Obituaries

Robin LeFae Farris, 58, of Woodbury passed away suddenly Monday, December 25, 2023 at St. Thomas Stones River.  She was born in Coffee Co.

She is survived by her husband, Eric Farris of Woodbury; parents, Ellen Simmons Hawkins (Joe) of Woodbury; children, Kelli (Carlos) Irizarry of Murfreesboro, Jordan Merriman of Woodbury and Nicky Duncan (Andrew Davis) of Coffee Co.; grandchildren, Sylar Irizarry, Noah Merriman, Isiah Cantrell, Blazelan Cantrell and Mattalynn Dunn; mother-in-law, Ola Farris of Winchester;  step daughters, Isabella Farris, Taylor Askrin and step grandson, Weston Askrin.

Robin was a Christian and worked in Industrial sales.  Her family always came first and she enjoyed spending time with her grandbabies and her dog, Rocky.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 28, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Riverside cemetery.  

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

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

Wanda Campbell Parker, 70, of Woodbury, passed away after complications from Parkinson’s disease.  Born in Cannon Co., she was the daughter of Margil and Pauline Mayo Campbell.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Larry Parker of Woodbury; her children, Brian (Carla) Parker and Blake (Natasha) Parker both of Woodbury; her grandchildren, Emily Madison Parker and Wyatt Coffman.  Also surviving are several cousins.

A member of the Ivy Bluff church of Christ, Wanda retired from First Bank in Woodbury after 37 years.  Wanda was a people person and thoroughly enjoyed working with the public where her friends became family.  She enjoyed photography, going to the beach, drawing, painting and writing, especially poems as one of her poems was published.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and visiting with friends. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Stan Hollandsworth officiating.  Interment will follow in the Ivy Bluff Cemetery, Warren Co.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories with Wanda’s family, please visit www.wooduryfuneralhome.net 

Barbara Hayes, age 74, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Centennial Medical Center.  She was born on October 15, 1949 in Cannon County.

She is survived by her children, Chad (Sherrie) Hayes of Woodbury & Resha Bogle of Woodbury; Siblings, Bobby (Betty) Hayes of Woodbury, Jerry (Kathy) Hayes of Woodbury, & Linda Wilson of Murfreesboro; Grandsons, Cody Hayes of Morrison, Christopher Wilder of Maryville, & Joe Wilder of Murfreesboro; Granddaughters, Emma Maguffee of Woodbury & Lindsey (Andy) Jordan of Bradyville; Great Grandchildren, Dykota-Lynn Wilder, Peyton & Preslynn Jordan, & Allison Hayes; 2nd Daughter & her daughter, Michelle Davenport Hale & Rachel Hale.  Several nieces & nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Clemma Syrene Smith Hayes; her siblings, Newburn Hayes, Norman Hayes, Ronald Hayes, Ed Hayes, & Margaret Hayes; her son-in-law, Michael Bogle; and her brother-in-law, Joe Wilson.

She was a member of the Smith Grove church of Christ and was retired from Colonial Corporation and the Adams Memorial Library.  Mrs. Hayes enjoyed attending the Senior Citizens Center, playing cards especially Rook & Rummy and spending time with her grandbabies.  She loved to watch Kentucky Basketball, quilting, and reading.

Funeral Services will be at 1 PM Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg & Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 3 PM to 8 PM Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Andy Jordan, Joe Wilder, Cody Hayes, Chris Wilder, Kenny Simpson, Donnie Moore, Adam Hayes, & Alan Hayes.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Peyton Jordan.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Rachel Taylor Hall, 40, of Woodbury passed away at her home Friday, December 15, 2023 surrounded by loving family and friends following an extended illness.  Born in Rutherford Co., TN., she is the daughter of Teddy and Cindy Taylor of Woodbury.

In addition to her loving parents, she is survived by her husband, Jeremy Hall and daughters, Abigail and Taylor Hall all of Woodbury; brother, Ben (Lauren) Taylor of Orlando, FL.; mother-in-law, Landa Hall of Lascassas and nephew, Tripp Taylor of Orlando, FL.  Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rachel was preceded in death by her, grandparents, Hoppy and Helen Davenport, Norville and Donna Taylor and her father-in-law, Alan Hall.

