Obituaries

Carl Dennis Thomas, 74, of the Iconium community passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Viviant Healthcare and Rehab.    He was a native of Cannon Co. and his parents were the late Leburn and Flossie Bowen Thomas. 

He is survived by his cousin, Carl “Bubba” Russell and his wife, Shannon of Murfreesboro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gail, Kenneth and Steve Thomas.  Dennis was retired and in his earlier years, he did auto detail for Jennings Motors.

Visitation with his family will be after 10 am Friday, July 1, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 am at Iconium 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

Ms. Rebecca Ann Floyd, 35, of Rush, Colorado passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022. She was born in Alabama on Wednesday, October 8, 1986. Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles Edward and Bobbie Jean Floyd, Sr. and brothers, Charles Edward Floyd, Jr., John Floyd, and Jared Floyd.

She is survived by her children, Katlynn Holt, Aliyah Floyd, Teyah Corn, Bianca Salgado, and Victor Salgado; grandmother, Peggy Daniels; sisters, Angela Floyd and Abigail Dyer; several aunts and uncles; and numerous nieces and nephews.

If you ever met Rebecca, there were a couple of things you would have remembered. The first being that she always had a smile on her face. She had an outgoing personality and a friendly disposition that combined with her smile made you feel invited to sit down and talk for a while. Those characteristics made her well liked just about everywhere she went, even when she decided to take her heaping dose of Southern hospitality up north and moved to Colorado.

The second thing you’d remember about Rebecca was she had a good heart. She was someone who would do anything for anybody, and that wasn’t limited to people. Rebecca also loved animals and hoped to one day start a farm. She’d take notes on every animal, but the one she studied the most was her boxer mix, Chloe. After being rescued, Chloe became Rebecca’s service dog for her seizures, and the two shared a special bond.

Due to Rebecca’s personal experience with health problems, she felt called to combine her warm personality and good heart to make a career in medicine. Rebecca worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and only lacked 3 months in school before finishing her degree to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. If you talked to her for long, she was bound to start talking about her job and sharing her experiences.

When Rebecca wasn’t working, she enjoyed tapping in to her more adventurous side. It didn’t matter if she was out in nature or at an amusement park; Rebecca just wanted to be outdoors. She’d go swimming and camping out in the State and National Parks in Colorado, and Katlynn remembers their trip to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

With Katlynn being the oldest, she and Rebecca would spend lots of time together. They’d go out to eat and just have some one-on-one girl time. She even got Rebecca on TikTok, and Rebecca would share videos of her kids and, of course, Chloe. Growing up Rebecca spent quite a bit of time with her grandmother, Peggy. Peggy emphasized the importance of family and togetherness by taking Rebecca to church as a little girl. Many of those life lessons were ones Rebecca had in mind to fall back on as she grew up.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 1-4 pm. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 4 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with 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

Mr. Avon Conley, 89, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022. He was born to the late Ed and Avaree Duncan Conley in Woodbury on October 19, 1932 and was content staying here the rest of his life. Preceding him in death was his son, Barry Conley.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Sue Conley; daughters, Terri (Lee) Barnett of Smyrna and Rena Sissom of Murfreesboro; brother, Don (Wanda) Conley of Nashville; grandchildren, Logan (Kristin) Sissom of Chattanooga and Michelle Barnett of Smyrna; great grandson, Nolan Sissom; cousin, Ruth Curlee of Woodbury; and brother-in-law, Jerry Rogers of Readyville.

Avon was raised to enjoy responsibility. He farmed with his father, and they transferred their discipline, work ethic, and timeliness into quail hunting. Together, they trained bird dogs, and when Avon was outperforming his father, he’d like to pick saying, “I’ll kill the next one for you.” That usually lead to a quick and disgruntled response of, “I’ll kill my own.”

After graduating with the class of ’50 from Woodbury Central High School, he gave himself a few years before deciding to join the Army. Avon severed overseas in Korea for 2 years following the end of the Korean War. Returning home, he decided to take on a new responsibility and help out at his parent’s country store. It was there he met the love of his life, Sue.

Sue and her friends lived close by and would go over to watch wrestling at the neighbor’s house. It became tradition to cross the creek and get cold drinks and peanuts from the country store. Once Avon got to noticing Sue, he was smitten. He would say he had a flat tire to work on just to get to see her a little bit longer. His tactic must have paid off because in September 1960, they got married.

Prepared to take on the responsibility as protector and provider, Avon bought Owenby Farm and fixed it up for them to live there. Being quite the craftsman and carpenter, Avon turned Owenby Farm into their permanent home. As lifetime members of Bethlehem Church of Christ, Avon and Sue knew their home wasn’t complete without deep roots in faith. So when they decided to expand their family, they had the foundation they needed for all of the challenges life threw their way.

