Obituaries

Kenneth W. Richmond, 62, passed away suddenly Saturday, May 27, 2023 at his home in Woodbury. He was born in Cannon Co., the son of Evelyn Simmons Dawson of Murfreesboro and the late Joe Kenneth Richmond. 

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Lynn Richmond of Woodbury; daughters, Jamia Richmond of Nashville and Tiffany (Matthew) Matulin of LaVergne; son, Kenneth Richmond, Jr. of Murfreesboro; stepmother, Judy Compton Richmond of Murfreesboro; sister, Beverly Richmond of Murfreesboro; stepsister, Kimberle Richmond Thomas of Murfreesboro and his beloved fur baby, Sadie.

A member of the Baptist church, Kenneth was retired from the City of Murfreesboro where he was a firefighter for 32 years.  He had numerous certificates and titles such as first responder and swift water rescue.

If you knew Kenneth, you knew him by the smile on his face.  He loved life and the people that were in it.  If he could make you laugh his day was made. He loved the Woodbury community, especially his friends and neighbors in Lee Acres. Kenneth was a lover of the outdoors.  You would find him working in his yard, gardening or building something for he and Lynn.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding Harley’s or his side by side. He also loved playing the drums.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with Chaplin Terry Smith officiating.  The City of Murfreesboro Fire Dept Honor Guard will also assist in his service.  Pallbearers include Mark Copeley, Matthew Matulin, Blake Insell, Ronnie Nobles, Sam Anderson and Ronald Jones.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

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

Cloise Fred Knopp, Jr., 76 of Woodbury passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  He was born in Tampa, Fl., the son of the late Betty J. Lewis Knopp of Woodbury and the late Cloise Fred Knopp, Sr.

He is survived by his sons, Brian Duncan and Keven Duncan of Orlando, FL., his brother, G. Knopp of Woodbury and sister, Angela Bowdin of Woodbury.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Methodist church, he was a veteran of the Vietnam war where he served in the Army. Mr. Knopp was a brick and mortar mason. He enjoyed assembling model cars.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, May 31, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dave Cardin officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.  

Visitation with his family will be Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

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

Jesse James Keaner, 78, passed away  Monday, May 29, 2023 at Autumn Oaks Assisted Living  He was a native of Coffee Co., TN.

He is survived by his sister, Brenda (Jeff) Anderson of Manchester; niece and nephew, Sharon Smith of Clarksville and Jeremy Anderson of Hillsboro, great nephew, Carter Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Keaner and Beatrice Brown Keaner and his brother, Dudley Keaner.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served in Vietnam.  He retired from the Internal Revenue Service where he was a clerk.

The Keaner family would like to thank Adoration Hospice and Autumn Oaks Assisted Living for their care for Mr. Keaner.

Graveside services will be 3:00 pm Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Gilley Hill 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

Carol Elaine Reed, age 73, passed away on May 17, 2023. The daughter of the late Ralph and Hazel Gartman. Carol was born in Madison, TN.

Carol is survived by her husband Michael Reed of Woodbury; four children, Alisha Bryant Day of Smithville, Bart Bryant (M.K. Mills) of Aiken SC, Ryan Reed of Woodbury and Hayley (Josh) Rooker of Woodbury; four grandchildren, Dylan Day, Zachary Day, Evelyn Day, and Elanor Bryant; lastly one sister Victoria Moses of Florida. Carol also leaves behind her two beloved dogs, Ruby and Barney.  

Carol had a long impactful career at the Cannon County Arts Center playing numerous roles including but not limited to:  fundraising, marketing, public relations, volunteering, producing, and grant writing to support numerous local artists throughout Tennessee. Carol also played a major role in The Annual White Oak Crafts Fair attracting people and artists across the southeastern states.  

Carol supported local artists, enjoyed gardening, cross stitching, bird watching, and traveling. Lastly, Carol had a strong passion to help fight breast cancer as she herself was a breast cancer survivor. Carol helped The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with fundraising walks and volunteering to help fundraiser-walk participants where her efforts generated funds to help research efforts to fight breast cancer.

Visitation with her family will be Friday, May 19, 2023 from 4- to 8- PM in the chapel section of the Woodbury Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 PM Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dennis Clark officiating. Graveside services will follow at Riverside Gardens.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to The Multiple Myeloma Foundation (https://themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/), The Cannon County Arts Center (https://www.artscenterofcc.com/), and/or The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (https://www.komen.org/).

James Russell Reed, age 63, of Woodbury passed away Friday, May 12, 2023 at Woodbury Health & Rehab.  He was born to his parents, Thomas & Mildred Davenport Reed on February 26, 1960 in Cannon County.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Mary Sauls Reed of Woodbury; Daughter, Brittney Reed (Mina Andalle) of Murfreesboro; and Sister, Betty (Larry) Claxton of Charlotte, NC.  Several nieces & nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Reed.