A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, she was a stay at home mom.  Rachel enjoyed watching movies, listening to podcasts and music, making crafts and spending her time with her beloved daughters, Abigail and Taylor. Her bright, beautiful smile will always be remembered by everyone who knew and loved her. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 18, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside  cemetery.  Pallbearers include Kevin Jones, Dustin Jones, Thomas Taylor, Jesse Owen, Brian Jones and Lonnie Wilkerson.

Visitation will begin Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Woodbury Funeral Home from 12:00 Noon until 8:00 P.M. and Monday, December 18, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until her time of funeral service at 2:00 P.M.

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

Ms. Karen Alexander Stacey, 57, of Lascassas, Tennessee was called home on Saturday, December 9, 2023. She came into this world on Monday, August 8, 1966 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. John and Mary welcomed their bundle of joy, and it didn’t take long for them to realize they had someone special.

Karen didn’t have to grow into anyone’s shoes because she came with big shoes of her own. She was a fighter to her core with a sensitive side as calming and beautiful as her favorite color, teal. So, we would like to share her story through the meaning of teal as it encompasses her life and her personality.

Teal is said to promote clarity, and the Alexander family made the clear decision to raise their children in church. They didn’t want their vision to be skewed to the impurities of this world, so they made sure they were well immersed in the purity of Christ. Shiloh Baptist Church was their church home when Karen was little, and then, they moved to Bradley Creek Baptist Church, where they remained while the kids were growing up.

And growing up is where Karen really showed off the creativity and unique refinement associated with teal. A mischievous mind, Karen tackled problems in unorthodox ways. While the rest of the siblings were off to school, she and Sam decided they were cold. A fire sounds like a fairly reasonable answer on how to take the edge off the chill, except Karen decided outside was too cold for that. Instead, she and Sam built their fire in the middle of the floor, leaving quite the surprise for John and Mary to find.

As for the unique refinement, Karen was in the mindset of constant improvement, and in order to accomplish that, she renovated herself throughout her life. The period that stuck out to her siblings the most involved her attire. Tina remembers them wearing old sloppy clothes, but Connie was quick to add that Punky Brewster might more accurately describe her sisters’ style. Karen and Tina would wear their polka dots and stripes with mismatched socks creating a hodgepodge outfit that somehow worked for them.

Obviously, those outfits didn’t stick around forever, but there were core traits that did. Karen’s creativity never faded in her life. Getting inspired by music, she could come up with a dance on the spot, and she was content with her family’s smiles as spotlights and their laughter as applause. And if her feet weren’t grooving, her hands were moving. Karen enjoyed writing poems, doing crafts, and coloring. Yet, creativity and uniqueness weren’t Karen’s only overlaps with teal. In fact, the symbolism of teal is actually where Karen’s likeness shines most.

Karen believed in showing love and decency to others. Her heart of gold extended to anyone, and she would have willingly given the shirt off her back to a stranger in need. This paired well with her career in housekeeping at Rutherford County Hospital. Karen didn’t mind doing the necessary underappreciated work that kept everything running smoothly. Her compassion for others must have stemmed from her raising in the church because Karen had the spiritual gift of being a sacrificial giver. There was no expectation of reciprocity, and she wasn’t going to take anything in return. That mentality went double whenever it was family.

Growing up in a close-knit family, there was no question that Karen loved her siblings and that they loved her. Karen was known to say “I love you always” whenever her siblings would leave after a visit, and it was that love and Karen’s determination to be a fully renovated person that kept her fighting. While yes, there were many laughs shared and happy times, Karen also fought with the darkness of this world.

There is no argument as to who Karen loved most on this earth. Her sons, Eric “Bigen” and Brian “Worm,” were undoubtedly the top of her list. Having children is like wearing your heart on your sleeve, and losing both of them cut into Karen’s very being. This is where teal comes back into play. It is known to be calming and even beneficial for emotional healing, so there is something about Karen’s affinity to it that shows her fighting spirit and her inward cry.

