Obituaries

Mary Katherine “Katie” Muncy Smith Prater, 79, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  Born in Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Kenneth & Evalena Muncy.

Katie is survived by her children, Gail Markum, Cindy Barker, Kevin Smith, Kerry Smith and Kory Smith and her siblings, Billy Muncy and Becky Hayes.  Also surviving are several grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smith and her brother, Jackie Muncy.

A member of the Leoni Church of Christ, Katie was a retired LPN.  She was a wonderful and loving mother who enjoyed painting, journaling, cooking, singing and performing in plays.  She was also a Sunday school teacher over the years.  A graduate of the Woodbury Central High Class of 1962, she still got together once a month with “The Golden Girls”, her high school friends which she truly looked forward to. 

Her family will receive friends Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Noon.  Funeral services immediately following in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Barker officiating.  Interment will follow in Leoni cemetery. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Leoni cemetery or Short Mtn. Bible Camp.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-53-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Mrs. Alice Joy Shelton Jacobs was born Jan 24, 1946 in Manchester, TN and went to meet her Savior on July 31, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Joy was a devout Christian, a member of the Free Methodist Church and attended Covenant Fellowship Church until her health declined.  She studied the Bible daily, until her vision would no longer allow her to read.  Then she asked Wayne to get her a Bible she could listen to.  She used that until she couldn’t see good enough to use it.  After that he would read her Dr. David Jeremiah’s daily devotional, which she enjoyed. 

She answered to many names over the years including Mama, Baby, Nana, Nana Joy, Ms. Joy, Cowmaw, Mrs. Alice, Aunt Joy.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her grandchildren, whom she adored.  She chose to stay home and raise her children and help raise her grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.  She later worked at Hale’s Cleaners.  She was a wonderful cook.  As long as her health allowed, she enjoyed flowers, hummingbirds, and butterflies.  She loved unconditionally. 

She will be sorely missed by her family and many who loved her.  She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles Wayne Jacobs of Centertown, daughters Stacy Jacobs of Knoxville and Jamie Crim of Manchester, grandchildren John Thomas Crim of Manchester and Ivy Crim of Murfreesboro, sisters Pamela Jacobs of Centertown, Kathryn (Jimmy) Merriman of Centertown, and Gwendolyn (Gary) Williams of Pelham, Ala.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was preceded in death by parents William Thomas and Cleo Parker Shelton, sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Hiram Stanley, brother-in-law Boby Jacobs, nephew Mark Bush and her life-long friend Dorothy Sartain Daniel.

Receiving of friends will be held at Woodbury Funeral Home on Saturday, August 3^rd from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday, August 4^th beginning at 10 a.m. with service at 2 p.m. and burial to follow at Centertown Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

JC Young, 75, of Centertown passed away at St. Thomas River Park ER Tuesday, July 30, 2024.  Born in Woodbury, he was the son of the late Fred and Margie Todd Young.

He is survived by his children, Todd Gregory of McMinnville and Brian (Michelle) Young of Centertown; his grandchildren, Savannah Cameron, Katelyn (Josh) Seng, Austin Taylor and Cassidy Taylor; great grandchildren, Riley Cameron, Ava Cameron and Kaden Taylor and siblings, Peggy Miller, Marsha Bragg and Timothy Young all of Bradyville.

In addition to his parents, JC was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Young.

A member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, JC was a farmer and retired from Bridgestone. He enjoyed farming, car shows and was active in raising his great grandchildren. 

Graveside services will be 4:00 P.M. Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Ivy Bluff Cemetery, Warren Co with Bro. Tim Knox officiating.  Pallbearers include Michael and Kevin George, Tim Blanton, Eric Taylor, Jonathon Morris, Austin Taylor and Gary Hibdon.

His family will receive friends from 4:00 PM. – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and from 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-53-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Mrs. Annabel Seward Black, 87, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was born in Rockwood, Tennessee on Tuesday, August 25, 1936 to the late Harry and Grayce Martin Seward. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Buddy Black, and several cousins and extended family members.

