came knocking again on this Tennessee girl’s door, and she was quick to answer. All of those lessons from her youth culminated into her interest in law enforcement. Lynda cut out of Tennessee and landed in San Antonio, Texas as a Sheriff’s Deputy. She remained in San Antonio for a while before the hills started calling to her.

Getting a bit homesick, Lynda decided to come back to Tennessee and began working as a Security Officer at a bank in Nashville, where she stayed for many years. Coming to the close of her career, Lynda decided to take a security job working at Roses.

No matter what curve life threw at her Lynda was ready to face it head on because she knew who was in charge. While your guess might be Lynda, Lynda’s faith told her it was the Lord. Throughout her life, she aimed to conduct herself in a way that enabled oneness in the body of Christ. She strived to live a life of faithful duty and humble service. She endeavored to use her talents to edify through the law. Now, her family can rest assured that she had her affairs in order.

Graveside services will be Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 2 PM at Riverside Cemetery. Bro. James Lively will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Care of Rutherford County or Fair Havens Baptist Church.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story.

Billy Ray Johnson, 67, passed away at his home in Smithville, Wednesday, January 3, 2024.  A native of Grundy Co., he was the son of the late Billy and Louise Nunley Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Parker Johnson of Smithville; children, Jennifer Johnson, Billy Johnson, Logan (Jessica) Parker and Thomas Parker; grandchildren, Lexie, Jara, Jace, Whitney, Dalton, Noah and Brodi; siblings, Charles Johnson, David Johnson, Richard (Annette) Nichols, Brenda (Buddy) Johnson and Pete Murray.

A member of the Baptist church, he was a mechanic and a logger.  Billy had a wonderful sense of humor.  He enjoyed fishing, spending time with Tammy, loved Christmas time and Christmas music.

Memorial visitation will be Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Bro. Bratton Tucker age 87, of Wartrace formerly of Smithville, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at his residence.  He was born August 23, 1936, to his parents the late, Jesse Byrd and Jessie Alexander Hunt and his adopted parents, William Albert and Mary Alexander Tucker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death birth-family siblings, Annie Ruth Hunt Howell, Roy Sylvester Hunt, SR., Thomas Burley Hunt and infant, Janise Williams Hunt; adopted siblings, Gladys Tucker Hopkins, Nannie Grace Tucker Wilson, Sam B. Tucker, Willie Lee Tucker.

Bro. Tucker was a Chaplin for American Legion in Crossville, and Winchester, Pastor Advisor for Aglow International, served in the Air Force Reserve, Retired Pastor of 50 years, and a member of the United Methodist Conference.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fay Tucker of Wartrace, formerly of Smithville; children, Janet Tucker (Bruce) Krapf and Karen Tucker Vaughn both of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Karissa Fay Krapf, Kevin Bruce Krapf, Adam Garrett Vaughn and Brady Reed Vaughn; great-grandchildren, Currie Alden Dail, V., Judah McKellon Alexander Dail, and Annie Rae Vaughn; sister, Melba Tucker Rooker of Smyrna; sister-in-law, Helen E. Hunt of Beach Grove, TN,; several precious nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 2:00PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale, Bro. Bruce Krapf and Bro. Bernard Houk officiating and burial to follow in Banks Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 4:00PM till 7:00PM and on Sunday 12:00 Noon until the time of the service at 2:00PM.

In addition to flowers the family ask donations be made to Gideons International, Soul Choir of Nashville or Domestic Violence Center of Murfreesboro. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Jimmy Jay Coppinger, 89, of Woodbury passed comfortably in his home surrounded by friends and family on 12/28/2023 after an extended illness. He was the 3^rd child to the late Noah Coppinger and Callie Griffith of McMinnville Tennessee. 

He is survived by His son, Steven (Felisa) Coppinger, granddaughter, Candace (Will) Bell, grandson, Dalton Coppinger, great grandson, Elijah Bell, sister Lola Todd, brother, Lane Coppinger, sister, Jewelene (Earl) Cooper and sister, Dolly Coppinger, along with many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was proceeded in death by his wife of 60 years, Francis Violet Coppinger, Brother Livy Coppinger and Brother Glen Coppinger.

When Jimmy was a young man, he volunteered to enlist in the U.S. Military at 18 years old. In 1952, Jimmy was in company C, 13^th infantry. Jimmy proved himself; a heroic, genuine and good-hearted man who became the E Co. 7^th Calvery Sargeant of his platoon in 1954. He was a patron of justice and a provider for his community. He believed in truth and love. Most of all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jimmy came home and met his soul mate, Violet, after returning from the army. Jimmy married Violet and later became a dad, a great farmer and businessman. He was co-owner of Coppinger Brothers Dry Wall with his brother Glen for many years. Jimmy’s Nephews, Phil and Bradley were also a big help to Jimmy and Glen. They worked many long hours in the fields together.

