Obituaries

Jeffrey Scott Edmondson, Sr. was born in Nashville TN on June 9, 1965 as number 5 of 6 children to the late Dan Jr. and Mabel Ruth Edmondson. He departed this earth to his Heavenly home on December 26, 2022.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife and soul mate of 34 years, Monica Beck Edmondson; 4 handsome sons, Calvin, Robertt, Scotté Jr., and Jimmy; one and only grandchild, Jason Klossner; his loving mother-in-law, Elvira Beck; sister-in-law, Betty Jo (Steve) Vowell; sisters-in-love, Kimmie Climer, Teri Hood (Kenny) Voyles, and Holly Sinner; brothers, Ronnie, James, Dan, and Robert Edmondson; sister, Lori Kirby; Godchildren, JR, Jason, and Kevin Hood, Skyler and Megan Holbert, Kristy Holbert Giblin, Kwesi Manuel, and Earl Hollaman; loving nephew, Harry Swift; and many other nieces and nephews.

Jeff was the most amazing friend to everyone that ever met him. He worked as a maintenance technician and supervisor for a few corporations including Ed’s Supply, The Gazebo Apartments, The YMCA, Lee Company, and Smart Space. He also owned his own business, J & M Mechanical Service. Jeff loved spending time with family and loved ones, Jeff Gordon NASCAR, camping, fishing, and the beach.

He was a former member of Antioch First Baptist Church and current member of Plainview Baptist Church and was baptized on July 28, 2019, in the Lucky Community by Pastor Jonathan Womack; brothers in Christ, Roger Hindman and Jimmie Hayes; and his son, Robertt.

This world has lost the most amazing husband, Papa Bear, Pa, dad, Poppop, brother, and friend. He will be missed more than ever by everyone that knew him. As Brother Roger Hindman said, “When I met Jeff I met a man whose heart was larger than the man himself.”

Pallbearers will be Calvin Edmondson, Robertt Edmondson, Scotté Edmondson, Jason Klossner, Harry Swift, JR Hood, Jason Hood, Kevin Hood.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kwesi Manuel, Michael Morris, Mike Williams, Geremy Roseti, Skyler Holbert, Earl Hollaman, Austin Poteete Vanatta, and Austin Baird.

Services will be conducted by Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Plainview Baptist Church (6088 Jim Cummings Hwy Woodbury, Tennessee 37190). Visitation will be held from 10 am-2 pm, and the funeral service will follow directly after at 2 pm. Pastor Jonathan Womack and Pastor Scott Dobbins will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist Jeff’s family with future expenses.

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

Dorothy S. Godshall, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her daughter’s home in Woodbury, TN, on December 24, 2022. Born May 1, 1928 in Chester County, PA, she moved to Tennessee in 1978.

Although Dorothy’s life had many hardships, her heart for the Lord was always soft and tender, filled with gratefulness to Him. She kept her faith to her last breath. She was the wife of Willard, and mother of Ken, Melvin, Regina, Rebecca and Henry. She also loved all kinds of animals and had a special attachment to her doggies!

Dorothy is survived by her son, Ken (Judy) Godshall of Willoughby, OH; daughters, Regina (Christian) Wanner, of Woodbury, TN, and Rebecca (Steve) Piller of Mentor, OH; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren, and a brother, Harry J. Smith, Jr. of Shamokin, PA. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, and sons, Henry and Melvin.

Visitation from family and friends will be held on Thursday, December 29, from 11AM until 3PM at the Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., Woodbury, TN 37190. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 3PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home, same address.

Friends may leave condolences for her family at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Martha Lee Duggin Ferrell, 84, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  She was born in Cannon Co., the daughter of the late Coleman Duggin and Susie Henderson Duggin.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Margaret) Vassar of Woodbury, Donald (Shelia) Vassar of Lascassas, Jennifer Deerman of LaVergne, Bruce (Darla) Vassar of McMinnville and Andy Vassar of Murfreesboro; and her sister, Jessie Turner of Smithville. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren & 4 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Coleman Duggin and Susie Henderson Duggin; her children, Shirley Robinson, William Vassar, Jr. and Anthony Vassar.

