Obituaries

Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” James Insell, 93, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. She was born to the late Arthur and Lizzie Mae Wooten James in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Sunday, February 16, 1930. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Richmond Insell; son, William “Billy” Insell; brothers, Fred A. (Susie B.) James, Edmond “Carl” (Pearl) James, and Robert James; and sisters, Mattie Mae Vogel, Quixie (Udell) Moses, Yvonne Carter, and Patsy Ann Brown.

She is survived by her sons, Rick (Deb) Insell of Murfreesboro and Bob (Kaye) Insell of Lebanon; daughters, Kay (Wayne) Adamson of Woodbury and Gayle Alexander of Goodlettsville; grandchildren, Tom (Sarah) Insell, Kyle (Megan) Insell, Matt (Autumn) Insell, Clint (Jennifer) Insell, McKenzie (Matt) Carroll, Chelsee (Shawn) Stevens, Cory (Stacey) Barrett, Erin (David) Tucker, Jake (Egda) Alexander, and Christy Adamson; and 23 great grandchildren.

If you were keeping up with it on your fingers, you know Dot was one of 8 children, and being one of 8, she learned quickly how to be one of a kind. Dynamite comes in small packages, and Dot was a spitfire and a half. It was clear from a young age that Dot was a force to be reckoned with, and her spunk followed her throughout her life and helped her achieve several titles.

While “Miss Dorothy James” may have been her first title, the one she prized most was “Christian.” Raised in the Baptist church, Dot quickly matched her stride to Jesus and made the decision to walk with Him. Being baptized earlier in life opened her up to a ministry that lasted longer than the average life span, and her daily walk of faith was an example to all who knew her. Dot placed membership and was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Woodbury.

Her love for Jesus remained like that of an innocent child, and she was constantly drawn to children. Upon meeting the love of her life, Dot was thrilled at the potential of having children of her own. She gracefully claimed her most cherished titles of “Wife” and “Mrs. Charles Insell” on January 24, 1948, and the vows for her newfound position were something she took to heart.

Charles was her everything on this earth, and Dot remained determined to fulfill her role in their marriage. The only ones that could come close to holding a candle to Charles in her mind were those sweet babies she had the privilege to call her own. “Mom” quickly raised to the top of the list on favorite titles in her life, and Dot knew exactly how to be “Mom.” She had a tender heart and tough love in just the right proportions.

Always wanting the best for them, Dot was known to be tough on the kids, but if you talk to them now, it doesn’t seem so bad looking back. They remember her making their clothes and sneaking in the title of “Seamstress” for the household. She also loved to sew quilts and crotchet. They remember not having to beg for a pet because they almost always had a dog or a horse. They remember the trail rides with the horses and “Trix,” Dot’s spotted saddle horse. They remember her tenacity, her wit, her wisdom, and her love.

Her knack for being “Mom” was something she decided to share with others. After raising her own children, “Babysitter” became her title.  She began babysitting in the nursery with her sister and nieces and even in her own home after retirement. If you came to visit, there was usually a baby in the den. Now, it says a lot when family can work together, but Dot didn’t only work with her sister and nieces. Kay actually fondly remembers their time working in the billing department at the Colonial Corporation together.

In all of Dot’s actions and decisions raising the kids, love motivated her. That love made her the person you could talk to about anything and everything. Bobby took her up on many of those conversations that would keep them talking for hours, especially during the last year of her life.

Now, it didn’t take much to get Dot talking for hours if you said the magic word — basketball. She played it, coached it, watched it, and cheered for it. Dot’s spunk and tough love came in full swing when she took the title “Coach.” Her Junior Pro teams were top notch and perfectly combined Dot’s love of children and the game. When she got a little older, Dot decided to sit on the sidelines and watch Rick take the court. She had her own seat at the MTSU games, and her presence and enthusiasm alone could have filled the entire stadium.

