Obituaries

Carmon Higgins Gunter, 70, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 at his home.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Woodrow & Mattie Brown Gunter. 

He is survived by his sisters, Laura Pelham and Elaine Judkins both of Bradyville and Debbie Chavez of Hermitage; aunt, Ruth Brown of Woodbury and 

special friend, Kelly Emery.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Faye Bailey, Kenneth, Woody and Randall Gunter.

A member of the church of Christ, Higgins was a retired factory worker.  He was a fun loving man who loved to talk, joke and make people laugh.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, July 17, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Hale officiating.  Interment will follow in Gunter-Grizzle Cemetery.    Memorial visitation will be Sat., July 17, 2021 from 12 noon until his time of service.  

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

Carol Elaine Brock Makatura, 71, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021  at NHC of McMinnville.  A native of Gainesville, FL., she was the daughter of the late Ervin Edwin Brock and Willie Jean White Brock.

Ms. Makatura is survived by her children, Michele (Allen) Peyton of Lascassas and Andrew “Drew” Jr., (Frances) Makatura of Woodbury; grandchildren, Danyl Peyton, Sedona Peyton and A.C. Makatura; siblings, Wayne (Flora) Brock of FL. and Tammy (Keith) Clay of TN. Also surviving is her uncle, Jim White of Fanning Springs, FL. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew F. Makatura. 

A child of God, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker, enjoyed reading especially her bible, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren. 

Graveside services will be 2 pm Thursday, July 15, 2021 at the Makatura Family Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 3 pm – 6 pm Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home. 

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

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

Mrs. Alice M. Robinson went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2021, with family by her side after an extended illness. She lived a long and fulfilling life. She was born August 3, 1935, in Speedwell, TN to Casper Ausmus and Stella Mae Goodman Bean and was a devoted and loving wife to the late John A. Robinson. They met in Toledo, OH and were married 66 years.

Mrs. Robinson had a deep connection to the church that was pervasive within her life. Her work in the healthcare industry in Enterprise, AL and the other jobs she took on financially supported her husband’s education in ministry. During his education to become a minister, she furthered her Bible knowledge with college level courses at the Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, FL. As a devoted wife, she demonstrated her support a step further by being active within the churches where Mr. Robinson served. She played the piano, lead singing, and directed the children’s church at various churches throughout his time in the ministry. Her final home church was at Woodland Baptist Church where Mr. Robinson last preached.

Outside of her church life, Mrs. Robinson was a caring and gentle soul. She had a mother’s heart and held her family and friends close to it. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, and hosting. If there was a gathering, she was sure to be in the mix of things, staying busy and making sure everyone else had something to eat before serving herself. Her work ethic and humble approach to her endeavors often kept her in the background. She took on the role of matriarch with grace and poise and was quite the unsung hero.

A natural encourager, she never had an ill word against anyone. She was someone who knew the right thing to say and the right time to say it. When things seemed to be going awry, she was there to keep everything and everyone on track, including Mr. Robinson. Though her temperament was meek and mild, her gentle encouragement had a huge impact. She was the motivating force for her family, always prepared to roll up her sleeves, provide a shoulder to cry on, or lend a listening ear and some words of wisdom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Casper and Stella Mae Bean; husband, John A. Robinson; son, John D. Robinson; daughter, Wanda R. Bosarge; brothers, Duffie Leon “Buddy” Bean, Earl Ray Bean, Casper Jr. Bean, Will Bean, Campbell Bean, Jack Bean, and Jim Bean; and sisters, Dallas Bean, Laurel Lee Bean, and Mary Bean Harmon.

Her survivors include her daughter, Linda R. Dewrell; grandsons, Dusty Dewrell of Woodbury and Adamn (Sonia) Bosarge of Hattiesburg, MS; granddaughters, Amanda (Terry) Fredricks of Hattiesburg, MS, and Shelby L. Robinson of Murfreesboro, TN; sisters, Alberta Shown, Lizzie Saar, Alma Michalak, Norma Fritz, and Gearldean Crouch all of Toledo, OH; brother, T.J. Bean of Toledo, OH; sisters-in-law, Myrtle Bean, Linda S. Robinson, Joyce Pelham, and Mildred Robinson; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 1-2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm. Ray Robinson and Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will be in Robinson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Deborah Ann Prater, age 65, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 at her home.  She was born in Lancin, MI to her parents, Virginia Patterson Briggs & Richard Briggs on August 22, 1955.

Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth (David) Wilson of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Mackenzie McCurry, Riley Wilson, Charley Wilson, & Davin Wilson; Siblings, Jeffery Briggs of Woodbury, Kathy Trail of St. Augustine, FL, Christine Tenpenny of Woodbury, & Lisa (Donnie) Thomas of Woodbury; Nieces, Crystal Wells, Samantha Briggs, Amber (Caleb) Milligan, Erica Martin, Brittany Tenpenny, & Michelle Trompke; Nephews, Shane Tenpenny, Marcus Tenpenny, Jeremy Tenpenny, & Tyler Martin; and Beloved Friends, Wave & Mike Kramer of Fayette, Ohio.

In addition to her parents, She was preceded in death by her husband, Lannie Prater; and Brothers, Brian Briggs & Gregory Briggs.

Deborah was a member of the Methodist church and was a corporate restaurant manager and a homemaker.

Funeral Services will be 11  AM Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at King Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4 PM to 8 PM Monday, July 12, 2021. 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Gary Wade Jones, age 64, of Woodbury passed away Friday, July 9, 2021 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  He born in Cannon County to his parents, Sam Jones, Jr. & Evelyn Carter Jones on June 30, 1957.

Survivors include his children, Kirk & Tiffany Jones of Gassaway and Rebecca & Kenny Mears of Bradyville; Fiancee, Toni Ferrell of Woodbury; Brother, Mark Jones of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Roslyn Jones, Hannah Mears, Johnathan Jones, Dalton Mears, Wade Jones, Kelsi Mears, Kallie Burnett, & Kelsie Burnett; Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law, Rhonda & Glen Wimberly of Woodbury.  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, aunts, & cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Terri Hollandsworth Jones.  He retired from MTSU, working at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum and a member of the Middle Tennessee Mule Skinners.

Funeral Services will be 3 PM Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at Gilley Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at 11 AM Tuesday, July 13, 2021 until time of service.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Patsy Ann Hindman, age 70, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021 at her home.  She was born in Cannon County on March 3, 1951 to her parents, Doug Hindman & Gladys Phillips Davis.

Survivors include her brother, Roger (Sharon) Hindman; Sister, Sharon Dozier, Sister-in-law, Flo Hindman; Nieces & Nephews, Conswayla (Thomas) Mason, Chris (April) Harris, Shannon (Russell) Davenport, Jerime (Beth) Dozier, Rebekah (Hugh) Parton, Kayla Hindman, & Casey Hindman.

Several great nieces & nephews and great great nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Phillips Davis; Father, Doug Hindman; Brother, Jack Hindman; Sister, Darlene Hindman; and Special Friend, Dorris Tenpenny.

Patsy was a member of the Plainview Baptist Church and worked in the Dietary Department at Stones River Hospital.  She lived a full happy life, loved hugging, and never met a stranger.  She passed out Jesus stones and witnessed to everyone she came in contact with.  Many people gave her the nickname “Sunshine” because she was always a light in so many lives.

Funeral Services will be 4 PM Monday, July 12, 2021 at Plainview Baptist Church with Bro. Jonathan Womack & Bro. Charlie Heath officiating. Interment will follow at Gaither Cemetery.  Visitation with her family will be after 2 PM Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home & from 1 PM to 4 PM Monday, July 12, 2021 at Plainview Baptist Church.

The family asks that in honor of Patsy, our sunshine, please wear yellow to the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gaither Cemetery or to the Gideon’s.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Scarlett Mae Jean York, age 4 days, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  

Her parents are Shelby & Shawn York of Woodbury; Grandparents, David & Melissa Tucker, Kimberly & Michael Sanders, Sherri & Dewayne York, and Debra Jewell; Uncles, Connor Tucker, Dillon Howell, & Rocky Simpson; and Great Grandmother, Beverly Howell.  Numerous cousins also survive.

Scarlett was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Darla & Herman York and Dot & Edward Tucker; Uncle, Monty York; and Aunt, Felicity Simpson.

Visitation with her family will be from 4 to 8 PM Friday, July 9, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Tammie Lynn Arnold, 58, died Sunday at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro

She was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include, 3 Siblings:  Billy (Kay) Arnold of Smyrna, Rita Vance of Murfreesboro, Tony (Jennie) Arnold of Woodbury.

3 Nephews:  Ronnie (Christy) Arnold, Brad Vance & Elijah Vance.

Tammie was preceded in death by her parents, Hoyte Benjamin Arnold & Lorene Pedigo Chasteen and her brother, Larry Arnold.