Ms. Ferrell was a housewife and a member of the Baptist church. She was a loving mother and grandmother.   

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.  Interment will follow in Thyatira cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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

Jerry Ann Todd Tenpenny, 84, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022 just 5 days shy of her 85th birthday.  Born on Christmas day 1937, she was the daughter of the late Emmett and Dona Reed Todd.

She is survived by her husband, G.L. Tenpenny of Woodbury.  They would have been married 65 years on December 23rd.  Also surviving are her children, Jeff (Teresa) Tenpenny of Woodbury and Diane (Gary) Thomas of Bradyville; grandchildren, Treva (Roy) Moss, Alex (Sarah) Tenpenny and Grady (Alexis) Tenpenny all of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Cheyanne and Olivia Moss, Caraline Tenpenny and her sister, Faye (Jerry) Barrett of Woodbury. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Trueit and E.W. Todd.

A member of the Burt Baptist church, she was a babysitter.  She loved on children all over the county.  She enjoyed reading, working puzzles such as crosswords, crocheting and sewing.  Her favorite shows were Perry Mason and Murder She Wrote. 

Visitation with her family will be from 10 am until 2 pm, Monday, December 26, 2022 with funeral services to follow in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. David King officiating.  Interment will follow in the Reed Cemetery. 

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

Coach Robert A. Harris of Readyville passed away peacefully at the age of 98.  Just 10 days shy of his 99th birthday.  He was born in Bradyville, Tn., the son of the late Robert Adam Harris, Sr and Mary Roxie Reed Harris. 

He is survived by his loving daughter, Doris Ann Fitts and his grandson, Josh Fitts both of Readyville. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Holt Harris; his son-in-law, Hoyte Fitts and his siblings, Raymond, Rachel and Marvin Harris.

Mr. Harris was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in WWII where he landed on Normandy Beach as a part of the landing crew.  He later was a part of the recovery team once the battle was over. He was a true hero.

As a coach and a teacher for 40 years in Cannon Co., he was a force to be reckoned with in both the classroom and on the court.  He coached his teams to a multitude of wins including the 1989 State Championship.  He was the second father to many of “his girls” being of support when it was needed, buying food, shoes or letterman jackets. 

A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, he was also a member of the Woodbury Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge and the honorary Captain of the “Liars Table” at Parsley’s Market. He may have had one arm, but he could outwork anyone.  He never saw that as a disability.  Coach Harris was a master carpenter and could fix anything that he set his mind to. 

Graveside services for Robert A. Harris will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Thyatira Cemetery with Military Honors. Bro. Herb Alsup will conduct his service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cannon Co. Girls Basketball program or the Woodbury church of Christ Building Fund.

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

Jimmy Bragg, 71, Saturday, December 18, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was born in Cannon Co., the son of the late Emory and Ruby Davenport Bragg.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marsha Young Bragg of Bradyville; his girls, Lisa Hass and Rhonda Owen both of Woodbury; son, Jason (Patty) Bragg of Dickson; siblings, Kathy Vinson of Woodbury and Bobby Bragg of Antioch; grandchildren, Cindy Hass (Steven King), Daniel Hass, Brinth Owen (Brittany Ferrell), Hunter Owen (Addy Todd), Cody, Camron and Adian Bragg; special great grandchild, Aurora Hass and best friend, Roy Gann.

Mr. Bragg was preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Ruby Davenport Bragg and his siblings, Richard and Edward Bragg.

Jimmy was retired from General Mills where he worked in Maintenance.  He was known for his love of drag racing is his younger days and also at Buffalo Valley.  Jimmy enjoyed spending his time in the woods hunting but more importantly he loved making memories with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Thursday, December 22, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Shane Nichols officiating.  Interment will follow in the Cherry Cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 10:00 am until his time of service.

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

Ruby Evelyn Smith Barrett, age 96, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Woodbury Health & Rehab.  She was born on July 30, 1926 to her parents, Moses Smith & Penny Taylor Smith in Cannon Co.