She is survived by her close friends, Tommy and Linda Malone of Woodbury, Pam Hawkersmith of Manchester, and Melinda Bailey of Woodbury; cousins, Katye Jones of Chattanooga and Marcia Marsh of Rockwood; and several other extended family members.

Born in the middle of the Great Depression as an only child, Annabel tended to not talk much about her childhood. However, she did keep her old high school basketball team photo and a few other cherished memories close at hand. While the stories were far and few between, the impact was pervasive in her life. 

A woman of forethought, Annabel knew exactly what she wanted in life and set out to conquer what she set her mind to do. She attended Ohio State University and received her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts before going on to work for the State of Tennessee in Chattanooga. Working in the TN Department of Employment Security, her decisiveness and tact was noticed, and she took on the managerial role of the Department for almost 30 years.

Her drive got her noticed outside of the workplace too. It was on a blind date in Chattanooga that she met her future husband, Buddy. Recognizing that Annabel was the epitome of a lady, Buddy made sure to get on her radar. A decorated, professional horse and mule trainer and showman, Buddy didn’t know the challenge of the show he was entering himself in with Annabel. It might have been the hardest win of his career, but they were wed on November 26, 1983.

Work took the couple to McMinnville, where Annabel finished up her last years in the Department of Employment Security before the position was abolished. Then, they made their way to Woodbury, where Annabel and Buddy expanded their family through church. The First United Methodist Church of Woodbury became their church home, and they met friends to last a lifetime. Tommy and Linda were some of the first, and Annabel quickly found a sister, bonding with Linda about growing up as an only child.

Now, those friends really proved their worth when Annabel showed Buddy he wasn’t the only one with show-grade animals. Rather than horses, Annabel took up with rabbits. She trained them to use the litter box, and they had their own room in the house. Other than their habit of chewing up anything. they were clean and well-mannered. Annabel would drive anywhere to get their food, but Buddy didn’t have the same sentiment toward them. So, she got Tommy and Linda to take care of them anytime she was away.

Even though Annabel was thorough and particular, she made it easy to love her. Tommy picked at her that she was sweet (nearly) all the time, but everyone knew the truth of the matter with Annabel. She was set in her ways and stern, but her heart was filled with care and compassion. The wisdom of knowing when to draw a line in the sand and when to step over was her strong suit. Pam commented on what kind of a person it takes to keep and care for both your mother and mother-in-law at the same time. That was just Annabel.

If you knew her, you knew she was going to have the TV on when Ohio State was playing, speak her mind, make your heart and belly fuller, and strive to serve. Annabel enjoyed watching football in general, but when it came to her alma mater, don’t even try to call her when they were playing. If football wasn’t on, the TV usually got turned to old Westerns, Perry Mason, or Columbo. She must have picked up a thing or two from those shows because Annabel knew how to lay down the law.

She educated herself on current events and had strong political views. Pam would pick at her out of playful meanness, but Annabel had her rebuttal prepared. And when Ohio State lost? Even the men at church knew to steer clear. Melinda was about the only one that Annabel let talk to her no matter what the scenario, but Annabel couldn’t stay mad long. She was a giver, and it was an itch she never could scratch. 

Time and time again, Annabel gave of herself, her time, and her talents. She could make your waistband grow a little tighter with her chocolate pecan candy, pimento cheese, and sweet potato casserole. When she decided to trade out rabbits for dogs, she took in rescues. Trixie was her loving companion until she had to be put down, but Sadie was already lined up for a better life too. She held a special place in her heart for God’s creatures.

Her servant’s heart led her to use her artistic abilities to paint the murals at the church in the Sunday School classes and for Christmas. She also knitted Afghans, nativity scenes, and prayer shawls for people. While knitting the prayer shawls, she would pray that whoever received it would be blessed by God. Then, it was passed around the congregation for additional prayers before being given to the individual in need. Then, it came a time when Annabel was in need of a prayer shawl herself.

