Obituaries

Thomas Edmund Tilford, better known as Tom passed away on March 16, 2022 at his home in Readyville, TN.  He was 95 years old.  He was the co-founder and owner of Tilford Lumber Co and Tilford Trucking Inc.  He was born in Anadarko, OK. on June 25, 1926.  Due to the Dust Bowl of the thirties, the family moved to Tennessee where he was been a life long resident of the Kittrell-Readyville, TN community. He attended Woodbury Church of Christ and was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Orville and Fannie Mai (Hood) Tilford, his wife, Jewell (Arnold) Tilford, and he was the last remaining of 6 brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his son, Randy Tilford and his wife, Becky (Alexander) Tilford of Readyville, granddaughter, Tracy (Gavin) Litchenwalter, great-granddaughters, Ruby, Reagan and Riley all of Murfreesboro; nephews, Ronnie Maxwell & family of Murfreesboro, Tommy Henson & family of Greenbriar, TN., Mike and Russell Halliburton & their families of Readyville, Danny Parker and Timmy Parker. 

He served in both World War II and the Korean War.  He volunteered for the Navy in WWII at the age of 17 and trained for Submarine duty.  About a month after he was transferred off one Submarine, it went down during training exercises off the coast of Hawaii and every man on board perished.  He also served on the USS Alabama battleship where his name is etched in infamy on a plaque that lists all the men that served on it during WWII.  It is presently docked at Mobile, AL as a reminder of what it took to get the United States of America to the great country it once was.  He had many fond memories of his time in the Navy. 

His favorite past time was work, and that is what he did until he wasn’t able.  He was well known in Cannon County and the surrounding area for his many years in the lumber, building supply and trucking business.  He was well known for being an honest and upstanding individual.  He was one of the few that remain of what some consider the greatest generation this Country has ever seen.  He will surely be missed.

Visitation with his family will be from 10 am until 2 pm Saturday, March 19, 2022 with funeral services to follow at 2 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Bro. Herb Alsup will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riverside Gardens for aid in its’ continuous care % Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories with his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Shirley Bowman Borren, age 82, a native of Cannon County passed away March 16, 2022 at Woodbury Health and Rehab after an extensive battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Hoyt & Minnie (Smith) Bowman. 

She is survived by her three children Tony (Gail) Borren, Darlene (Troy) Odom and Jack (Diana) Borren II all from Woodbury; grandchildren Bucky (Hope) Young, Christopher (Rebecca) Fann, Danielle (Jesse) Puckett, Nick (Eden) Borren, and Sydney Borren; great-grandchildren Dani & Dallas Young, Zane & Dylan Fann, Rylie & Avery Puckett, Rowan & Wrenley Borren, Enman Johnson, and Reed Chrisman.

She is also survived by her siblings Edward (Mary) Bowman, Peggy Hollis, Louise Hillis, and Richard (Brenda) Bowman and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her sisters Doris Hibdon and Ruth Borren, and brother Keith Bowman.

Shirley will be greatly missed by all who knew her, many of whom simply knew her as Granny.

She was a long time member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and was proud to call Woodbury her home.  She was a homemaker and loved to sew in her spare time. All her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will cherish the items she made for them over the years.

Anyone who knew Shirley knew of her love for politics. She was proud to be part of the Republican party and proud of the work she did within it.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. For Those wishing to do so donations, may be made to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. 

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

Claude Douglas Jennings, 65, passed away Monday, March 14, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was born in Rutherford Co., the son of the late Ollie Claude Jennings and Mildred Wood Ross.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Elkins Jennings of Woodbury; children, Chuck (Debbie) Jennings of Woodbury and Sean Adam Jennings of FL.

grandson, Logan Jennings and brother, Michael (Linda) Ross of Cookeville.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and his dog, Butch.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Fults, Brother, Wayne Jennings and nephew, Robert Jennings.

Doug was a member of the Baptist church and was retired from work. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, March 17, 2022, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in Cherry Cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

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

Betty Jean White, 78, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Tri-Star Centennial Medical Center.  A native of Jena, LA., she was the daughter of the late Edward and Gladys Smith Walton.

