Obituaries

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. 

Alene Estes Ferrell, 88, of the Short Mountain community, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at her home.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of William and Limmer Lee Ferrell Estes. 

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Melvin A. Ferrell of the Short Mountain community; children, Larry (Cecile) Ferrell of Supply, N.C., Diane (David) Howell of Chapel Hill, Jeanette (Tim) Young of Hendersonville and Melba (Bob) King of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Kristi Novak, Jennifer Barber, Rachel Sherrill, Tracey Chumley, Ben Young, Bethan Perkins and Malachi Sibrel; siblings, James Estes and Ricky (Bonnie) Estes both of Woodbury, Jimmy (Linda) Estes of Greenbriar and Judy (Benny) Alexander of Murfreesboro and sister-in-law, Janet Estes of Murfreesboro.  Also surviving are 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dorris Estes who passed away hours before her on December 5, 2023.

Mrs. Estes was a member of the Short Mountain church of God, a nursing assistant and a homemaker.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed quilting and antiquing. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 8, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Stanton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gunter-Grizzle cemetery.

Visitation with her family will be Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Friday until her time of service.

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

Shirlan Dean Cooper Holt, 87, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023  at NHC Hendersonville.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late McBride and Alma Whyte Tenpenny Cooper.

She is survived by her children, Danny (Deborah) Holt of Huntsville and Libby (Roger) Elizer of Hendersonville; her grandchildren, Michael (Rene) Holt, Laura (Sean) Fischbach, Jennifer (Tyler) Earley, Katelyn Suedmeyer, Thomas Elizer and Sarah Elizer; sister, Sandra Spain of Bellevue.  15 great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Ray Holt and 2 great grandchildren, Joshua and Olivia Fischbach.

Ms. Holt was a member of the Pegram First Baptist church and worked at South Central Bell in the IT Dept.  She loved growing flowers, shopping, diamonds and her dolls.

Visitation for family and friends will be after 10:00 A.M. Saturday, December 9, 2023  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Clark officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside cemetery.

Pallbearers include Thomas Elizer, Michael Holt, Tyler Earley, Sean Fischbach, Bruce Lewis and Tim Knox.

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

Eva Lois Mathis, age 80, of Woodbury passed away on December 1, 2023, following an extended illness. Eva was born on April 8, 1943 to her parents, Delter Lois Tenpenny and Hesta Pitts Tenpenny. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry C. Mathis, her parents, her step-mother, Lota Smith, her brothers H.A. and Medford Foster, and her brother-in-law, Dwight Mathis.

She is survived by her children, Pamela (Jimmy) Cowan of McMinnville, Brent (Angela) Mathis of Woodbury; grandchildren, Matthew (Beth) Cowan of Woodbury, Tara Cowan of McMinnville, Haley (Landon) Parker of Shelbyville, and Hannah (Ryan) Jones of McMinnville; great-grandchildren, Catherine, Cameron, and Oliver Cowan and Lorelai Jones; Sawyer and Chloe Owens; sisters-in-law, Lynne Foster and Wilma Foster; brother-in-law Bobby (Vickie) Mathis, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends, including Joan George.

Eva was a member of the church of Christ, attended regularly at the congregation at Elkins, and previously attended at the congregation at Ivy Bluff. She farmed alongside her husband, was a teacher’s aide at East Side Elementary School, and was also a retired member of the Middle Tennessee Pullers Association. Eva had many hobbies, including tractor-pulling and baking, loved being outside, had a green thumb for gardening, and in later years enjoyed keeping up with her great-grandchildren.

Visitation with her family will be Monday, December 4, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM. 

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Leoni Cemetery with Bro. Bryan Hayes officiating. 

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

Jean Alexander Logan, 88, of Charlotte, TN., passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Walter E. and Estelle Francis Alexander. 

She is survived by her daughter, Mickie (Patrick) Burns of Charlotte; grandson, Joshua (Beth) Burns of Dickson; great grandson, Michael (Tara) Meeks; great great grandchildren, Alexander and Olivia Meeks; nephew, Brian (Andrea) Alexander of Woodbury; special niece, Joan Whorley of Franklin; brothers-in-law, Hubert Logan and James Logan both of Woodbury and sister-in-law, Mary Roberts of IL.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband who nicknamed her “Jeannie gal”, Bob Logan; brother and sister-in-law, Hubert & Margaret Alexander; and nephew, Michael Alexander.

