Obituaries

Marshall Williams, age 78 of Cannon County, passed away on Saturday September 11, 2021 with his wife and daughters by his side.

Marshall was born in San Antonio, TX at Fort Sam Houston to Florence and Burl Williams on June 17^th 1943. After losing both parents by age 18, Marshall enrolled in the United States Navy serving four years during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. After completing service to his country Marshall enrolled at Tennessee Tech to study engineering.  During his enrollment he began working for the L&N Railroad leading to a prosperous forty-year career across five mergers. At age 55 he retired in 2001 as Director of Environmental Engineering for the Real Estate Division of CSX Transportation. Upon retirement, Donna and Marshall settled on the family farm to assist Donna’s parents, Hershel and Eunice Parton, in the daily operations and maintenance of the farm. He immersed himself in learning about the cow and calf operation with the University of Tennessee extension office as well as local farmers, friends and family.

Marshall was a life-long reader and student of history, specifically WWII. Marshall enjoyed travels both in the US and abroad, most recently completing a trip to the site of his father’s death during the Battle of the Bulge in Libramont, Belgium.  An avid hunter, Marshall organized a pheasant hunt for friends and family annually for the past 28 years.

Marshall is preceded in death by his mother, Florence Evelyn Williams, his father, Burl Claiborne Williams, his brother Albert Marasco and his in-laws Hershel and Eunice Parton. Marshall is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna Parton Williams of Cannon County; his daughters, Kim MiRan  (Jeff) Newton of Apopka, FL and Ann Brandeis (Shawn) Short of Florence, AL; grandchildren Tyler (Baleigh) Newton of Seattle, WA, Kasey (Chad) Kraft of Orlando, FL, Elsie Ann and Evelyn Avent Short of Florence, AL, sister Delia (Ronnie) Cope of Springfield, TN, brother Frank Marasco of San Antonio, TX, sister Gail (Charles) Markum of Woodbury, TN and sister Cindy (Mark) Barker of Readyville, TN. Also surviving are five nephews, two nieces and numerous beloved great nieces, great nephews and cousins. 

The family is planning a Celebration of Life on Saturday October 9^th. For more information please visit www.marshallwilliamscelebration.com or call 615-663-6295 and leave a message for more information.

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

Cecelia Pearl “Cece” Mears, 57, of Woodbury, TN passed away on September 7, 2021. She was born in McMinnville, TN on October 16, 1963. Preceding her in death were her father, Billy Wayne Mears; mother, Brownie Dean Russell; and half-brother, Manuel Malone.

She is survived by her brother, Waymon Mears of Woodbury; half-brothers, Joel King of Ohio and Luther Bill “Turk” (Tami) Mears of Lexington; half-sisters, Nancy (Norman) Pelham of McMinnville and Sabrina Malone of Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ms. Cecelia was a woman as beautiful as her name inside and out. She had a light-hearted and carefree spirit mixed with an independent and strong-willed personality. Quick-witted, she loved to laugh, joke, and smile, and she made sure that whoever she was talking to was joining in on the fun. Her attractive personality and features earned her the title of Homecoming Queen in her younger years and attracted a lot of attention throughout her life.

When she graduated in the Class of ’82 from Cannon County High School, the economy was on a downward slope, but when the going got tough, Cecelia was someone who rolled up her sleeves. She chased work opportunities to Texas and lived there for 4 years, working at the Radisson. As soon as she had the opportunity, she headed back to Tennessee and began working toward becoming a CNA, hoping to earn the title of LPN one day. Unfortunately, her health got in the way of her dreams, so she centered her life around what was truly important to her, and that was family.

Spending time with family and friends was time well spent to Cecelia, and she enjoyed a career at Bill’s Packaging Store, working for Waymon for 15 years. It offered her the luxury of keeping her friends and family close at all times, and speaking of luxury, Mrs. Cecelia was true to her middle name. Waymon said she was a talented “rock hound” because she loved to hunt down geodes and other unique and beautiful rocks.

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

Roy Foster Parker, Jr., 67 of Nashville passed away Monday, September 13, 2021 at Tristar Centennial.  He was born in Lascassas, TN to his parents, the late Roy Foster Parker and Lizzie Brown Parker.

