Obituaries

Martha Joyce Jordan, age 83, of Cleveland passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Rutherford Memory Care in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  She was born on May 13, 1940 to her parents, Hoke Smith & Trula Newman Jordan.

She is survived by her son, Jeff (Tammy) Parker of Readyville; Sister, Barbara Jordan Watkins; Nieces, Marie Young & Sherry Watkins Cornett; Sister-in-law, Juan Jordan; Grandchildren, Darrek Parker & Tayler Thompson; and her great grandchildren, Kensleigh, Tinsley, Willow, & Emerlynn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Jordan Henley; brother, Larry Jordan; nephew, Randy Watkins; and niece, Cris Watkins.

Graveside Services will be at 2 PM eastern time at Cedar Springs Cemetery in Cleveland, Tennessee on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Billie Doris Gilreath Asbury, 93, of Woodbury, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Monday, September 25, 2023. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, March 8, 1930. Preceding her in death were her husband, George R. Asbury; parents, Homer and Wallee Hollandsworth Gilreath; brother, Jerry Gilreath; and son-in-law, Stanley Honeycutt.

She is survived by her children, Bobby (Peggy) Snipes of Woodbury, Fred (Deloris) Snipes of Centertown, Bo (Michele) Asbury of Woodbury, Debbie Honeycutt of Spruce Pine, NC, Sandy (Scott) Kampes of Forrest Hills, MD, and Leah (Dryden) Kailiponi of Woodbury; brother, David (Delores) Gilreath of Franklin; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

You might know Billie from her time playing on the Auburn High School basketball team and her photo ops in the Cannon County history books. However, her life was one of service through various capacities.

Most of her working life centered around serving customers, whether it was convenience stores or restaurants. She even owned a business in Oklahoma called the Daylight Donut Shop. Then, coming back to Woodbury, she took on working at the Shirt Factory and various retail stores.

After surrendering her life to the Lord, her jobs became opportunities to tell people about Jesus and serve Him. She spent time in prayer, reading the Word, and sharing the Gospel. She even had her own guardian, Angel the parakeet.

Owning a bird may not be something that comes as a shock to anyone that knew Billie. She had a vibrancy about life that she demonstrated through multicolored clothing, the most beautiful landscaped flowers you ever saw, and the twinkle in her eye. It really was the little things for Billie that brought a smile to her face.

The most important things to her were faith and family. Rather than worrying about the things of this world, she focused on the treasures that she had. She had a healthy prayer life and worn out Bibles. She had a loving family and faithful friends. She had the things of this world that money can’t buy.

Her rich blessings in the things that truly matter in life were the secret behind her zest. That is why Billie longed to be outside in her flowers, to be with her family, to be at church, and really to be anywhere in communion with God and His creation. She knew her Creator, and now, she is strolling the streets of gold with her family that arrived before her and her Savior.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm. Funeral services will follow Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Marty Cooper will officiate. Interment will be in Gilreath Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society.

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

Richard William Steinbach age 67, of Smithville, passed away Sunday September 24, 2023, at N H C of Smithville. He was born April 10, 1956, to his parents the late Fred John and Elsie Mai Green Steinbach.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandson, Jordan Steinbach; a brother, John Steinbach.

Mr. Steinbach was a member of Keltonburg Church of Christ and he was a Retired Paramedic.

He is survived by daughters, Wendy (Patrick) Clayborn of Dowelltown, Stephanie (Jason) Brown of Smithville, and Natalie (Robert Jernigan) Steinbach of Milton; grandchildren, Erika Brown, Jacob Moore, Levi Walker; sisters, Beverly (Ronnie ) Pack, Kathy (Kenny) Wright; nieces, Kira (Mike) Futral, and Kelsey Steinbach; nephews, Daymon (Terra) Rigsby, Nick (Christie) Wright, and Mikey Steinbach; 5 great nieces and nephews; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive; special friends, Jimmy Poss and Bobby Koger.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 2:00PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2023 10:00AM until the time of the service at 2:00PM.

The family ask in lieu of flowers donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Haylie Kay Schwartz, 32, of Auburntown passed away Friday, September 22, 2023.  She was born in Murfreesboro, TN. on July 25, 1991, the daughter of Jamie Kay (Tom) Hamilton of McMinnville and Bradley Schwartz of Auburntown.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her 3 daughters, Lillian Ava-Kay Schwartz, Davlie Carroll-Gale Lavender and Tynslie Rain Lavender all of Woodbury; siblings, Jacob Allen Schwartz, Kinley Slade Felts and West George Slatton all of Woodbury, Chelsey Crisp of McMinnville, Katie Slatton of Rock Island, Alyssa Cash of Readyville, Gavin Hamilton, Kailee Hamilton and Piper Hamilton all of McMinnville; grandparents, Carolyn Schwartz, Jana and Cliff Reigle all of Woodbury; great grandmother, Dorothy “Dot” Duggin of Woodbury; Aunts and uncles, Amy McGinness, Scott (Angela) Schwartz, James (April) Hines, Michelle (Travis) Walker, Teresa Lynn Barrett and Michael Barrett; nieces and nephews, Isla Loraine Slatton, Langston and Juniper Cash; cousins, Will (Shellie) Parker, Dillon Parker, Bo Parker, Mikayla, Branden and Mylee Schwartz, Loren, Libby and Lucas Hines, Michael Miron, Paige and Gage Walker and extended family, Claudia Lavender, Jeff Lavender, David Lavender, Carroll Davis, Jeffery Lavender and Dustin Lavender.

