Obituaries

Mildred Davenport Reed, 96, passed away, January 18, 2022.  She was a resident of Readyville, TN. until she went to go live with her daughter a year ago in Charlotte, NC. She was born in Cannon Co., the daughter of the late Ellis and Samantha Davenport.

Survivors include her children, Betty (Larry) Claxton and Russell (Mary) Reed; grandchildren, Kimberly Reed, Meredith (Currie) Gilbert, Ryan (Amy) Reed, Matt (Kim) Claxton and Brittney Reed; great grandchildren, Katee (Tommy) Melton, Mac Gilbert, Emme Silcox, Carter Gilbert, Reed Claxton, Ryder Reed and Kate Claxton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Reed; her son, Ray Dave Reed and siblings, McKinley, Clarence, Ceburn and Guy Davenport, Duff Mingle, Mamie Tenpenny, Clara Mae McKnight, Odie Miller and Myrtle Claar.

A graduate of Woodbury Central High School, Class of 1944, Ms. Reed previously worked at the shirt factory, Kroger from 1957 until 1970.  Ms. Reed was also a business owner in Cannon Co owning businesses, Pat’s Drive In, Reed’s Grocery and Russell’s Market. She was a member of the New Hope church of Christ and also Woodbury church of Christ.

When she retired her biggest enjoyment was working in the yard with her flowers.  She also enjoyed watching sports on TV and she liked basketball best.  She has always been very tough and worked hard all her life.  She has been a great example for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 2 pm Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Riverside Cemetery with services conducted by her grandchildren.

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

Nile Young, 90, of Woodbury passed away January 17, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late, Joe Young and Margaret Todd Young.

Survivors include his children, Brenda (Richard) Weathers of Murfreesboro, Doug (Gloria) Young of Woodbury, Suzy Young of Jacksonville, FL., and David Clyde (Cindy) Young of Woodbury; grandchildren, Jared Young, Anthony Young, Ashley (J.B.) Harris, Angela Young, Lindsey (Will) Eipper, Stefanie Winter, Corey (Michelle) Young, Sarah Young, Clay (Eve) Young, Connor (Haleigh) Young. Also surviving are 10 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Nile was preceded in death his beloved wife, Della Frazier Young who passed July 21, 2021; siblings, Marion Young, Mack Young, Virgil Young, Martha Rogers, Willie Gannon, Lizzie Hutchinson, Stella Bogle and Mary Hale.

Mr. Young was a veteran of the Korean war where he served in the United States Army.  He was a member of the First United Methodist church of Woodbury and was retired from Dupont in Old Hickory.  Nile was also the Chief Deputy with the Cannon Co Sheriffs Dept. for many years and a Judicial Commissioner.

Nile enjoyed collecting guns and knives, working at the jail and taking care of his family.  Although large in stature and a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. The love he had for his family that will live on for many generations. 

The Young family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Elmcroft Assisted Living of Murfreesboro for their excellent care of Mr. Young. 

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Thursday, January 20, 2022, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Pastor David Lilley officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation with his family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, January 19, 2022 and Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 12 pm until the time of his service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Woodbury or to the Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police.

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

Roger Dale Youngblood, 78, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at his home. He was a native of Cannon County.

Survivors: Daughters: Robbie Bogle of Smithville, Faye Youngblood of Woodbury and Angela Lynch (Mark) of Murfreesboro

Grandchildren:   Erica Ramey, Kayce Sweeney, Dylan Sweeney, Lema Youngblood, Cierra Witty and Larena Youngblood, 7 great grandchildren and 1 on the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents Toy & Alice Thomas Youngblood

He was retired from Samsonite.

Roger enjoyed camping, fishing, working seek-a-word puzzles at the barn and feeding, petting and spoiling the old red mule.

He also enjoyed helping Steve Foster and sons on the farm and spending time with Jonathan “John John” Lynch.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in Leoni Cemetery.  Visitation will be after 3:00 PM Monday.

Pallbearers include Steve, Wesley & Ethan Foster, Jonathan Lynch, Darrell Young, Dwight Barrett. 

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

Jeffery “Jeff” Glen Smith, 64, of Woodbury, TN passed away on January 6, 2022. He was born on December 3, 1957 in Woodbury. Preceding him in death were his parents, Harris and Barbara Higgins Smith; wife, Anne Payne Smith; brother, Sammy Smith; and sister, Teresa Pelsue.

