Obituaries

Betty Jo Parker Saxon Moorehead, 76, passed away at her home in Nashville Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Born in Rutherford Co., she was the daughter of the late Roy & Lizzie Brown Parker. She is survived by her children, Joe (Dawn) Saxon of Joelton, Allen Saxon of Nashville, Johnny (Rachel) Saxon of Nashville, Ricky Sloan, Jr. of Gallatin, Joslin Renee Alderidge of Nashville and Dakota Alderidge of Nashville; sister, Shirley Dotson of Smyrna and grandchildren, Lillie Jo Saxon, Addison Miles, Brandon Dixon, Brittney Dixon and many more.

She worked in the hosiery mills.

Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Monday, July 22, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Riverside cemetery. Her family will receive friends Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

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

Harold Lee Good, 76, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024 at his home in Bradyville.  Born in Stevens, PA., he was the son of the late Norman S. Good and Pauline Eschleman Good.

He is survived by his siblings, Richard Paul (Joyce) Good of Lebanon Co., PA., Robert N. (Mary Lou) Good of Bradyville, Ann Rush of Buhler, KS. and Randy L. (Deborah) Good of Burrton, KS.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Good was veteran of the United States Army where he served in Vietnam and he was a financial advisor.  He loved living in Las Vegas, loved music mostly southern gospel and he was exceptionally generous. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 27, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Burial to follow in the Amity cemetery with military honors.  Visitation with his family will be Friday, July 26, 2024 from 7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.

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

Mrs. Madeline Carroll Sanders, 78, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024. She was born to the late Amos Paschal and Pearlee Fairbanks Richey in Knoxville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 14, 1945.

She is survived by her husband, George Roland Sanders of Woodbury; children, Teresa (Jim) Stluka, Carol Sanders Willis, and Roland “Jason” (Kim Lewis) Sanders; half-siblings, Debbie Richey, Janice Giles, Joann Cagle, and Bobby Richey; grandchildren, Dustin (Amanda) Stluka, Brittany (Brandon) Lassiter, Matthew (Ginny) Stluka, Brandon (Rachel Williams) Basham, Kelsie Willis, Andrea Willis, and Collin Sanders; 6 great grandchildren, companion and protector, her Chiweenie, Rocky Roland; and several close friends.

Life never dealt Madeline the easiest cards, but she faced challenges and difficulties head-on because she knew whose hand she was holding. Raised by her grandparents, they did all they could to set Madeline up for life by teaching her how to fend for herself. Many of those lessons were taught during cherished camping trips, where she would bait her own hook and cast a line.

Growing up in a suburb of Knoxville, a town called Vestal, Madeline attended Young High School until she reached 11th grade. Like many in her generation, school was a privilege, not a guarantee. What was guaranteed was the need to work and help at home, and Madeline blessed her family in those areas. 

That knack and her beauty got noticed by a young man named Roland, whose stepfather happened to work at the same steel plant in Michigan as her father. Somehow, the two men got their children connected, and the couple discovered they had more in common than they realized. In fact, they were born in the same city and in the same hospital.

Roland used that information to kid Madeline and tell her that she saw his name on the birth registry and came to Michigan to get him. The humor and understanding of blended families that each of them had drew them closer together, and they decided to get married and start a family of their own.

With three young ones in tow, the Sanders family moved to Cannon County on Labor Day weekend of 1974. After a couple of years living in Bradyville, they decided to move on in to the big city of Woodbury, and on Labor Day weekend of 1976, they established their forever home, where they would finish raising their children and eventually welcome their grandchildren into the world.

Madeline took great pleasure in sharing the joys of her childhood, taking her children camping and fishing. She passed on her grit and determination in life through her “cowboy shows” and contagious humor. A lover of music, Madeline would change the lyrics of songs and create silly renditions to keep her family smiling and laughing. 

Her mothering heart made her a good listener and attentive to her children’s needs and problems. However, her background in life helped her give some creative advice at times. She wanted to raise her children to be strong and able to be independent from everyone but God. Roland and Madeline affirmed their faith and replenished their spirits at the Woodbury Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses but walked daily with Jesus.

Finding God throughout creation, Madeline marveled at the simple things in life. She enjoyed watching birds and quickly became fascinated by hummingbirds. It pleased her each spring to see her red tulips emerge from the flower beds in the front yard. There never was a problem too big for a drive and talk with Jesus to fix as she surveyed God’s handiwork.

When the grandchildren came along, Madeline had renewed vigor as a grandmother. The adoration of a child for his or her grandmother was evident in each of their relationships. She wanted better for her children and the best for her grandchildren. Aside from her family, the only other one to weasel his way into her heart was her trusty companion, Rocky, the Chiweenie. 

Through it all, Madeline kept that same mothering spirit. Even though the kids were grown, Madeline made sure no one wanted anything they needed. One of her most common sayings was, “Go in the kitchen and get you one of them sandwiches,” but it wasn’t the fridge being stocked that kept people coming back. Madeline kept the air filled with laughter, her voice filled with care, and her heart filled with love.

