Obituaries

In Loving Memory of

Albert Lee Lorance

March 7, 1939 – February 8, 2025

A beloved husband, father, and grandfather who touched the lives of many, Albert grew up in Woodbury, TN but had resided in Hendersonville, TN since 2019.

Albert was born in 1939 and lived through remarkable times and approached life with an extraordinary spirit of acceptance and positivity. What truly set Albert apart was his ability to face life’s challenges without complaint. 

A proud Army veteran, who served his country with honor, Albert was a heavy machinery operator until he retired and also was known for his exceptional ability to fix almost anything. His hands were not just tools but instruments of care and creativity, always ready to repair, rebuild, and restore – much like his approach to life itself. He loved to plant and garden as well. 

Albert found joy in the world of CB radio. He loved the camaraderie, the stories shared, and the connections made across miles. His microphone was his gateway to friendship, always ready with a kind word, a helpful tip, or a story that would make others smile. 

In his leisure time, Albert was a dedicated viewer of classic entertainment. Old westerns transported him to tales of adventure and heroism, while the comedic antics of the Three Stooges and the Beverly Hillbillies never failed to make him laugh. These shows were more than just television – they were a source of comfort that reflected his love of storytelling and humor. Albert also loved watching football being a big Tennessee Vols fan and a Tennessee Titans fan. 

In his younger days, Albert found additional joy in the great outdoors. A passionate hunter and fisherman, he cherished moments spent in nature, finding peace in the quiet landscapes and the simple pleasures of pursuing his passions. These experiences shaped his character.

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Virginia; his son, Lee; daughter-in-law, Chastity; brother, Randy (Shandra); and sisters, Brenda, Pam, and Annette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan and Stella; his daughter, Teresa; grandson, Ramon Lee; brothers, George and Henry; and sister, Evelyn, Carolyn, and Wanda. His legacy continues through his 4 grandchildren, Chasity (Brandon), Sean, Jessica, and Ava Danielle; and 8 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories, wisdom, and love he shared. Albert loved his dog, Titan, who was a constant companion for him. 

Those who knew Albert will remember his unwavering positive spirit, his ability to never complain, and his generous heart. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. His legacy lives on through the lives he influenced, the things he fixed, and the love he shared.

Albert will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts. His spirit continues to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 12-2 pm. Memorial services will follow on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Amity Cemetery. 

In honor of Albert’s memory, the family suggests flowers, cards, or memorial donations made to Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue in Nashville. For information on how to donate, you can go to their website at https://www.proverbs1210rescue.org/info/donate.

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 

Joyce Faye Haley Huston, 85, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Vera McDougal Haley; her sisters, Hazel Haley Brazzell, Doris Haley Powell and Armilda Haley Mathis and nephews, Jerry Powell and Danny Powell.

Ms. Huston is survived by her daughter, Beverly Wilson Siddons and her husband, John of Rockvale and her grandchildren who were the loves of her life, John Tyler and Shelby Nicole Siddons.

She worked many years as a nurse and also in sales. She loved nature and helping anyone anytime.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Pleasant View cemetery. Bro. Shane Nichols will conduct her service. Pallbearers include, John Siddons, John T. Siddons, John White, Mike Gannon, Shane Nichols and Kent Pipenger.

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

Phillip Bryant Parton, 53, of Woodbury passed away suddenly, Monday, February 10, 2025 from work related injuries. Born in Warren Co., TN., he is the son of Doug Parton of McMinnville and Helen Wilson Moore and her husband, Lynn of Rock Island.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Amy Shipp Parton of Woodbury; his children, Ally (Will) Young of Bradyille and Jacob Parton (Jenna Cantrell) of Woodbury; granddaughter, Lakelyn Rose Young of Bradyville; sister, Melony Diane Parton of McMinnville; step sister, Tristy (Adam) Berryhill of Oak Ridge, step brother, Tory Moore of Winchester and brother-in-law, Kevin Shipp of Woodbury.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Janice Shipp.

Phillip worshipped at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and worked as a fertilizer manager at Warren Farmers Co-Op. He and his father, Doug, previously owned and operated Valley Fertilizer Feed and Seed. Phillip deeply loved the Lord and often shared His message. A devoted Christian, he was a beloved son, husband, brother, father, and grandfather to his new granddaughter, Lakelyn Rose. His main hobby was working on the farm and he also enjoyed deer hunting.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 14, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nick Pelham and Bro. Lane Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the Caney Branch cemetery in Morrison.

Pallbearers include, Jacky Vickers, Chris Terry, Bryan Murphy, Marlon Pelham, Josh and Brady Smith, Dale Rogers, Mike Grissom, George Newman and Randy Estes.