When Buddy’s health began to fail, Melinda came into her life, and Melinda stayed as true to her as a daughter to her mother, taking care of Annabel after Buddy passed in 2017. Annabel doted on her with that signature love and care yet sternness when she felt it necessary. Rallying around her, Linda, Tommy, Pam, and Melinda aimed to make every day as easy and memorable as possible, and Annabel returned the favor through her love and devotion as a friend.

In all of the chaos of life, Annabel’s boat remained even-keeled because she let God take control of the rudder. She used her talents to bless people’s lives and her friendship to make them all the richer. Though she is getting to hear “Well done” and it is only a temporary parting, there are still holes in the hearts of those she left behind.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Woodbury on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will follow after on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 2 pm in the First United Methodist Church of Woodbury chapel. Rev. David Lilley and Bro. Scott Eggleston will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Woodbury.

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

Johnny Lloyd Gannon, 60, passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at his home in Woodbury. Born in Cannon Co., he was the son of Barbara Gannon of Woodbury and the late Lloyd Gannon. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ricky Gannon.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Diane Lloyd Gannon of Woodbury; his sons, Matthew Gannon of Murfreesboro and Hagen Fann of Woodbury; sister, Lisa (Chris) Patterson of Woodbury and brothers, Terry (Susan) Gannon of Morrison and Kevin (Jessica) Gannon of Auburntown; step-son, Ricky Gannon, Jr. of Woodbury; step-daughter, Christy (Ryan) Soper of Shelbyville; grandson, Braxton Soper; aunts, Judy Koval of Woodbury, Marilyn (Denny) Harrell of GA. and Faye Thomas of Bradyville; uncle, Wade Gannon of Woodbury; nieces, Ashley (CJ) Patterson, Carlie Gannon, Annie Gannon and Gracie Gannon and sister-in-law, Faye Cain.

Johnny attened the Church of Christ and he was a retired truck driver. Johnny enjoyed playing with his dog, Bandit, watching Judge Judy, spending time with his family and having Sunday dinner at his moms.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 28, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Hayes officiating. Interment will follow in Prater cemetery.

His family will receive friends Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. 

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

Peggy Joanne Pittman Flavin, 69, of Bradyville passed away at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro.  Born in Columbus, IN., she was the daugther of the late Carl Eugene and Bette Marie Franklin Pittman.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Dennis Flavin of Bradyville; her children, Amy Eileen Flavin of Woodbury and Colleen Marie Flavin of Bradyville; granddaughter, Elizabeth Leigh Flavin;siblings, Carol Pittman Caswell of Lakeland, FL., Donald Gene Pittman of Asheville, N.C.  

Mrs. Flavin was a homemaker and member of the Presbyterian church. She loved to color, do word puzzles and cross-stitch.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

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

Donald Kennedy Morton, 84, passed away Friday, July 19, 2024 at his home in Murfreesboro.  Born in Rutherford Co., he was the son of the late Minus Morton, Sr. and Myrtle Lou Raney Williams.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna Morton Forth of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, William “Scotty” Forth of Murfreesboro, Cody (Brittany) Forth of Murfreesboro, Tyler (Brittany) Forth of Smithville and Keshia Green of MI.; great grandchildren, Lisa Marie, Natalie Autumn, Bentley Travis, Luke Raiyden, Tinley Marie, Kayde Dalton, Larry Cole and Daniel Kennedy; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lewis Perry of Christiana, Rachel Morton of Murfreesboro, Virginia Morton of Bradyville, Larry (Arlene) Sanders of Woodbury and Vida (James Robert) King of Beech Grove.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Morton was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Vivian Sanders Morton; brothers and sisters-in-law, William Hiley (Kathrine) Morton, Tommy (Rosie) Morton, Roy Morton, Minus “Dudley” Morton, Jr and Joe B. Morton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret (Erskin, Jr.) Manus, Emma (Howard) West, and Lois Perry; 2 nephews, Kenneth Morton and Bobby West; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Opal and Savage Sanders; brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Maureen and William Mooneyham and son-in-law, Robert D. Forth, II.

