Obituaries

Debbie Simmons, age 61, of Readyville passed away December 10, 2022 at Woodbury Health & Rehab Center after an extended illness.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Eston & Clatie Lewis Simmons and beloved family friend, Sene Kongthalath.

She is survived by her sister, Linda (Curtis) Snapp of Manchester; and brothers, Danny (Lynn) Simmons of Houston, TX; David (Teresa) Simmons of Brentwood, Randy Simmons & Steve (Larraine) Simmons of Murfreesboro; Donnie Ray Simmons of Readyville; several nieces & nephews also survive.

Debbie loved fishing, riding her bike, and watching TV.  Being the youngest of seven, she always looked forward to being with her family and will be deeply missed.

The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care of the staff of Woodbury Health & Rehab Center and Avalon Hospice.

Graveside Services will be Monday, December 12, 2022 at 11 AM in the Parker Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parker Hill Cemetery Fund at First National Bank in Woodbury.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Joyce Fann Grizzle, 74, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2022 at Unity Medical Center in Manchester.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Fred Morgan Fann and Kathryn Mullinax Fann.

She is survived by her siblings, Joe Don (Linda) Fann of Auburntown, Kathy (John) Smith of Hillsboro, Bobby Fann of Morrison and Kerry (Myra) Fann of Manchester.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ms. Grizzle was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Morgan Fann and Kathryn Mullinax Fann; her husband, Don Grizzle; her son, Chris Grizzle, and her brothers, J.W. Fann, Jackie Fann and Freddie Fann.

Joyce was a member of Midway church of Christ and a homemaker by title, but she was so much more than that.  She devoted her life to her beloved son, Chris giving him the best life and care that he deserved.  He preceded her in death on September 16, 2022.  Joyce enjoyed collecting glassware and antiques, but she loved shopping on the Home Shopping Network.  

A private memorial service will be held with her family where she will be laid to rest by her husband and son.  

Mrs. Vernell “Vern” Norris, 71, of Readyville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Saturday, June 2, 1951. Preceding her in death were her parents, John Robert and Jean McCullough; husband, Bobo Norris; brother, James Victory; and sister, Linda Perry.

She is survived by her sons, Boyd “Bo” (Wendy) Molloy of LaVergne and Eddie Pinkston of Readyville; daughter/granddaughter, Melissa Day Pinkston of Readyville; brother, Timothy “Bubba” Victory of Murfreesboro; sister, Darlene Holt of Christiana; and grandchildren, Owen Malachi Pinkston, Jonah Timothy Pinkston, Willow Grace Pinkston, Kaylie Reigh Molloy, and Paisley Grace Molloy.

A movie should have been made about Vern’s life because she had a love story worthy of sharing far and wide. Vern and Bobo started off as teenage sweethearts but soon turned star-crossed lovers when they got separated. It wasn’t until much later on in life that they reconnected. Eddie actually met Bobo in Pastimes Barber and Pool Hall. Meeting someone who knew his mom intrigued him, so he went home to tell Vern. The rest? History! The two were reconnected and never separated again.

One might wonder how Vern held on to that love for so long. Well, the simple answer is faith. Vern was a firm believer that God could move mountains. It was fitting that her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:8, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man,” and oh boy, did she trust the Lord! The Bible was her church, and she sought after God’s guidance and instruction on a daily basis. During the time that Vern and Bobo were separated, God kept Vern busy working and being a mother to her two favorite men in life, her boys.

To train them, Vern led by example and demonstrated how to work. During the majority of her life, she was a factory worker in warehouses, but she also worked as a CNA in an assisted living facility. However, work wasn’t all that Vern made sure her boys knew how to do. As a nurturing mother, she made certain she also showed them how to love and how to create meaningful relationships. She was someone who always did the little things and would bend over backward for those she loved. Her giving and caring nature endeared her to her children.