His family will receive friends Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Friday, February 14, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until his time of services.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Caney Branch Cemetery Fund, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Sarah Cannon Cancer center. All can be made through Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Benjamin Welling Hartsfield, 85, of Woodbury passed away at his home Sunday, February 2, 2025. Born in West Palm Beach, FL., and growing up in Jackson, MO., he was preceded in death by his biological parents, Olin Sanford Hartsfield and Mildred Bernice Granger Hartsfield and his adoptive parents, Thomas Edward Wilson and Elizabeth Granger Wilson. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Emma Ray Elizabeth Bugg Hartsfield.

He is survived by his daughter, Mildred Elizabeth “Beth” (Mance) Davis of Bradyville; granddaughters, Aidan Elizabeth Davis, Cadee Grace Davis and Anne Christine Davis all of Bradyville and sister, Julie French of Charleston, MO.

Mr. Hartsfield was a member of the West High Church of Christ and was a retired Mechanical Engineer with Arnold Engineering Development Center. He loved gardening, antique clock repair and working with his metal lathe.

His family will receive friends Friday, February 7, 2025 beginning at 2:00 P.M. with his funeral services to follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Jernigan cemetery.

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

Jerime Alan Dozier, 45, of McMinnville passed away from complications of the flu on January 29, 2025 at St. Thomas Midtown hospital. Born in Murfreesboro, TN., he was the son of the late Robert Anthony Dozier and Sharon Kay Hindman Dozier.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Dozier of McMinnville; his children, Mia Dozier Segobiano and her husband, Caleb of Auburntown, Braden Dozier and his wife, McKayla of Clarksville, Harper Dozier and Havik Dozier of McMinnville; grandchildren, Emerson, Ruby and Charlie Segobiano; his brother, Chris Harris and his wife, April of Readyville; nephew, Nicholas Arnold and his wife, Lacy of Readyville and father-in-law, Steve Damon and his wife, Elizabeth of McMinnville.  Also surviving are uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A member of Grace Baptist Church, he had a career spanning over 30 years in automotive paint and bodywork. He was known for his vibrant personality, humor, and was always the life of the party. Above all, Jerime loved God and his family.

Jerime was an organ donor, giving the gift of life to many people. His generosity will forever impact the families who receive his gift, improving their quality of life.

His family will receive friends Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until his time of service.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 5, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in the Bethlehem cemetery.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with his funeral expenses.

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

David Raymond Barrett, 59, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at his home in Woodbury.  Born in Davidson Co., he was the son of the late William Ray and Wilma Jean Bryant Barrett.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond Barrett; his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Calvin Lloyd.

He is survived by his daughters, Tiffany Barrett (Tony Lowe) of Manchester and Tosha Barrett of Woodbury; significant other, Wanda Mayo of Woodbury; aunt and uncle, Travis and Katherine Singleton of Woodbury; cousins, Patsy Jones and Sue Harrison and chosen grandchildren, Willow Gnida, Jesiah, Jadelynn and Jace Johnson, Emma and Ally Nichols.

David was a member of the Pentecostal church and retired from the Cannon County Highway Department, where he served as a heavy equipment operator. Prior to this position, he dedicated 27 years to Pelham’s Auto Salvage, where he found great satisfaction in his work. Known affectionately as “Big Dave,” he also volunteered as a firefighter with the Midway Fire Department. David had a multitude of interests, including playing rook, fishing, camping, traveling, attending car shows, participating in mud bogs, and listening to music. He greatly valued spending time with his friends, family and always cherished those moments. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside cemetery. 

His family will receive friends Monday, February 3, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday until his time of service.

In lieu of flowers, David’s family is requesting donations to be made at Woodbury Funeral Home to help with his funeral expenses. 

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

Deborah Owens Haley, 68, of Woodbury passed away at her home, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 following an extended illness.  Born in Woodbury, she was the daughter of the late James and Christine Snow Owens.

Debbie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Amanda Emberton of Woodbury; grandchildren, Cade and Christyn Emberton of Woodbury and her sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Rick Herman of Murfreesboro. 

A member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, Debbie was a seamstress and previously worked for Crane Interiors.  She enjoyed puzzles, coloring and collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. 

Memorial graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Leoni cemetery.  Bro. Eddie Boggess will conduct her service. 

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

Mrs. Betty Joe Davenport Whitehead, 88, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born to the late Lawrence Elmer and Verna Lee Watson Davenport on Thursday, September 17, 1936 in Woodbury, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Samuel and Ida Richards Davenport and Joseph B. and Eliza J. Stone Watson; brothers, Kenneth Watson (Myla) Davenport, Thomas Jewell Davenport, Elmer Ray Davenport, and Billie David Davenport; sister, Mary Helen (Thomas) Holden; niece, Ginger Davenport; and nephew, Gary Davenport.