She is survived by her children, Donnie White of FL. and Tammy White Gipson of Woodbury; grandchildren, Alyssa Coleman, Nicholas St. Cyr, Amanda White, Megan White and Amber White and siblings, Kathy Walton, Willie Walton and Buster Walton and Shirley Pardue. Several great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, Ms. White was preceded in death by her grandson, Ryan Coleman and siblings, Joyce Laffoon and Johnny Walton. 

Betty was retired from Ingram Books.  She had a heart of gold and was a very giving person. If you were in need, she would try her best to provide.  She loved God and spending time with her family.  

Funeral services will be 2 pm Friday, March 11, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Gunter Grizzle Cemetery.  

Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Thursday, March 10, 2022.

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

James Edward Bryson, 88, passed away on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 at Woodbury Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. He retired from Samsonite after 34 years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Willie and Beatrice (Pitts) Bryson, and granddaughter, Helena Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Myrtle Alexander Bryson of Woodbury; children, Wallace (Barbara) Bryson of Lebanon, Keith (Carolyn) Bryson of Lavergne, Mike (Patricia) Bryson of Woodbury, and Debbie Mitchell of Smyrna; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 sisters, Betty Sue (Bobby) Hayes of Cannon Co., Janice Gaither of Georgia, Brenda (Jerry) Mullinax of Woodbury, and Patsy Read of Florida.

Born at the old family log house in Woodbury, Edward started off his life learning what it meant to be frugal and strong. His simple, country raising helped to scaffold his growth into a humble, tenderhearted, and fun-loving young man. He knew what the most important things are in this life and didn’t waste a moment or a dollar. And after meeting the love of his life, he definitely didn’t want to miss a thing.

Mrs. Myrtle graduated one day, and they were married the next. At the age of 19, they promised in their vows that as long as they had breath in their lungs, they would be together. Little did they know, together would be an understatement. Edward and Myrtle moved in with Edward’s parents after they got married, and Myrtle was constantly spoiling him. He lived a life filled with the finest form of luxury, and that was one filled with love.

The saying, “Behind every man is a better woman,” rang true for their relationship, and Edward was well aware of the treasure he had found. He cherished Myrtle and worked hard to provide for his family. He worked at Colonial Shirt Factory until 1961. Then, he transitioned to Samsonite where he stayed until 1995. However, Edward made sure that his life wasn’t all work and no play.

If you met Edward, then you knew that he loved to talk. He was full of stories about grand adventures from his past, and whenever he got an itch to make another memory, he could talk Myrtle into just about anything. His spirit for adventure took them to Lakeland, Florida on a motorcycle and on a cruise in 1982 to the Bahamas. And after the adventures that took a lot more sweet talking to convince Myrtle, he would always say, “I think you enjoyed it.”

For 68 years, 10 months, and 14 days, the vow they made at 19 was never broken. They lived a life filled with memories of love and laughter, but even being blessed with so many years, the time together will never feel like enough. The family mourns the loss of his presence but is grateful for the time, the tales, and the talents Edward shared with so many.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 10 am-2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Marvin Davenport will officiate. Pall bearers will be Wallace Bryson, Keith Bryson, Mike Bryson, Stanton Bryson, Cody Bryson, and Jake Bryson.

Interment will be in Odom Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with the perpetual care of Odom 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

Carter Grey Vincion, 15, passed away  Friday, March 4, 2022 at his home in Tullahoma.  He was born in Rutherford Co., TN.

He is survived by his parents, Brian Vincion of Tullahoma and Crystal Seiber Vincion of Morrison; sisters, Lindsey Vincion and her fiancée, Dillon Lucas of Shelbyville and Kearstin Roberson and her husband, Blake Roberson of Murfreesboro; grandparents, Les & Beverly Barker of Murfreesboro and Vicki Gilchrist of Woodbury; nieces and nephews, Alivia Lucas, Averlee Lucas and Brooks Roberson; aunts and uncles, Star (Jeremy) Buse, Mike (Jessica) Gilchrist and David Seiber.

