Obituaries

Mrs. Pamela Diane Brewster, 50, of Shelbyville, Tennessee was born on Monday, December 13, 1971 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She went on to be with the Lord on Monday, September 26, 2022 and was reunited with her father, Otis White Bogle; brother, Jerry Bogle; and sister, Virginia Lynn Bogle Baxter.

She is survived by her husband, Johnnie Lee Brewster, Jr. of Shelbyville; daughters, Lindsey Brewster of Hallsville, TX and Stephanie (Bryan) Brewster Enright of Johnson City; mother, Helen Faulkner Bogle of Murfreesboro; brother, Donnie (Gale) Bogle; aunts, Darlene Rhinehart, Shirley Faulkner, and Linda Davis; uncle, Buck (Vivian) Faulkner; grandpups, Oliver, Georgia, and Peaches; and grandkitten, Hermione.

Pamela, better known as Pam, was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. For the majority of her life, it was the place she called and knew as home except for a few years in Johnson City and Shelbyville. She graduated from Riverdale High School with the class of 1990 but already knew her where her future lied.

Throughout her life, Pam always had the heart of a mother. She was concerned about others and was sure to put them before herself. Even struggling with cancer, she wanted to be sure she didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings as she grew weary. This mindset went double, maybe even quadruple, for her family. There was nothing Pam wanted more than a family of her own. When Lindsey came along in February 1996, Pam knew she was right. Just call it a mother’s intuition. She was smitten with her beautiful baby girl, and she and Johnnie married in her hometown of Murfreesboro on Wednesday, August 19, 1998.

Just a few years later, the couple was blessed with another baby girl, Stephanie, in May 2001. Unable to bear the thought of being apart from her precious girls, Pam remained a homemaker, and she took pride in her work. Taking care of her husband and children was central to her life, so naturally, all of her hobbies followed suit. If it was a rainy day, family time reading, doing puzzles, or playing board games was her itinerary of choice. Needing some fresh air? Camping, fishing, and hiking. Snack time? Pam was ready to whip up something in the kitchen and was an excellent baker.

All of her energy was invested into her family, and that didn’t just go for Johnnie and the girls. Pam also actively helped take care of her parents, and being reunited with her father, Otis, was something she talked about and longed to happen for a long time. She was also active in the care of the fur babies she’d come to consider part of the family. Oliver was one that will always hold a special place in her heart because he stayed by her side until the end of her race.

With so much love to give, it had to go somewhere, and her love of all animals refilled her cup daily. That was something else about Pam—you didn’t see her without a little love to give, whether it be in a smile, a hug, or a word of encouragement. If you had the privilege of knowing Pam, you knew peace, abundance, and mindfulness. Whatever life threw her way, she took control of what she could and left the rest to God. She was not one to boast about what she had. Her goal was to live a simple and full life, and because of that, she was overflowing with love. Lastly, she was aware and conscientious about the feelings of others. She thought before she spoke and demonstrated true empathy.

Most people don’t find the contentment Pam lived throughout her life. She knew her Savior and could wake up to new challenges each day knowing it was well with her soul. Her spirit was a light in this world, and her family’s hearts are broken now that their worlds have become a little dimmer. Her family was her entire world, and for the last bit of her life, they got to make her theirs. Per her wishes, the family will hold private services at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Halo’s Second Chance Rescue (1016 Muirwood Blvd., Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37128). 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. Jeremiah James Johnson Jr., 58, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022. He was born in Claremont, New Hampshire on Tuesday, April 7, 1964. Preceding him in death was his father, Jeremiah Johnson.

He is survived by his mother, Rita Wood Najera of Kansas City, Missouri and sisters, Elena Tobar of Kansas City, Missouri and Mindy Rogel of California.

Working in construction, Jeremiah knew how to build a home wherever he went, and that fit perfectly with his passion for traveling. He lived in several states including Missouri, Florida, California, Idaho, and Washington before settling in Tennessee. When you were around Jeremiah, it was hard to miss the zest for life that he had and shared with others. He didn’t want to miss a thing and especially didn’t want to take a day for granted.

This mantra on life led Jeremiah to be a socialite. He enjoyed being around others, especially when it involved playing pool. You didn’t have to look hard to find someone around him. His personality naturally attracted people to him, and Jeremiah made friends across the United States. If he had his choice though, Jeremiah would take a dog over a human any day.

