Obituaries

Mrs. Virginia Kay Pogue Barrett, 55, of Woodbury, Tennessee went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. She was born in Joliet, Illinois on Friday, May 6, 1966. Preceding her in death were her parents, Bill and Illa Pogue, and her sister, Brenda Sue Nunley.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 38 years, Jerry Barrett of Woodbury; children, April (Michael) Vance of Bradyville and J.D. (Ashley) Barrett of Woodbury; granddaughter, Makenzie Alyse Vance of Bradyville; brother, Mike Pogue of Manchester; sisters, Diane Thompson Barrett and Sylvia Lynn Bush both of Manchester; uncle, Melvin Pogue of Tullahoma; close friends, Tanya Whited, Belinda Ruth, and Amy Templeton; and several nieces and nephews.

Kay’s family moved early on in her life to Tennessee, and she had the opportunity to live a country life and love story. Meeting the man she would marry while swimming at the Readyville Dam was just the beginning of a grand adventure. She would tell the kids how it all started with her seeing Jerry swinging from a rope in his jean shorts. After that, they always seemed to come back to one another and decided they didn’t want to spend any more time apart. They were married on Saturday, May 19, 1984, and Kay graduated from Coffee County High School just the year after in 1985.

Being born in the North didn’t hold much weight with Kay. Even though Jerry liked to pick at her about it, she was a Southern girl at heart. A natural when it came to Southern hospitality, Kay was a woman that exuded love to everyone she met. It earned her the title of “Mama” to more than just her children, and she always thought it was so sweet to hear the words “Mama Kay.”

That love for people went into Kay’s work. She spent time sitting with the elderly and enjoyed taking care of them. When she felt like she still had more love to give, she convinced Jerry they should open a daycare at their home. For Kay, it didn’t matter what age you were, young or old, she loved you, and she always seemed to have more love to give. However, life isn’t meant to be done alone, and though she had found her perfect partner in Jerry, she needed a little girl time.

She was the receptionist at Woodbury Medical Center for several years, greeting everyone with a smile you could hear through the phone. It was there she met the ladies who formed the four musketeers, and she, Tanya, Belinda, and Amy would go out shopping and come back more energized than they had left. Jerry said he could tell she’d had a good time because she would come back talking up a storm and tell him all about her day.

That zest for life came from Kay’s faith in the Lord. She was a member at Smith Grove Church of Christ and a beam of light and love for her Lord and Savior. Every day was a ministry to her, and she wasn’t going to waste a moment. Her family remembers her as a disciple-maker and encourager. She was there for every sermon and every funeral that Jerry preached and knew when she needed to preach to him for a bit. Her talent lied in knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.

When she took time to herself, Kay still wasn’t alone. Her favorite quality time to spend was with her granddaughter, Makenzie. They were always coming up with crafts, and painting made it to the top of the list of favorite activities to do together. When Kay and Jerry went to Gatlinburg, she had Jerry gathering and cleaning up rocks for her and Makenzie’s future painting projects. Time out in nature was also a big part of Kay’s life.

She loved flowers, especially hydrangeas, lilies, and tulips, and she planted them all around their home. Going out into God’s creation was the prime time for having a little talk with Jesus. It helped her to recenter herself and find balance. Her faith and consistent relationship with God were her secrets to facing every challenge with a level of grace and poise beyond what seemed humanly possible.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, May 6, 2022 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Al Bugg, Jr. will officiate. Interment will be in McMahan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stones River Recovery or St. Jude’s Children’s 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

Sandra M. Parton, 80, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  She was born in Freeburg, St. Clair, IL. to her parents, John and Ruth Lehr Burns.

She is survived by her children, David Parton, John (Dana) Parton, Traci (Claude) Alexander, Danny (Anita) Parton, and Jason (Jenn) Parton all of Cannon Co.;  her sister, Rita Baker of IL and her special nephew, Kirk Parton Todd (Stephanie) of Woodbury. 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Parton was preceded in death by her husband, Dorse Parton.

A member of Iconium church of Christ, Sandra was a homemaker and full-time granny to her precious grandchildren.  She enjoyed crocheting, traveling the world, was an avid reader and loved her chow chow dogs.  

Graveside services will be 10 am Friday, May 6, 2022, at Iconium cemetery with Bro. Norman Pelham officiating.  Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Iconium Cemetery Fund.  

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

Haven MaKenzie Gahart, 8, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022.  She was born in Crescent City, CA.