She is survived by her husband, Virgil Whitehead; children, Cheryl L. Whitehead (Mark) Faiola, Kenneth Michael Watson, and Steven Ray Whitehead; uncle, Wayne (Cherie) Watson; nieces, Debbie Milligan Joseph, Peggy Davenport Messmer, Theresa Davenport Batey, Connie Davenport, Karen Davenport, and Cheryl Davenport Witt; nephews, Bruce Davenport, Kenneth Davenport, and Ray Lawrence Davenport; grandchildren, Christopher E. (Michelle) Fowles, Laura N. Fowles, Michael Maxwell Watson, Samantha N. Watson, Westley K. Whitehead, Jessica L. Whitehead Helm, and Julia Abel; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Fowles, Luna Bella Fowles, Adreena Fowles, Magnus Fowles, Theo Fowles, Evelyn Roberts, Raelyn Roberts, Walker Helm, Etha Abel, Jackson Abel, Izzie Abel, and Wyatt Abel; and sisters-in-law, Lois Davenport and Betty Davenport.

Running a farm, Mr. Lawrence was really hoping for another boy to add an extra set of hands. Instead, he quickly fell in love with his beautiful baby girl, Betty, but that didn’t keep him from getting “Joe” into her name. Betty opted to shorten it down to just “Jo” in later years, but it was a reminder of times past and what it meant to grow up during the trying times of the Great Depression.

Born and raised in Cannon County, Betty went on to live a true Cannon County childhood. The Davenport family’s farm was down on Doolittle Road, and many memories were made there. From stopping to wash her feet in the creek on her way to church to taking out someone’s fence when she was learning to drive, Doolittle was the setting for Betty’s formative years. That was until the place burned down and the Davenport Farm moved out on Red Hill Road.

Betty also went on to be involved in some of the great traditions of Cannon County during her early teen years. Playing basketball for Woodbury Central High School, Betty learned how to work with a team and that she loved to “throw those hoops.” That along with her farm girl work ethic translated into her work at the Shirt Factory. However, life in Cannon County was missing the adventure Betty hungered for, and she knew she had to get out of Woodbury.

Before turning 18, she met and married a Marine named Virgil Whitehead. Love was her ticket out, and Betty didn’t miss that train. She traveled all over the world with Virgil, going through Europe together before heading to Okinawa, Japan. When the kids started coming, Betty opted to stay on the state-side, but Virgil’s military service kept the family hopping. They started off in North Carolina and then made their way to Millington, Tennessee.

Woodbury came back in the mix for a few years, but Virgil and Betty were soon hot on the trail again. They lived in Georgia, went back to North Carolina, and finally, landed in California. Their travels are probably most memorable because of the family car – a Volkswagon Beetle. The boys had long legs and therefore first dibs on the middle seats, leaving Cheryl in the back, which was typically reserved for groceries. 

Their little Beetle took them far and wide across the United States from the East Coast to the West, but it was on the West Coast that Betty found her love for the beach. When Virgil got sent back to Okinawa, she would take the kids camping on the beach. They would pull up between sand dunes with the camper and set up their nest. California provided several opportunities for Betty to learn and grow into her own. 

Getting her GED, Betty took the leap of not only becoming a hairdresser but also opening her own salon. Nautilus Hair Styling was born and run in La Jolla, California. The name said it all. Betty styled hair just as beautiful as the seashell she named her salon after, and that helped her to maintain regular clientele from older generations. She formed relationships with those ladies, balancing out her role in the beauty parlor as hairdresser and counselor. 

Even with a business, Betty didn’t let it tie her down all the time. The kids remember their summers spent on the Davenport farm on Red Hill Road. They knew when they could start getting excited because there were only about 3 houses on the road at the time. One of the first was Mr. Smithson’s with a big “S” on the front, and that was the sign they were almost there. 

Cannon County remained a major part of Betty’s life, and as the years went on, she grew to appreciate it more and more. It only seemed fitting for her to move back to Cannon County, and she did so with the same excitement that she left with. Family reunions sparked her interest in geneology, and she had the family tree traced back through the Davenports, Watsons, and Stones. 

Betty’s roots only grew stronger and deeper into the history of Cannon County, but more importantly, her time as a farm girl, a military wife, a mother, and a businesswoman grew her roots in faith. She attended at Smith Grove Church of Christ and Midway Church of Christ until her health began to decline, but through it all, she made sure her feet were firmly planted on the Rock and her hand nestled in the unchanging hand of her Creator.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Al Bugg will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smith Grove Church of Christ. 