A member of the Temple Baptist church, Donald was retired from Jefferson-Smurfit of Murfreesboro where he worked for 42 years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, growing his garden, riding his bicycle and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 26, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Don McMurry officiating.  Interment will follow in Cherry cemetery. 

His family will receive friends Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Friday, July 26, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mr. Ray Sanders, 71, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on July 19, 2024, at his home. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on December 19, 1952. He was preceded by his parents, Herman Sanders and Adell Rogers Sanders. Also, by a son, Douglas Sanders; a brother, Pete Sanders; and a sister, Helen Porter.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Wanda Sanders; five sons, Robert (Kim) Sanders, Richard (Teresa) Sanders, Michael (Kimberly) Sanders, Aubrey Sanders, and Bobby Sanders all of Woodbury; brothers, Wayne (Sherry) Sanders and Ronnie Sanders both of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Beatrice (Johnathan Nichols) Sanders, Brianna (Chris) Sanders, Julianne Hodge, and Connor Tucker; great grandson, Daryl Sanders; best friend, Billy Worley; and fur buddy, Max.

Ray was born in the Cripple Creek community of Rutherford County. Life in this part of the country, post WW2, was still hard for many families. Ray’s family was no exception. He dropped out of school as a boy to help his family on the farm. Milking cows and pitching in to put food on the table. Just across the creek and up the hill lived the Barlow family. It didn’t escape his attention; they had a pretty young daughter named Wanda who caught his eye. Every chance he had he would cross the creek to go see her. In 1971 they tied the knot and started their family. 

Starting off they didn’t have much, but they made the best of what they had and filled in the gaps with love. They found a place to live in Lascassas. Ray and Wanda didn’t have a car at first and he would walk to Murfreesboro looking for work every day. Even though they were struggling, they managed to have everything they needed. Ray and Wanda believed in taking care of family or anyone else who needed a hand. It wasn’t long before they took in two of Wanda’s younger brothers to help raise. They were happy to continue the tradition of helping raise and care for the grandchildren.

He was mechanically inclined and learned how to work on his own cars and small engines. He was also quick to share his knowledge with his family. Making sure to show them how to work on their own cars. His great grandson, Darrell, would often shadow his Papa to see how to work on the lawn mower. Growing up the hard way didn’t mean he didn’t know how to laugh and cut up. Ray was the kind of man who spoke his mind and told you how it was. Work wasn’t the only thing on Ray’s mind. Fishing was a hobby he enjoyed, and the grandchildren could tag along. Walking afforded him the opportunity to spend time with them and his fur buddies. His favorite route was on the greenway in Murfreesboro meandering through the Stones River National Battlefield. 

Although he didn’t subscribe to formal norms of religion, by showing up in church. He believed in God and kept his Bible close at hand to read from. He and Wanda made sure to treat others as they would want to be treated and take care of their family. Through thick and thin they stuck together and made sure the family knew they were loved. 

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 10-1 pm. Memorial services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 1 pm. Tim Gentry will officiate. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com. Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Ms. Tamara Dillon, 73, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on July 16, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee with her family and close friends at her side. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan on January 15, 1951. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Donald Haley and Julia “June” Dillon Muszynski; and aunts, Christine “Cripp” Dillon and Rachel “Sack” Haley.

She is survived by her daughter, Shannon Schwerin of Michigan; grandchildren, Nicole and Gunnar Schwerin both of Michigan; brothers, Roger (Ann) Haley of Florida and Michael (Jennifer) Haley of Oregon; aunts, Martha Brandon of Nashville and Elizabeth “Toopa” Rowe of Florida; best friend, Jan Pedigo Todd of Murfreesboro; and numerous cousins and friends.

If you knew Tamara and the Dillon family, you knew immediately they were a tight-knit bunch. They loved one another, but they weren’t so laced up that they couldn’t or wouldn’t poke a little fun at each other. They were always ready to have a get-together, eat, and laugh. The Dillon name goes back a long way in the history of Cannon County. Tamara’s great-grandfather, Z.T. Dillon, had a street in town named after him, and the family still owns the property where his home was located on what is now known as Dillon Street. 

