Obituaries

Glenda Fay Anderson Armstrong of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2023. She was born in the Pea Ridge Community of Liberty, TN, on October 6, 1940 to parents Edgar Lee and Ora Lee Anderson. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband W.G. Armstrong, brothers Clifton Melton and Charles Anderson; sisters Irene Roberts and Billie Braswell Simpson.

She is survived by her children, Pam (Terry) Stembridge, Missy (Steven) Smotherman, Suzette (Gaylon) Sissom and Jack (Sharon) Armstrong all of Woodbury. Grand children Tamra (Brandon) Dailey, Terra (Colton) O’Shields, Nicholas (Stephanie) Lovvorn, Shelby Fay (Alan) Burger, Trey Smotherman, Emily (Phillip) Mullins, Abbey(Camron) Bond, Anna Grace Sissom, Kaylee Armstong, and A.J. Armstrong. Great grandchildren, Houston Dailey, Logan O’Shields, Kerigan, Kymber, Elliott Lovvorn, Jaxon, Britta Grace, Jase Burger, Grayson, Maddox Mullins, Baby Bond, Baby Dailey, Baby Mullins and Baby Lovvorn on the way. Also surviving, her brother and sister-in-law, El and Brenda Anderson of Liberty. 

Fay grew up in the Mt Moriah Baptist Church and was a faithful Christian woman who was saved and baptized in the creek at a young age.  Later she became a member of First Baptist Church in Woodbury. She began her work career at Colonial Corporation, but was a later a homemaker raising her children. After the children went to school, she was a receptionist for Dr. Robert’s until her benign brain tumor surgery in 1994.

Fay shared her faith and love of Christ while counting each one of her blessings. Her sweet spirit and kindness touched many who came in contact with her. 

The family would like to thank her caregivers for their compassion and kindness.

Funeral Services will be at 1 PM Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Riverside. The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM until 8 PM Monday, June 12, 2023 and Tuesday, June 13, from 10 AM until 1 PM.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Daniel “Danny” Bracy Young, 51, of Dowelltown and formerly of Woodbury, TN. passed away suddenly at his home Sunday, June 11, 2023. A native of Cannon Co., he was preceded in death by his father, Bracy Young and his beloved grandmother, Ms. Annie Cox. 

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Player Young of Dowelltown; his children, Daniel Young of Smyrna, Izayah Young of Dowelltown, Alexis Player of Murfreesboro, Tyler Player of Nashville, Mylia Watkins of Dowelltown, and Chris Watkins of Dowelltown; grandchildren, Kyrie Watkins and Aleia Watkins; his mother, Nancy Young of Woodbury; brothers, Michael Young of Woodbury, Adam (Laura) Young of Virginia, and Matthew Starnes of McMinnville; special cousins, Darren and Darrell Whyte; his in-laws, Joel and Catherine Player of Dekalb Co. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends.

Danny was a member of the Dowelltown Baptist church, enjoyed fishing and spending time at the gun range.

A graduate of Cannon Co. High School, he was well known for his commitment, perseverance, and a passion for the game whether that be basketball or baseball.  After high school, he was drafted by the Houston Astros and played for several teams including, Asheville Tourists, Pirates, and the Green Jackets to name a few.  He was later drafted by the Chicago Cubs for his major league debut in 2000.  After his retirement from baseball, Danny continued to pursue his love of baseball and his love for his hometown.  Danny became a coach and mentor to countless children over the years.  Everyone knew him by his smile, knew of the humbleness, kindness and sincerity of his friendship.  He was a friend to everyone that knew him.  Above all Danny was a family man and he loved spending time with them making memories. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, June 16, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Thomas Hale officiating.  Interment will follow in Hillview Cemetery, Alexandria, TN.

Visitation with his family will be Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

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 condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Rachel Ann Taylor Melton, 75, of Auburntown passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023 at her home.  She was born in Kannapolis, N.C.

