Obituaries

Ms. Sheila Ruth Lookabill, 75, of Readyville passed away on January 22, 2021.  She was born in Thomasville, NC on July 1, 1945.  Preceding her in death were her parents, John Frank Lookabill and Eunice Inez (Gibson) Lookabill.

She is survived by her children, Ben Watts of Asheville, NC, Jeff Watts, Jr. of Statesville, NC Larry Warren Jackson, Jr. of Murfreesboro, TN, Sidnie Marlette (Joshua) Buckingham of Readyville, TN, Susie Owen of Pleasant View, TN, Dejah Jackson (Lee Daniels) of Christiana, TN, and Alicia “Nikki” Feragola of Lavergne, TN.  She is also survived by her siblings, Terry (Paula) Lookabill of Ocean Isle, NC Tony (Karen) Lookabill of Hickory, NC, Angie (Charles) McWells of Oak Island, NC, and Gloria Cox of Winston- Salem, NC, 18 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

In her earlier years, Ms. Lookabill was a hair model. Later on, she made the transition to an interior designer and finished her working years as a bookkeeper. A talented seamstress, if she didn’t have a suit for work, she made her own. She also had a love for singing and the voice to match it, singing in a band, at the Plantation Supper Club, and even at her daughter Nikki’s wedding. She lived the life of a single mother gracefully. Determined to do her best, she worked hard to take care of and provide for her children with a mother’s passion Her time off was spent going to visit Papaw Lookabill or being with her children. Not much came before her family, except God. A Christian, she attended Franklin Road Baptist Church with her daughter when she was able.

Visitation with the family will be held at Franklin Road Baptist Church on Thursday, January 28 from 11 am-1 pm.  Funeral services will be held directly after 1 pm.  Pastor Mike Norris will officiate.  The family will hold a private graveside service.  Share condolences and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net    Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN (615)-563-5337                  

Kizzie Lou Vance, age 92, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at her daughter’s home.  She was a native of Auburntown in Cannon County.

Survivors include her daughter & son-in-law, Janice & Charles Ritchey of McMinnville; Grandchildren, Edwin & Sloane Ritchey of Princeton, KY and Kelly & Eric Walker of Adams, TN; and Great Grandchildren, Easton Walker, Avery Ritchey, Harper Ritchey, Jake Walker, & Sutton Ritchey.  Numerous nieces & nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Vance; Parents, Bill & Lizzie Allison Fann; Brother, Lytle “Buddy” Fann; and Sister, Agnes Gunter.

Ms. Vance was a member of the Auburn Baptist Church and was a supervisor at Colonial Corporation in Woodbury & Auburntown.  Ms. Kizzie Lou enjoyed spending time with her family & being a grandmother and a great grandmother.  She loved her flowers, especially her irises and taking care of her farm.

Graveside Services will be 11 AM Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.

Always thinking of others, Ms. Kizzie Lou’s request was to have no public visitation and graveside services only due to the spread of Covid-19.  Masks and social distancing will be required at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburn Baptist Church, Riverside Gardens Cemetery, or Duggin Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Harry Lee Smith, 99, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at his home in Morrison.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Darla LaRue Wright Smith of Morrison; children, Warren (Lennieann) Smith of Gallatin, Charles (Billi Jo) Burnette of Waverly, Steve (Gail) Burnette of Mt. Juliet and Vicky Burnette Smith of Morrison.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John McAdoo Smith and Mandy Jane Haley Smith and siblings, Etta Seaton, Mina Smith, Jodie Atwood, Bob Smith, Maurice Smith, Herman Smith, and Alice May Sanders.

A member of the Woodbury 7th Day Adventist church, he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and served in WWII. During the Korean conflict, he entered the Army National Guard where he served as a Criminal Investigator in Germany and later retired from the National Guard.  At the time of his passing, he was the oldest living veteran in Cannon Co.  