Russell was a member of the church of Christ and was the owner & operator of Russell’s Market in Readyville.  He was a volunteer firefighter for the West Side Volunteer Fire Department and was a commissioner in Cannon County for 12 years.

A memorial service will be at 11 AM Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 9 AM to 11 AM Thursday.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Cynthia Michelle “Missy” Rogers, 56 of Readyville, TN. Passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  She was born in Lawrenceburg, TN, the daughter of James R. Howard and Priscilla Joan Crews Howard.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of 20 years, Anthony Rogers of Readyville; stepdaughter, Sarah (Alex) Tenpenny of Woodbury; 

2 step grandchildren, Caroline & Emery Tenpenny; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard & Mattie Rogers of Readyville and her fur babies, Susie, Dexter, Otis, Quincy, Herman & Rutledge.

Missy worked in Human Resourses at Heritage Farms.  She was a graduate of MTSU and was a hardworker.  She was a loving wife and daughter and cared deeply for others.

Missy’s family will hold a private memorial service.

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

Mrs. Robin Jane Garner Benedict, 65, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee at the Good Samaritan Hospital on Friday, January 24, 1958. Preceding her in death were her parents, Jess D. Garner and Elizabeth Arnold Garner.

She is survived by her husband, Rome Duane Benedict, III; sons, Adam Charles (Keith Dotson) Blair of Nashville and Jess Garner (Rachel) Blair of Murfreesboro; step-son, Jimmy Thomas Benedict of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Landon Avery Blair and Waylon Garner Blair both of Murfreesboro; and a host of close friends.

Robin was born and raised in Cannon County. She graduated with the Class of 1976 from Woodbury Central High School and then attended Tech School for 2 years to attain her degree in Architectural Drafting. Following her education, she went on to work for Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon, Inc. as a drafter for the plan maps. Later on in life, Robin started working for the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro in the Patient Services Administration. She remained there for 15 years.

In her spare time, Robin enjoyed social media, online video games, watching movies, seeing pictures of her grandkids, spending time with her boys and Rome, going for drives, and cooking. Her family will always remember her sweet and funny personality.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Sunday, May, 7 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Pastor Scott Eggleston will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Viola Valley Dogs (300 Allendale Blvd., Centertown, TN 37110).

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

Devoted wife, loving mother, cool grandmother and fun great-grandmother, Sarah Alice Womack passed away on May 2, 2023 in Greensboro, Georgia.  Sarah is formerly of Atlanta, Georgia and Woodbury Tennessee. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, J. W. “Jubba” Womack; her parents, Roy and Kate Jordan; two brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by her four children, Gary (Debbie) Womack, Jamie (Melinda) Womack, Mary (Eddie) Priest and Connie (Scotty) Bilz, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grand-children and many nieces and nephews.

Sarah loved to travel worldwide with Jubba and support her grandchildren in their many activities.  She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Following a private graveside funeral.  The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 1–3 p.m. at Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main Street, Woodbury, TN  37190.

October 1, 1931 was a proud day for Tom and Angeline Batey when their son, James K. Batey was born. He would become the last of their nine children who all preceded him in death: Andrew Batey, Leroy (Bo) Batey, Sam Batey, Jennie Batey, Archie Batey, Nannie Mae Batey Foutch, Luther Batey, Nettie Batey, and Robert Batey.

He lived a life full of doing the things he loved to do and being with the people he loved the most. James was a dedicated servant of God and was called home to rest from his labors and be with the Lord on April 29, 2023. James united with the church at an early age and served faithfully in the church until his health prevented him from doing so. He served as a deacon at the Full Assembly Church in Woodbury, TN and the membership recognized and loved him for his soulful prayers. His love for God followed him everywhere he went. He never met a stranger and always witnessed about his relationship with the Lord.

He met and married his loving wife, Katherine Foutch Batey. He most definitely spoiled her and was a devoted husband. They kept their vows of “until death do us part” when Katherine went home to be with the Lord in 2012. God blessed their union with a son and a daughter.

James was a man who believed in doing an honest day’s work. He worked faithfully for the City of Woodbury for 43 years before his retirement. He not only worked on his job; he worked wherever there was a task to be done. He ran his own slaughter house for many years and prepared cattle and swine. He taught his skills to his son, Jimmy, grandsons; Ricardo (Muffin), Emanuel and many of his nephews. Two of his famous sayings were, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat” and “If you want anything, you have to work for it.” He was also a great storyteller.

