Obituaries

Ramona L. Adkins, 66, of Woodbury passed away on December 12, 2020.  She was born October 26, 1954 in Pensacola, Florida.  She was preceded in death by her father, Leland Browning, grandparents, Raymond and Edna Banfield and Dude and Grace Browning.

Survived by her mother, Dorthy Browning of Woodbury, husband of 44 years, James L. Adkins of Woodbury, son, Jay (Stephanie) Adkins of Elizabethton, TN and many foster grandchildren.

She was a very loving wife, mother, and daughter.  She held a variety of interests including, raising Orchids and African Violets, sewing, reading on the beach, collecting everything, going to auctions, watching Star Wars, shooting guns, traveling, going to concerts, and discovering great places to dine, just to name a few.  She was an avid animal lover as well.  Needless to say, she kept active and had fun doing it.

Ramona put her truest in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Her hope in this life was that everyone would come to know Jesus as their Savior so they would have eternal life in Heaven.  She attended Experience Community Church Cannon.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 4-6 pm at Experience Community Church Cannon with funeral services following at 6 pm.  A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 1 pm.  In lieu flowers memorial donations are requested to Appalachian Bear Rescue, 121 Painted Trillium Way, Townsend, TN 37882.  Support her family with memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Florene Allen, age 80, died Saturday December 12, 2020 at Woodbury Health Care Center following an extended illness.  She was a native of Cannon County and the daughter of the late Lehman and Cora Bowen Allen and was also preceded in death by her brother, Billy J. Allen.  She was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ.

Florene is survived by her sister-in-law, Norene Allen of Woodbury and a special cousin, Claudette Alexander of Readyville and several other cousins.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 14 at Riverside Cemetery with Bro. Al Bugg officiating.

Cody Dale Higgins, age 27, of Bradyville passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020.  He was a native of Bradyville.

Survivors include his parents, Tracy Taylor Higgins of Bowling Green, KY and Bobby (Lisa) Higgins of Woodbury; Son, Parker David Higgins of Beaver Dam; Brother, Hunter Lewis Higgins of Bowling Green; Grandparents, Clarence & Brenda Thompson of Murfreesboro, Danny & Joan Vythoulkas of Bradyville, and Jerry & Judy Taylor of AL; Uncles & Aunt, Chris Taylor of Woodbury, Barry (Rhonda) Higgins of Lebanon, Dan (Carla) Taylor of New Market, AL, Art (Angie) Taylor of New Market, AL, Chad Taylor of New Market, AL, and Melina (Allen) Chasteen of Woodbury, MN; Stepbrothers, Zac Davenport of Murfreesboro & Alex Davenport of Woodbury.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Tony Lewis Higgins.

He was a former cook at DJ’s restaurant, formerly D & G, where his grandparents, Danny & Joan first opened in 1978. 

Memorial Services will be at 1 PM Saturday, December 12, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Visitation will be from 11 AM until time of service at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home for a fund for his son, Parker.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Betty Jo Jones, age 90, of Woodbury died Friday December 4, 2020 at Westmoreland Care and Rehab.  She was a native of Cannon County and the daughter of the late Thomas Benton and Nola Fuller McFerrin and was married to the late Howard Reed Jones, 9 brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

Ms. Jo is survived by her 3 children:  Melissa Rowland and her husband Tom of Lafayette, Rebecca Lowder of Humble, TX and Scott Jones and his wife Jenise of Lincoln, NE;  a sister, Jean Stevens of Georgia;  9 grandchildren:  Aaron Rowland, Alexis Boxold, Carrie Beth Bergman, Eric Lowder, Melissa Gonzalez, Henry Jones, Cairn Persky, Edward Jones and Andrew Jones.  Also surviving are 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

She was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, a member of the rook club at the Cannon County Senior Citizen Center and enjoyed playing the auto harp and mountain dulcimer with her husband Reed.

Graveside services will be 12:00 noon Wednesday December 9 at Riverside Gardens with Bro. Al Bugg officiating.

The family requests for everyone to wear masks and exercise social distancing.

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

Ray Daniel Wimberly, 43, of Bradyville passed away Sat., Dec. 5, 2020 at Centennial Medical Center following a short illness.  He was born in Cannon Co.

He is survived by his mother, Susan Howell Wimberly of Bradyville; daughter, Lacy (Landon) Hunt of Morrison; stepchildren, Stetson Blanton, Shelbi Blanton and Wyatt Teal all of Manchester; wife, Kelly Wimberly of Manchester; 5 grandchildren, Gage Hunt, Jordynn Blanton, L.J. Hunt, Sophia Blanton and London Hunt; aunt, Judy Mooneyham of Woodbury and cousins, Christy Mooneyham, Kim McPeak and Terri Tenpenny.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Morris Wimberly.

A member of the Baptist church, Daniel was a factory worker and storage builder with Martin’s Mini Storage.