To Bo, Vern was his best friend and rock. They talked on the phone 3-4 times a day, and to Eddie? Well, being the baby boy, Vern quickly became Eddie’s everything. Even in her hobbies, Vern delighted in showering the boys with love and affection. She crocheted them blankets and was always making something new in the kitchen, especially if it had to do with baking. Eddie was quick to say her chocolate pie was his favorite. She would make him his own every Thanksgiving and put less filling in his since he liked a crunchier consistency. Bo, on the other hand, was just ready to eat whatever she made.

It was actually wrong earlier to say that Vern and Bobo never separated again because they did have one more separation when Bobo passed away. Without work, God kept Vern busy again, except this time with crocheting and baking. She mainly crocheted blankets making American flags and more intricate patterns, like spider webs and a 3-D Afghan of purple, pink, and white that looks like a box once it’s complete. That extravagance in her craft also transferred to her baking. Vern could make professional-grade cakes, using fondant to bring characters to life.

Now, just because Vern used a lot of sugar in the kitchen didn’t mean she sugar-coated her conversations. She told the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not. Bo and Eddie remember many occasions where her solicited advice began with, “Now, you may not want to hear this, but…” And that trait made Vern an excellent and trustworthy friend. You knew where you stood with her because if she liked you, she liked you – and she made sure you knew through her acts of love. Though her family’s hearts ache without her here to share that love, they know she is reunited with the love of her life and present with the Lord.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

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. William Michael “Big Mike” Swander, 62, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022. He was born in Fremont, Ohio on Sunday, January 24, 1960. Preceding him in death were his adopted parents, Delbert and Anna Swander, and brother, Larry Swander.

He is survived by his wife, Tracie Swander of Woodbury; sons, Zachary Edmiston of McMinnville and Michael (Ashley Morris) Swander of Woodbury; stepchildren, Michael (Ashley) Utley of Watertown, Matthew (Linda Tierney) Utley of Smyrna, Chelsea (Austin Saeger) Utley of Woodbury, and Nikki (James Becknell) Carman of Manchester; biological mother, Barbara Morrison of Brighton, Michigan; biological father, Elbert Harris; sisters, Dawn Morrison, Beth Morrison, and Gail Morrison all of Michigan; 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Most people call it just being a boy, but for Big Mike, that endless energy followed him throughout his life. He was a man of action and couldn’t be still. He was born in Ohio, raised in Florida, and lived in Alabama, Michigan, and Tennessee as an adult. If you drove a straight line from Michigan to Florida, Big Mike had probably lived there or at least gone there a time or two. During his time on the road headed from Florida to Michigan with the boys to see family, they remember playing “Freeze Out.” Even though Big Mike was full of energy, apparently none of that converted to heat because he was usually the first to give up when he got too cold.

His zest for life and sense of humor gave Big Mike an unbreakable spirit, and he never got too busy for others. He had a knack for lifting others spirits with a joke or by teasing them, but by all means wouldn’t stop there. Willing to do anything for anyone, he thought of himself last, or not at all, and that went double when he became a father. There may only be 6 children listed, but Big Mike was a father to everyone. Kids clung to him, and he served as a mentor and father-figure whenever he had the chance. The right of passage for Big Mike’s “kids” was saying yes to a popsicle or jalapeno poppers. Those were his favorites, and he wanted to share the enjoyment with those he adored. In addition to food, Big Mike also shared his sense of humor with his kids, and since he usually did the grounding, it became a running joke within the family that they were all grounded.

That sense of humor wasn’t left at the house, and he definitely brought his child-like spirit to the work place. When he was a manager at Dollar General Market, he found enjoyment being entertainment for others. He would do crazy things like riding the kids toys around the store or taking a trip down the conveyor belt. He boosted morale so much that he managed to avoid getting himself grounded and made it fun showing up to work. But Dollar General was just one of Mike’s last jobs. Before that, he came to find that the worst person to work for is yourself.

