Obituaries

Ms. Patricia Diane Barrett, 53, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away on August 14, 2021. She was born in Murfreesboro, TN on April 29, 1968. Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Jim and Ruth McDougal and Andrew and Ivy Fann Barrett, and parents, Johnny W. and Nancy Juanita McDougal Barrett, Sr.

She is survived by her sister, Sherrill Johnson of Murfreesboro; brothers, Johnny W. Barrett, Jr. of Woodbury and Ricky Alan (Cindy) Barrett of Bradyville; uncle, Bobby Joe (Sherri) Barrett of Cullman, AL; aunt, Janie Barrett of Murfreesboro, 8 nephews; 5 nieces; 24 great-nieces and nephews; and 4 great great-nieces and nephews.

Ms. Patricia grew up on her grandparent’s farm and had a work ethic instilled into her from a young age. You couldn’t find a job she wasn’t willing to try. Over the course of her life, she worked for Whirlpool, Bridgestone, Cimmaron, Classy Taxi, and The Spot, a bar she bought from her sister. She was prepared to work long hours and worked hard to make herself and her family proud.

Being raised by their grandparents, Ms. Patricia and her siblings shared a close family bond. She treated her nieces and nephews like they were her own children, but being the third of four children, she also knew how to stand out. She was quite the cut-up and made sure she enjoyed life to the fullest. It was after she won $250,000 on a $10 scratch-off ticket that she decided to buy her sister’s bar and rename it “The Spot.” This spontaneity and zest for life transferred into her hobbies.

Singing karaoke and crocheting were among her favorites, but if you knew Ms. Patricia, she wasn’t the one singing all dolled up. Adverse to dresses, she embodied the tomboy persona, avoiding makeup and electing to wear her signature jeans, t-shirt, and ball cap look. She lived her life as an open book and believed in working with what you had where you were. This mentality inspired her ministry.

Ms. Patricia attended church with her grandparents when she was younger. Later on in life, she started attending church again with a friend. Even when she had limited resources, she enjoyed sending her family Bibles and daily devotionals. When asked what she wanted, she’d always ask Sherrill for new devotionals to work through. She knew the Lord and found beauty in life and His creation wherever she went.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Billy Gene Lokey will officiate. Interment will be in Coleman 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

Ms. Sue Baxter Fletcher, 56, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away on August 23, 2021. She was born in Murfreesboro, TN on December 27, 1964. Preceding her in death were her parents, John Edward and Lois Marie Smitty Baxter, and sister-in-law, Shirley Baxter.

She is survived by her son, John (Tammy Laird) Fletcher of Murfreesboro; daughter, Angela Fletcher of Murfreesboro; brothers, Johnny (Peggy) Baxter of Woodbury and Ty Baxter of Murfreesboro; sister, Elizabeth “Sissy” Humphrey of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Lilly Fletcher, Emily Fletcher, Abigail Laird, and Xavier Laird; great granddaughter, Isabella Rose Laird; and numerous cousins and friends.

Ms. Sue followed in her mother’s footsteps when it came to hosting and how she treated people. She would open her home to those in need with a joyful heart, and that same heart was prepared to put the needs and desires of others before her own. An avid participant in Bible studies, she strived to know the Lord better each day, and she found solace in doing the digital Bible coloring pages on Facebook. Digital coloring was not the extent of her artistic ability by any means though.

She had a passion for seamstress work and even made John’s clothes. Having a background in managerial work, she and Sissy opened the Sister’s Dreams Gift Shop, where they sold hand-painted ceramics. Their merchandise included anything from angels to monkeys, and they eventually expanded to include classes on how to paint ceramics that were a big hit with the community.