A member of the Baptist church, Jean was retired as a Purchasing Agent.  She was an avid UT football fan, loved working in her flowers, and cooking for her family. 

Visitation with her family will begin at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 5, 2023.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auto Immune Association. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Judy M. Orell age 69 passed away, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Life Care of Sparta after an extended illness. Born in Norwood MA. June 8, 1954, she was the daughter of Albert and Frieda Rafuse Vinson.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Stewart J. Orell of Smithville; her sister, Joyce Graf of West Bridgewater, MA. and her half-brother, Bobby Preibis of Connecticut. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her brothers, James A. Vinson and John Vinson.

She graduated High School and worked in several retail stores where she was a department manager, shipping and receiving invoice clerk, but she settled in her favorite job where she made the signs for a retail chain named Almys. Judy made them for every sale and duplicates for the whole chain of stores, long before pdf’s and computers. She could read upside down and backwards a skill she used in setting type on a manual printer.  She was an artist of many crafts including crocheted afghans for every member of her family, making jewelry and loved to shower her friends with the gifts of everything she made. If you met her it wouldn’t be long before she would give you something she had made.

Judy also was an avid writer, she corresponded with extended family keeping careful notes of the current events for the lives of loved ones far away, sharing the good times as well as the bad.

Judy also loved caring for the elderly at the New Short Mtn UMC food ministry called Gods Garden. It started as a garden on her farm which she tended and help give out the food she raised. Eventually working with Feed America First she worked thousands of hours unloading, sorting and boxing food to help those less fortunate have something to eat.

She also loved her cats and it seemed every time the last cat was gone that another litter would appear into her care. They were her babies!

Judy loved the ocean and walking the beach, fishing, gospel music and so many other things.

Most importantly Judy believed in Jesus! she was full of grace and gave it as freely as she had received it. 

From her husband, Stewart: I would like to thank all of the Staff that cared for Judy while she was a resident there. They showed her loving care. I want to send a special thanks to the staff of Arby’s whose kindness towards Judy was extraordinary. The shakes from Arby’s was Judy’s favorite and the staff always asked how she was doing for the last 16 months and lastly I thank the New Short Mtn UMC church family who visited and prayed for us both these last few years, they truly fulfilled the call of Christ.

Visitation with the family will be Monday, December 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 4, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jeran Tenpenny officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gunter-Grizzle cemetery.

Donations can by made in memory of Judy to any of these organizations, Alzheimers association of Tn., Caring Hearts United caringheartsunited@yahoo.com, Feed America First, Murfreesboro, TN.; New Short Mtn UMC 

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

Marie “Sister” Haley Lawson, age 87, of Woodbury passed away Monday, November 27, 2023 at her home.  She was born to her parents, Sam & Roxie Gullett Haley on April 19, 1936 in Cannon County.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Taylor of Woodbury, Rachael Lawson of Woodbury, & Reina (John) Stoner of Ashland City; Grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew (Markita) & Ryan Taylor all of Woodbury, Jacob Alexander of Murfreesboro, and Tristan, Nicholas, Tucker, & Nate Stoner all of Ashland City; Sister, Alta Lorance of Woodbury; Nephews, Jackie Dean Haley & Michael Thomas.  9 Great Grandchildren & 2 Great Great Grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Lawson; Parents, Sam & Roxie Gullett Haley; Brothers, James Bratten & I.C. Haley; Sister, Sue Harris; and Nephews, Terry Wayne & Danny Ray Haley.

Marie was a member of the Baptist Church and was a seamstress at Colonial Corporation and a homemaker.  She enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors.  She loved going to yard sales and watching the Lady Vols.

Graveside Services will be at 2 PM Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Riverside Gardens Cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Visitation with her family will be from 12 PM to 1:45 PM Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Dylan Taylor, John Stoner, Allen Weeden, Treyvon Garnett, & River Bryson.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Dorothy Evelyn Hoskins Fleenor, 100, of Woodbury passed away Friday, November 24, 2023 at Woodbury Nursing and Rehab.  Born in Harlan, KY on October 15, 1923 she was the daughter of the late Oscar Mahan Hoskins and Nancie Bell Lankford Hoskins.