Jeremiah was an animal lover and reserved a special place in his heart for them and their care. Speaking of animals, when Jeremiah wasn’t working or being the life of the party, he was enjoying kicking his feet back on the bank fishing. It offered him time to himself and a reprieve from the world for a while.

The family will hold private memorial services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to local animal shelters and rescues.

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

William Monroe “Bill” Tipton passed from this life and through the Gates of Glory on September 22, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.   Bill was born on June 7, 1969 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to the late Carl Tipton and Evelyn “Sophie” Leonard Tipton Haislip.

He was named for his dad’s good friend and fellow musician, Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass music.  When Bill was just a few weeks old, Bill Monroe took “Little Bill”, as he was known by many people, onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and introduced him.  Bill would return to that stage on multiple occasions to perform.   Music was a part of Bill’s life from his earliest days, often spending naptime in a guitar case while Carl and Sophie performed music.  He grew up on the set at Channel 5, at Channel 17 and Murfreesboro 39 television stations and on many stages at live performances.  Attending bluegrass festivals during his young years was a frequent occurrence that instilled a deep appreciation and love for bluegrass and gospel music and provided many opportunities for him to meet and play music with many well-known musicians.  Bill was a talented multi-instrumentalist and singer, blending his beautiful harmony with others in the band.  As a teen he began playing guitar with his dad’s band on tv and as they traveled all over the south and beyond.

Later with some close friends, he formed his own band playing at festivals around the area and other events including SPIGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America).  He had many other friends with whom he enjoyed jamming.   Bill made his primary instrument the mandolin following in his dad’s and his namesake’s footsteps.  Over the years many others invited him to play music and he was always willing to share his talent. He instilled the love of Bluegrass to his children and grandchildren, and his musical legacy will carry on through them.

Bill grew up attending Walter Hill church of Christ where his mom was his first Sunday School teacher.   He was baptized into Christ on November 27, 1987, by Bro.  Randall Chaudoin.  Bill used his God-given talent as a song leader there for several years.   Bill and his family later worshiped with the church of Christ at North Boulevard.  During the 27 years they worshiped there, they developed many close relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Bill had the honor of baptizing both of his sons into Christ fulfilling one of the goals as a parent of leading his children to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Bill attended Oakland High School where he graduated in 1987.  Following high school, he took a year off to work several jobs while helping serve his parents during his father’s battle with cancer before enrolling at Middle Tennessee State University.  Bill worked nights and attended morning classes before going home to sleep.   It was at MTSU on the steps of the Cope Administration Building where he reacquainted with his future wife, Vanessa, whom he had known in high school.  She invited him to attend a gospel meeting and shortly thereafter, he knew she was the one for him.  Bill graduated MTSU in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.  He put his degree to work in Human Resources at Nissan of Smyrna where he was employed for 30+ years.  Bill loved his work at Nissan as well as his co-workers whom he considered another family. He stated that his time at Nissan was a blessing in his life.

Bill married the love of his life, Vanessa Rae Maxwell, on February 23, 1991 at Walter Hill church of Christ with Bro. Jim Creech officiating.   Bill not only gained a wife, he gained another father and mother and sister who loved him and who he loved with all his heart.   The births of his two sons, Austin and Jacob, were some of the greatest moments of his life.  His love and devotion for them had no bounds.

One of the things they enjoyed doing as a family was traveling and camping. They travelled the country from coast to coast over the years visiting the 48 contiguous United States.   Fishing, hiking, camping, seeing the country and meeting people were always a part of the adventure.  These were cherished times spent with their boys.

As the boys grew up and found more interests, Bill was always supportive and encouraging as he worked alongside them.  As a family they became involved in cattle and goat farming and shared this hobby as it grew into a business, Tipton Farms.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Evelyn “Sophie” Tipton Haislip, step-father, Alton Haislip.  He is survived by his loving wife, Vanessa Maxwell Tipton of Lascassas; two sons, William Austin Tipton (Shelby-Mai) of Auburntown and Jacob Harrison Tipton of Lascassas; two grandchildren who were the light of his life: Madilynn Elizabeth Tipton and Mason-Lee William Tipton; brother, Joseph Carl Tipton (Debbie) of Murfreesboro; two sisters, Betty Tipton Chambers (Kenneth) and Linda Tipton Dodson (Dewey) of Murfreesboro; father-  and mother-in law, Johnny and Cheryl Maxwell, of Milton; sister-in-law, Amanda Maxwell Perry (Kevin) of Manchester, TN; several nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends who mourn the loss of  this hardworking, talented, loving, humble, joyful, generous, God-fearing son, husband, father, brother, uncle and brother in Christ.