Her free-spirited personality contributed to her love of butterflies, making them her favorite animal. She also enjoyed listening to old-school country music and passed along her taste in music to John. Though she was a free spirit, Ms. Sue also had a fiery side to her personality. This came into play when it started getting close to her birthday. She was adamant that Christmas and her birthday should be celebrated separately, so Mr. Johnny made it a point to get her gifts for each celebration.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 10 am – 2 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, August 27, 2021 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Dwight Smitty and Luke Humphrey will officiate. Interment will be in Cherry 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

Mrs. Etta Mae Stanley Williams, 77, of Readyville, TN passed away on August 24, 2021. She was born in Lebanon, TN on May 28, 1944. Preceding her in death were her parents, Robert Lee and Sarah Jane Ferrell Stanley; first husband, James Willie Ashford; second husband, Walter “Howard” Williams; brothers, Landon Stanley and Orgie Lee Stanley; sisters, Jewel Merriman, Josephine Payne, and Elizabeth Stanley; sons, Charles Jackson Ashford and Jerry Wesley Ashford; step-sons, Bobby Williams and Steve Williams; and step-daughters, Becky Williams and Debbie Mummel.

She is survived by her son, James Ricky Ashford, Sr. and Jesse (Joanne) Williams; daughters, Evelyn Jane Whitehead and Tammy Lynn Thompson; step-son, Hank Williams; step-daughter, Teresa Bain; sister, Barbara Tucker; grandchildren, Riley Williams, James Ricky Ashford, Jr., Kimberly Peacher, Joshua Ashford, Jeffrey Whitehead, Destiny Thompson, Erica Spiess, and Austin Thompson; numerous step-grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

Mrs. Etta Mae was a homemaker through and through. Her arms may not have been long enough to hold all of her children, but her heart was. Her mother’s heart knew no bounds and gave daddy’s hands a run for their money in the love that she showed to her family and others. She helped raise most of her grandchildren and practiced what she preached on forgiveness. Though not able to attend church regularly, the church was in her heart. It didn’t matter what wrong had been done to her, she was always ready to greet them with open arms, a plate of food, and a helping hand.

She was someone who would give you the shirt off her back, and she loved to take care of people, especially when it came to sitting with and caring for the elderly. Riley was the last grandbaby and the first one where she really let herself enjoy being a grandmother. She would let Riley get away with just about anything and believed her baby could do no wrong. However, the main baby in her life was Cheech, her little chihuahua with a big personality.

Some of her favorite movies inspired the name for her beloved dog, but it was a wonder that it wasn’t some of her other interests in entertainment. Anytime Jesse or Joanne called to let her know to “turn on 242,” she was quick to get off the phone. She enjoyed watching wrestling and made every effort to not miss a match. Mrs. Etta was also a fan of old-school classic country music, like Hank Williams, Sr, but she wasn’t just a partaker in entertainment. She also knew how to host and have fun.

It’s been said her fried pork chops, creamed potatoes, and beans could cure just about anything, and one of Joanne’s first impressions of Mrs. Etta was when they went yard sale shopping in the blue maverick. Mrs. Etta was dubbed the “Yard Sale Queen,” and she was always ready to burn up the road going from one to the next. If you mentioned something that you wanted or were looking for, she was bound to find it the next time she was at a yard sale.

Yard sales combined her two loves of shopping and being outdoors. Later on in her life, Jesse thinks she was trying to set him up to have his own yard sale with all of the chairs and other knick-knacks she would bring home. Though Mrs. Etta was all about saving money, she had extravagant taste when it came to her nails. She kept her fingernails long and enjoyed going to have her “feet done” with her granddaughter, Kimberly. She was just out to have fun and to be out and about. Being outside in the heat was one of her favorite places to be because she got cold easily. She enjoyed seeing all of the trees and flowers and even got Jesse and Joanne a tree for their wedding gift that 22 years later is still growing strong.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Trey Gambill will officiate. Interment will be in Coleman Cemetery. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Sonya Lynn Brewer Melton, 44, passed away Sunday, August 22, 2021 at St. Thomas West in Nashville.  A native of Bedford Co., she lived in Morrison.

She is survived by her children, children, Jonathan Melton, Jr. and Jennifer Melton both of Warren Co.; her father, Ronnie Brewer of Bradyville; her sisters, Sandy Brewer Wright and her husband, Ron of Franklin, Sherry Brewer of Beech Grove and Tonya Brewer Garcia of MI. and best friend, Virginia Thomas of Woodbury.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jonathan Melton who preceded her in 2019. 