He is survived by his sisters, Betty J. Moorehead of Nashville and Shirley Dotson of Antioch; nieces and nephews, Mickle Joe (Dawn) Saxon, Roy Alan Saxon, Johnny Wade (Rachel Teasley) Saxon, Joslin Alderidge, Dakota James Alderidge, Ricky O’Brien Sloan, Kimmie Parker and George Manus, Jr.

brother-in-law, Ricky Sloan of Nashville; special great niece, Lillian Saxon and step niece, Beth Henry.

In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his siblings, Peggy Manus, Margie Hendrix, Jackie Parker and Lonnie Wade Parker.

Mr. Parker was a steel worker for most of his life.  He enjoyed collecting model cars, drag racing and fishing.

Funeral services will be 3 pm Friday, September 17, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery. Visitation with the family after 11:00 am Thursday, September 16, 2021.

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

Keely Reene Vassar, 52, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was born in Des Moines, IA. and lived in Lascassas, TN.

She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Andy Vassar of Lascassas; her mother, Sherry Schrader-Braunschweig of WI.; children, Andrew Lewis, Kayla Lewis and William Vassar all of Lascassas, Cassie (Brian) Hawley and Hannah Vassar both of WI.; grandchildren, Madisyn, Natily, Liam and Shelly Lewis, Mac Hawley and another grandbaby due in April and mother-in-law, Martha Ferrell of Woodbury.

A self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl”, Keely was preceded in death by her father, Roger Schrader and her brother, Marc Schrader.

Mrs. Vassar was a medical assistant. She was artistic, enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved her pets.  She was a second mom to everyone she knew.  A beloved daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, her family was the most important thing in her life.  Keely will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Visitation with her family will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held in Newton, IA., where she will be buried beside her dad in the Dunreath Cemetery.

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

Ethan Cord Taylor, 31, passed away Saturday, September 11, 2021.  He was born in Rutherford Co. and resided in Auburntown.

He is survived by his parents, Randal Taylor and Jeanette Irvin Taylor both of Auburntown; his daughters, Kaylyn and Kelci Taylor; brothers, Don Paul Taylor, Aubrey (Rachel) Taylor and Cody Taylor all of Auburntown; grandfather, Paul (Yovonne) Irvin of Smyrna; best friend, Christina Hale Dunaway and nieces and nephew, Daisey, Corbitt and Lorali Taylor.  Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ethan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ola Pope Irvin and Mallie Tate Taylor.  He was a member of the Baptist church and worked as a machine operator at Swan Drugs. He loved to play baseball and he enjoyed watching sports.

Memorial visitation will be from 10 AM until 2 PM Thursday, September 16, 2021 with Memorial services to follow at 2 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ben Stickle officiating. 

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

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

Rebecca Joy McCulloch, 64, Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Unity Medical Center following a sudden illness.  She was a native of Buffalo, NY and lived in Woodbury.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Michael McCulloch of Woodbury; children, Shannon (Ryan) Bush of Readyville, Sean (Sarah) Studd of Woodbury, Daniel (Leah) Studd of Beechgrove, Dawn (George) Hart of Poughkeepsie, NY., and Devan McCulloch of Murfreesboro; stepchildren, Damon McCulloch of Woodbury, Tracey Schnapp of Rhinebeck, NY., Darren McCulloch of Austin, TX.; grandchildren, Jade Studd, Kylie Bush, Emily Bush, Brandon Schnapp, Kaitlyn Connolly, Caleb Studd, Laney Studd and Brandon Bailey and siblings, Rick Sampson and Marie Sampson both of CA. and Lori Sampson of NY.

Mrs. McCulloch was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Sampson and Loretta Granskofski Sampson; her son, David Studd and her brother, Paul Sampson.

A member of the World Outreach Church, Rebecca was a Claims Coordinator with Evicore.  She enjoyed many things in life including, puzzles, camping and trips with her best friend, Mary.  She was a self-proclaimed animal lover. The most important to her were spending time with her beloved family whether that would be get togethers or crafting with her grandchildren.  She was very loving and caring and she will be deeply missed by those that loved her most.

Memorial visitation will be from 4 PM until 6 PM Thursday, September 16, 2021.  Memorial services will follow at 6 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.

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

Mr. William “Bill” Jones, age 54 of Smithville, TN passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital West in Nashville, TN. 

Bill was born on September 28, 1966 in Murfreesboro, TN to his parents, the late Grady Mitchell & Sylvia Bell Jones. Also preceding him in death is his grandmother, Nola Bell.