Throughout this difficult journey, Bill has never failed to praise God for His goodness.  He has walked through the valley with grace and dignity.  As long as he was able, Bill continued to share the good news of Christ and of God’s love with everyone with whom he came in contact.  

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, September 26, 2022 at North Boulevard Church of Christ with Bro. Ralph Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Milton Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Paul Richardson, Andy Todd, Andy Holder, Kimball Bullington, Tim Haddock, Bill Slagle, Glenn Lewis, Gerald Lester and Tom Morgan.  Curry Peacock and Sam Bagwell will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation with his family will be Sunday, September 25, 2022 at North Boulevard Church of Christ from 4:00 pm until 8:00pm and Monday from 10 am until the time of his funeral service

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

Mr. Bobby Smith, age 65, of Readyville passed away Saturday, September 10, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was a native of Bardstown, Kentucky.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Smith & Ruth Metcalf Smith; and Siblings, Daniel Smith, Sissy Johnson, & Beverly Humphrey.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Henrietta Jackson Smith; Children, Lorai Smith of Readyville, Robby Smith of Murfreesboro, Rebecca (Randy) Reed of Morrison, & Adam Smith of Morrison; Siblings, Sammy Smith of Bardstown, KY, Jim Smith of Ohio, Tommy Smith of KY, Michael Smith of Rockvale, Anna Mary Nation of Taylorsville, KY, Hazel Smith of Bardstown, KY, June Abston of Bon Aqua, & Patsy Smith of IL; Grandchildren, Jesse (Chelsey) Smith, Ashtyn Smith, Darwin Reed, James Michael (Haley) Reed, Easton Reed, Lilly Reed, & Rachel Reed; and Great Grandchildren, Grace Smith & Keensley Reed.

Bobby was a member of the Catholic church and worked in Maintenance at Tennessee Rehabilitation Center for 37 years and was supervisor for 25 years.  He was a member of the Sam Davis Masonic Lodge and enjoyed collecting guns & knives and riding horses.

Funeral Services were held at 1 PM Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  The family received friends for the visitation from 11 AM until the time of service at 1 PM.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Billy Joe Matheny, age 53, passed away at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2022. He was born on Tuesday, December 10, 1968. He is the son of James H. Matheny and Ruby E. Matheny of the Hollow Springs community in Cannon County, Tennessee.

Billy was a lifelong native of Cannon County, Tennessee. He attended school at Woodland Elementary and graduated from Cannon County High School in Woodbury, Tennessee.

He was employed by International Paper, Rich Products, and Crane. He enjoyed being outdoors such as working odd jobs for the community, horseback riding, and ATV riding.

He leaves behind his mother, Ruby E. Matheny; sister, Donna (Al) Durkee of Manchester; brother, Doug (Diane) Matheny of Auburntown; and many more relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 1-4 pm. Graveside services will be Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm at Gilley Hill Cemetery. Bryan Pitts will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gilley Hill Cemetery for perpetual care and maintenance.

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

Patsy Irene Haynes Barrett, age 75, of Woodbury passed away Friday, September 16, 2022 at Unity Medical Center.  She was a native of Cannon Co. and born on August 8, 1947.

Survivors include her children, Amanda (Thomas) Workman of Manchester & Ray (Michelle) Barrett of Watertown; Grandchildren, Kristen Jones, Charles Workman, Tristan Workman, Cassie Barrett, Cheyenne Barrett, & Charlize Barrett; and Siblings, Nancy Stroud of Lebanon, Shirley Reed of Woodbury, & Melvin Hayes of Lebanon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse & Nellie Adams Haynes; and granddaughter, Isabella Workman.

Patsy was a member of the Baptist church and enjoyed attending with her church family.  She was a retired librarian at Auburn School.

Funeral Services will be 12 Noon Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Robert Haynes & Bro. Nathan Haynes officiating.  Interment will follow at Bradley Creek Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 10 AM to 12 Noon Tuesday at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Christopher Don Grizzle, age 52, of Bradyville passed away Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Thomas Stones River Hospital.  He was born on April 2, 1970 in Cannon Co.