Big Mike was a jack of all trades as a craftsman and mechanic, and on top of that, he was a perfectionist. He made porch swings and furniture, and you better believe he wasn’t going to do the job halfway. When the boys were little, he had a mechanic shop that he loved. Working in his garage, the boss could be overbearing at times, and Big Mike wasn’t above getting frustrated and throwing a tool. But after a popsicle break he had renewed energy and a new frame of mind to get the job done. Being able to work on things exposed Big Mike to many different tools, and his kids had the experience of him making u-turns on the highway for tools. He could spot one on the side of the road from a mile away and be able to name the brand and exact tool before he ever picked it up.

It’s with heavy yet full hearts that his family lays him to rest. He enriched their lives with love and laughter, and the memories, pictures, and words of wisdom will be passed down to the future generations. All in all, Big Mike was a wonderful man who brought joy to everyone he met. He loved and was loved by so many. His presence and influence will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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

Mrs. Beatha “Elaine” Adams, 74, of Adairville, Kentucky passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. She was born in Gainesboro, Tennessee on Tuesday, April 13, 1948. Preceding her in death were her parents, Abe & Elizabeth Martin, Jr.; husband, Anthony “Tony” Dale Adams; and sisters-in-law, Betty Jo Martin and Nina Layne.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Anthony Adams and Brent Edward (Kim) Lee; daughters, Ursula Elaine (Erich) Lorenz, Kristy Shanon (Ryan) Williams, and Barbara Ann (Brent) Harmon; grandchildren, Braden Williams, Emily Lorenz, Nathan Lorenz, Lexi Lorenz, Chandler Harmon, Gwen Harmon, Courtney Harmon, Dustin Lee, Jannah Lee, Jessica Lee, and Ryan Brown; great grandchildren, Rachel Lee and Carson Sears; brother, Abe (Linda) Martin, III; sister, Gloria Martin; nieces, Samantha Martin & Lori Ann Melton; nephews, Daniel Watson and Bill Faulkner; close sister and brothers-in-law, Irma Melton, Bobby Don Melton, and Gary (Kay) Adams; and son-in-law, Ray Bryant.

Even as a fan of Elvis, the king of Rock and Roll, Elaine knew the one true King. She grew up in Baxter, Tennessee as a preacher’s daughter, and growing up in the church, she quickly found her God-given talents. It wasn’t uncommon for a preacher to have to move at inconvenient times, and Elaine learned to be obedient to God’s direction in life at a young age. That worked out well for her when her family moved her senior year of high school to Woodbury, Tennessee.

It was at Woodbury Central High School where she met the love of her life, Tony. After Tony graduated, he volunteered for military service in Vietnam, so he was shipped off to Germany. Elaine graduated in 1968, and she and Tony maintained consistent correspondence writing letters. It was in one of those letters from Germany that Tony wrote down his marriage proposal, and Elaine said, “yes.” Tony flew home on leave, and they were wed. After a brief honeymoon, he reported back to Germany, and the small town preacher’s daughter soon followed on what would be a grand adventure.

Following her husband wherever he went, Elaine traveled far and wide. Later, Tony was reassigned to Arizona, and that was where Elaine gave birth to their first child, starting an entirely new adventure. It was after they started expanding their family that Tony received his discharge papers, and they moved back to where it all began in Cannon County. However, their roots weren’t quite settled yet, and Tony was on the hunt, seeking better employment to support his growing family. So, they moved back to Elaine’s hometown of Baxter, where they had three more children.

Those walking shoes as a preacher’s daughter stayed hot, and the family moved two more times before settling down. In 1984, they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and then Springfield. They remained in Springfield until Tony answered the call of the Supreme Commander and transferred to Post Everlasting. He finally went somewhere Elaine couldn’t go with him. God still had a purpose for her on earth, and she made sure to not waste time she could spend sharing His light.