Losing Bigen and Worm caused Karen to begin a new mission in life, and she dedicated her life to caring even more for others. When her cousin, Diane, was sick, Karen stepped in to be a caregiver. Turning her darkness into light for others, she became involved with groups of parents against drug addiction and was a fierce advocate. It wasn’t until her health issues became too heavy of a load to bear alone that she slowed down.

Through it all, Karen believed “the Man up there” would carry her through and continued participating in church from home, watching the sermons of World Outreach Church. She saw the blessing of the family He had given her. She saw the blessing of the friendships that He had placed in her path, especially her close friend, Janet. She saw the blessing of her 145 lb. baby Pitt bull, Caesar, as a cuddle buddy and companion. Even in the darkness, Karen could always see the one true light.

While Karen’s passing has brought a new darkness to the lives of those who loved her, it would be her hope that the darkness had a hint of teal. That there would be clarity in their lives, calm in where she has gone, continued decency to others and one another, and creativity in finding ways to continue serving others. Karen officially achieved her goal of becoming a fully renovated person. If she could give advice to people, we believe it would be the quote, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” And if she could leave her family with anything, it would be “I love you always. I had to go. My heart was calling me home.”

Greeting her on the other side are her parents, John Allen and Mary Helen Roden Alexander; sons, Eric Lee “Bigen” Stacey and Brian Ray “Worm” Alexander; and brother, Johnny Roden. Cherishing her memory until they join her are her brothers, Sam (Nancy) Alexander, Marty (Kathy) Alexander, and Frank (Angela) Alexander; sisters, Connie (Jim) Bradley, Tina (Mike) Adcock, and Kryslynn Standley; grandchildren, Kobe Alexander and Gregory Livingston; special friend, Janet Hearn; her baby, Caesar; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm. Memorial services will follow on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. James Wade will officiate.

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

Sue Conley, 81, of Woodbury passed away with family at her side on December 7, 2023.  She was born in Woodbury, TN on May 5, 1942.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Rogers and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Smith Rogers, husband, Avon Conley, son, Barry Conley, and a sister, Shelby Merriman.

She is survived by her daughters, Terri (Lee) Barnett of Smyrna and Rena Sissom of Murfreesboro, a brother, Jerry Rogers of Readyville, grandchildren, Logan (Kristin) Sissom of Chattanooga and Michelle Barnett of Smyrna, a great grandson, Nolan Sissom, and nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.

The Burt community of Cannon County has always been a closeknit place.  At the time when Sue was born people didn’t venture far from home. They had everything they needed, family, friends, a little grocery store, a school, a church, and lots of love. Conley’s Grocery was the place where people would gather and get the latest news and see friends. Between there and Bethlehem Church of Christ, Sue got to know and later to love her future husband, Avon. Shortly after she graduated Woodbury Central High School in 1960, they tied the knot. Unlike many couples today it stayed tied tightly and happily for over 62 years.

Sue was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman.  A wife, whose husband safely trusted her. He could see right off she was cut from the right cloth. Who worked willingly with her hands. The Lord knows she worked side by side with him whenever and whatever needed to be done. If it was getting up cattle or hauling rocks.  It has been said behind every good man, there is a good woman, and she was right there. She got up early and stayed up late to take care of her family and home. Her children arise and call her blessed.

One of the many praises she would receive from her family was for her cooking.  She was definitely from the old school.  Whatever she cooked, it was done without a recipe. Even though she threw out the cookbook she had Avon there to taste test everything to make sure it was up to snuff.  The thing she was always expected to bring to a family gathering was her cornbread dressing.  It was good enough that they wanted it at any and all occasions including Thanksgiving.

When she wasn’t helping Avon on the farm, cooking, or taking care of the girls, she tried her hand at sewing, cross stitch, and vegetable gardening.  For fun she would work on very complicated borderless puzzles.  Often, she and Rena would be working on one so intently when they looked up it was way into the night.