A member of the Baptist church, she was a volunteer at 7th Day Adventist church in the food ministry.  Sonya was also a homemaker who adored her children, loved her family and her friends.  She spread light with her infectious smile and was humbled to always help others. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, sewing and canning.

Funeral services will be 1 pm Saturday, August 28, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Bob Bollinger officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens cemetery. 

Visitation with her family will be Friday, August 27, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm.  

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

Sara Elizabeth Mingle Haley, 80, passed away Monday, August 23, 2021, at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  She was born in Cannon Co. to her parents, the late Thomas Carl & Lois Mingle. 

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard Haley of Woodbury; her children, children, Victor (Becky) Haley, Darrell Haley, Roger Haley and Anita (Ray) Patrick all of Woodbury; siblings, Joe (Judy) Mingle and Thomas (Cheryl) Mingle both of Centertown, Sherry Green of LaVergne, Joyce (Bobby) Dutton of Auburntown, Jimmy (Millie) Mingle of Woodbury and Jamie (Bob) Taylor of Murfreesboro.  15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, Barry Haley and her brother, Dale Mingle.

A member of Dillon Street Baptist church, Mrs. Sara was a homemaker and enjoyed playing rook and watching basketball.  Her most loved hobby was being “mema” to her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 pm Thursday, August 26, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens. Her grandsons, the “Haley Boys”, will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dillon St. Baptist Church Building Fund.

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

Mrs. Virginia “Lynn” Baxter, 55, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away suddenly on August 20, 2021. She was born in Murfreesboro, TN on April 17, 1966. Preceding her in death were her father, Otis White Bogle, and husband, Ronnie Lee Baxter, Sr.

She is survived by her mother, Helen Faulkner Bogle of Murfreesboro; son, Ronnie “Bubba” (Katelyn) Baxter, Jr. of Murfreesboro; daughter, Vickie (Brian) Mosley of Hendersonville and Heather Duncan of Woodbury; brother, James (Gale Love) Bogle of Murfreesboro; sister, Pam (Johnnie) Brewster of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Brayden Lee Baxter and Hannah Jo Baxter; and several aunt, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Mrs. Lynn Baxter never strayed too far from home. She graduated in the class of ’84 from Riverdale High School, earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from MTSU, and only lacked a few credit hours before earning her Masters in Social Work. Her heart was set on helping others, and she was someone who would give you her last dollar. For 16 years, she worked with Mid-Cumberland Head Start, investing her time and expertise in the future generations.

When she wasn’t working at Head Start, Mrs. Lynn maintained a continuous career with the Daily News Journal, delivering newspapers for about 30 years. A plain ol’ country girl, she kept her hobbies simple and centered around her family. Sharing long drives and Reese’s cups would make it to the highlight reels in her life. She also enjoyed watching Yellowstone and murder mysteries on the ID channel or fussing over the Brave’s games, especially kicked back in the recliner.

After her father passed away, Mrs. Lynn never missed a day with her mom. Mrs. Helen would sit in her recliner, and Mrs. Lynn would take the recliner on the couch. It was cherished quality time where they were able to enjoy one another’s company and time watching TV together. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, and she and Brayden held a close relationship. The family all shared close bonds and jokingly call their group “The Clan.”

Mrs. Lynn’s favorite role to take on in the family was the “lawyer.” A hobby she held close to her heart was arguing, and she was someone who was never wrong. She would have been the star member of a debate team, and she wasn’t just someone who knew how to dish it out. She also knew how to take it and was born with thick skin. All of her arguments were black and white with no gray in the middle. You always knew where you stood with her because she wasn’t afraid to tell you. However, at the end of an argument, her sense of humor kicked in, and she would leave you laughing and with a big smile on your face.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 1 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Tommy Underwood, Sr. will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen 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

Shirley Faye Prater Hayes age 70, of Murfreesboro and a long-time resident of Dowelltown, passed away Friday morning August 20, 2021 at her residence.  She was born November 26, 1950 to her parents the late Benjamin and Virginia Lucille Thomas Prater.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby “Blue” Hayes; son, Joel Hayes; sister Janella Prater and brother Greg Prater. Ms. Hayes was a member of Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church and worked as Payroll Administrator at Federal Mogul.