Haylie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Fred Schwartz, Ronnie Barrett and great grandparents Grady and Avanell George, Reams Duggin and Clayton and Carrie Bell Barrett.

A member of the Woodbury First Baptist church, Haylie was a caretaker.  She loved her daughters more than anything in the world and they were the light that shined in her beautiful blue eyes.  She had many talents and could do anything she set her mind too.  She enjoyed fishing, could tear a car apart and put it back together, build furniture, and gave her brothers a run for their money never letting them get anything on her.  She was smart, funny and outgoing.  She would do anything for a friend or a stranger and if they were a stranger, Haylie would make them her friend after meeting them. She had a passion for life and absolutely loved riding her motorcycle. 

Haylie had the most amazing blue eyes with a smile that was like sunshine.

Funeral services will be 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with her uncle, Bro. David George officiating.  Interment will follow in Leoni Cemetery.  Pallbearers include her brothers, Jake Schwartz, Kinley Felts, Weston Slatton and her cousins, Branden Schwartz, Will, Dillon and Bo Parker.

Visitation with her family will be from 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 26, 2023. 

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

Ralph Juston Gunter of the Short Mountain community died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 19th, 2023.  Born April 2nd, 1948 in Woodbury, Ralph was preceded in death by parents Alec Estes Gunter and Maggie Ferrell Gunter, brother Howard Gunter and sister in law Mary Gunter, as well as mother and father in law Audrey and Morris Meyers of Nashville,Tn.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janis Meyers, son, Erik Gunter, and grandchildren, Hailee and Montana Gunter, brother Dee(Wanda) Gunter, nephews Shawn (Amber) Gunter, and Stefan(Liz) Gunter, as well as a host of grand nieces, nephews and cherished cousins. He is also survived by brother Dee (Wanda) Gunter, nephews Shawn (Amber) Gunter, and Stefan (Liz) Gunter, as well as a number of grand-nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Ralph developed an exceptional work ethic early, and he maintained it throughout his various careers. While he grew up on and loved the family farm, he wasn’t interested in farming, but he loved anything he could drive or ride on whether that was the farm tractor or their mule.  So he made a career out of being a heavy equipment operator who shod horses on the side, and later made horseshoeing his fulltime job.  He could operate any piece of equipment and became legendary for his willingness to tackle the toughest of trail rides.  Fortunately, he found an excellent chiropractor who put him back into shape so he could do it all over again. (Thank you, Trea Wessel and staff for getting him through any number of mishaps and injuries, treating him even after his stroke to relieve some of his constant pain and discomfort.)

He was known for his kindness, his ability to make friends wherever he went and for his sense of humor. You cannot think of him without smiling– and he wouldn’t want you to. While his 

circle of friends were so dear to him and sustained him lovingly throughout the past year, his greatest joys were his son, Erik, and his grandkids, Hailee and Montana. They filled the last 18 years of his life with so much love, laughter, and hugs that his proudest title was “Grandpa.” He richly deserved it.  

In honor of Ralph’s wish to be cremated and to forego funeral services, his family and friends will hold a Celebration of Life– and oh what a life to celebrate! Time and place to be announced.

His family wishes to thank all medical professionals who helped him over the past year, with particular thanks to Compassus Hospice for making a very difficult time less painful.

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

Windol Tate, 80, of Woodbury passed away peacefully Monday, September 11, 2023 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  A native of Cannon Co., TN., the was the son of the late Malcolm and Loni Mai Bogle Tate.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joann Jones Tate of Woodbury; daughter, Angela (David) Mullinax of Woodbury; granddaughter, Laney Mullinax of Woodbury; siblings, Jimmy (Brenda) Tate, Gayle (Karen) Tate, Jeanne (Mike) Melton all of Woodbury and Joel (Marilyn) Tate of Irving College and sisters-in-law, Kathryn Vandygrift and Hazel Jones.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Baptist church, Windol retired from Standex International as a quality control manager. He and his wife, Joann, are the owners of Jennings Jewelers.  After he retired, he worked at Woodbury Funeral Home for over 20 years. 

Windol was an owner and had a love for TN Walking Horses.  He attended The Celebration for over 50 years.  He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed watching high school basketball and he played football for Woodbury Central.  He was also known for his big smile, his hugs, going to car shows and his cooking abilities.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, September 14, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson and Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Odom cemetery. 

Pallbearers include David Mullinax, Spencer Benedict, Ricky Jones, James Stembridge, Adam Hayes, Cliff Wilson and Kenny Gilley.  Honorary Pallbearers include Jackie Gannon, Tony Vandygrift, Greg Vandygrift, Mike Melton, Jim Jones, Stuart Williams, Harold Duggin and Harold Bogle.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the TN Walking Horse Trainers Association Scholarship Fund.