In fact, Avon enjoyed responsibility, challenges, and working so much that he decided he was content doing it the rest of his life. Earlier in their marriage, Avon followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Farris Conley, and served as Justice of the Peace for a little while and Sheriff from ’72-’74. The time he served was about all he wanted, and then, Avon refocused his energy back toward the farm.

He had a limestone excavating business that provided stone used at Stones River Battlefield, Music Row, Alan Jackson’s house, George Jones’ house, Natchez Trace, Trevecca Nazarene University, and several other prominent locations. His stone was used to make anything from decorative mailboxes and rock walls to fine houses and grandeur entrances. Avon also knew how to build with his materials and even had a sawmill for a while when he built his and Sue’s house and Rena’s house.

Throughout all of it, Avon kept on farming, so needless to say, his family wasn’t the vacationing kind. He raised Black Angus as well as Hereford cattle, and when he wasn’t working with his livestock, he was cutting hay, repairing equipment, or working on something else around the farm. If he didn’t have a part to fix something, he’d make it, and if he couldn’t make it, he’d finally grit his teeth and go to the store.

Avon inherited his frugal mindset from his father, and they kept farming together until Ed was no longer able to. The thought of paying someone to help him farm didn’t even cross Avon’s mind. Sue quickly got elected to be his new helper. Not knowing anything about the tractor, Sue would get Avon to turn it on and get it in gear for her to rake the hay. And don’t think the girls got out of work. Avon kept them busy in the garden weeding and harvesting the crop.

Work was Avon’s life and hobby. He knew, just like Adam, God had made him to work and to fulfill his duties for the many hats he wore. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend, a Christian, and so much more, but in all things, he strived to be a worker for the Lord.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, June 27, 2022 from 10 am – 2 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, June 27, 2022 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Dr. Earl Sutton will officiate. Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alive Hospice, the National Kidney Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

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

Shirley Frances Tallent Nipper, 76, of Bradyville, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  A native of the Kittrell community in Rutherford Co., she was the daughter of the late Sammy & Ruby Travis Tallent.    

She is survived by her children, Mark Black (Angela Lynch) of Walter Hill and Michelle Black of Woodbury; her grandchildren, Dana Black, Cody Bethune, Justin McKee, Jeremy Wick, Lacole Wilson and Heather Wilson and her sister, Geneva Gannon of Murfreesboro.  Also surviving are 3 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Nipper.

Ms. Shirley was a member of the New Hope church of Christ and was retired from Middle Tennessee Medical Center where she was a switchboard operator. Prior to working at the hospital, she was a florist and loved making beautiful flowers and arrangements for others.  She enjoyed reading books, especially her bible and going to church.  Most of all, she loved and adored her family especially when she got to spend time with them.  

Visitation with her family will be after 11 am Friday, June 24, 2022.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Bro. Ralph Richardson will conduct her service.  

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

Kayla Michelle Scott, 35, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022 at St. Thomas Stones River.  She was born in Warren Co.

She is survived by her parents, Rickey D. Scott (Jasmine Davenport) of McMinnville and Lisa Michelle Jones (Wallace) Rhea of Morrison; siblings, Wesley Paul Scott of Morrison and Stacey Herbert of Shelbyville; special cousin and caretaker, Ciara Scott of Woodbury; aunt, Angie Scott of McMinnville and nieces and nephews, Braydon Michael Scott, Clara Hope Scott, Brooklyn Faith Scott, Jillian Alana Scott and Addison Victoria Scott.  Several cousins, aunts and uncles also survive.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hazel Scott and George Farless who raised her with love, Paul and Gladys Jones and Robert Scott.

Kayla loved chocolate milk, playing basketball, watching movies of all kinds especially Barney, Scooby Doo and Blues Clues.  Kayla graduated from Cannon Co High School where she always enjoyed being with her friends.  She also spent her time coloring and writing names in her books.  Kayla was so special to so many people She loved with her whole heart and would always ask, “Do you love me? I love you!”  She had a pure soul and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Visitation with her family will be from 10 am until 2 pm Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.  Graveside services will follow at 2:30 pm at Centerhill Cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  

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

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

Billy Joe Cooper, 72, passed away June 19, 2022 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late William Vernon “Bunt” Cooper and Carrie Bell Morris Cooper.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Jerry) Wright of Murfreesboro; granddaughter, Autumn Rose Johnson White of Murfreesboro; siblings, Wallace (Estelle) Cooper, Joy Dell Crocker, Ray (Tena) Cooper, Ann Gaither (Steve) and Margie Gilley and he was expecting a great grandson, Camden John White. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Darlene Sloan Cooper; siblings, Bob and Marvin Cooper, Susie Moulder, Faye Hollandsworth and Brenda Kay Cooper.