She is survived by daughter, Lora (Tony) Hortert of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Christian Hortert (Leslie King), Garrett Hortert and Rachel Hortert; sister Marcia (Bobby) Mayo of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Barbara Harris of Macon, GA.

Funeral services will be held 4:PM Sunday August 22, 2021 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bryan Jones officiating and burial to follow in Prosperity Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday 4:PM till 7:PM and Sunday 1:PM until the time of the service at 4:PM

The funeral home lounge is closed at this time and no food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Everett Dunning, 90, of Woodbury, TN. Passed away Monday, August 16, 2021 at Vanderbilt Medical Center.  He was a native of Decker, IN.

He is survived by wife of 48 years, Janet Sue Brown Dunning of Woodbury; daughter, Tamera Simpson of Woodbury; grandchildren, Shay Simpson of Woodbury and Katie (Jake) Weddington of Centertown; great granddaughter, Scarlett Weddington; brother, Ron (Loretta) Dunning of Princeton, IN. and sister, Betty Ayers of Princeton, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Opal Harvey Dunning; siblings, Edgar Dunning, John Dunning and Margaret Mellinger and step grandson, David Simpson.

A member of Hollow Springs Community church, Mr. Dunning was retired from the United States Army after 26 years.  He fought in the Korean War.  After retiring from the military, he worked at Heritage Farms where he also retired after 25 years.  He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge 696, Ft. Branch, IN and a member of the American Legion 288, Smyrna, Tn.  

He loved all animals but especially enjoyed feeding squirrels and rabbits.  

Funeral services will be 2 pm Thursday, August 19, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Amity Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm.  

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

Jessie Wiley Gilley, 92, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Centennial Medical Center.  A native of Cannon Co., she resided in Nashville.

She is survived by her nephew, William (Rhonda) Grant, Sr. and their children, Crystye and B.J.; niece, Bobbie Jean Huddleston and her children, Cindy, Junior, Lisa and Diane; nephews, Gene Grant, James (Barbara) Grant and their children, Denise and Jennifer; nieces, Angie Baker, Mischelle Tolson and Norma Jean Heath. Numerous other nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Mayfield and Lona Mae Woods Gilley; her siblings, Hoyt (Zora) Gilley, Thomas (Mildred) Gilley, Bonnie Gilley, Annie Mae (Otis) Bogle, Gladys (James) Grant, JP Gilley and Alberta Young; niece, Ann Baker and nephew, Dale Young. In addition to her family, she was also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Lady Bird who Jessie enjoyed more than anything.  

A member of Radnor Church of Christ, she retired from Horace Small Manufacturing company where she was a seamstress.  Jessie was the type of person who always put other first and people were naturally drawn to her personality and kindness.

Graveside services will be 2 pm Friday, August 20, 2021 at Riverside Gardens cemetery, Woodbury, TN. with Bro. Al Bugg, Jr. officiating.  

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

James Ray Moore, age 83, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was born on May 10, 1938 to his parents, the late James Harvey Moore & Estelle Winfree Moore in Smith County, Tennessee.

Survivors include his children, Teena Moore (Bing) Fischer of McMinnville, Sherry Moore (Richard) Adcock of McMinnville, & Alan Moore of Woodbury; 13 Grandchildren, Shelly Grizzle, Laura O’Brien, Rusty Grizzle, Karrie Fischer, Daniel (Taylor) Judkins, Brooklyn Adcock, Aidan Moore, Ainsley Moore, Avery Moore, Brandon Adcock, Kala Adcock, Remington Adcock, & Fisher Adcock.  Nine great grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Moore enjoyed all kinds of sports, tending to his garden, and spending time with his grandchildren.  He was a member of the Center Hill Baptist Church and was a butcher at Piggly Wiggly.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Sunday, August 15, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at the Union Hill Cemetery (Smith Co.) The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM to 9 PM Saturday, August 14, 2021 at the funeral home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net