Tamara was also blessed to be able to build her home on the original farm where her grandparents, Herbert and Gladys Francis, raised her mother, Julia, and her siblings. When her mother, aunts, and uncles grew up, all of them moved away from Cannon County, except for her aunts, Christine and Rachel. Christine loved Cannon County and, after her parents had sold the family farm, made it her life’s ambition to buy it back and live there. Tamara wound up building herself a cabin just up the hill from Christine’s house on the farm.

Julia moved to Michigan and became a registered nurse in psychiatric medicine. It must have made an indelible impression on Tamara because she became a psychiatric nurse too. She worked for 38 years caring for patients. Working in the psych nursing field, you have to have a different outlook and attitude. Dealing with people with a range of mental disorders could quickly lead to burnout or a disorder of your own. Tamara handled it all well and knew laughter was her best medicine. She always had a quick-witted retort when asked a question or confronted with a problem. Even so, she wasn’t thin-skinned. She could laugh at herself and laugh with other people when she was the butt of the joke.

She was very close with her brother, Roger, and her aunt, Elizabeth “Toopa” Rowe. She and Roger would often get together and make the rounds visiting all the nearby family. Toopa and Tamara were not too far apart in age, and it seemed like they were sisters at times. When Tamara was ready to see Toopa again, she and Christine would load up and head to Florida, but Tamara didn’t need an excuse to travel. If she had a spare day or two, she would zip up to Michigan to visit Shannon and the grandchildren or off to parts unknown with her friend, Jan. The travel bug had dug into her so deep she took a trip to Spain by herself once, experiencing the culture and scenery of Barcelona and Madrid. She shared her adventures and tales at the Dillon family’s July get-together at Christine’s farm, while also enjoying time reminiscing of the good ole days. 

Another thing you could expect from the Dillon family and Tamara was a strong faith in God. Tamara was active with her church family at the Smith Grove Church of Christ. She took part in teaching classes for children, VBS, church outings, Bible study, and prayer groups. She and the minister, Al Bugg, had a common bond because they were raised in Michigan but had roots in Cannon County. They would often banter back and forth in class about “not being from here.” They were both still at home in Cannon County because they belonged here in their hearts. Yet, it was a piece of Tamara’s heart that kept calling her back to Michigan on trips.

She was a proud mother and grandmother. Often, she would brag about how well Shannon had done in her career or how Nicole and Gunnar were doing in school or extracurricular activities. It recharged her batteries to zip up to visit them and maybe see other family members while she was there. They weren’t immune from her having a little fun with them either. Many people commented on how she and Shannon sounded so much alike on the phone. So, Tamara decided to play a prank on Shannon’s friends. She pretended to be Shannon just to see how far she could go. Her fun-loving and caring spirit made her a unique character who made a lasting impression on her family and friends. 

Tamara’s wish was to be cremated and have her cremains scattered on the family farm to continue to remain a part of Cannon County. She also wanted the family to hold a big party in her honor, which they will do at a later date.

Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story. 

Kathy Keene Blansett, 63, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro. Born in Lebanon, she is the daughter of Nita Chance Keene of Lebanon and the late Barry Keene.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Eddie Blansett of Milton; her son and daughter-in-law, Bo and Stacey Blansett of Milton; 4 grandchildren, Elliott, Lilly, Evan and Daisie; sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Phil Randolph of Lebanon; uncle and aunt, Barry and Cathy Chance of Antioch; nephew and niece, Matt & Blanca Randolph.

A member of the Milton Church of Christ, Kathy was retired from State Farm after 44 years. She loved her church family, spending time on the farm with her family, shopping, traveling and she loved chocolate.

Her family will receive friends Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 P.M. at Milton Church of Christ. Funeral services will immediately follow with Bro. Teb Batey officiating. Interment will follow in the Milton cemetery.

Pallbearers include Rob Vinson, Michael, Chase and Andrew Youngblood, Chad Huddleston, Bryce Bogle and Matt Randolph. Honorary pallbearers include, Elliott and Evan Patrick and Thomas Jay Chance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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