She was retired from Nissan working in the paint department.

Visitation for Tammie Lynn Arnold will be 4 PM until 8 PM, Friday, July 9th at Woodbury Funeral Home.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to PAWS of Rutherford County.

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

Mr. Michael Nathan “Mike” Johnson, 61 of Woodbury passed away on July 2, 2021 after an unexpected illness with his family at his side.  He was born in Nashville, TN on March 28, 1960. Preceding him in death were his father, Ronnie Nathan Johnson, and his mother, Mary Elizabeth Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Kristina Johnson of Woodbury; son, Josh (Taylor) Johnson of Woodbury; daughter, Kayla (Cody) Brown of Woodbury; step-son, Michael Shipman; step-mother, Cheryl Johnson of Readyville; sister, Teresa (Gary) Brooks of Mount Juliet; step-brothers, Alan Smithson of Smyrna and Scott (Michele) Smithson of Auburntown; step-sister, Angie (Jeff) Graham of Murfreesboro; grandsons, Enman, Eli, and Easton Johnson; granddaughter, Carlee Brown; and lifelong friends, Noel Harding, Mitchell Bradford, and Bill Brown.

Mr. Mike Johnson was quite the character throughout his life. An outgoing socializer, he easily became the life of the party wherever he went. He loved to talk and was quick with a joke. His talent for making people smile and laugh was uncanny. In high school, he was nicknamed “Mickey Rat,” and he carried that nickname with him during his 20 years as a truckdriver, using it as his CB handle.

When his truck driving career ended, Southern Heating & Air came into existence. Owning and operating the business opened up opportunities for a lifestyle that fit his personality. Being the king of small talk meant that there were no “quick” jobs. He would get there when he got there and leave when he left. His easy-going attitude allowed him to take the time to stop and smell the roses. He was someone who had learned how to enjoy life on his own time schedule while still working around everyone else’s.

His big heart for helping made it not uncommon for him to go out late at night to fix someone’s heating and air. If someone was financially struggling or suffering from illness, he would ask for far less payment than the job was worth. He was willing to go above and beyond and completely out of his way for people, especially if they were on his good side or if they were family. One story his family fondly remembers is when he risked his life to hang a chandelier for his daughter, Kayla’s, wedding. He wanted everything to be just how she wanted it, so he decided to stand a ladder on a bucket that was sitting on top of a table to reach where the chandalier needed to be.

Mr. Mike was a chip off the old block to Mr. Ronnie, and Mr. Mike’s son, Josh, is carrying on the tradition, jokingly called the third chip. Among his many similarities to Mr. Ronnie, being an Alabama fan and his love for Harley motorcycles stood out the most. He started riding motorcycles almost before he could walk. His sister, Teresa, remembers him writing a letter for Christmas that said, “Dear Santa, I want a mini bake,” meaning a minibike. He road the wheels off of the minibike, and once he was old enough, he bought his first motorcycle and took many road trips with family and friends. A tradition he and all the family looked forward to every year was a vacation to Florida.

In the past, Mr. Mike attended Hollow Springs Community Church. The strong connection he shares with his children and grandchildren is founded upon the example of unconditional love, and it was his love that earned him the affectionate names of Dad, PomPom, and PawPaw. He left his family with many words of wisdom. When he believed in something, he held firm to that belief and made sure everyone that would listen knew about it. Even though his family’s hearts are grieving, he made sure he left them all with many memories to make them smile.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 3-5 pm. Memorial services will follow on July 10, 2021 at 5 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tony Burnett and Charlie Brooks will officiate. Those in attendance will be invited to a celebration of life set to take place after the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

J.W. Womack, age 81 of Atlanta, Georgia formerly of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on June 29, 2021. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sammy & Ione Womack and his brother Jimmy Womack.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Sarah Alice Womack, four children, Gary (Debbie) Womack; Jamie (Melinda) Womack; Mary (Eddie) Priest and Connie (Scotty) Bilz, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Jerry Ann Bailey and Jean Bensmiller, one aunt, Betty Sue (Bobby) Smith and several nephews, nieces and friends.

Jubba, as he was affectionately called, was born in Woodbury on October 15, 1939.  He and Sarah met while in high school and were married in 1958. After a successful career with CBS News where he traveled the world as a sound technician, Jubba retired in 1998.             

All friends and family are welcome to attend a “Memories of Jubba” celebration on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 12 p.m. at the Woodbury Church of Christ, 100 E. Water Street, Woodbury, TN. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Church of Christ.

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