She is survived by her daughters, Misty Melton and Melissa Melton both of Auburntown; granddaughter, Destiny Melton of Woodbury; siblings, Wayne (Kathy) Taylor of Woodbury, Randall (Janet) Taylor of Auburntown and Darlene (Jack) Knowles of Baxter; special family friends, Tammy and Blake O’Neal and family. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William C. Taylor and Mallie Opal Tate Taylor and her husband, John Wiley Melton.

A member of the Prosperity Baptist church, she was retired from Cumberland Swan where she worked in customer service.  She enjoyed watching the Titans play, talking to her friends but most of all she loved her family and spending her time with them.

Graveside services will be 3:30 pm, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Sycamore Cemetery with family friend, Blake O’Neal officiating.  Nephews and great nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with her family will be Tuesday, June 13, from 11 am – 3:00 pm.

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

Mrs. Lillian Rhea Alexander, 90, of Woodbury, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Friday, June 9, 2023. She entered this life in Readyville, Tennessee on Wednesday, October 12, 1932. Preceding her in death were her husband, Richmond Alexander; parents, Jake and Mildred Finley Alexander; sisters, Marlene Taylor, Elaine Martin, and Jessie Burr Jackson; and sister-in-law, Betty Ann Alexander.

She is survived by her son, Tim (Brenda) Alexander of Woodbury; grandchildren, Whitney (Cody) Burdick and Wesley (Lindsey) Alexander both of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Avery and Lilly Alexander both of Woodbury; brothers, Buddy Alexander of Woodbury and Gerry Alexander of Winchester; sister, Mary Dale (Buddy) Clark of Woodbury; and several extended family members and friends.

Growing up in Readyville, Tennessee during the Great Depression meant that Lillian quickly learned what mattered most in life. Faith and family were central to her existence on this earth. She helped raise all of her siblings and took on every responsibility that fell under the title “Big Sister.” Her mothering spirit led to a desire to have a family of her own someday, and there was one boy in particular that caught her eye.

Lillian had a crush on Richmond on and off throughout their years growing up together, and something about him kept her mind coming back to that boy from the holler. They finally began dating, and after graduating from Woodbury Central High School, they were engaged and then married on February 7, 1951. In their almost 60 years of marriage, their love for one another did nothing but grow, and Richmond learned just the kind of lady that he married.

A cornerstone in her family, Lillian continued in her role as big sister and was sure to keep everyone in their place and in line. All she had to do was point, and her siblings knew exactly what to do, where to sit, or how to help. She had a way about her that was firm yet also demonstrated the sacrificial love she had for her family. There was no question that Lillian rightfully stepped into the role as the matriarch.

Fittingly enough, her favorite color was red, and she led her family and conducted herself with the love, passion, strength, courage, and drive that the color symbolizes. In all that she did, Lillian did it with love. During her career, she worked for White Stag, a garment manufacturer in Murfreesboro, and rather than changing her scenery, she used her time and talents to make herself and family members clothing. Later in life, she taught herself to do needlepoint and crotchet, and she would make blankets and tablecloths for her loved ones.

That was the thing for Lillian — doing for others. She stayed involved in all of her family member’s lives. When the caterer for Tim and Brenda’s wedding had a loss in her family, Lillian stepped up to the plate and had the whole family organized and mobilized for a seamless reception. When Whitney and Cody were baptized, Lillian was right there on the bank to wrap her arms around them. When Wesley and Lindsey had Avery and then Lilly, there wasn’t a chance that Lillian wasn’t going to be in the waiting room.

This level of involvement and attention to detail on things that matter didn’t just go for the generations after Lillian though. She was an avid genealogist for her family and traced it back through the Civil War and Revolutionary War. She knows her family signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in 1775, and that their flight to North America goes back to a Presbyterian minister who fled Scotland under persecution of the Queen of Scots. Looking through the countless papers and notebooks of documented information, her family is convinced she could have been a private investigator.