Since she couldn’t follow Tony, Elaine instead decided to leave Springfield and follow her son to Adairville, Kentucky. She quickly planted her roots there and became a member of the Millertown Church of Christ. It was in these latter years of her life, that Elaine found enjoyment in word search puzzles, Captain D’s, the Hallmark channel, crime shows, and old westerns. Elaine remained in Adairville until her health reached the point she needed to go into a nursing home, and then moved her final time to Woodburn, Kentucky earlier this year.

Elaine loved her life, her family, and the Lord. She blossomed into her God-given gifts when she got into full swing as a homemaker. Her passions were gardening, cooking, and sewing, and she had numerous variants of roses that followed her. In anything that she did, she strived to spread beauty throughout the places she touched. In her memory, she would have loved for roses to be planted to continue her mission.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 3-7 pm. Graveside services will be Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 3:30 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Rannie Phillips will officiate. Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.

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

Shane Holt, age 62, of Woodbury passed away Friday, November 25, 2022 at his home.  He was born to his parents, the late Joe Don Holt & Fay Goins Holt on February 24, 1960 in Rutherford County.

Survivors include his sister, Shannon Holt of Murfreesboro; Brother, Donnie Holt of Smyrna; Aunt, Sue Holt Patrick of Woodbury; Cousins, Grant Holt of Woodbury & Todd Wiedeman of Wichita, KS; and his caregiver, Jennifer Colins of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lessie Morgan Holt, Lorene Armstrong Holt, John Goins, & Estelle Finley Goins.

Graveside Services will be at 2:30 PM Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 11 AM to 2 PM Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, Shannon Iago Cawthorn, age 63 passed away at his home in Bradyville, Tennessee, surrounded by his family. Shannon was born July 4, 1959. He was a son, father, and grandpa who was deeply loved by his family. Shannon was a lifelong farmer, worked in concrete and construction, and as a handyman.

Shannon was preceded in death by his father, Charles Cawthorn; and his wife, Pamela Harrison Cawthorn.

He is survived by his mother, Audrey Rogers Cawthorn of Bradyville, TN; son, Stuart Cawthorn and his wife Laura of Murfreesboro, TN; daughter, Abby Cawthorn Colter and her husband Casey of Mt. Juliet, TN; grandsons Canaan Colter, Asa Colter, and Atticus Cawthorn.

Visitation with the Cawthorn family will be Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Woodfin Memorial Chapel from 11:00 am until the time of funeral services beginning at 1:00 pm with Pastor Casey Colter officiating. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

An online guestbook is available for the Cawthorn family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Ms. Sherry Sharlene Stephens, 49, of Woodbury, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Monday, November 21, 2022. She was born to her loving parents, Robert H. and Joyce Ann Smith, in Smithville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 28, 1972. Preceding her in death were her mother, Joyce Ann Holden Smith, and her sister, Kim Prater.

She is survived by her son, Matthew (Michelle) Stephens of Woodbury; daughters, Ashley (Garrett) Hobbs of Kittrell and Kayla (Travis) Duncan of Woodbury; father, Robert H. Smith of Woodbury; brother, Bud Smith of Woodbury; grandchildren, Blake Stephens, Brayden Stephens, Aiden Hobbs, and Kinsleigh Duncan; special friend and caretaker, Eve Grizzle of Woodbury; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sherry was a bonafide Tennessee hustler but only in the sense of her work ethic. The only time she gave someone a run for their money was the day she was born. Fittingly born a Smith with a need for speed, Joyce just barely made it to the hospital before Sherry was born. Speaking of being a Smith, Sherry also picked up the trait of knowing how to work, and it didn’t hurt that she had a willing teacher.

If there was a job to be done, you could rely on Sherry to do it. Working on an engine? She was right there next to you. Building fence? Sherry was all in! In fact, Robert quickly found out that he could get more work done with a fence crew comprised of women rather than with one made up of men. Though some may have considered her to be “one of the boys,” Sherry wanted to be more than that. She wanted to be better (and faster of course) with a woman’s touch to go along with it.