Bill was formerly a Paramedic for both DeKalb County EMS & Cannon County EMS and had been a member of the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corp. He was a member of the Macedonia The Baptist Church of Christ. 

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Melissa Patterson Jones of Smithville, TN. Children, Noah (Sierra) Jones of Sparta, TN, Sarah (Caleb) Grandstaff of Alexandria, TN, Mariah (Clay) Kilgore of Smithville, TN & Isaiah (Addie Hale) Jones of Smithville, TN. Grandchildren, Zayden, Rayleigh & Elena Jones, Charlie Granstaff, Briar Rose & Marshall Hace Kilgore, Wrenolds & Marley Jones. Sister, Ann (Kirk) Gordon of PA. Father & Mother-in-law, Grady Harold (Edna Sue) Patterson of Smithville, TN.  

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 1pm from the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Tim Bennett will officiate with burial to follow at Jacobs Pillar Cemetery with honors provided by DeKalb County Emergency Services. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday from 12pm – 8pm & Monday from 9am until the service time at 1pm. Face masks are not required but are optional and we are not allowing food or drink in the funeral home kitchen at this time due to Covid. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.

Jewell Merritt Armstrong , 82, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Thomas Stones River E/R.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include her children, Larry (Wanda) Smith of McMinnville, Melanie (Matthew) Nicholson of Murfreesboro and Jamie (Olivia) Smith of Woodbury;

grandchildren, Bobby Bain, Tony Bain, Cullen McMackins, Haley Smith, Caden McMackins, Aleah Nicholson, Maddox Nicholson and Jorden French; niece and nephew, Gary Mooneyham and Robin (Wayne) McCord. 12 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren also survive.

Ms. Armstrong was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie White “Dick” Merritt and Beatrice Sullins Merritt; sister, Barbara Mooneyham; granddaughter, Rhonda Warner and niece, Stephanie Mooneyham.

A member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, Ms. Jewell was retired from Woodbury Health and Rehab where she was a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She always enjoyed being outside growing flowers and gardening.  She also enjoyed making jewelry. Most of all, she loved her family and animals of all kinds.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 11, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.  Visitation with her family will be from 4 PM until 8 PM Friday, September 10, 2021 and 9 AM until 11 AM, Saturday, September 11, 2021.

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

Susan Denise Trail born September 19, 1952, passed away September 7, 2021 due to complications with Covid.

She was preceded in death by her parents Claudie Trail and Ona Meega Trail Duncan, siblings Raymond Trail, William (Billy) Trail, and Barbara Trail Hodge.

Susan is survived by one son Raymond Farless, and one grandson, Blake Farless, in addition sisters Claudia Harmon, Linda (Johnny) Brown, Robbie (Robert) Tate, Patricia Utley, Terry Cook, Diana Wilson, and brother David Trail, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan was a special, beautiful soul who loved her family, especially her son Raymond and grandson Blake. Anyone who knew her could see what a kind and loving person she was, and knew how much she loved nature, loved writing, and how much she always enjoyed dancing with the TN Rhythm Cloggers and Bank of Commerce Cloggers.

Susan’s request was to have no memorial service, but to remember her as she was, full of love and compassion.

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

Waddell Manus Prater, 90, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at her home in Woodbury.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Mathis of Murfreesboro; granddaughters, Jessica Means of Woodbury, Hollie (Steven) Bobinski of Thompson Station and Britany (John) Dodd of Gassaway; great grandchildren, Kailee, Thomas and Daniel Means, Landon, Trinitie and Tryleigh York, Creed Bobinski, Marshall Smithson, Leighanne, Caitlin and JonMathew Dodd; 4 nieces and 1 nephew also survive.

Ms. Prater was preceded in death by parents, John Dillard and Willie Mae Wallace Williams; her husband, John L. Prater and her 5 siblings. 

A member of the Leoni Church of Christ, Ms. Waddell was a seamstress with Colonial corporation and she owned a drapery business along with her mother where they sewed many drapes for peoples homes and for area churches.  She enjoyed reading and she had an immense love for the Lord and her family. 

Graveside Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, September 10, 2021 at Leoni Cemetery with Bro. Garland Robinson and Bro. Brian Pitts officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 8 PM Thursday, September 9, 2021.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Talk With Me Tennessee %Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.