Billy Joe was a retired factory worker and worked at Auburn shirt factory, Alcan and Johnson Controls.  He loved to go fishing, hunting, camping and boating.  He also enjoyed going to Opryland with his family and enjoying the good times shared with everyone.

Visitation with his family will be from 11 am until 2 pm Wednesday, June 22, 2022.  Funeral service will follow at 2 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Thomas officiating.  Interment will follow in Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Journey Home for the Homeless.  

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

Mrs. Sylvia Davenport, 83, formerly of Woodbury passed away on June 18, 2022, in Smyrna, TN.  She was born on July 15, 1938, in Bell Buckle, TN.  Preceding her in death were her parents, Carson A. Barrett and Regina Harrell Barrett, husband, Arrie Davenport, a son, Tommy Davenport, and brothers, Harold Barrett, and J. C. Barrett.

Surviving her are a son, Billy (Roxanne) Davenport of Smyrna; daughters, Mary Womack of McMinnville, Janice (Kenneth) Tenpenny of McMinnville, Peggy (Eddie) Moore of Smyrna, and Laura (Eddie) Blake of Bradyville; daughter-in-law, Debbie Davenport of Bradyville; brother, Freddy Barrett of Woodbury; sister, Linda Daubenmire of Lancaster, OH; 22 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren with another soon to arrive, one great great grandchild, and numerous friends and extended family.

Life didn’t hand her a box of chocolates, starting out in what would be considered a little shack now.  Her family lived in the Bell Buckle community in what must have seemed like the middle of nowhere.  Even though they didn’t have a lot of worldly goods they were a close family.  Growing up her sisters and brothers lovingly called her “Sis”.  It stuck and that was all many people knew her as for a long time.  The family made their way to Woodbury and her parents ran a restaurant where she worked as a young lady.  Just across the street a young man on a motorcycle caught her eye. It was her future husband Arrie.  It was love at first sight.  For their first date he took her to the drive-in movies in Smithville for the Elvis feature, Love Me Tender. From that point it wasn’t long until they said, “I do” and started their family. 

Life in Woodbury didn’t always offer a lot of opportunities for good paying jobs.  It didn’t bother her or Arrie.  They knew how to work hard and to stretch a dollar.  He knew how to work on just about anything and she knew how to take care of the kids and the home for the first part of their marriage.  It wasn’t always easy, but Arrie had a way of always coming up with something funny to say or do to keep things on the lighter side.  Keeping up with six kids had its own challenges.  When the going was tough her love of music helped sooth her nerves.  If that didn’t work, she’d send the kids outside to play and turn the radio up when some of her favorite tunes came on.  If Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins, or Freddy Heart was on she was dancing, singing, and humming to the beat. The tv never came on in the house and the radio never went off if she had anything to do with it.  The kids remembered waking on many mornings to the sound of the radio and the smell of breakfast cooking.  If she was up, it was a sure thing, she had a pot of coffee brewing and a cup of it in her hand all day.  She was a great cook but of all the things they loved to eat it was her chocolate pies.  It wouldn’t have been a surprise to nearly see a fight to see who would get the last piece.

Even though they didn’t have much money they made the kids feel like they were number one.  Love filled all the gaps left by lack of anything else.  They did their best to save up and go on a family vacation every year.  It may have just been to Gatlinburg, but they made them feel like it was the biggest trip in the world.  Christmas was a time when they went all out to make it the best time ever.  Sylvia and Arrie nights spent many nights visiting and playing games of Rook until the sun was nearly coming up.  If they were behind Arrie would “shoot the moon” on his bid.  It would get her a little torn up, but they always had a great time.  She and Arrie were coming close to their 25^th anniversary when he passed away.  Broken hearted but too tough and stubborn to let her kids down.  She worked one of the hardest and hottest jobs in shipping at the Colonial Shirt factory making $3.35 an hour.  Somehow, she managed to finish raising the last three children and pay off their home.  Before he passed away, he made her promise to see all the kids get at least a high school education since he never had the chance.  She kept the promise.

It was no secret that she was a die-hard UT Vols and Tennessee Titans football fan.  Often you could find her in a well-worn UT sweatshirt and jogging pants.  Her son, Billy, was able to get her introduced to a Titan’s player, which made her day.  She also got the meet country singer, Earl Thomas Conley, who lived down the street from one of his best friends.  It was the highlight of the year for her, because of her love for country music.  Gospel music also held a special place in her heart.  She loved to hear the Blackwood Brothers, Oakridge Boys, and Statler Brothers.  Her faith in God and desire to raise her family right was a priority.  She and Arrie made sure to take the kids to church at the both the Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ for many years and the Woodbury Church of Christ where she was a long-time member.  They were firm believers in spare the rod and spoil the child, and love covers a multitude of sins.  Her children may now “arise and call her blessed” for her love and care for their family as a wife, mother, grandmother and beyond. 