Jimmy enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He was always quick witted and knew how to make the best out of any situation. Jimmy had the most angelic whistle that would calm the soul, as well as his singing voice. He was an active member of Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, where he was also a song leader. He was a pure and enlightening man who spread joy to all his loved ones and peers. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be 2pm on Sunday, December 31^st, 2023, in the chapel of Woodbury Funeral home with Bro. McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Gaither Cemetery. The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday, December 30^th, 2023, at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Dalton Coppinger, Will Bell, Phil Coppinger, Bradley Coppinger, Billy Mingle and Hagan Fann.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Elijah Bell, Earl Cooper, Donovan Lack and Jackson Arana.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Nelda Joan Pitts, age 74, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at her home following an extended illness.  She was born on September 13, 1949 in Cannon County.

She is survived by her daughters, Paula Pitts & Marsha Pitts of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Thomas of Sparta, Brad (Karis) Odom of Readyville, Rachel (Charles) Moody of Woodbury, Ethan Stanley of Woodbury, & Joanie Campbell of Smithville; Great Grandchildren, Westin & Kinley Thomas, Austin, Anna, Adalynn, & baby Moody due in May; Brothers, James (Marie) Prater, Wayne Prater, & Ricky (Barbara) Prater; and Brother-in-law, Gary Don (Judy) Pitts.  Many extended family also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Pitts; her parents, John T. & Valma Daniel Prater; and Sister-in-law, Janet Prater.

Nelda was a tow motor driver for Whirlpool and graduated from Woodbury Central High School.  She enjoyed cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon Saturday, December 30, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Nichols officiating.  Interment will follow at Reed Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Friday, December 29, 2023 and from 10 AM until time of the service Saturday at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Brad Odom, Ethan Stanley, Josh & Westin Thomas, Todd Prater, Dustin Prater, & Jared Lewis.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.wodburyfuneralhome.net

Brian Patrick Martin, age 56, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  He was born in Iowa City, Iowa on February 28, 1967 to his parents, Larry A. & Marilyn Teggatz Martin of Murfreesboro.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Leslie Holland Martin of Woodbury; Children, Ashley Martin Turner (Sean) of Murfreesboro, Stephen Martin of Woodbury, & Dolly Martin of Woodbury; and his Grandchildren, Harken, Tiernan, Dorian, Bevan, Aerva, Faegan, Adalynd, Soren, & Riordan Turner.

Brian was a maintenance technician at Nissan and enjoyed model railroad trains and fishing  He loved to work on small engines and old Chevrolet trucks.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

April 21, 1942 –December 25, 2023 

Joyce J. Gooch Shollenberger, age 81 passed from this world peacefully at her home in Woodbury, TN on Christmas Day surrounded by her family.  She was born to the late Lizzie and Charles Gooch, Dawsonville Georgia.  She was the youngest of 9 children and lived most of her adult years in Georgia before relocating to Woodbury, TN.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 25 years, Forest Shollenberger, her parents and seven siblings.

She is survived by her six children Rex Martin, Woodbury, TN, Rhonda Merced, Woodbury, TN, Brian Martin, Okinawa, Japan, Mikkel Moon, Gainesville, GA, Aaron Moon, Woodbury, TN, Cedron Moon (Diana), Smithville, TN. She was also a mom to five of her sisters’ children; Nancy Moon, Augusta GA, Keith Beck (Michelle), Winder, GA, Gina Kendrick( James), Commerce, GA, Stacey Watson(Terry), Gainesville, GA and Phillip Beck, Smithville, TN and stepdaughters, Susan (Russ) Mayer, Alliance, OH, Amy Ladehoff (Patrick), Venice, FL, Sara Shollenberger, Woodbury TN,  23 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and an amazing sister, Geraldine Morris, Ballground, GA, several very special nieces and nephews along with extended special family members and close family friends too numerous to list.

Joyce lived much of her life in Georgia but relocated to Tennessee over 30 years ago and she quickly fell in love with the Woodbury community.  She and her late husband enjoyed farming and gardening their land sharing their bounty with others and she was an AMAZING cook. She was a Christian, attending Sycamore Baptist Church and faithfully supporting its members and congregation. Joyce was a very benevolent and giving person and would share her last dime with anyone that was in need or simply asked. She was also extremely proud of her Native American Indian heritage, and it was important to Joyce that her family continue that support. Her love for her family and close friends was fierce and knew no limits as many have said “She was truly one of a kind”.  Our hearts are broken but we rest in the assurance that she is with loved ones.

Her family would like to thank her many friends and neighbors, the clergy of Sycamore Baptist Church for their visits and support, her special stepdaughter Sara Shollenberger for her loving care and also the compassionate nurses from Amedisys Hospice Care during these difficult last days.  

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 28, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Williams officiating.  Interment will follow in Sycamore cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories and condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net