And the real kicker? Lillian didn’t need the internet to do it! The only time she got online was to use her tablet to look at Facebook and keep up with more of her family. She was intentional with her actions and her time. Any skill she needed or wanted that wasn’t passed down to Lillian by a family member she took the liberty of teaching herself. In her younger years, her precious dogs became the muse for sketches, and she was meticulous with the details. Later in life, she transitioned to more of the crocheting and needlepoint. It wasn’t until February 1, 2011 that Lillian slowed down.

After several years of taking care of Richmond, he went on to be with the Lord, and half of Lillian’s heart went with him. Not having Richmond with her meant she finally had to face the reality of her own declining health, and over the course of the years, Lillian became less physically capable. But she never let that stop her from working for the Lord. When her body was failing her, that’s where technology came into use. Lillian was known for quite lengthy phone calls, and Tim and Brenda accommodated her with another charged phone always on hand.

Lillian called, encouraged, listened, and ministered to those in need. She continued to put her focus on God first and others second no matter what challenge came her way. The grace and dignity with which she conducted herself reigned true to her final breath. Now, she has entered into her great reward in the presence of her Savior and the arms of her husband.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 1-3 pm. Funeral services will be Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 3 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Herb Alsup will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodbury Church of Christ or the ABC Girls. If donating to the ABC Girls, please make checks payable to Woodbury Church of Christ and put ABC Girls in the memo.

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

Mollie Clark Knox, 88, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was born in Bishops Stortford Herts, England, the daughter of the late Ernest & Frieda Skingle Clark.

She is survived by her children, Damone Knox of Murfreesboro, Dana (Doug) Davenport of Great Falls, MT, Desiree (Gary) Sinks of Woodbury, & Dane Knox of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Samantha Davenport, Erin Davenport, Alexandra Knox, Taylor Knox, Daniel Knox, & Phoebe Knox; Great Grandchild, Dean Davenport and siblings, Pat Ball, Avril Ross and Sandra Hall all of England.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Knox was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert A. Knox whom she greatly missed until her passing. 

Ms. Mollie was a member of the church of England and was very active working in her yard, running and walking.  She enjoyed nature and being outside.  She loved animals but most of all, she was the light of her family and she will be missed deeply.

A private graveside service will be held.

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

Joe Robert Davenport, 76, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at his home in Murfreesboro.  He was born in Auburntown, the son of the late Hugh L. Davenport and Bertha Pitts Davenport Barrett.

He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Jo Davenport of Murfreesboro; stepson, Jamie Nelson Jones of Murfreesboro; son-in-law, Jeremy Shawn Moses; grandsons, Stephen (Tiahna) Davenport, Johnathan (Asia) McKnight, Shane McKnight & Shawn McKnight and siblings, Vicky (Bud) Watts and Patricia Womack all of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Davenport; grandson, Daniel Messick; siblings, Edward Davenport, Wanda Davenport, Thomas Earl Davenport and Elmer Lewis Davenport.

A veteran of the United States Army serving in Vietnam, he was a member of the Baptist church.  He was a heavy equipment operator for Rutherford Co. Hwy. Dept and previously worked at Alvin C. York Medical Center.

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Odom Cemetery.

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

Clifton Wayde Ballard, 53, passed away at his home in Smyrna, Friday, May 12, 2023.  He was a native of Aurora, CO.

He is survived by his daughter, Katelyn Rains and her husband, Jesse of Woodbury; grandchildren, Karigan and Allison Rains; his parents, Jerry Ballard of Pocahontas, AR. And Pamela Pye Ballard of Cheyanne, WY.; sisters, Jerri Nelson of Cheyanne, WY. And Michelle Ballard of Newell, SD.

Mr. Ballard was a mechanic at Berry Plastics in Smyrna.  He was never serious as he was always making jokes.  He had many friends and enjoyed working on cars, fishing and watching his favorite sports teams, Chicago Bulls and Las Vegas Raiders.

A private graveside service will be held.