 He was short in statue but stood tall as a man of faith, love and caring. Daddy James (as called by the grandchildren) was a big lover of hunting for frogs, and turtles. Most of the family got to experience his preparation of the animals he had caught. They even participated in the boiling of the chickens to pluck the feathers. Quite naturally, there was always a good meal after the preparation. He took pride in his home and grew beautiful flowers in his yard each year and also cared for the house plants. He also loved gardening and planted and harvested many vegetables that would feed his family and be shared with others. He really had a green thumb!

Daddy James was loved by all who knew him. After the passing of his wife (Katherine) Diane Lyons would call him each morning to check on him. Mary Floyd was faithful to make sure he arrived safely at his doctor’s appointments and Louise Knox would call each week to remind him to watch the wrestling matches. Mary Barrett was another special friend that he spoke with each day. He was a recipient of the love he had shown for others. His memory will be lovingly cherished by his son; Jimmy (Diane) Lyons, daughter; Shirley (Jerry) Chestnutt, God son; Charles Mount, grandchildren; Dana (William) Terry, Ondria (William) Turner, Lavon (Steve) McGee, Labresieo Bass, Emanuel (Jamie) Chestnutt, Jessica (Quincy) Jones, Kaneeka Bustos and Elisha Lyons nine great grandchildren and ten great, great grandchildren, devoted nieces; Mary Pagan, Frances Hill and Mary Floyd, devoted nephews; Floyd Batey and Freddie Batey, devoted friend Louise Knox; and a host of other relatives, friends and a loving church family.

Visitation will be held at Hillside Fellowship Church, 2999 John Bragg Hwy. Woodbury, TN from 12-1 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023.  Funeral services will be at 1 pm with Leonard Brown officiating.  Interment will be in Donnell Cemetery.  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.

Mary Helen Alexander, 81, of Lebanon passed away on May 1, 2023.  She was born in Murfreesboro, TN on March 5, 1942.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William Roden and Christine Perry Roden; the father of her children, John Allen Alexander; son, Johnny Roden, brothers, Edward Roden, Tom Roden, Henry Roden, and Jesse Roden; sisters, Nina Roden and Janie Cabany; and grandsons, Michael Alexander, Eric Stacey and Brian Alexander, and longtime companion Homer Bain. 

She is survived by her sons, Sam (Nancy) Alexander, Marty (Kathy) Alexander, Frank (Angela) Alexander; daughters, Connie (Jim) Bradley, Tina (Mike) Adcock, and Karen Stacey; brother, James Roden; 25 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild with 2 more on the way.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say when they made Mary Helen’s mold, they broke it, so there could only be one.  Full of joy, fire, and fun, when you were with her the time was anything but boring.  She lived life and loved her family to the fullest.  She always seemed to be at the center of some good-natured fun or mischief.  Raised in the school of hard knocks and the church of life, she knew how to handle the good times or bad.  While not in a pew every Sunday, she prayed daily and knew her Savior.  She was often heard quoting the Bible, “Where two or more are gathered in my name I will be in the midst of them”.  She knew the church wasn’t a building.  It was what was in your heart.

Whether you called her Mama, Granny or Little Mama she held many different roles in her life.  Growing up during and shortly after WWII she was taught the value of hard work and the love of family.  When she raised her children, that work ethic was passed on.  They learned how to milk cows, shear sheep, and deliver kid goats and calves.  She worked for the State of Tennessee at the Cedar Forest Park for many years.  Her mothering spirit showed through as she picked up extra work as a caregiver sitting with elderly people. 

She always wanted to impart some of her knowledge and fun-loving spirit to her family.  The grandkids remember her as their unofficial Driver’s Ed Teacher.  Her methods were a little unorthodox.  The first lesson was to learn to drive in reverse to prove you were ready to drive forward.  After they mastered driving forward, she shared the secret of driving all the way through Lebanon at 22 mph, to not have to stop at a traffic light.  Other important lessons included how to do 100 mph on the interstate or when to make the grandkids go to sleep on long road trips.  The luckiest fisherman in the group, she managed to catch the biggest fish or turtle on any outing.  One of her greatest talents was being able to dance.  It wasn’t unheard of for her to pull over on Broad Street crank the music and cut a rug to show everyone how to do it right. 

It didn’t take a lot to make her happy.  Wherever she went it was certain she would have a pack of Juicy Fruit close at hand.  When Homer was living, he was the designated coffee go getter.  All she had to do was just holler and he would round up a hot cup of joe.  Sitting down to watch her stories from the Bold and The Beautiful or the Deadliest Catch, or Wheel of Fortune were a great way to wile the hours away.  The happiest moments of her life were spent being with her family.  They will fondly remember her feisty spirit, love of fun, and zest for life in the years to come.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 4-8 pm and on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 11-2 pm.  Funeral services follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm.  Interment will be in Bradley Creek Cemetery.  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.