The Burt community remained the center of her world.  She lived within a short distance of where she grew up her entire life.  She and Avon were faithful devoted Christians and lifetime members at the Bethlehem Church of Christ. Her example of faith and trust in God was her greatest legacy to her family and friends.  They can rest assured she will have a home in heaven with her loved ones.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 10-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Al Bugg will officiate.  Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Alive Hospice.  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.

Margie Elaine (Stacey) Arnold of Woodbury, TN passed away on December 6, 2023, at Centennial Medical Center surrounded by her family. 

She was the daughter of the late C.C. Stacey and Elizabeth (Bryson) Stacey. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband Tommy Arnold and her two brothers Johnny Stacey and Kent Stacey. 

She is survived by her two sons, Christopher (Delia) Arnold, and Benjamin Arnold.  Her sister, Tiffany (Jerry) Alvey.  Seven Grandkids, Christopher Arnold, Kevin (Shelby) Arnold, Meghan Arnold, Marcus Arnold, Sipriano Sulearan-Simoza, Sebastian Sulearan-Simoza, Bryan Sulearan-Simoza.  Two great grandchildren, Allyanna Arnold, and Andy Boyd.   A niece, Beth (Tim) Stacey and a nephew, Michael Alvey.  One uncle, Johnny (Shirley) Bryson and her beloved dog, Morty.

Margie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodbury.  She and her husband and sons spent the largest part of their life in the military, living in Germany.  She returned to Woodbury after she retired from being a manager of the Officer’s Club for the Military. 

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 4-7 pm. 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.

Nettie Angeline Batey, 69, of Woodbury departed this life on Monday, December 4, 2023.  She was born on January 14, 1954 in Flint, Michigan.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Batey and Gladys Lyons Batey, son, Christopher Batey, sisters, Theresa Batey Bean and Martha Batey, and special aunt and uncle, James and Katherine Batey.

She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Julian (Tarra) Johnson, daughter, Lynika “Nika” (Josh) Bennett, grandchildren, Donovan Batey, Brianna Johnson, Lea Johnson, Kemanie Henderson, Sienna Bennett, L. J. Watters, and Christiona Batey, special devoted nieces and nephews, Jason Batey, Page Verge, Kenya Verge, and Tisa Batey, and a host of other relatives and friends.

There were a few things you found out quickly about Nettie.  One was, she was all about family. Her devotion and love for her family knew no bounds.  After the passing of her parents, she quickly adopted her uncle James and aunt Katherine as her bonus parents.  As they both got older and needed more help, she was right there to lend a hand.  There was always an extra special dose of love and care for her sisters and all her nieces and nephews.  She wasn’t about to leave out her children or grandchildren either.  Spending time with them topped the list of favorite things to do.  The family lovingly dubbed her Nana and Mama Nettie.  They all knew she was the glue that held things together if you needed to know you were loved and cherished.

The second thing was she was independent and could do anything she set her mind to do.  If you needed to know what was on her mind you usually didn’t have to ask, she would speak her piece.  A beautiful smile and sharp sense of humor would melt the ice and warm the hearts of people around her.  She was a natural born caregiver. She always wanted to take care of others and her family was first on that list.  Countless veterans were also blessed by her service as a nurse’s aide at the VA Medical Center for nearly four decades.

Another thing you found; home was where her heart was.  Not one to travel, her comfort zone centered closer to home.  She was at her happiest cooking for her family.  That meant, frying her signature chicken, cooking a steak with some potato wedges, or whipping up some knockout desserts like chocolate cake and pecan pie.  When she wasn’t taking care of family you could find her sitting back drinking a Pepsi, glued to the tv for some of her favorite episodes of Law and Order or the Forensic Files.