He is survived by his daughters, Jenny Hurd of Murfreesboro, Penny (Chase) Lewis of Woodbury, and Katie Maxwell of Georgia; son, Glen (Jordan) Smith of Lebanon; brothers, Robert, Ronnie, and Michael (Sharon) Smith all of Woodbury; sisters, Jeannie (Randy) Durham of Readyville, Pat Maxwell of Murfreesboro, and Marie (Ray) Ferrell of Lebanon; and grandchildren, Mykal Smith, Payton Blair, Jade Blair, Elijah Smith, Ashlynn Smith, Harper Smith, and Kailynn Lewis.

Known to many as Jeff, Jeffery was a man of the woods and the river. His passion in life revolved around hunting and fishing, which earned him the nickname Rambo. Even though he loved hunting and fishing, he made sure to make room and time for what he loved most, his family.

Jeff also liked working on old cars. He fixed up a blue ’77 and gold ’79 Trans Am. Doing the motor, paint job, and interior, he poured himself into all of the mechanical and aesthetic details. All of his skills and knowledge were self-taught and self-cultivated, and his siblings admit Jeff would take them by surprise. 

Having thick skin, strong faith, steadfast patience, and a good sense of humor served Jeff well during his life when challenges came his way. Jeff spent most of his working life hanging drywall, and he had the work ethic to match the career.

Anne may not have completely known what she was getting into when she married Jeff, but she loved him unconditionally. Just like being in the woods or on the river, Jeff was at ease in his marriage, and they shared 41 years of simple and blissful marriage.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, January 14, 2022 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Ray Ferrell will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. 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

Melvin Willard Smith, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022.  He was a native of Cannon Co., the son of the late Clessie and Meda Merriman Smith.

He is survived by his wife and devoted caregiver Betty E. Basham Smith; daughters Tammy Smith Tyler, Sherry (Kenneth) Smith, both of Michigan; grandchildren; Tiffany, Jacob, Josh, Jillian and Devin; great grandchildren Cameron, Sean and a new great grandbaby; twin brother and best friend Marvin (Agnes) Smith of Murfreesboro, nephew Frank (Laura) Smith sister-in-law Shirley Smith of Oklahoma; Basham sisters-in-law, Mary, Carolyn, Linda, Connie and Angie of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Horace, Louie, and Nolan, father and mother-in-law James and Clara Basham.

Melvin retired from General Motors, as well as AVCO/Textron, he was a veteran of the Army and an active member of the VFW. He enjoyed his cats, making a garden and vacationing in Florida.

Visitation with his family will be at the Woodbury Funeral Home, Thursday, January 13, from 11 am to 2 pm. 

Funeral services will be at 2 pm Thursday at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens.

Judy Carol Mayo, age 50, of Woodbury, Tennessee,  passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in Woodbury, Tennessee unexpectedly.  Judy was born April 16, 1971 in Smithville, Tennessee, She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Mayo, Sr. and by a granddaughter, Paisley Morgan Todd, and by her grandparents, Dave and Annie Mae Mayo and Melvin and Myla Dodd.

She is survived by her mother, Jean Mayo of Gassaway, son, Justin (Ashley) Todd of Gassaway, daughter, Nicole Weddington of Centertown, brother, Howard Mayo, Jr. of Gassaway, grandchildren, Madison Todd, Addelin Weddington, and Lakelyn Todd, fiancee, Brad Schwartz and his children, Jake Schwartz and Hailey Schwartz and his grandchildren, Lillie, Davlie, and Tinsley Lavender, special niece, Ashley Steele, special cousin, Tammy Smith, and good friend, June Barrett.

Judy grew up in downtown Gassaway enjoying the country, laid back atmosphere, and the many good folks of the community. Attending church at Sycamore Baptist Church with her parents, she found the Lord at an early age and was baptized. After graduating CCHS in the Class of 1989 she decided to become a dental hygienist.  That path led her to Texas exploring and going to school for training.  Her plan was to come back to Tennessee to work. Unfortunately, after graduating their program Tennessee didn’t recognize their certification.  Undaunted she found a school in Columbia and got certified in Tennessee.  Fear of hard work wasn’t in her DNA her parents taught her well.  Sometime later she left the dental office to begin her next venture.  She became a shift manager at the Taco Bell in Woodbury.  The crew she led at the restaurant were close and they loved her.  On the day she passed away she was to be promoted to assistant general manager.