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on June 23, 2022, from 5-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Friday, June 24, 2022, at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Herb Alsup and Richard Burks will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Garden.  In honor of the care shown to her by the staff of Diversicare of Smyrna over the last several years, the family requests donations in her memory to host a staff meal and to help fund patient activities.  Share condolences and memories with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190.  Because every life has a story.

Nora Mai Campbell Keaton, 88, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Willow Branch Health and Rehab.  A native of Cannon Co., her parents were the late Landon Campbell and Beulah Phillips Campbell.

She is survived by her children, John Allison (Pat) Keaton of Dowelltown, Ronnie Lynn Keaton and Bonnie Sue Keaton both of Woodbury; grandsons, Michael Chandler Keaton and John Robert Keaton; grandchildren, Logan Earls, Noah Bain, Ryder Earls, Adonis Earls, McKenzie Earls and Odin Childress; brother, Lynnwood (Linda) Campbell of Woodbury. Several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, John Earl Keaton; her daughter, Mary Susan Keaton and siblings, Jesse Campbell, J.T. Campbell, Johnny Campbell, Wayne Campbell, Ora Lee Gunter and Mazel Gannon.

Ms. Keaton was a member of the Methodist church and a housewife.  She enjoyed watching wrestling and working outside in her flower garden.

Graveside services with will be 4 pm Friday, June 16, 2022 at Sycamore cemetery.

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

Felson Edward Young, 84, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Born in Cannon Co. He was the son of late Clarence Young and Carrie Bell Ferrell Young.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Cummings Young of Woodbury; son, Michael Young of Woodbury; grandchildren, Michael Thomas, Nicholas Young, and Tanner Young.

He is preceded in death by his sons, Anthony and Mark Young.

Mr. Young was a Christian man, loved God and his family, and his neighbors, in that order. He loved to garden, work in the yard, work on old vehicles, and spending time with his loving family. He also especially loved his cats and any stray cat that came his way and they would have a forever home. He was a retired factory worker from Jefferson Smurfit.  Felson will forever be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be 10 AM Friday, June 17, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Visitation with his family will be Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 4 pm until 8pm. Interment will follow at Gunter Grizzle Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Cannon County native and resident, Mr. Lonnie “Buck” Youngblood, age 94, died Sunday, June 12, 2022, after an extended illness. He was born November 23, 1927, to the late George Washington and Hattie Enos Youngblood.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Youngblood was preceded in death by his wife Betty (Summers) Youngblood; son Lonnie Steven “Stevie Boy” “Rug” Youngblood; brothers and sisters Helen Youngblood, Hallis Youngblood, Lela Osment, Elvert Youngblood Maine Youngblood, Toy Youngblood, and Dovie Hibdon; and nephew and best friend Billy Lois Youngblood.

Mr. Youngblood is survived by his sister, Lola Barrett, of McMinnville, who celebrated her 100th birthday in March; daughters Sherry (Jimmy) Bouldin of McMinnville, Debbie (Rickey) Powers of McMinnville, and Tina Tenpenny of the Short Mountain community; grandchildren Valerie Gunter, Robert (Samantha) Gunter, Justin (Whitney) Tenpenny, Jiles (Lindsey) Tenpenny, and Lonnie Jeran Tenpenny; great-grandchildren Dakota (Louisa) Basham, Devin Lewis, Lexi (Kolin) Roberts, Daniel Norrod, Grayeson Holt, Cambrie Gunter, and Holden Tenpenny; and great-great-granddaughter Isla Basham. Also surviving is son Eddie Youngblood, daughter Vickie Griffith, and their children and grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews also survive. Additionally, Buck leaves behind longtime neighbor and friend Ronnie Smith.

Mr. Youngblood’s family also expresses their gratitude on his behalf to Suzanne Reed for her care during his final months.

Save for a few short years, Buck lived his entire life in the Short Mountain community on Blanton School Road – along with many of his brothers, sister, nieces and nephews – a short distance from where he was born and raised. Buck attended New Short Mountain United Methodist Church and was retired from International Paper and the Cannon County Highway Department. In retirement he enjoyed farming, gardening, mowing his yard, helping in the food ministry at his church, going to breakfast on Tuesday mornings with his son-in-law Jimmy, and any time he and his family gathered for a meal. He was a beloved “Daddy” and “Pa” who will be missed every day by his family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with his grandson, Jeran Tenpenny officiating.  Interment will follow in Leoni Cemetery.  Pallbearers include, Jiles Tenpenny, Justin Tenpenny, Robert Gunter, Devin Lewis, Dakota Basham and Daniel Norrod. Serving as honorary pallbearers, Ricky Ball, Dwight Barrett and Ronnie Smith. 

Visitation with his family will be Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leoni Cemetery or New Short Mountain Methodist church.

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