Mr. Smith lived a full life and held many jobs and hobbies.  Those included, being one of the first TN Wildlife Resource Officer and a gunsmith.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #774 where he was Past Master, Shriners and Scottish Rites. His greatest joy in life was playing his guitar. He got to perform with Grandpa Jones, and he would come to Mr. Smith’s house to go fishing.  

Mr. Smith’s granddaughter, Theresa Carter never left his side the last 3 days of his life and came to take care of him everyday.  His daughter, Vicky Smith moved in to take care of him after his last procedure in March 2020.  His great grandson, Nicholas Barrett moved in next door after he was discharged from the Army.  Nicholas spent the last few years, spending time daily with his Paw listening to his stories about life and helping take care of him.

Memorial services will be held in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home at 6 pm, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 with Pastor Dennis Clark officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 6 pm.  

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

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

Stephanie Martha Lynn Pohl, 47, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 at her home in Bradyville after battling leukemia. She was a native of Davidson Co., Tn. 

She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Jimbo Warren of Bradyville; parents, Steve & Dorothy Dabbs Pohl of Lake Murray, FL.; children, Staci Warren of Bradyville and Christopher Pohl of Smyrna; grandchildren, Kennedi Campbell and Hunter Warren; brother, Michael Pohl of Lake Murray, FL.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James L. Warren and Teresa Warren; sister-in-law, Christy (Manuel) Sierra and their children, Brianna and Angelica Sierra.

Stephanie was a former teacher’s assistant at Stewartsboro Elementary in Smyrna and Cannon Co. High School.  She loved her family dearly and enjoyed helping her husband in any way she could.

Graveside services will be 2 pm Friday, January 22, 2021 at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tn.  37204.

Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St. Woodbury, Tn.  37190

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

Rose Holt, 78, McMinnville, died Sunday at St. Thomas River Park Hospital following a sudden illness.   She was a native of Cannon County.     

Ms. Holt is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Bruce Nunley of McMinnville, TN; three sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Lisa Holt of McMinnville, TN, Shawn Holt and fiancée, Kim Skinner of Spencer, TN, and Eric and Michelle Holt of McMinnville, TN; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Treva and Walkup Warren of Woodbury, TN and Reta and Danny Barney of Murfreesboro, TN; two brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Pam Prater and Buford and Getta Prater, both of Woodbury, TN; many other family members also survive.

A retired hostess and waitress from Ryan’s of McMinnville and a member of the Church of Christ,

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021 in High’s Chapel.  Burial will follow in Centertown Cemetery in Warren County, TN.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and from 11:00 a.m. until time of service on Thursday at High’s.  The family respectfully require that face masks be worn.         

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Jean Melton Douglas, 88, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 in Milton, FL.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Wiley and Effie Sullins Melton.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Lillian Ferrell, Margaret Melton and Ophia Mae Turner. 

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kirk and Darlene Douglas of Pace, FL. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Ms. Douglas was retired from Colonial Shirt Factory and enjoyed sewing and knitting. 

Graveside services will be 11 am Thursday January 21, 2021 at Riverside Gardens cemetery.

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

Mrs. Lola Ann “Mur” Weeks Gaither, 90, of Woodbury passed away on January 15, 2021 with family at her side.  She was born on May 13, 1930 in Murfreesboro, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Annie Anderson Weeks, husband, Johnny “G” Gaither, brothers, Sam Weeks, C. P. Weeks, Bud Weeks, Archie Weeks, and by sisters, Johnnie Ruth Ogles and Margie Ghee.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita (Dale) Jones of Woodbury, brother, Lewis Weeks of Murfreesboro, grandchildren, Nicole Galland of Woodbury and Brian (Susan) Jones of Murfreesboro, great granddaughters, Kameryn and Avery Galland, close family friend, Kathy Simon of Woodbury, and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Above all else, Mrs. Ann (affectionately known as “Mur” to close family & friends) loved the Lord. Her Christ-like, servant spirit was evident in all aspects of her life. She constantly sought out ways to help and serve others. She was an adored teacher’s aide at Westside Elementary.  Her kindness and generosity were admired by all who knew her. She warmly greeted everyone she met with a big smile and, although she was somewhat reserved, her genuine and humble heart always shined through. To know her was to love her. 