Work may have taken a lot of her time, but her heart and soul were solidly held by her children, grandchildren, fiancee, and her Blue Healer, Junior. Free time revolved around taking her granddaughter, Maddie shopping and teaching her how to crawl.  In addition, she and Brad loved being together and didn’t have to be doing anything special to enjoy each other’s company.  They had graduated high school together and reconnected in the last few years and fell in love.  Many times she could be found working jig saw puzzles.  Playing in the background would often be contemporary Christian and country music.  Blessed with a green thumb she had both indoor and outdoor flowers.  A truck load of new plants was not out of the question for her if it included Christmas cactus, Angel Wings, or most anything green that bloomed.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, January 8, 2022, from 9am-1pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel with Greg Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Garden. The family requests memorial donations to the Humane Society in honor of her love for animals for those who wish to give.  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.

Betty Faye Hollandsworth, 73, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022  at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late William Vernon “Bunt” Cooper and Carrie Bell Morris Cooper.

She is survived by her children, Missy Taylor Banks, Brenda Taylor, Jennifer (Ethan) Nickens, Jessica (Kelly) Curtis and Michael (Samanthia) Hollandsworth; grandchildren, Craig Banks, Chesney (Blake) Downing, Zachary Taylor, Ada and Audrey Curtis; great grandchildren, Sawyer Downing and Alice Banks; siblings, Wallace (Estelle) Cooper, Joy Dell Crocker, Joe Cooper, Ray (Tena) Cooper, Ann Gaither (Steve) and Margie Gilley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Dalton Nickens and siblings, Bob Cooper, Susie Moulder, Marvin Cooper and Brenda Cooper.

A member of the Auburn Baptist church, she was a retired seamstress.  She enjoyed gardening, reading, and listening to music but most of all her children and grandchildren, as they affectionally called her “Nanny Goat”, were her true joy in life.

In her final years, Ms. Hollandsworth was lovingly cared for at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  She loved all of her caregivers, especially Lisa Nichols whom she considered her “fifth daughter”.  Funeral services will be 2 pm Thursday, January 6, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gaither Cemetery. Pallbearers include, Billy Moulder, Jimmy Dewayne Cooper, Craig Banks, Thomas & Jackson Mason, Jared Moulder, Andrew Lawrence, Zachary Taylor and Blake Downing. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandson, Dalton Nickens, granddaughters, Ada & Audrey Curtis and great grandchildren, Sawyer Downing and Alice Banks.

Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

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

David Allen Thomas, age 59 of Woodbury TN, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at his home.

He is survived by his wife Ginny Thomas of Woodbury; daughter, Sheena Rena Turner (Vince Will) of LaFollette, son, Joshua Gunter. He is also survived by grandchildren; David Andrew George, Kaylee Seana George, Hannah Rena George, Zack Gunter, Rick Gunter, Jennifer Melton and Jonathan Melton. Brothers; Randy Thomas, Dennis Thomas, and Danny Thomas and sister; Rebecca Aquirre.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Ray Thomas and Sally Olean Barks.

David worked for the Cannon County Highway Department as a truck driver.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, working on old cars and trucks. David was known as a shade tree mechanic.

Visitation with the family will be at the Woodbury Funeral Home, Saturday, January 1, from 2 pm to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am until the time of service.

Funeral services will be 11 am Sunday, January 2, 2022 at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral home with Bro. Bob Zollinger officiating. Interment will follow at the Thomas Ridge Cemetery.

Gloria Jeanette Armstrong, 83, of Manchester, TN passed away on December 23, 2021. She was born in Smyrna, TN on May 30, 1938. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ellis Boots and Rennie Ferrell Wade; brothers, Ellis, James, Billy, and Jerry Wade; sisters, Helen Barrett, Betty Greenfield, and Rosemary Cagle; and son, Joe Keith Pharris.

She is survived by her daughters, Rose Warrick of Shelbyville and Pamela Anderson of Manchester; son, Tony Armstrong of Eagleville; sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Hill of Nashville and Faye Allen of Greensville, NC; grandchildren, Bryan Warrick, Jade Mogren, William Anderson, Holly Rowland, Markus Hammonds, Brandon Armstrong, and Tyler Armstrong; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter, who is due in March 2022.

Gloria was raised Baptist, and she embodied the fervent spirit often associated with them, especially when it came to work ethic. Dropping out of school between 10th and 11th grade, Gloria immediately got a job working at a soda fountain drug store. After getting some experience under her belt, she began working behind the counter with a blind man at the Davidson County Court House.