That became doubly true when she got the title of “Grandma” and the grandkids started playing sports. Dot was so proud of her grandkids and didn’t miss a family function, especially around the holidays. Thanksgiving was great and all, but Christmas was where it was at for Dot. Decorations went up the day after Thanksgiving and not a minute later. She had everything — from 5 to 6 Christmas trees, to Christmas lights galore, to crocheted stockings for the grandkids. Dot and, because of Dot, Charles decorated to the ninth degree. Anything that could be decorated was decorated, so needless to say, Dot was the family “Cheermeister.”

Her enthusiasm for Christmas really ties together all the strands that made Dot. Keeping a focus on Jesus and what His birth and life meant was something she did all year long. Adoring babies never got old. Sharing and giving were in her nature. Having a zest for life and the lives of others was her passion. Being with family, no matter where it was, was her favorite place to be. Having a game plan and watching it unfold play by play kept her enthralled. And there is so much more that can be said to connect Dot to Christmas, but what Dot wanted to be connected with most of all was her family.

They reminisced how Dot always wanted to be first to arrive wherever they were going. That excitement and longing to be with family kept her moving forward for 93 years, 8 months, and 22 days. Last year may have been Dot’s last ball game, but until her last day on this earth, Dot made memories and offered wisdom to her children. Gayle said she was seeing babies everywhere in the days leading up to her passing from this life. God called His child home, and Dot left her unmistakable mark of love for her family behind.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 4-7 pm and Friday, November 10, 2023 from 11 am – 1 pm. Funeral services will follow on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Fisher will officiate. Interment will be in Coleman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Way.

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.

Walter Charles “Chuck” Holt, age 76, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023.  Chuck was born on September 20, 1947 to his parents, the late Walter & Gwendolyn Holt in Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Merriman Holt of Woodbury; Children, Leslie Holt & Jason Holt, both of Murfreesboro; Grandchildren, Christian & Connor Holt; and Sisters, Linda Grammar of Iyouka, MS & Anita Warren of Murfreesboro.

Chuck was a member of the Baptist church and was retired from Samsonite.  He also was a 45-year member of the Cannon County Rescue Squad and was a member of the Woodbury & Mooretown Volunteer Fire Departments.  He was a veteran of the Air Force where he served in Vietnam.  Chuck was a Freemason and a Ham radio enthusiast.  He loved spending his time fishing and was a life-long collector of coins, knives, & records.  He was a champion of checkers and Rook and loved to play.

The family will receive friends for Chuck’s visitation from 4 to 8 PM Wednesday, November 8, 2023 and from 11 AM to 1 PM Thursday, November 9.  Funeral Services will be at 1 PM Thursday, November 9, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow at Prater Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ms. Renee Durham, 50, of Melbourne, Florida passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Tuesday, July 3, 1973. Preceding her in death were her parents, Calvin and Betty Jo Durham; son, Terry Joseph “T.J.” Rettmann Durham; and special nephews, Chad Durham and Bradley James “B.J.” Durham.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Rettmann (Angel) Fernandez of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Olivia Fernandez, Maria Fernandez, and Luis Fernandez; brothers, Randy (Jeannie) Durham, Calvin Ray Durham, and Terry (Patricia) Durham; nieces, Holly Durham and Kelly Durham; and several great nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Being the only girl in the middle of 3 boys left Renee little chance of not turning out to be a tom boy. Growing up, she played football with the boys and wasn’t afraid to rough house, but this rough and tumble girl had a meek and mild side to her. Renee was shy until she got to know you, and that disposition probably stemmed from her raising.

When Sunday rolled around, Mrs. Betty made sure Renee was a lady. None of her children were going to miss church, and the Durham family attended at Franklin Road Baptist Church for many years before moving to Gethsemane House of Prayer. Whether they were getting ready to rumble or getting ready for church, there was one constant. They were together.

The closeness of the Durham family continued into their adult lives, and that also meant that her family was the group that knew Renee best. Her outgoing personality with them came out in her jokes and her music. By the time her grandchildren came along, Renee was in full swing. She loved playing blocks with Olivia, and something about putting Olivia in the jumper and hearing her scream like a little eagle filled her heart with joy.