Survivors include his mother, Joyce Fan Grizzle of Bradyville; Special Aunts, Kathy Smith, Pat Fann, Linda Fann, & Myra Fann; and Special Uncles, John Smith, Joe Don Fann, Bobby Fann, & Kerry Fann.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don Grizzle; Grandparents, Fred & Kathryn Mullinax Fann and Howard “Fuzzy” & Pauline Haley Campbell; and Uncles, JW Fann, Jackie Fann, Freddie Fann, & Lonnie Grizzle.

He was a member of the Midway church of Christ and was a 1988 graduate of Cannon County High School.  Chris loved wishing “Happy Birthday” to his Facebook friends, cheering on his UT Vols and the Braves, and was an all-around sports addict.  He was an avid weather watcher and loved music and good food.  He just enjoyed life.

A private graveside service will be held.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Rebecca “Becky” Carolyn Owen Smith, age 71 of Woodbury, died Thursday, September 15, 2022, at her home. She was born in Wilson County, TN and resided in Cannon County all of her life and she was the daughter of the late Boyce Taylor Owen and Hildred Owen.

Survivors include her husband of 31 years, John O. Smith, II; brothers, James Owen, Geary Owen, and Oliver Owen; a niece, Kimberly (Joey) Boss; stepdaughter, Jennifer (Brad) Faulk; grandchildren, Jack, Camryn and Payton Faulk; nephews, Matthew and Luke Boss; and a host of other loving family and friends. The family offers special thanks to all of Rebecca’s friends, including Brenda Dodd, Jeri Schlinke, and Winnie West.

Rebecca was a member of Sycamore Baptist Church and retired in 2015 from State Farm after 40 years of service.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 10:00am until the time of funeral services beginning at 12:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with Pastor Lisa Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Mid-South Chapter, Nashville. An online guestbook is available for the Smith family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

John Russell Gilley, 46, of Murfreesboro, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford. He was born January 30, 1976 in Woodbury, TN.

He is survived by his husband, Brad Withrow of Murfreesboro; his parents, Kenny and Debbie Foster Gilley of Woodbury; grandmother, Lois Larimer of Woodbury; his sisters, Korie Gilley (Shannon DeBerry), Rebecca (Matt) Alexander and Katie (Dylan) Miller all of Woodbury; nieces and nephews of which he adored and loved as his own, Hunter and Luke Blanton, Delaney Aycock, Colt, Hattie and Walker Alexander and Briggs Miller; his fur babies; Collins Blue, Bailey and Ben; best friend, Olivia Hayes; brother-in-law, Brian Withrow and sister-in-law, Angie Wooten; Many aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sherry Fuqua Gilley and his brother, James Nathan Gilley.

John was a graduate of Cannon Co. High school, Class of 1994 and David Lipscomb University where he earned his degree in History and Biblical studies. He enjoyed playing tennis. John had a wonderful and unique sense of humor. If he ever watched a movie you would hear it in quotes in everyday conversations. He loved big and gave to others even bigger. His love for music was a match for no other. He found happiness and contentment in everything life had to offer, even in a bad situation his outlook was the best. John loved history, true crime, watching Survivor and Saturday Night Live of which he would often act out. He will forever be missed by all of us who loved and knew him.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 18, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens. Visitation with his family will be Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Short Mtn. Bible Camp or the Riverside Gardens Cemetery.

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

Benjamin Franklin Dees, age 41, of Mcminnville, Tennessee,  passed away Saturday, July 30, 2022. Benjamin was born February 20, 1981, in California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dees and Pamela Milligan Todd Dees Lundy.  

He is survived by four half siblings, Robert Paitt, Karen Dees McComb, Cherrie (Bob) Todd Moline of Rigdgefield, WA, and Christie (Jimmy) Todd Love of Woodbury, TN; girlfriend, Shannon Thompson; and several nieces and nephews. 

As a child, he grew up in the cab of an eighteen-wheeler with his dad at the wheel and his mom in the passenger seat. Traveling all over the country, seeing all the sights, different towns, and people sparked his passion for driving. He followed right in his dad’s footsteps and became an over-the-road truck driver, putting the pedal to the metal. Though life as a trucker wasn’t all fun and games, it was what he wanted. To help him get through the tough times, he had handed over the steering wheel of life to the Lord and got baptized. 

The family will hold a private service to lay him to rest.  Share memories and condolences with them at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com. Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.