From there, Gloria’s thick skin and fun-loving personality helped her to excel as a waitress. She and all of her brothers and sisters at one point worked in Printer’s Alley. Specifically, Gloria worked at Skull’s Rainbow Room, taking the bus back and forth to work. She worked 2 jobs most of her life, and Gloria would get off work to rush home and get the kids. Rose and Pam remember that after a fair amount of bribing, she convinced them to stay with the babysitter and then would rush off to her second job.

Getting a car was a life-changing event for Gloria. Her children remember riding in the old Nash Rambler from home to school to the babysitter’s and back home again. It was a wonder how Gloria had the energy and stamina to keep going on such limited rest, but her tenacious spirit prevailed and continued to carry her through, even when she wrecked the Rambler.

After dropping the kids off at school one day, Gloria had run back to their home at Whispering Hills in Nashville to get a little more sleep. She forgot to put the car in park and woke up to her neighbor knocking at the door and letting her know the Rambler had rolled off the bluff behind the house. Being a woman cut from a different cloth, Gloria rolled with the punches and rolled to work on her bicycle until she got another car.

With her consistent employment, it might be hard to believe that Gloria was always late, but she was. Her family learned to just expect it and accept that it was going to happen. If there was a family event at 3, they would just go ahead and tell her that it’d be okay if she didn’t get there until 4. Their understanding was warranted with Gloria’s schedule and lifestyle, and it must have run in their family’s blood.

Gloria’s old-fashioned sense of wisdom made her extremely intelligent for her level of education. She was always right and didn’t have a problem with telling you like it was. And just like any momma, she knew exactly how to say things so that you knew it came from love and experience. Between her no-nonsense qualities and her resilience, factory work was right up Gloria’s alley. She helped fabricate the fiberglass tubes for MRI machines at Spaulding in Smyrna until she retired, and even though she worked at a factory, she maintained long beautiful fingernails.

It might seem just about impossible for Gloria to have had hobbies between work and family, but she still had a lighthearted personality. And Gloria was light on her feet too! She loved to dance, especially on ice, and when she wasn’t dancing, she spent time playing Yahtzee and Dominos with family or exploring by going fishing and to yard sales. Needless to say, Gloria lived a life that never afforded her a dull moment, and her spunk and wisdom will be greatly missed from her family’s lives.

The 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

James Edward Olsen, age 81 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, entered Heaven peacefully while surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Jim was born on August 16, 1940, to John Gerhardt Olsen and Martha Ann Schlick Olsen in Elgin, Illinois. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother John “Snook” Olsen, and his precious granddaughter Addi Beth Olsen.

Jim was married to Donna Ann Daily on July 25, 1959. Their marriage of 62 years was blessed with five children, their spouses, nineteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife, Donna Olsen; his children and their spouses: Kathy (Larry) Pace, Jimmy (Pansy) Olsen, Mary Beth (Jon) Ainbinder, Rebecca (Jason) Dickey, and David (Lori) Olsen; eighteen grandchildren: Jamie (John) Scahill, James “Bud” (Chera) Olsen, Jonathan Ainbinder, Justin (Anna) Olsen, Joshua (Ericka) Olsen, Jared Ainbinder, Jordan Olsen, Austin Dickey, Jodie Olsen, Allie Dickey, Kayla Jo Pace, Jay (Ashlynn) Olsen, Abbi Olsen, Alex Dickey, Anna Olsen, Anderson Dickey, Aden Olsen, Alli “Sass” Olsen; and nine great-grandchildren: Juddson Olsen, Emma Olsen, Haley Olsen, Brody Olsen, Heidi Olsen, Jenna Paige Scahill, Hope Olsen, Blakely Olsen, and Harper Olsen. Jim is also survived by his brother Bill (Donna) Olsen.

Jim put his faith in Jesus Christ in 1959. He began to serve the Lord in the church faithfully for more than 60 years. While in Georgia, he was involved in serving the youth, bus, and deaf ministries. After moving to Tennessee, he continued serving the Lord at Franklin Road Baptist Church for over 30 years. Jim had a passion for supporting missionaries while also serving at the local Good Shepherd Children’s Home. Jim started Olsen’s Packaging and Parts in 1981 which is still successfully operating within the family. His hobby was tinkering with cars and trucks, but working was a real enjoyment to him. He was never too busy to stop and talk to anyone whether he knew you or not. But above all, his greatest love in life was spending time with his family. It was not hard to see that his grandchildren were his pride and joy.

The family will be receiving guests on Monday, December 27, 2021, from 6 PM – 8 PM at Franklin Road Baptist Church. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 11 AM with viewing an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Gardens in Woodbury, Tennessee.

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