While Mrs. Betty was called Nanny, Renee decided she wanted to be called Nana. Keeping a hint of her mom with her own flare added, Renee made sure she not only occurred first in the dictionary but also was first on her grandbabies tongues. “Nana” became on of her favorite words because she knew that meant they were calling for her.

Though life threw some curve balls in Renee’s way, she still tried to stay true to the Durham family tradition. Even living in Florida, she kept up to date with her children and her grandchildren. Fifty seems far too young to leave this life, but Renee had seen younger. Her heart broke when her only son, T.J., passed away. Rebecca became a light in the darkness, and she renewed her efforts on staying in touch.

Now, the light is a little dimmer and the table a little smaller, but the tradition is one and the same. As the family gathers round to lay their sister, mother, and Nana to rest, they reach out to one another in love and know the torch will be carried on by those who loved Renee.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 1-2 pm. Memorial services will follow directly after on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. JoEllen King 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

Arlis Gray Thomas, 92, died in Christ November 2, 2023.  He was born in Woodbury, TN on June 30, 1931, and married Mary Ruth Harmon on March 10, 1951.  After serving in the United States Army, Arlis worked at the General Motors plant near Niles, Michigan and later moved to Paris, IL and worked as a sharecropper until 1971.  Then, he and Ruth moved back to Woodbury to continue his father’s legacy of building porch rockers for almost 50 years.

Arlis loved to watch Westerns, collect antiques, play poker, travel, and read, especially anything by Louis L’Amour.  He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren and had a soft spot for animals. He was a member of the Pleasant View church of Christ.

Arlis was preceded in death by his parents, Shelah and Amby Gerdellia Thomas; his wife, Ruth Thomas; his daughter, Sharon Cecil; and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his son-in-law, Alvin Cecil; grandchildren, Patrick (Karie) Cecil, Jeremy (Sarah) Cecil, Joy Cecil, and John Thomas (Jesse) McCecil; great-grandchildren, Trent, Cathan, Megan, Charlee, Katherine, and Jason; sister, Thelma Hicks; and many loved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive family and friends from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 5, 2023 and from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 6, 2023. at the Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St. Woodbury, TN.  37190.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 6, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Ivy Bluff Cemetery.

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

“Watch out for that other guy”, is great wisdom from a great man.  That man is Ralph Nemeth, who went home to be with our God and Savior at the age of 86 years young.  (Young compared to eternity!)  

Ralph was born in Blairstown, NJ on August 20, 1937.  He left high school to join the United States Air Force, where he served for over 21 years as a Communications Specialist, among other specialties. He served in Germany, Italy, Turkey and Spain before his Honorable Discharge in 1975, when he settled in Watkins Glen, NY.  He then worked as a skilled machinist at Shepard Niles Crane and Hoist in Montour Falls for 10+ years before an injury forced an early retirement there.  He also lived in Florida and then settled in middle TN for the last 16 years of his life here on earth.

Though some of his ways could be considered cantankerous at times by outsiders, those who truly knew him knew the fierce love and caring soul he had for others…and his great sense of humor.  When he wasn’t enjoying time with his family or a great church service with Pastor Allen at WOC, he enjoyed using his green thumb to create his own iterations of roses, as well as create a little FL in TN with his amazing Banana Palm trees.

While he will always be continuously and sorely missed by those of us still under the sun, we know Heaven is rejoicing at his arrival and he is reunited with those who have gone home before him.  In fact, he, Poppy and Uncle John are likely telling stories to each other right now!

Ralph is survived by his son, Bud Nemeth and his family, Wife – Courtney, Children – Baylee (and husband Matthew Donnell), Kaylee and Kooper Nemeth.  His daughter Angie Nemeth and her children and grandchildren.  His ex-wife, Katherine Nemeth.  His sisters, Freda Barnes, Hazel Angle and Anna Arzberger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene (Gouger) Nemeth and siblings Joe, John, Robert and Howard Nemeth.