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

Tracee Nicole LaFever, 48, passed away Friday, June 2, 2023 at Vanderbilt Medical Center.  She was born in Rutherford Co., Tn., the daughter of the late Rhonda Rains and Randy LaFever. 

She is survived by her children, Brock Adkins of Murfreesboro and Brooklyn Hollis of LaVergne; brothers, Jason Lafever of Murfreesboro and Jeremy Parker of Woodbury; nieces and nephews, Madison LaFever, Shellby Parker, Lexie LaFever, Ryan LaFever, Reese LaFever and Blake Parker. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jo Ann and Joe Shelton, Eli and Pauline LaFever.

A member of Pentecostal church of Smyrna, Tracee worked in landscaping.  She loved her family, enjoyed art and she was proud that she accomplished getting her culinary degree.

Graveside services will be 1:30 pm Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Cherry cemetery with Bro. Carlos Sadler officiating. Visitation with her family will be from 11 am until 1 pm.

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

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

Mr. Raymond Pedigo, 92 of Woodbury passed away on June 3^rd, 2023.

He was born on September 12, 1930, in Coffee County.  Soon after his birth, the family came to live in Cannon County.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Pedigo; his parents, Oad Pedigo and Oza Rains Pedigo; brothers, Emmitt Pedigo and Dewey Pedigo; their wives; and the husbands of his two sisters.

He is survived by his children, Jerrold (Melissa) Pedigo of Murfreesboro and Jan Pedigo Todd also of Murfreesboro; his grandchildren, Rob Todd, Jay (Ashley) Todd, Coleton Pedigo, and Brookelyn Pedigo; and great-grandchildren, Noah Riley Todd, Carson Grey Todd, and Brock Abram Todd, all of Murfreesboro, TN; and two sisters, Jenelle Pugh of Dowelltown and Gycell Cole of Murfreesboro.

Mr. Pedigo was a graduate of Woodbury Central High School, Class of 1948.  He joined the Air Force, but his military time was cut short as he was sent home early due to being the youngest son in his family and the need for him to work the family farm.  He met his future wife (Ethel) in high school, and they quickly became sweethearts.  They were married on July 1, 1950, and celebrated 67 wonderful years of marriage together before her death. 

Raymond always loved farming and had a farm in the Woodland community of Cannon County where he began with row crops and milking.  After a few years, the farm was converted to a beef cattle operation with his partner and very close friend, Clayton Glenn.  He held a full-time job with the United States Department of Agricultural as the Cannon County ASCS Manager, and through this work, he came to know most all the farmers in the county, whom he enjoyed and developed lifelong friendships.  He also became a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer and began Pedigo Realty with his wife, Ethel.  Upon retiring from the USDA, he continued in the real estate business full time, where he was joined by Jerrold and Jan. It was a true family business that spawned the formation of Pedigo Construction and several other entities, and the family has continued as partners in the properties they all developed over the years.

The Pedigos were very close to Clayton & Jennie Glenn.  The families worshiped together, worked together, vacationed together, and spent many happy times together.  Raymond and Clayton were closer than most brothers.

He relished Sunday family lunches, holidays, and anytime the family was together.  As adults, the children and grandchildren would still vacation with their parents. They have traveled the US, including Alaska, and Canada.

Raymond loved God, his family, his friends, Woodbury, Cannon County, and the people of Cannon County; and they showed him love as well. 

He was a wonderful father, who loved his family dearly and would make every effort to help his family and others.  He worked hard at life and had a wonderful life that he often said he could have never imagined.  He was blessed.

We wish to thank each and every one who has cared for our Dad.  We appreciate all that you have done to make his life better and more comfortable.                                            

                                                                                           Jerrold and Jan

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, June 5, 2023 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 1:30 pm in the Woodbury Church of Christ chapel. Bro. Herb Alsup will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodbury Church of Christ or Short Mountain Bible Camp. 