Survivors include her children, Dewey Barrett of Woodbury & Joyce Barrett Tilford of Murfreesboro.  Also surviving are several grandchildren, great grandchildren, & great great grandchildren

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Pearson Barrett; her daughter, Sue Barrett Hollandsworth; her sons, Jack Barrett & Ronnie Barrett; her brothers, George Smith & Chester Smith; and her sisters, Ester Smith Sullins, Mae Smith Alexander, Cora Smith, & Ora Smith Delbridge.

Ms. Ruby was a member of the church of Christ and a homemaker.  She was a hard worker that devoted her life to her family.  She loved to cook and keeping things clean.

Funeral Services will be 12 PM Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for her visitation on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 9 AM until time of the service.  Family & Friends will service as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverside Gardens Cemetery Trust Fund.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Dorthy Carolyn Banfield Browning, 91, passed away December 17th at Woodbury Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born in Christopher, Illinois on November 8, 1931. She has been living in Woodbury since 2001.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Ramona Adkins, and her parents Raymond and Edna Banfield.

She is survived by her Son-in- Law, James Adkins, Woodbury, her Grandson, Jay Adkins (Stephanie), Great Grandchildren, Raymond, and Elynnor, all of Elizabethton, TN.

Dorthy attended Woodbury United Methodist Church and Experience Community Church Cannon. She was retired from Southern Illinois University. Dot, as friends called her, Garni as she was called by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, loved to knit dishrags, and gave them away to anyone and everyone.

She enjoyed taking trips to and from Illinois with Jay and listening to the Eagles, The Rolling Stones, and Willie Nelson. Dot and Ramona’s favorite thing to do was shop until they dropped. She collected swans and punch cups for many years. A recent highlight in her life was a surprise 90th birthday party with many of her friends, student workers, and past co-workers traveling from Southern Illinois and upper East Tennessee to visit and honor her on that occasion. 

Visitation will be held at the Woodbury United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 3-6 pm.  Funeral services will follow at the church at 6 pm.   A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 11 am.  Rev. David Lilley will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury United Methodist Church in her memory. 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.

Douglas Wayne Young, 79, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was born in Dekalb Co., the son of the late Newton Reece Young and Lillian Hibdon Rogers.

He is survived by his children, Angela (Brent) Mathis of Woodbury, Ryan Young (Miranda Furbee) of Bradyville; grandchildren, Magan (Adam) Anderson, Cameron Cawthorn, Chloe and Sawyer Owens; great grandchildren, Colton and Cooper Anderson and sister, Reba Prater of Woodbury. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Laketa Young Cawthorn and siblings, Christine Paull, Homer and Jimmy Young.

Doug was a member of the Baptist church and was a retired painter.  He had a love for life and being with his friends and family making memories that are still laughed about today.  He always enjoyed working on cars especially his 1955 Chevy Bel Aire.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, December 17, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in Amity Cemetery.  Pallbearers include David Thomas, Michael Thomas, Teddy Jackson, Kevin Luttrell, Ryan Tenpenny and Justin Nichols.

Visitation with his family will be Friday, December 16, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

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

Wilma Louise Merritt Thomas, 83, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022 at St. Thomas Midtown.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Claude and Angie Lee Fann Merritt.

She is survived by her children, Diane Thomas Davenport (Will Windrow), Ronnie Gale Thomas and Michael Thomas (Lisa Jones) all of Woodbury; grandchildren, Christopher Davenport, Jake Smithson and Breanna Thomas and special friend, Arlis Thomas.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Thomas was preceded in death by her husband, George Thomas; her daughter, Renee Thomas Smithson and her siblings, Garland Merritt, Estes Merritt, Lanis Merritt, Laura Mae Gannon and Charlie White Merritt.

A member of the Pleasant View church of Christ, she was a homemaker and chair maker.  She enjoyed puzzle books and reading.  Above all, she was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will always be missed but left a lifetime of precious memories.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 14, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Gilley and Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.  Visitation with her family will be Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

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