Carter was in every sense of the word, “Boy”.  He loved being outside hunting, fishing with his dad, archery, riding four wheelers, working on his truck or doing anything mechanical.  He had such a big heart to go along with his big smile.  He loved staying up late with his papa and ordering Mexican food.  He will always be remembered as kind, generous and loyal.  If he loved you, then he loved you with his whole heart and that never wavered.  Carter loved his animals, especially his horse, Titus and his late dog, “D-O-G”.  

Visitation with his family will be from 5 pm until 6 pm Friday, March 11, 2022.  Memorial services will follow at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. 

The Vincion family will also have a celebration of life at a later date.

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

Arnetta Blanton Carrick, 83, passed away at her home in Woodbury Monday, March 7, 2022. She was born in Cannon Co, Tn., her parents were the late Joe and Inez Bell Blanton.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Annette Soloman of Woodbury; grandchildren, Doug Carrick and Shauna (Kyle) Whittemore both of Woodbury

great grandchildren, Maleah Odom, Jaylen and Kamden Whittemore; siblings, Melba (Leo) Jacobs of McMinnville, Jimmy (Carolyn) Blanton of Woodbury and Gladys (Larry) Tucker of Woodbury. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Inez Bell Blanton, husband, Cecil Carrick, her son, Aaron Carrick, and brothers, Bobby Joe and Oakley Blanton.

A member of Centerhill Baptist church, Arnetta was retired from Texas Boot where she had the privilege of making a pair of boots for Aaron Tippin.  She talked about that story often with her grandchildren.  She was very proud of that memory.  She enjoyed gardening and planting flowers.  She loved her family very much and always made sure their needs were met.

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Centerhill Cemetery with Bro.  Greg Mitchell officiating.

Pallbearers include Ronald, Terry and Gary Blanton, Barry, Larry and Gary Hibdon, Tim Blanton and Steven Blanton.

Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, March 9, 2022 and Thursday from 10 am until 12:30 pm.

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

Lois Louise Shultz Bogle, 80, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022  at her home in Liberty.  A native of Sevier Co., TN., she was the daughter of the late, Ed & Clara Sanders and Eva Shultz.

She is survived by her sons, Wayne Bogle of Sparta, Roger Bogle of Smithville & Glenn (Trish) Bogle of Gassaway; grandchildren: Travis Bogle, Brent Bogle, Brittany Vincent, Cody Lawrence, Emma Ashford, Kayla Bogle and Jesse Bogle; siblings, Josh Shultz & Phyllis Shultz and special nephew, Randall Shultz. Also surviving are 13 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Earl Bogle, & her son John Earl Bogle.

Ms. Bogle was a member of the Baptist church and she was retired from Omega Apparel where she was an inspector. She loved flowers especially buttercups and her hummingbird vine.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Robert Terry officiating. Interment will follow in Beech Hill Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Johnny Hickey, Ricky Dodd, Ray Vincent, Travis Bogle, Kenny Murphy, J.J. Boniel.

Visitation with her family will be from 4 PM until 8 PM Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

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

James Arlis “Snake” Stoner, age 80, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

Survivors include his sister, Joann (Randy) Simmons of Woodbury; Nephews, Derick (Leanne) Simmons and Jeremy Simmons of Woodbury; Great Nieces, Dericka (Bradley) Gunter, Lauren (Ethan) Curtis, Kaylan Simmons, Brinley Simmons and great nephew, Asher Simmons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mondie and Alma Lee Stoner.

James was a member of the Dillon Street Baptist Church. He was retired from Samsonite and Crane. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being in the woods, watching Westerns and gardening. If you knew him, you knew he loved his family and friends more than anything. He enjoyed spending time and making memories with each of them.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 11 AM until 2 PM.

Mrs. Melissa Basham Wagner, 48, of Hendersonville, TN graduated to her eternal reward on March 1, 2022, at home with family by her side. She was born March 20, 1973, in Livonia, Michigan to her parents, the late Jerry Basham and the late Sharon Cadoret. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Maudie Basham; uncles: Harold Basham, Ray Olton Basham; and mother-in-law, Judy Wagner, all of Woodbury.