She is survived by her parents, Tessa Gahart & Doug Robbins of Woodbury; grandparents, Tamra (Scott) Cooper of Porterville, CA, Randall & Janice Robbins of Woodbury, Kirk Patterson of Fresno, CA. and Frank Payne of MO. and great grandmother, Bonnie Hunt of Porterville, CA.  Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Haven was a 3^rd grade student at Woodland Elementary School and was very artistic.  She loved all animals, but especially loved and enjoyed spending time with her cats.  She was a member of the Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet.

A Celebration of Life service for Haven will be Saturday, May 7^th, 2022 at 3 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  A visitation for her family and friends will be from 1 pm until the time of her service.

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

Lee Wright Emmert, 81, of Woodbury passed away Wed., April 27, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was born in Thorntown, IN.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Sue Minnick Emmert of Woodbury; children, Stephanie Sprague of Woodbury and Danny Lee Emmert of Aurora, IN.; grandchildren, Norman Sprague IV, Chase Emmert and Kennedy Emmert and great grandchildren, Mackenzie Lee Sprague, Ayden Michael Sprague and Braden Leo Sprague.

Mr. Emmert was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Lee Emmert and Ruth E. Wright Emmert; siblings, Anita E. Dickerson, Nina P. Emmert, Thomas E. Emmert and Ora G. Emmert.

Lee was a Christian and enjoyed woodworking.  He was a retired researcher for Dow Chemical and was also a school custodian.  

It was Mr. Emmert’s wishing to be cremated and memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

Cleta Mae Holt Knox, 91, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at her home in Readyville, Tn.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

She is survived by her children, Barry L. Knox of Wartrace, Timothy Knox of Readyville and Betty (Gary) Brown of Bradyville; granddaughters of whom she always called her “dolls”, Britney & Hannah Brown of Bradyville and brother-in-law, Jack Knox of Bradyville.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ms. Knox was preceded in death by her parents, Richard “Dick” Holt & Hattie Lee Vassar Holt; husband, Carl Mayne Knox; son, Dickie Carlton Knox; siblings, Pearl Carter, Elvin Holt, Malcolm Holt, Frank Holt, Fred Holt, Oren Holt, Joe Parmer Holt, Lavada Lewis and Ray Holt.
 
A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, she was retired from Cannon Co. School system as a school bus driver after 27 years and she was a homemaker.  She always enjoyed going to church, reading her bible and taking care of her family.  She was a wonderful Christian wife, mother and grandmother.
 
Funeral services will be 2 pm Sunday, May 1, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Eddie Boggess officiating. Interment will follow in Thyatira Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Danny Holt, Bruce Lewis, Forrest Knox, Gary Brown and Timothy Knox.
 
Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Saturday, April 30, 2022.
 
For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Thyatira cemetery.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Helen Juanella Webb Mason was born on April 17, 1943 and passed at the age of 79 on April 27, 2022 following an extended illness.

Juanella was preceded in death by her parents, James and Julia Webb; her sisters-in-law, Sue Campbell and Betty Rae Hoover; and one sister, Dorothy Bragg. Her beloved husband, Alfred “Buster” Mason, also preceded her in death.

She was survived by her loving son, Al (Michelle) Mason, her two grandchildren, Aron Mason and Jeremy Leedom; her brothers-in-law, Jerrell Campbell and Ray Hoover; dear friend, Amy Henderson; sister, Kathy Gouge; and several nieces and nephews.

Juanella was born in Livingston but resided the majority of her years in Woodbury, Tennessee. She was an impressive custom drapery seamstress and a mouth-watering cook. She loved to do puzzles of all types. Juanella was a wonderful wife, mother, and mother-in-law. She was a tremendously proud Granny and spent a lot of time cooking breakfast before a deer hunt, sitting at the kitchen table, telling stories, and encouraging to always be your best. Being a Granny was her favorite blessing. Juanella has found peace in being reunited with her soul mate of almost 51 years, Buster Mason.

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 12-2 pm. Graveside services will follow directly after on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 2 pm at Riverside Garden. Herb Alsup will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Riverside Garden for those who wish to give.