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

Gary Lee Bowman, 71, passed away on January 21, 2025 at his home in the Blues Hill community. Born in Fort Bragg, N.C., he was the son of the late Cecil E. Bowman and Margie Elizabeth Knox Bowman.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Chrissy Bowman Vaughn and her husband, Jeremy of Woodbury, Cecilia Bowman of McMinnville and Cassie Bowman of Woodbury; grandchildren, Victoria Gudat, Davin Wilson, Allysa Gentry, Andre Inge, Kelsey and Jaycob Peters; great granddaughters, Adalynn Ritenour and Josie Wilson; his sister, Rita Kay Bryson and her husband, Terry of Readyville and step mother, Elene Bowman of Murfreesboro.

A member of the Blues Hill Church of Christ, Gary was a custom knife maker and blacksmith. He enjoyed many things in life including skydiving, shooting guns, leather work, cowboy reenactments and watching the Andy Griffith show. He had a great sense of humor and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. David Gilley officiating. Interment will follow in Thyatira cemetery.

Pallbearers include, Brad Hillis, Terry Staton, Mike Cooper, Buster Alexander, Wade Duggin, Garland Gilley, Don Elrod and Jason Bivens.

His family will receive friends Friday, January 24, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with funeral expenses.

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

Mrs. Sharon Hillis, 78, of McMinnville passed away on January 18, 2025. She was a native of McMinnville born on December 23, 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles C. Womack and Oma Lea (Rhea) Womack, her husband Eddie Hillis, brother, Ronnie Womack and sister, Dixie Martin.

She is survived by her son, Trent Hillis and daughter, Angie (Kenny) Doak both of McMinnville, grandchildren, Shelby Lea Hillis, Lindzey Hillis, Ethan Hillis, Kayla Doak, and Jeremiah Doak, step-grandson, Nathan (Brittany) George, great grandchildren, Preston Wanamaker, Harper Moore, and Miah Doak, and several other relatives.

Life post WWII held a lot of challenges and opportunities. Although people in the rural areas still had a hard time finding regular work they did know how to pull together and take care of each other. Families were tight knit and did what it took to survive. The Womack family was no exception. Her parents received a early Christmas gift, a beautiful baby girl. 

Early on she and Eddie’s paths crossed. It wasn’t long before the love bug bit them, and they decided to get married. She tied the knot and fell right into her role as a wife. They made a perfect couple, both quiet, reserved, and content to be at home. When they did go out you could rest assured, she wasn’t going out in pajamas. When they left the house, they were fully dressed and put together. Occasionally, they would get away to Gatlinburg to rekindle their love. 

In the years that followed they were blessed with two children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were the icing on the cake. In true Southern fashion she cooked good old home cooking. When those family get togethers happened there could have easily been a fight for the last helping of her dressing. One of the traditions the grandchildren looked forward to was being in the kitchen helping her bake banana bread. Seeing them come over always lit a special spark in her eyes and a warm place in her heart. She took great pride in helping love and nurture her grandchildren and great grandchildren. No, wasn’t a word she would use when it came to whether she would be able to watch one or all of them for a day, night, or a week. She was ready, willing and able to have them any and every time.

Taking care of her family always took top priority for her. Having her home neat as a pin and things in order was the way. Cleaning was a stress relief for her and a way to bless others. Often, she would go to family and friend’s homes and lend a hand with her special touch to set their homes straight. Her talents weren’t limited inside the home. It gave her great peace to be outside enjoying God’s creation in her own yard. She had a special love for hummingbirds. Seeing them zip around and hoover to eat never seemed to get old. Her flower garden was a special place. She enjoyed the simple beauty of morning glories as her favorites over roses or other more refined flowers. 

Throughout her life she held a strong faith and belief in God. She enjoyed worshiping with her church family at Bonner Church of Christ. That faith helped her through her own unique struggles in life. Eddie suffered from health issues, and she was right there when he needed her help and loving hands to do what he couldn’t. In her later years dementia began to take hold on her mind. The day her beloved Eddie passed away, the stress of losing him coupled with dementia caused her to decline. 

The once strong and determined matriarch of the family needed the help of God and her family to care for her. Her legacy and spirit will live on with the foundation of love she left them. Every time they use her recipe for banana bread, see a hummingbird, her memory will be renewed.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff of Willow Branch Healthcare and Rehabilitation and Gentiva Hospice for their support and loving care.

A service with be announced at a later date. Memorial donations are requested to assist with expenses through Gentry-Smith Funeral Home. 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.