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

Morgan Sissom, age 83, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023 at his home. A native of Cannon County, he was the son of the late Homer and Hessie Duke Sissom.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Brenda Walsh Sissom; Children, Kimberly Achorn (Darren) of Alabama, Rex Sissom, and Becky Sissom of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Cassie Sissom, Amber Achorn, and Brittany Achorn; Great Grandchildren, Calin and Maelynn; Siblings, Ellis Sissom, Barney (Linda) Sissom, Ed Sissom, and Wanda Dailey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Taylor, Carl Sissom, and Pharris Sissom.

Mr. Sissom was a member of Plainview Baptist church and was a retired railroad engineer. He enjoyed making memories with his family, trains, helping his church, fellowshipping with people and always had a smile on his face.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 2 PM until 4 PM. Funeral Services will follow at 4 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Womack officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens

Mrs. Mary Joyce Tyner, 87, a native of Cannon County, Tennessee passed away on July 18, 2023, after an extended illness.  She was the daughter of the late Ernest Hill Haley and Gertie Mae Gann Haley.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Earls; and all of her siblings, Billy Haley, J C Haley, Junior Haley, Martha Vance, Trevle Wood, and Dorothy Rogers.

She is survived by her daughter, Vickie (Jimmie) Martinez; son, Michael Earls; grandchildren, Lucas Earls and Shelby Earls; great grandchildren, Paisley Young, Bryson Fox, and Cercie Earls; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Being born in the middle of the Great Depression in the South probably would not have been ideal circumstances for most people.  In the case of Joyce, it forged her spirit into a special kind of toughness.  Adversity and determination were constantly found in her life, but her determination won out most of the time.  After graduating high school, she married a young man in the military, James Alex Earls, Sr.  They had three children together and she traveled with him for a while. While he was stationed in France, she made the challenging journey with her three young children. Unfortunately, she soon found herself as a single mother with three children to raise.  At that point she moved back to Tennessee and found a home.  Her mother, being recently widowed, moved in with her and the kids to help split expenses. 

Joyce wasn’t one to rest on her laurels, so she found work at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Woodbury.  One of the doctors could see her potential and encouraged her to get certified as an LPN.  While it wasn’t easy juggling work, going to school, and raising three children, she found a way.  Her daughter, Vickie, pitched in to help with taking care of her younger brothers and doing chores around the house. When the kids had a little free time, they would head down to the skating rink to meet up with their friends. With the LPN certification under her belt, she looked for other work opportunities.  She found work at the Woodbury Nursing Home, V. A. Nursing Home, and other places that suited her. 

Burning the candle at both ends seemed to be her lot in life, but she still managed to have some time to take the kids to Center Hill Lake on occasion and get together with an old friend.  She must have had an eye for a man in uniform because her friend introduced her to another soldier.  They married and she was able to do some more traveling with him. During their brief few years together, she saw some unexpected sites like Saudi Arabia and Japan.  Life threw her another curve, and they divorced.  It was then she found her way back to Tennessee again.

When she wasn’t working her fingers to the bone, she enjoyed sitting down to watch a good old John Wayne western.  She could count on the Duke to take her mind off of things.  He could always impart some wisdom, grit, and an extra dose of her brand of determination.  In some of her other time off, she loved to go for a drive with her sister, Dorothy, in the country looking at some of the places they remembered growing up. Another outlet for her to relieve some stress was crocheting.  She had a keen eye for crafting each piece to perfection.  While she didn’t often have time to attend church, God was a part of her life, and it is certain He was watching over her. The adversities of life all looked like opportunities to her because she had the determination to make them so.

The family held a private graveside service to lay her to rest at Leoni Cemetery.  She lived a simple life and was buried with the same dignity and honor her life encompassed.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Cora Jean Rains Davis Duke, 90, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at her home following a brief illness.  A native of Cannon Co., TN., she was the daughter of the late Homer and Bertha Sadler Rains.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelia Davis Rutledge of Lewisburg; grandson, Ethan Rutledge of Murfreesboro; great granddaughter, Eris Rutledge; brother, Roy Rains of Bradyville and stepson, Jeff Duke of Murfreesboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Davis and Lynwood Duke and her siblings, Ray Rains, Thelma Rains and Clark Rains.

A member of the church of Christ, she was a seamstress throughout her life with many companies including the Colonial Corp. and she retired from the Overall Factory.  She enjoyed being with her family making memories, gardening and she also raised Eskimo Spitz dogs.

Visitation with her family will be Sunday, September 2, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Cunningham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Midway cemetery.

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

Carl Dwight Blankenship, Jr., 43 of McMinnville passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was born in Dekalb Co., TN.

He is survived by his mother, Judy Prater Blankenship (Bobby Irwin) of McMinnville; aunt, Carolyn (Jimmy) Blanton of Woodbury and uncle, Myron Prater of McMinnville. Several cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Blankenship.

Jr. enjoyed working on vehicles, fishing and watching sports especially the Tennessee Titans.

Graveside services will be 1:30 P.M. Friday, September 1, 2023 at Centerhill cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.

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