She is survived by her husband, Chris Wagner of Hendersonville, Tennessee; biological son, Nathan Aaron Wagner of Tennessee; adopted sons: Keegan Wagner, Billy Edwards, Joshua Thompson, and Connor Wagner; spiritual sons, Chris Peebles and Danny Edwards; adopted daughter, Summer Wagner; spiritual daughters, Averie Manglos and Felicia Brusseau; grandchildren: Conner Wagner, Carter Wagner, and Copelynn Wagner all of Tennessee; brothers, Jerry Basham of Tennessee and John Pierson of Michigan; step-father, Dennis Anderson of McMinnville; father-in-law, Thomas Wagner of Manchester, Tennessee; her uncle, Ronald Basham of Woodbury; and countless additional cared for young souls, all of which she considered her immediate family.

Melissa moved from Wayne, MI around four years old and grew up in and around Woodbury and Auburntown. She was an avid athlete starting in grade school and continuing into high school. Her passion for competition of all kinds formed her early years, and the schedules for playing softball and basketball kept her moving, but Melissa always made time for what was most important in life: her family and faith.

On July 25, 1992, Melissa decided to start her own family, marrying the love of her life, Christopher Michael Wagner. They met through Melissa’s stepbrother, Steven Taylor.  Chris says the first time he ever saw her, he was smitten. It wasn’t until her sophomore year of high school at CCHS that Melissa discovered he existed. She ran up to him as he was boarding a bus after school, gave him a note expressing her attraction to him without a word, and ran off. From there, the rest is history. They were engaged to be married after Melissa graduated with the Class of 1991, and at the ages of 20 and 21, they began their lives together as husband and wife.

Like most, early years were a struggle in so many ways, but their solid raising and mutual faith prevailed in time. Neither of them was afraid to roll up their sleeves. Melissa had been involved in several different occupations starting at a very early age. She grew up in an entrepreneurial family with her grandfather, uncles, and father all having various long-standing, local businesses in Cannon County. Developing a passion for sales and especially real estate, Melissa quickly became enthralled in helping families find their first home, next home, or dream home. She ended up assisting families with buying and selling their property all over middle Tennessee.

Her success in sales and the real estate industry was derived from her creativity, tenacity, and love for others. Melissa excelled at many things including arts and crafts in general. She enjoyed a myriad of mediums to unleash her inner artist and express her creativity. Some of those activities included painting, drawing, creative writing, cooking, sewing, interior design, and gardening.

In all of her endeavors, Melissa strived to be a virtuous woman, acting as the hands, feet, and heart of her Savior. Melissa served in several capacities over the years with various church congregations in and around the Nashville area. LifeChurch in Hendersonville, The Belonging Co in Nashville, and Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet are just a few that held a special place in her heart. Outside of organized ministry, Melissa’s primary interest was demonstrating and extending sacrificial love to others. Her personal ministry revolved around her and Chris’ work with at-risk teens and young adults.

Being foster parents, Melissa and Chris had countless children enter and leave their lives, loving each one unconditionally. Their time serving in this capacity greatly influenced Melissa’s plans for the future. She was in the process of working toward a degree in Clinical Psychology with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D. specializing in Adolescent Behavioral Health before the onset of her illness. Just weeks ago, Melissa and Chris moved to her final earthly home with their spiritual daughter, Averie Manglos in Nashville. In the absence of her physical presence, her love remains and the family plans to continue sharing her love and light with the world for generations to come.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Linus Vaughn will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorial donations to be made to the Fight Like a Girl Foundation, which was an overwhelming blessing to Melissa all throughout her battle. The foundation can be accessed here: www.fightlikeagirlfoundation.org/how-to-help/donate or mail your gift to honor Melissa to: Fight Like A Girl Foundation, 28045 Ranney Pkwy, Suite O, Westlake, OH 44145

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