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

Steve Fletcher, 58, passed away Wed., April 20, 2022 at Woodbury Health Care.  A native of Dekalb Co., he is the son of Bobby Lee and Dorothy Dean Murphy Fletcher of Auburntown. 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by is wife of 30 years, Janice Fletcher of Auburntown; children, Beth (W.C.) Basham of Lascassas and Bobby Harrison (Tabbitha) Fletcher of Auburntown; grandchildren, Stone Basham, Katie Hancock, Carter Hancock, James Hancock and soon to be born, Lucas Fletcher; siblings, Greg (Jennifer) Fletcher of Azle, TX., Sandy (Stan) Hollandsworth of Woodbury, Melinda Fletcher Crook of Woodbury; brothers-in-law, Mike (Nita) McAdoo of Rock Island and Bob McAdoo of Los Angeles, CA.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Auburn Baptist church, Steve was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving 7 ½ years.  He retired from the United States Postal Service in Murfreesboro after 24 years.  He also worked part time at the Cannon Co. Convenience center.

Steve was fun loving, the life of the party, and he never met a stranger.  He loved to laugh and make others laugh with him.  He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.  He also enjoyed playing gold, farming, gardening and serving the Lord in song.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.   

Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday, April 23, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Thurman Seber and Bro. Larry Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Jason Reed, Blake O’Neal, Greg Fletcher, Tim Cooper, Carter and James Hancock.

Visitation with his family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Friday, April 22, 2022.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make donation to the church of your choice for spreading the Gospel of Christ.

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

William Marshall Clark, 74, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on Sunday, December 28, 1947, in Stewart, Virginia to the late Marshall Critz and Virginia Tatum Clark.

He is survived by his friends, Jerry “Douglas” Traylor of Nashville, Nancy Lindsey of Stewart, VA, Warren Rodgers of Stewart, VA, and Jermaine Boyd of Nashville. Preceding him in death was his grandmother, Mae Ford.

William was a man of the opinion that you don’t need blood relations to be family. A talented musician, his band mates and close friends became his immediate family. Their shared interest in music brought them together and created a brotherhood. It was from those relationships that William earned the nickname “Lightnin’ Jack.” They even named a band after him called Lightnin’ Jack & the Fresh Sparks.

Though it may not have been the only reason, the way William played the fiddle was definitely one of the reasons he earned that nickname. Over the course of many years, Lightnin’ Jack played at the Fiddlers Convention.  Helping fuel his music passion and friendships. Growing up a cattle farmer, country and folk music were his bread and butter, but he drew inspiration from all kinds of music and did a lot of studio work. His musical abilities weren’t limited to instruments.  He would often put pen to paper and write many of the songs he and friends would perform.  A number of short stories made their debut by his hand as well.  While recording his album, “The Next Five Miles,” Lightnin’ Jack strummed his slack-string guitar, blew his harmonica, and warmed up his vocals. It will be a time capsule of cherished memories for all who take the opportunity to listen.

Anyone interested can find it here: https://lightninjack.bandcamp.com/album/the-next-five-miles

His family will hold private services 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

Melvin Earl Barrett age 88 years and 9 months, passed away Wednesday April 20, 2022 at his residence in Woodbury. He was born July 28, 1933 to his parents the late W. H. and Bertha Walker Barrett.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by son-in-law, Larry Prater; brothers, W. T., Donald and Austin Barrett; sister, Ovie Bogle; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Altie and Elzie Vickers.

Mr. Barrett was a member of the Old Pleasant View Baptist Church, served in the United States Army, worked at Carrier Corporation for 29 years and Colonial for 18 years.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glynda Vickers Barrett of Woodbury; daughter, Pamela Prater of Woodbury; granddaughter, Jessica Prater of Woodbury; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Graveside services and interment will be 2:PM Saturday April 23, at Pleasant View Cemetery with Bro. Russell Vickers officiating. There will not be any visitation or services at the funeral home. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery for the graveside service.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 

Mary Elizabeth Allocco age 64, of the Short Mountain Community passed away Saturday morning, April 16, 2022, at St Thomas Stones River Hospital in Woodbury. She was born June 18, 1957 to her parents the late Thomas Ross and Inas Irene Beatty Hill.

Ms. Allocco was a Girl Scout Leader for many years, Volunteer Firefighter at Short Mountain for several years, and was a mechanical engineer. She is survived by her sister, Cindy Hill of the Short Mountain Community; brothers, Dusty (Janice) Hill of Florida and Bob Hill of Ohio; nephew, Tommy Hill.

The family has chosen a direct cremation and a Memorial Gathering will be held Sunday, April 24, 2022 from 3:00PM until 5:00PM at Gondola Restaurant in McMinnville.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.