Celebration of Life Service in TN will be as follows:

Saturday, November 4, 2023 with visitation from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm.  Celebration of life will begin at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home – 504 Main St., Woodbury, TN

Celebration of Life Service in NY will be at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home – 212 E 4th St, Watkins Glen, NY, at a future time to be announced.  (www.roycechedzoy.com) 

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

Judy Elaine Vandygriff Ramsey, 77, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Winfred and Mildred Hancock Vandygriff.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, James “Jimmy” Ramsey of Woodbury; 3 children, Donnie Ramsey (Ashley Witty)  and Dennis (Heather) Ramsey both of Woodbury and Dana (Chris) Singleton of Auburntown; 7 grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Dalton, Cassie, Tara, Kennedi and Brett; 2 great grandchildren, John and Delilah.  Also surviving is her sister, Winona (Steve) West of Murfreesboro and several nieces, nephews and special friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Dwight Vandygriff.

A lifelong member of Sycamore Baptist church where she also joyfully played the piano for 60 plus years. Judy was also the Sycamore Cemetery Trustee.  She was a retired secretary, wife, mother and grandmother.  All of which she did exceptionally well.  She enjoyed yard selling and watching her grandchildren play ball.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Sycamore Baptist church with Bro. Richard Williams, Bro. Russell Vickers and Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Sycamore Cemetery. Pallbearers include Austin Ramsey, Alex Ramsey, Dalton Ramsey, Chris Singleton, Eric Saddler and Rich McCoy.  Honorary Pallbearers include Jim Jones, Larry Wise, Brett Clark, Jerry Mullinax and Joe Bryson.

Visitation with her family will be from 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Friday, November 3, 2023 and Saturday, November 4 from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Woodbury Funeral Home.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Sycamore Cemetery Trust Fund.

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

Jimmy Darce Wimberly, 86, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023 at his home in Woodbury.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Clyde and Pearl Mathis Wimberly.

Darce is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bernice Stembridge Wimberly of Woodbury; his children, Lisa Tenpenny and Greg Wimberly both of Woodbury; grandchildren, Abby (Colton) Tuck of Auburntown, Paige (Lane) Francis of Morrison and Dakota Wimberly of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Hunter, Jordan, Levi and Kelly Tuck and Laney Francis and his brother, Glen (Rhonda) Wimberly of Woodbury. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Mattie Lee Gannon, Mildred Fann, Ruth LaFevers, Paul Wimberly, Joe Wimberly and James Wimberly.

A member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, Darce was retired from Metal Products where he was a fabricator and he was a farmer.  He was also honored to serve his country as a veteran of the United States Army. 

Mr. Wimberly was a loving and kind man.  He enjoyed being around all children. He loved spending time with all of his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell and Bro. Herb Alsup offciating.  Interment will follow with military honors in the Centerhill Cemetery.  Pallbearers include, James Stembridge, Dakota Wimberly, Colton Tuck, Lane Francis, Lee Patrick and Micki Ralph.

Visitation with his family will be from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 1, 2023. 

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

Helen Hayes Davenport, 80, of Woodbury, passed away on October 25, 2023. Helen was born to the late Elmer Hayes and Lillian Lefevers Downing on November 25, 1942, in Cannon County. She married Robert Harold “Hoppy” Davenport in 1964, and they were married for 48 years.

Helen became well known in the community as a basketball standout who had an illustrious career at Woodbury Central High School from 1957 – 1960, scoring 1,933 points and continuing to hold multiple records to this day. She was also part of the team that placed 3^rd in the 1958 Tennessee State Tournament. Helen was awarded a scholarship in 1960 to play basketball for Nashville Business College, where she played with the most elite women’s basketball players of her time, including the first inductee into the National Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Helen was a true embodiment of service to her community and marked an extraordinary milestone in September 2023, celebrating an incredible 50 years of employment at the Woodbury Health and Rehab Facility. Her journey with the facility began in 1973 when it was still under construction. Throughout her five-decade career, Helen dedicated herself to assisting, caring for, counseling, loving, and comforting countless patients and their families.

