Obituaries

Mr. Ray Nichols “Mayor of Doolittle”, age 94, of Woodbury passed away Friday, September 3, 2021 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  He was born on March 5, 1927 to his parents, Jesse Clarence & Sadie B. Davenport Nichols in Cannon County.

Survivors include his sons, Ronnie (Gerri) Nichols of Murfreesboro, Shane (Pat) Nichols of Woodbury, & Dale (Christy) Nichols of Murfreesboro; and Sisters, Sue Nichols Reed and Faye Nichols Fann, both of Woodbury; and Daughters-in-law, Donna Nichols of Woodbury & Sandy Nichols of Bradenton, FL. Numerous beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, & nephews also survive.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years who passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021; Sons, Larry Dwight Nichols & Van Nichols; and Siblings, Leon Nichols, Aubrey Nichols, Irene Nichols Morris, & Macon Nichols Jennings; in addition to his parents.

He was a member of the Sunny Slope church of Christ and enjoyed putting out a garden every year to share with his neighbors & friends.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.  Ray worked at Armour Creamery for 30 years, was the Register of Deeds in Cannon County for 16 years, and built cabinets for 20 years.  He was also a former member of the Woodbury Lions Club.

A joint funeral service will be held with his wife, Jean Nichols, at 2 PM Wednesday, September 8, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Kenneth Mears, Bro. Boyd Barker, & Bro. Mark Barker officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation for the family and friends will be from 10 AM until 2 PM Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NHC of Murfreesboro, Alive Hospice, Sunny Slope church of Christ, or the charity of your choice.

Wilma Jean Ramsey George, 71 of Bradyville died Friday, Sept. 3, 2021at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was a native of Dekalb County TN.

Survivors include; her husband of 53 years Curtis George, Son, Billy George of Bradyville, 2 Grand Children: Tylor George and Bethany George, 3 Great Grand Children, Kinchen Ladd George, Hazel George and Mia Eldridge. Siblings:  Jimmy and Judy Ramsey of Woodbury and Jessie Christian of Bradyville

Jean was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Viola Jones Ramsey.  She was a member of the Church of Christ and retired from Samsonite.   She enjoyed being on the farm with her family and animals.

Memorial services will be Saturday Sept. 11 at the chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Pitts officiating. Interment will follow at her home.  Visitation will be from 12 (noon) until time of service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mooretown Fire Dept. Auxiliary.  

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

Mrs. Pamela “Pam” Irene Lundy, 71, of McMinnville, TN passed away on August 28, 2021. She was born in Woodbury, TN on November 27, 1949. Preceding her in death were her father, Billy Eugene Milligan; mother, Lila Elkins Dees; first husband, Clyde Ricky Todd; and second husband, Robert A. Dees.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Lundy of McMinnville; daughters, Christie (Jimmy) Todd Love of Woodbury and Cherrie (Bob) Todd Moline of Ridgefield, WA; son, Benjamin (Shannon Thompson) Dees of McMinnville; step-daughter, Stacey Whetstone of Morristown; brothers, Steve Milligan and Kirk (Elizabeth) Higgins both of McMinnville; sister, April (Michael) Elkins-Langmead of Keaau, HI; and grandchildren, Kristina Moline, Autumn (Jess) Love-Cawthorn, Hawk Love, and Frank Whetstone.

Mrs. Pam enjoyed the simple things in life and loved her family. She would often sit and talk the majority of the day about her grandchildren, gushing with pride. All of her most cherished memories hung on the walls of her home to keep them just as much in her sight as they were in her heart.

Her favorite color, red, is often associated with love, and Mrs. Pam loved a lot in her lifetime. Her personality attracted people to her, but she reserved the titles of closest companions for Mr. Doug and her miniature dachshund, Cali. She and Mr. Doug have many cherished memories fishing together at Center Hill Lake.

Visitation will be held at West Riverside Church of Christ on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 2-3 pm. Memorial services will be Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 3 pm in the West Riverside Church of Christ chapel. Drew Milligan will officiate. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

James “Jim” Markum, 86 of Shelbyville, passed away at his home, Monday, August 30, 2021.  A native of Cannon Co., he formerly lived in Murfreesboro.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mildred Drake Markum of Shelbyville; children, Melody (Matt) Mullaney of Shelbyville and Tyler (Dawn) Markum of Murfreesboro; brother, Robert H. (Imogene) Markum of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Hunter (MaKayla) Faulk of Christiana, Shelby-Mai (Austin) Markum Tipton of Auburntown, Seth (Alex) Markum of Woodbury, Haylee Faulk of Shelbyville, Brianna (Jeremy) Jones of Cullman, AL, McKenzie (Austin) McDaniel of Lewisburg, Sean Mullaney of Charlotte, NC. and great grandchildren, Layton Faulk, Madilynn Tipton, Heartlee and Maddox Jones, Maesyn and Mia McDaniel.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dixie & Eula Stone Markum and sister, Dorothy Nell Markum.
 
A graduate of MTSU, Mr. Markum received his master’s degree from the University of TN in social science and he also received degrees in social work where he earned his MMSW, ACSW and LCSW.  A veteran of the United States Army, he was a Captain in the Army Reserves from 1958 until 1966. 
 
He retired in 1996 from Alvin C. York Medical Center after 30 years of service where he was a licensed Clinical Social Worker. He had previously worked for the State of TN.
 
Jim was a member of the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ from 1948-1990 where he served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher.  He has attended Crescent Church of Christ since 1991.
 
He enjoyed reading, watching Gunsmoke, watching and playing sports.  It has been said that he was “the fastest man in Murfreesboro” in his day.

Visitation with his family will be after 12 noon Thursday, September 2, 2021 with funeral to follow in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Eric Lamb and Bro. Jeff Adcock officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Gardens cemetery.  Pallbearers include his grandchildren, Hunter Faulk, Austin Tipton, Seth Markum, Sean Mullaney, Jeremy Jones, Austin McDaniel and his nephew, Bentley Porterfield.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Brent Alan West, 28, of Murfreesboro passed at Thursday, August 26, 2021 at St. Thomas Medical Center. 

He is survived by his parents, Gary & Melinda McMahan West; children, Rylee West and Tyianna Booker; sister, Brittany West Simonds and her husband, Scott Simonds; grandparents, Larry & Barbara McMahan and Ron West; great grandmother, Willie McMahan and nephews, Ryan & Tyler West all of Murfreesboro.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty West.

Brent worked in construction and had several hobbies that he enjoyed including, riding 4 wheelers, watching movies and playing basketball and video games with his nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 am Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Burks officiating.  Burial will follow in Coleman cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 4 pm – 8 pm.  

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

Sue Campbell Patterson, 86, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021 at her home at Parkview Meadows, Murfreesboro, Tn.  She was born in Gassaway, Tn to parents, the late Reps and Sarah Melton Campbell.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert Patterson of Murfreesboro; children, Kimberly (Scott) Phillips of Canton, GA. and Charles (Tracy) Patterson of Auburntown; grandchildren, Andrew Corn, Evan Corn, Montana Morton, Mary Beth Patterson and Hunter Patterson; great grandchildren, Declan and Lincoln Corn and sister, Louise Milligan of Murfreesboro.

A member of the First United Methodist church of Smyrna, Ms. Patterson was retired from Cain-Sloan and also from Dillard’s as a retail clerk.  Sue was an excellent cook and seamstress, even making her daughter’s wedding dress. She also enjoyed quilting. Most of all she was a wonderful homemaker, loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  

Visitation with her family will be after 11 am Monday, August 30, 2021 with funeral services beginning at 2 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Donnell Cemetery. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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

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