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

Mr. Elliott Delray Walker-Bey, 39, of Kissimmee, Florida departed this life on Wednesday, May 5, 2023. He was born on Thursday, November 3, 1983 in Cleveland, Ohio. Preceding him in passing were his grandparents, Silas and Leatha Little, Jean Jackson, and Jonah Walker, Jr.; and son, Terino Walker.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, T’mya Walker and A’mya Walker of Paducah, Kentucky, Erica Walker, Astaria Walker, Dameeko Walker, and Lamier Walker all of Murfreesboro, and a baby Walker on the way (Brittany Glover); step-son, Javontay Morgan of Paducah, Kentucky; mother, Shelia Walker of Murfreesboro; father, Richard “Dickie” Little of Cleveland, Ohio; wife, Amanda J. Greenup-Walker of Paducah, Kentucky; sister, Tanisha (Bryant) Walker-Wilson of Murfreesboro; brother, James V. Smith, Jr. of Clayton, North Carolina; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Throughout his life, Elliott remained a self-taught man. He had ambition and drive for his life and a thirst for knowledge, especially in history. He graduated from Cadet Leadership Education School in Jackson, Kentucky but previously attended public school. Going to Lone Oak High School in Paducah, Kentucky primarily served him by introducing him to his passion for sports. Elliott played baseball and football during school, but football was his main interest.

Elliott was a talented athlete and could play just about any position on the football field. As #44, he took the field as safety, defensive lineman, and tight end. Leaving school, he made sure not to get too far from the field. He coached the neighborhood kids in Peach Tree, Georgia, and when he wasn’t playing or coaching, he was watching. Staying true to his hometown, Elliott was a Cleveland Browns fan for the NFL. The University of North Carolina Tarheels also caught his attention, especially since they were his favorite color. If football wasn’t on, Elliott would sometimes turn the channel over to basketball to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now, just because football was his passion doesn’t mean Elliott made it his career. By profession, Elliott was a commercial plumber, and his career began when he moved to Murfreesboro in 2013. Erica had just turned 2, and he wanted to focus on providing for his family. However, Elliott didn’t just want to provide financially. He wanted to provide for a future, and he became an entrepreneur, buying the machinery to make candles, soaps, oils, and candy. He got his children involved and taught them how to run a business.

If you asked the kids their favorite memory, “everything” would be the common answer. A true family man, Elliott took his role as a father seriously. He wanted his kids to be safe and taken care of no matter what the situation. His commitment to being a present father may have been derived from his deep faith and independent studies.

Elliott was baptized and accepted Christ around the age of 9, but after reflection on the true meaning of commitment, he elected to be baptized again as a teen. His final church was the 9th Street Tabernacle Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky. With all of the traveling he had to do as a commercial plumber though, Elliott spent time doing his own searching and researching. His independent studies primarily revolved around history and heritage. Moorish American History, Egyptology, and African History influenced his spiritual journey. He remained focused and balanced in his life by being grounded in his own and others heritage and historical relevance.

The depth of his thoughts and willpower meant that Elliott didn’t give up. He was known for saying to his family, “Y’all can’t keep me down,” but that depth also played into another of Elliott’s well-known attributes. If you ask his family, they’ll tell you he missed his calling as a comedian. Ms. Shelia was always having to warn people, “You might not want to get him started.” There was a good possibility that Elliott was one of the greatest roasters of all time. He was quick witted, and his mouth somehow managed to keep up with how quickly his mind processed.

Having that ability allowed Elliott to also be a talented rapper. He had the beat, the rhythm, and the words to go with them. Some of his music eventually got recorded, and you can find him on Sound Cloud, except instead of Elliot Walker, he elected to take on the rapper name of “General E.” With personality, talents, depth, priorities, and interests like Elliott’s, it was easy to see why he was such a likeable person. During his lifetime, he became a friend to many, but to his family, he became their everything.

Visitation with the family will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 12-2 pm.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Mr. Kenneth Mitchell, Ms. Brittany Glover, and Mr. Bryant Wilson, all of Murfreesboro. They would also like to welcome guests to a meal of fellowship at Farmers Family Restaurant (1958 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129) following the memorial service.