Mrs. Ann and her beloved Johnny were married 61 years prior to his passing in 2010. Where Johnny was, there Mrs. Ann was also. They adored each other and adored their horses and their cows. Mrs. Ann also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family – especially her two grandchildren and two great granddaughters. But arguably her favorite pastime of all was reading her Bible and sharing the word with others. She was a long-time member of the Bethlehem Church of Christ.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Mike Weeks and Boyd Barker will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Garden.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to any of the following, Short Mountain Bible Camp, Bethlehem Church of Christ, or Alive Hospice.  Support the family by sharing memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith  Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Geraldean Janatta Blair Duke, 89 died Friday, January 15th at her home. She was a native of Dekalb Co.

Survivors: 2 Daughters: Carolyn (Gary) Renales of McMinnville and Wanda (Dave) French of Murfreesboro, 2 Brothers: Bill Blair of Woodbury and Terry Blair of Michigan. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Sylvia Hibdon Blair, her husband, Coubert Duke, grandson, David Higgins, and brothers, Ricky, Will H., Jimmy and Morris Blair.

Mrs. Geraldean was a member of the Woodbury 7th Day Adventist Church where she was a sabbath school teacher for 50 years. She retired from Valdour Enterprises. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed gardening, canning and quiliting.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday January 18, 2021 at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dennis Clark officiating.
Burial will follow at Ivy Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service Monday.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ms. Brittany Lynn Contreras, 19, of Beech Grove passed away on January 12, 2021.  She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on November 21, 2001.  Preceding her in death was her grandfather, Jimmy Driver Sr.

She is survived by her grandmother, Faye Driver of Bradyville, parents, Jose Contreras Sr., Connie Mejia of Old Hickory, and Rebecca Driver (Eric Renner) of Franklin, fiancée, Chris McTaggart of Beech Grove, siblings, Jose Contreras Jr. of Anderson AL, Ashley Mejia of Old Hickory, Hailey Bowman, Hannah Bowman, Brianna Bowman, and Brooklyn Bowman of Franklin, and several other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Though she was born in the city of Murfreesboro, she was a country girl through and through. She enjoyed going fishing and mudding and went everywhere she could barefoot. There was always a smile on her face, and she could light up a room. Her sense of humor was first class, and she enjoyed telling jokes and laughing. If you were having a bad day, she would be the one to lift your spirits. She attended and was baptized at Plainview Baptist.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be held in the Smith Funeral Home chapel on  Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 4 pm.  Jonathan Womack will officiate. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337  

Mrs. Linda Jean “Memaw” Williams, 70, of Woodbury passed away on January 8, 2021.  She was born in Anniston, Alabama on November 30, 1950.  She was preceded in death by her parents, James Weaver and Lena Bradford Weaver, a sister, Margaret Knox, brothers, Bobby Weaver, Danny Weaver, and Gary Lynn Weaver.

She is survived by children, Hiram (Rhonda) Hodge of Georgia, Michelle (fiancée, Adam McClure) Williams of Woodbury and Victor (Jennifer) Smith of Murfreesboro, a brother, Ricky (Beverly) Weaver of Huntsville, AL, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was born and raised in Alabama and later made her way to Tennessee.  In earlier years she enjoyed working at the Picadilly Cafeteria.  She would often bring home brownies for her kids from work.  She later got trained to build circuit boards and worked for GTE.  It was a big help to her in raising her family to have the training and good job.  In her time off she would take camping trips with her sister and all their kids.  They would go to the lake, barbeque, and have a good time.  She enjoyed being outside and would walk all over town to do errands while pulling her grandkids in a wagon.  Many of her family and friends lovingly called her “Memaw”.  She was a dog lover, specifically, Chihuahuas.  Her special buddy was her dog Glory.  She treated her just like a child and would dress her up with clothes. 

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on January 12, 2021 from 1-5 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 5 pm.  Jackie Bradford will officiate. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337