She is survived by her children, Diane Fleenor (Terry Simon) of Bowling Green, KY and Fitzpatrick Fleenor of Antioch, TN.  In addition to her children, she’s survived by her grandchildren, Kerry (Victor) Viardo of Stevensville, MD, Jennifer Morrill of Murfreesboro, TN, Laura (Kelley) Orr of Bowling Green, KY, Emily (Steven) Calamia of Woodbury, TN and Benjamin Arnold of Bowling Green, KY; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Alex Viardo, Brendan, Nathan, and Kade Morrill, Abigail, Jackson, and Isabelle Orr, Matthew and Alyssa Calamia; two nephews, Jim (Kathy) Rogers and Mike (Shirley) Rogers of Lafollette, TN.  She also had a special friend, Joyce and a fur-baby Goldie Fleenor. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Garland White Fleenor, her siblings Doris Hoskins Rogers, Reid Hoskins, Lee  Hoskins, and Florence Hoskins, her daughter Doris Jean Arnold, and her grandson Jason Fleenor. 

Dorothy “Mammaw, Dottie, Granny Dot” was a beautiful and bright soul who lived to the young age of 100.  Early life was spent with her loving family growing up in Harlan, KY.  She was a fiesty teenager and she and her twin sister kept their parents on their toes. She loved her sister Doris fiercely and spoke often of her memories of her. 

Dorothy graduated from the University of TN with an Education degree and ended up being a Kindergarten teacher for a few years. She was always found cheering on her UT Vols! 

Dorothy’s younger days were spent raising her beautiful family in different towns, traveling with her Air Force Pilot husband, Garland Fleenor. They spent time in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and ended up settling in Bowling Green, KY.  In Bowling Green, she was employed at Royal Music where she worked for several years while her brother was part owners with Norman Lewis. She became a great asset to the store and grew to know most band directors in Bowling Green and surrounding counties. Once she retired she moved to Powell, TN for a brief time before she ended up in Woodbury, TN.

Dorothy’s love for God was huge. She loved all the beautiful things that He laid His hands upon. Even though we are all sad that she is no longer here with us, we can’t help but be comforted knowing she is in a better place.  Till we see you again Mammaw…. We LOVE you! 

The family would like to send a special thank you to the Woodbury Nursing Home for taking such great care of Dorothy and love her like their own.

Visitation with friends and family will be Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 1 pm to 4 pm with funeral to follow at a later date graveside in LaFollette, TN. 

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

Franklin Daniel, 87, passed away Monday, November 27, 2023 at is home in Woodbury.  He was born in Cannon co., the son of the late Robert Letcher Daniel and Bobbie Lee Wimberly Daniel.

He is survived by his daughters, Tracy (Steve) Foster of McMinnville & Martha Daniel of Woodbury; grandsons:  Wesley (Katie) Foster & Ethan (Meghann) Foster of Woodbury; great granddaughters, Emma Kate & Jordan Foster and soon to be born great grandson, Hudson Alan Foster. Many nieces & nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Daniel; sister, Virginia Baker; and brother, Milan Daniel.

A member of the Wood church of Christ, Franklin was an MP with the Army National Guard.  He retired as a heavy equipment operator and from AEDC.  He loved to watch NASCAR, go camping and woodworking. 

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, December 3, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens Cemetery. 

Visitation with his family will be Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodbury Funeral Home 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Meagan Renee Briesmeister Brewer, 25, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2023 after a two year battle with cancer.  Born in Bad Axe, MI., she is the daughter of Diana Anderson of Woodbury and Jeremy Briesmeister of PA.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Aaron Brewer of Woodbury; children, Briley, Macie and Kenzie Bennett; stepdaughter, Aubree Brewer; grandparents, Rick and Debbie Anderson of Woodbury Bonnie and Dan Briesmeister of MI.; siblings, Jared Briesmeister and Jordan Briesmeister both of Woodbury; Deliah, Dezirae and Chelsea Breismiester all of MI.  Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

A member of the Harvest View Baptist church, she was a homemaker.  In high school, Meagan was involved with volleyball, cheerleading and cosmetology classes.  She enjoyed going to casinos and gambling, camping, fishing, going to the beach and the lake.  Meagan loved to go out to eat and have girls day with her mom and aunt.  Most of all, she absolutely loved being a mom and spending time with her family. 

Visitation with her family will be Tuesday, November 28, 2023 beginning at 10:00 am.  Funeral services will follow in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home at 2:00 pm with Bro. Brent Brewer officiating.  Interment will follow in the Centertown Cemetery. 

For those wishing to do so, donations can be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help her family with funeral expenses.  615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net