That woman’s touch came in handy on many occasions, except when she tried to hang wall paper or pick color schemes for houses. When Joyce and Sherry got the idea to have a mother-daughter project and hang the wall paper, Robert ended up having to buy all new wallpaper and decided to keep them on building fences. Even Sherry’s children had some good laughs when they looked back on one of the last times she painted a house. Instead of a dream home, they described it to look like a gender reveal party threw up on the walls. Well, we can’t be good at everything, right?

And Sherry didn’t take that reality to heart. Besides, wall paper and painting? Those are easy talents to give up, but something that Sherry did take to heart was people. Her social personality made everything she did look easy. She never met a stranger, and with her constant eagerness to work, she met LOTS of people. Once she knew you, she could talk your ear off. It led to her success as a waitress at Ryan’s as well as many cherished memories of embarrassment for her children as they stood by during her conversations.

In everything she did, Sherry tried to emulate the love of Jesus. Before falling ill, she attended Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ, where her faith flourished. Willing to give more than the shirt off her back to other, Sherry’s big heart always shined through. She would borrow money for anyone and not want even a single penny back. When people took advantage of her kindness, her heart still had enough room to forgive. That need for speed had translated over into her relationships. She forgave fast and loved even faster. And the people Sherry loved most? There was no doubt about it. Her family.

With her parents and siblings, Sherry loved them unconditionally. All of their projects and time working and training under Robert’s supervision led to a close bond. Early on, they enjoyed some fishing trips in their free time, and throughout her early years, Sherry lit up getting around the drag strip. She loved to get Robert fired up saying that someone was faster than him, but he must have been fond of his little girl’s challenges. In her later years, she and Robert decided to try out a father-daughter project, restoring a 1967 Mustang. They lacked getting the gas tank on for it to be drivable.

Then, there are the lights of Sherry’s life — her children. When Matthew was born, Sherry decided boys weren’t all that bad and finally let one beat her (from time to time). Though all of her children kept her running with school activities and sporting events, Ashley and Kayla were a different story. Sherry wanted to inspire them like her parents inspired her as a young girl and instill in them a mindset of constant improvement. So, while the kids were still young, she went back, got her GED, and started school at MTSU, working toward becoming a Pharmacy Tech.

Now on to Sherry’s favorite part. It’s been said once you have grandchildren, your children become chopped liver, and that just may have been the case for Sherry. Her originality shined through when she got the affectionate name, “G-Ma,” and she loved her grandbabies unconditionally. Her heart, her mind, her personality, everything Sherry brought to the table was original, genuine, and masterfully designed. The light she shared to guide and reassure others will be greatly missed but never forgotten. She went through life much too fast, but her memory will linger and race through her family’s hearts and minds forever.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 2-7 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Ray Ferrell will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

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

Barbara Lynn Gooch Simmons, age 65, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at her home.  She was born on December 29, 1956 to her parents, William Howard Gooch Sr. & Edna Pirkle Gooch in Atlanta, Georgia.

She is survived by her son, Terent Chester of Woodbury; Grandson, Cole Chester of Woodbury; Brother, Billy (Linda) Gooch of Mt. Airy, GA; Aunt, Joyce Shollenberger of Woodbury; Nephews, Ryan Gooch, William Gooch III, Jeremy Gooch, & Alex (Nicole) Gooch, all of Georgia; Great Niece, Rawlins Gooch of Georgia.  Also surviving are many special cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was survived by her husband, Joe Simmons; and her siblings, Larry Douglas Gooch & Carolyn Marie Gooch.