Helen was an extraordinary mother in addition to being a nurturing caregiver, embodying the virtues of kindness, compassion, and selflessness in every aspect of her life. Her love and unwavering dedication extended far beyond her immediate family, embracing all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a pillar of strength and a wellspring of guidance, creating a sanctuary of love and support for her immediate and extended family alike. Helen was a Godly woman and was always guided by doing the right thing by everyone and living a Christian life, which was so important to her.

Truly one of a kind, Helen’s infectious laughter, illuminating smile, and the powerful force of her love brought people together. The impact she left on countless lives is immeasurable, leaving enduring imprints on every heart she touched. While we, as her family, feel the profound void of her departure, we are eternally grateful for the boundless love she bestowed upon us, and for the profound impact she had on both our lives and those of our community. Helen will live on in our hearts, and all those she touched, serving as an eternal source of love and inspiration.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert Harold “Hoppy” Davenport; father, Elmer Hayes; mother, Lillian Lefevers Downing; stepfathers John D Harris and B. F. Downing; brothers Buddy and Billy Hayes, and sister-in law Virginia Hayes.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Davenport Taylor and husband Teddy Taylor of Woodbury, Tim Davenport of San Francisco, California; grandchildren Rachel Taylor Hall (husband Jeremy Hall) of Woodbury and Ben Taylor (wife Lauren McMillan) of Orlando, Florida. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Abigail and Taylor Hall (daughters of Rachel and Jeremy Hall) and Tripp Taylor (son of Ben and Lauren Taylor.)

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Woodbury Church of Christ with Bro. Eddie Boggess and Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Tim Bell, Garrison Brothers, John and Alex Pitts, Bryan Hayes and Bill Sharp. 

Visitation with her family will be Friday, October 27, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until her time of services at Woodbury Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society or the ALS Foundation.

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

Charlene Davenport Martin, 81, of McMinnville passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023.  A native of Cannon Co., her parents were the late William Palmer Davenport and Eunia Bell Davenport. 

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert Martin, Sr. of McMinnville; her children, Robert Martin, Jr. of Spencer, Debbie (Terry) Burgess, Fay Redmond, Wanda (Russell) Mullican and Serena Floyd all of McMinnville; grandchildren, Jeffery, Bradley, Eli, Nikki (Chris), Brianna (James), Allen (Heather), Laura (Kenny), Lydia (John), Dillon (Brett) and Kaitlyn; siblings, Carolyn (Jerry) Mullican of Dibrell, Randall (Carol) Davenport of Woodbury, Bob (Ida) Davenport of McMinnville, David (Gail) Davenport of Centertown and John Calhoun.  Also surviving are 14 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Jeffery Martin and her sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Dennis Denoyer.

A member of the Lighthouse Baptist church, Mrs. Martin was a homemaker.  She enjoyed quilting, gardening, sewing and she loved to cook.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 23, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Phil Jones officating.  Interment will follow in the Blues Hill Cemetery. 

Visitation with her family will be Monday, October 23 from 10 am until time of service.

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

Mrs. Margaret Ruth Blanks, 85, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Thursday, February 17, 1938. Preceding her in death were her husband, John Alex Blanks; her father, Sam Hayes who passed away when she was only three months old and her parents, Fisher Wood and Vera Mae Wood.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Elaine (Billy) Cook of Woodbury; son, John Clay Blanks of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Seth (Krystal) Powell, Lydia (Eric) Weber, and Hannah Powell; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchildren; several cousins, and several close special friends.

The family will hold private graveside services.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the caregivers who helped her at home as her health declined, Beverly King, Shirley Davenport, and Haylie Schwartz. Also, the staff of Woodbury Health and Rehab and Caris Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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.