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

Ronnie Gayle Foster, 76, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford. Born in Woodbury, TN., he was the son of the late Royce and Dora Young Foster.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 28 years, Connie Foster of Woodbury; his children, Emily (Charles) Haynes of Woodbury, Anna (David) Rowland of Murfreesboro and Jacob (Michelle) Smithson of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Madden & Teller Haynes, Jae and Cora Rowland and Ellie Smithson; brother, Jerry (Diane) Foster of Missoula, MT and uncle, Earl Wayne (Sue) Young of TX.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Foster.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served in Vietnam. Ronnie was the retired business owner of Sears-Roebuck of Woodbury and Foster Fencing. He was a lover of classic cars and his faithful companion, Miller the dog.

His family will receive friends Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 P.M. Graveside services will immediately follow in the Riverside Gardens cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the Foster family requests that you please share your favorite memory or photo to the Woodbury Funeral Home guestbook for his family to cherish.

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

Annie Lou Mount, aka “Mama Lou,” was born on April 24, 1951 in Woodbury, TN to the late Bratton & Polly Odom. She transitioned on July 7, 2024 from her earthly home to her eternal home. She received her education in the Cannon County school system. She worked at Samsonite and MTSU for several years. She was a faithful member of Full Gospel Assembly. Mama Lou enjoyed church, cooking, picking turnip greens and strawberries, spending time with family and friends, planting flowers, going to Thrift stores, and laughing. Her favorite color was purple, and her favorite saying was “I’M OK!”

Annie Lou Mount was preceded in death by her devoted and only son, Timmy Mount; first grandson, Joseph Givens; sisters, Mildred Robinson, Peggy Odom, and Margaret “Cricket” Weeden; brother, Robert Odom; and nephew, Samuel Odom.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Charles H. Mount Sr; step-children, Evette (Calvin) Potter, Charmeka (Rondrell) Mount-Howse, Charles H. Mount Jr, and Chelsa (Farrunti) Newman; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Mount; grandchildren, Brittany Givens, Alexis Mount, and Timmy Mount Jr; SPECIAL THANKS to Desiree Mears, bonus granddaughter and caregiver; great grandchildren, Jada Givens, Davin Evans, and Ka’Marie Featherston; sisters, Josephine (Henry) Knox and Rebecca Odom; nieces, Larissa Robinson, Latasha Knox-Campbell, Natosha Knox, and Kathy Mount; nephew, Kenneth Robinson; very devoted nephew (more like a son) Jason Odom; devoted cousins, John Odom, Diane Lyons, Pauline Clark, Shirley Chestnutt, Patsy Verge, and Becky Battle; devoted friend Barbara Newman; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 1-5 pm and Sunday, July 14, 2024 from 2-3 pm. Funeral services will follow on July 14, 2024 at 3 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Minister Freda Espy will officiate, and Pastor Leonard Brown will provide the eulogy. Interment will be in Donnell Cemetery u Auburntown, TN.

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

Rabon Wayne Brandon, age 77, of Woodbury passed away at his home Saturday, July 6, 2024.  He was born to his parents Elmer Keele Brandon & Mabel Virginia Johnson Brandon on October 18, 1946 in Cannon County.

Rabon retired from MTSU as a groundskeeper.  He enjoyed hard work, especially mowing and farming.  He was a member of the church of Christ.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Monday, July 8, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. James Lively & Bro. Dillon Powell officiating.  Visitation will be from 12 Noon until time of the service.  Interment will follow at Reed Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Joe Dwight Miller, known affectionately as Dwight to his friends and family, passed away peacefully due to natural causes on June 30, 2024, in Columbus, GA. Born on July 19, 1952, in Woodbury, TN, Dwight’s early years on the farm as the youngest of three children instilled in him the values of hard work, family, and community that would define his character throughout his life. His dad, Joe Frank Miller, mother, Dorothy Miller, and two sisters Katrinka Sutton and Patsy Hirlston shaped this amazing man’s early character.

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements in Columbus, Georgia. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM EST Monday, July 8, 2024 at Rosehill Church of Christ,7479 Old Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909, with Brother Nathan Diller officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, prior to the funeral. In addition to the services in Columbus, there will be a graveside service held 11:00 AM CST Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the Riverside Garden in Woodbury Tennessee, 800 Murfreesboro Rd., Woodbury, TN 37190. 

Dwight was a proud graduate of Woodbury Central High School and went on to further his education at David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN. It was there that he discovered his innate talent for accounting and finances, a skill set that would serve him well in his professional journey. Dwight’s service with the Air National Guard as a flight medic allowed him to travel. It was exciting for a Tennessee country boy.