Most importantly, you knew she loved the Lord.  Her servant heart shown through in the love and devotion she gave to those around her.  Her faith and trust were firmly placed in her Lord and Savior.  She worshiped with family at the Full Gospel Assembly and Dillon Street Baptist.  She leaned heavily on God during the last several years as she faced health challenges, the loss of her son, and other close family members.  They can be comforted knowing she has a new heavenly home with loved ones waiting to greet her until they are all called home.

Visitation will be held at Hillside Fellowship Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 12-2 pm. Funeral services to follow at 2 pm.  Following the funeral service, she will be cremated and laid to rest with her parents.  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.

Patricia Kaye Barrett Womack, 72, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family with them singing “I’ll Fly Away” as she departed this life.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, John Wiley Womack, Jr., infant son, David Grant Womack, parents, Berlie Thomas Barrett and Bertha Lusinda Pitts Davenport Barrett, infant siblings, Edward Davenport, Wanda Davenport, and Thomas earl Barrett; brothers, Elmer Lewis Davenport, Joe Robert Davenport, Burley Barrett, Jr. and Judy Barrett Lehman.

She is survived by children, Cynthia (Richard) Jones, John Wiley (Rhonda) Womack, III, Brian (Rebecca) Womack and Dottie Smith; sister, Vicky (J.B. “Bud”) Watts; sister-in-law, Patricia Barrett; grandchildren, Joshua Lance, Emilee (Erik) Buckmeyer, John (Amie) Womack, IV., Amber Spry (Benjie), Andrea (Justin) Ortkiese, Abbey (Jimmy) Rhea, Justin Spry, Ethan (Cassie) Womack, Dillon (Caren) Ball, Carrie (Justin) Griffin and Hayden Arnold; great grandchildren, Georgia, Jaxx, Wilder, Ana Margaret, Mary, Gracie, Josiah, Weston, Barrett, Lawson, Jett, Mason, Sawyer, Asher and Beau.  Also surviving are special friends, Sandra Higgins, Ester Lack and Keith Morris.

Patricia was a member of the Woodbury church of Christ.  She was a cook at Short Mountain Bible Camp where her love of cooking, her love for God and children united.  Her most loved job in life was working along with her husband on their family farm on Sugar Tree Knob for 53 years where they raised their 4 children and served many meals around the kitchen table with friends. 

Patricia’s hobbies were sewing, cooking for friends, selling her Mary Kay and entertaining her great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Womack Scholarship Fund – “Send a Camper to Camp”. 

A special thank you to Compassas Hospice for the care provided to our mother.

Visitation with her family will be Friday, December 8, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. until 2:45 P.M. at Woodbury Funeral Home.  Graveside services will follow at 3:00 P.M. at Riverside Gardens cemetery with Bro. Tim Knox and Bro. Jeff Collette officiating. 

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

Dorris G. Estes,81, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his home in Mufressboro.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of William and Limmer Lee Ferrell Estes. 

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet Robinson Estes of Murfreesboro; his children, Joan Warren of Woodbury, Kathy Estes, Amy (William) Smitty, Glenn (Laura) Richard and Brian (Elisha) Richard all of Murfreesboro; siblings, James Estes and Ricky (Bonnie) Estes both of Woodbury, Jimmy (Linda) Estes of Greenbriar and Judy (Benny) Alexander of Murfreesboro and brother-in-law, Melvin Ferrell of Cannon Co.  Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 05

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Anderson, granddaughter, Brittany Hale and his sister, Alene Ferrell who passed away hours after him on December 5, 2023.

Dorris was a member of the Garrison Fork Baptist church and was retired transport driver with Lewis Bakery.  He had many interests including classic cars, going to breakfast every morning at Hardee’s, walking at Stones River Mall and storytelling.  He loved to eat but his favorites were catfish and chocolate pie.  He was a wonderful family man, looked forward to holidays and the yearly Gatlinburg trip that he would go on with his siblings. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 9, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Ferrell, Bro. Mike Anderson and Bro. Anthony Pelham officiating. officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jeff, Michael and Jr. Estes, Adam Alexander, Steven Warren, Baker Bush and Jimmy Joe Lyons.

Visitation with his family will be Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Saturday until his time of service.

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