She was a member of the Plainview Baptist Church and was the Director for 29 years and an advocate of Haven of Hope for Battered Women.  Throughout her career, she impacted so many women and children where she advocated for their safety and spoke across the nation being the voice for many of these women and children.  She enjoyed knitting and farming and she was loved by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Womack officiating.  Interment will follow at Cherry Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Monday, November 21, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Joanne Willie Paschal Smith, age 88, a native of Cannon County, Tennessee and longtime resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at her home.

She was born on October 6, 1934. Preceded in death by her parents, Samuel D. Paschal and Willie S. Reed Paschal, husband, Alexander Luther “Buddy” Smith, Jr., and a granddaughter, Evelyn Grace Smith.

She is survived by her son, David Smith, daughters, Claudia (Jim) Henley and Cynthia (David) Keill, brother, Jerry (Faye) Paschal of Readyville, grandchildren, sisters, Shirley White and Patricia Mathers, grandchildren, Everett Smith, Michael (Amanda) Henley, Eric (Shelby) Henley, Mariah Alexandra Henley, great grandchildren, Hayley Lynn Henley, Savannah Henley, Taylor Henley, Ryan Henley, and Maverick Henley, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Early on, her parents instilled many wonderful characteristics, not the least of which was to respect the dignity of every human being. Mrs. Joanne thrived on understanding human nature and hearing other people’s stories. It was a well-known fact to anyone who met her, sharing her own experiences and wisdom came naturally.

As a young lady she set her sights on becoming a nurse.  Alas, it was the 70s and things were changing fast in this country. As a result, she decided to stay home and keep a close eye on her kids. He was a great provider and therefore she was able to pursue her greatest work and passion, her family. She would sacrifice to ensure that her children enjoyed the best of everything.

She and Buddy were blessed with 63 years of marriage. Through the years, as their family grew from the kids to grandkids and later great grandkids, she was overwhelmed with love and pride in her family. They lovingly called her Memaw. Even though she didn’t work as a nurse, her loving, caring, hopeful and nurturing spirit shone through as a wife and mother. The family knew she would have made an outstanding nurse, blessing all those would-be patients.  Often, she reflected on the things she learned while studying, sharing them with her family.  It was a point not lost on them and they loved it about her.  Periodically, she would surprise them with the knowledge she had stored up from her studies.  Those nuggets of wisdom would prompt the question, how did you know that? And she would quickly reply, nursing school. Drawing their memories back to seeing her with nursing books spread out intently studying while they were growing up. 

Keeping up with current events held a great interest for her, especially politics. She started out as a conservative for many years. Then as everyone who knows her knows she became a staunch Democrat. She could get away with saying just about anything to anyone — even in these very divisive times. She could charm her way into any Republican’s heart. That was Mrs. Joanne’s way.

Not lacking in talents, her artistic was evident to all.  An opportunity for a painting class presented itself once and she seized it.  The family still wishes the painting was not lost because it showed her true colors: beautiful.

Throughout her life, she maintained an incredible memory. She could tell you more about her family than anyone knew and maybe others’ families as well.

She was a passionate tennis fan and rooted for the underdog always.

She loved fashion and always looked perfect whenever she went anywhere. She encouraged her children to do the same. She was a talented seamstress and made many outfits for her children that were admired by all.

Looking good however was just one of the many ways she encouraged (and inspired!) all of her family – her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to excel in life in all of their endeavors. She was a proponent of following one’s dreams.

She was a voracious reader. She read the paper from cover to cover daily. She read a book a week until her eyesight failed her. She loved to write her name and date in every book she read. She encouraged the children to read as well and they read more than they ever would have without her encouragement. They grew up surrounded by books that she loved so much.

Another of her skills was a knack for making things beautiful. They fondly remember her gardening and the yellow roses she raised. Landscaping around the house with the help of her son-in-law Jim, whom she had known since he was 17, gave her great joy and satisfaction. A key part of her landscaping and homemaking included a “doll house”, as she called it, for the kids and grandkids to come home to. 

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 11-1 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 1 pm.  Her son-in-law David Keill will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   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.