After his time in the service, Dwight began his civilian career with the United City Gas Company. He quickly became a respected figure in the company, known for his intelligence and analytical mind. When United City Gas was acquired by ATMOS Energy, Dwight played a pivotal role in the financial merger. Always humble, Dwight was quick to share any success with his colleagues, acknowledging the team’s collective efforts in every success. Dwight continued his career and retired after several years with the Fayetteville North Carolina Public Works Commission as a CPA and the CFO.

Dwight’s interests were diverse. An avid deer hunter, he also found joy in coin collecting and tending to his garden. His deep faith led him to serve as an elder in his church, where humility and love for others were useful tools. Known as a people lover, Dwight’s warm presence and generous spirit made him a beloved figure to all who knew him.

Those who knew Dwight will remember him as a loving husband, father, Papa, and friend. His intelligence and analytical nature were matched only by his compassion and the love he had for those around him. Dwight’s life was one of service, dedication, and love, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

No where better was his love indicated than his unfailing love for his wife, Mary Miller; sons and their children; Ben Miller, (wife Rebekah and their children, Chloe, Piper, Alee, and Boone); Bill Miller, (wife April and children Grady and Anna Paige).

The grands idealized Papa and were drawn to him by his gentle love. It was never uncommon to see them at Singin’ Tree, his beloved home, following him around and joining in his daily chores. They loved working beside and playing with him.

We do not say goodbye to Joe Dwight Miller, we say save us a place at Jesus’ feet Papa! We celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with purpose, love, and laughter. Dwight’s journey may have come to a peaceful end, but his spirit and the lessons he imparted remain a guiding light for all of us. He will be dearly missed, but the impact he made on this world will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. Glenn Delmar Byford, age 82 of McMinnville, passed away Thursday morning at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. He was a retired heavy equipment operator with Hurst Construction and a farmer. He truly enjoyed his gardening in his later years.

Mr. Byford was born on May 14, 1942 in Smithville. He was preceded in death by his parents; Marlin and Hattie Bogle Byford and one sister; Sybil Gunter.

There will be a graveside service held Sunday at 2:00 pm at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Danny Evans and Phillip Close will officiate. There will be no visitation held at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years; Betty Ruth Neal Byford, 2 daughters; Glenda (Bryan) Taylor of Quebeck and Cheryl (Chris) Sneed of McMinnville, 2 grandchildren; McKenzie (Brett) Mullican of Colorado and Madi Taylor (Preston Way) of Chattanooga, 5 siblings; Donald (Alfreda) Byford of McMinnville, Wilma Foster of Woodbury, Carl Byford  and Faye Byford of McMinnville and Sue (Phillip) Close of Smithville, brother-in-law; David Gunter of McMinnville, several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Gentiva Hospice in McMinnville, Special caregivers; Cora Beth Rhody Taylor, Layla Hasten and Renee Wren. Also Ascension River Park Hospital ER and ICU staff.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville is in charge of the arrangements.

Brenda Renae Swann, age 76, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024 at her home.  She was born to her parents, Jimmie Lee Donnell & Augusta Mae Bowen Donnell on October 15, 1947 in Rutherford County.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Denise Swann of Woodbury; Sister, Shirley Parker of Woodbury; and Nephews & Niece, Charles Lee Donnell of Manchester, Kim Kilpatrick of Woodbury, & Barry Parker of Rockwood.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Author Donnell.

Ms. Swann was a member of the Baptist church and was retired from Tri Don Auto Parts.

Graveside Services will be at 11 AM Friday, July 5, 2024 at Roselawn Cemetery with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Kathy Marie Bynum Thompson, 62, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Thursday, March 8, 1962. Preceding her in death were her husband, Frank Thompson; father, Bobby Bynum; grandson, Nickolas Koss; and sisters, Deborah Perry and Margie Mears.

She is survived by her mother, Betty Bynum of Woodbury; daughters, Amy (Ryan) Koss of Murfreesboro and Brandy (Tommy Osborne) Turnbo of Smyrna; son, Jeremy (Michelle) Pittard of Christiana; grandchildren, Brianna Pittard, Jacob Turnbo, Leandra Hailey, and Michael Koss; brothers, Randy Bynum of Manchester, Barry, Ricky, Michael, and David Bynum all of Woodbury; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kathy proved to be a handful as a child, but her beauty and free spirit made her a joy to be around. She worked as a seamstress at the Shirt Factory for many years before taking the opportunity to get out of Woodbury for a while. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling, and moving to Smyrna gave her new experiences and opportunities.

She worked at a bookstore for a few years, but as she got older, she decided there was no place like home. Kathy remained in Smyrna for 30 years before moving back to Woodbury. Establishing roots at Plainview Baptist Church, Kathy made the decision to be baptized in 2022. Her failing health prevented her from fellowshipping there as regularly as she wanted, but her soul can be at rest now. She finally made it home.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 4, 2024 from 10 am – 12 pm. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Jonathan Womack will officiate. Interment will be in Mapleview 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