Graveside Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Amity Cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 10 am until 1:30 pm Wednesday, December 9 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

James Alton Hayes, 77. of Woodbury passed away November 29, 2020 at Alive Hospice Murfreesboro.  He was born in Cannon County to his parents Joseph Alva and Corrine Turney Hayes.  He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Reed Hayes and his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Tracie and Jeff Estes, his grandchildren, Kelsie and Cole Reed and Lexie Estes, his great grandchildren, Carson and Kaynie Reed all of Woodbury.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

 James was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Corrine Turney Hayes, his sister JoAnn George and sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Jerry Lane, and his mother and father-in-law, Wiley and Gracie Reed. 

 James was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2011.  He faced it with determination and courage.  He always kept pushing himself to have as normal life as possible because of his deep love for life, family and friends.  He did have a good life until that dreaded day, November 19, 2020, when Parkinson’s completely locked his body.  Parkinson’s Disease took his life but not his legacy.  His kindness and many good deeds he did for others will live on forever.  He will never be forgotten.

   James is a member of Woodbury Church of Christ and was retired from DTC Communications where he was an install repairman.  He had a passion for classic Chevys and collecting old advertising signs,

   Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday December 1 at Sycamore Cemetery with Bro. Charles Gunter officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday at Woodbury Funeral Home.  Pallbearers include Jeff Estes, Cole Reed, Jerry Mullinax, Jeff Jones and Mitch Burke.

   In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Carson’s school, Cannon Christian Academy Woodbury or Sycamore Cemetery.

Patricia Ann “Pat” Carpenter Francis, age 85, of Woodbury passed away Friday, November 27, 2020 at her home.  She was a native of Dearborne, MI.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Jackie D. Francis of Woodbury; Children, Cheryl (Mike) Richardson of Kittrell, Pam (Randy) Todd of Lascassas, Sandy (Pat) Gibson of Murfreesboro, Jackie (Sharon) Francis II of McMinnville, & Holly (Eric) Swaim of Murfreesboro; Grandchildren, Brandie Hobbs, Misty Williams, Blake Richardson, Kylie Brannon, Kenna Todd, McKenzie Gibson, Keaton Gibson, Josh Jones, Kayla Robertson, Conner Francis, Noah Francis, Jay Swaim II, Jordyn Swaim, & Seth Swaim.

Also surviving are 12 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Donavan & Verna Valuet Carpenter; and siblings, Janet Field, & John Carpenter.

She was a member of the Woodbury church of Christ, a housewife, and a seamstress.  She enjoyed collecting precious moments figurines, antiques, working in her garden, and most all of being with her family.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Sunday, November 29, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 12 Noon until time of the service Sunday, November 29, 2020. 

Due to the pandemic and Covid restrictions, the family asks to please use social distancing and to wear masks.

Pallbearers will be Mike Richardson, Randy Todd, Pat Gibson, Eric Swaim, Jackie Francis II, Blake Richardson, Keaton Gibson, & Seth Swaim.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.Woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Bowman Kestner, 76, of Smyrna passed away on November 24, 2020.  He was born in Nashville, TN on October 24, 1944.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude “Tudor” Miller Kestner and Elizabeth Williams Kestner and by two brothers, Claude “Duckie” Kestner and Charles Kestner.

He is survived by his son, Matthew Kestner of Smyrna, daughters, Lisa Smith of Smyrna, Sherry Kestner of Smyrna, Patty (Michael) Boyd of Chattanooga, and Angela Little of Smyrna, siblings, Alberta Pregean of Louisiana, Bobbie Kestner of McMinnville, Eugene Kestner of Indianapolis, Mary Jane Carrigan, Henry Kestner, Dolly Ringwald, Helen Brooks, and David Kestner, all of Hendersonville, Patsy Phillips of Mt. Juliet, as well as ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way.

He grew up in a big family and learned hard work from an early age.  He was one of a set of triplets in the family, with Dolly and Henry surviving.  Over the years he worked for Swann Drugs and also as a painter for many years.  All the family knew he loved to sing karaoke, so much so he had his own karaoke.  There we many happy memories made laughing and singing to classic country like Elvis and George Jones.  He also enjoyed watching westerns especially with John Wayne.  He truly loved spending time with his grandchildren and getting to know and love his great grandchildren.  He was a member of Centerpointe Apostolic Church in Murfreesboro.  He was also known to spend time sunbathing in the summertime. 

Graveside services will be held at Mapleview Cemetery in Smyrna on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 2 pm. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Wilma Joyce Brown Hale, 81, Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  A native of Dekalb Co., she lived in Woodbury.

She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Renee Hale Horne and her husband, Mike of Tipton, OK., Vangilee Gail Hale Jones and her husband, Mark of Woodbury; daughter-in-law, Mary Phillips Hale of Woodbury; grandchildren, Scott (Patty) Horne, Cassandra (Nick) Morris, Jacob Jones, Justin Jones, Gabriell Jones, Jay (Randi) Hale and Megan Hale; great grandchildren, Kaylee-Jo and Kassadee Morris, Brenton, Jayci and Kayleigh Hale, Seth and Olivia Jones, Wil Horne; siblings, Ben (Judy) Brown of Woodbury, Sue (Joe) Curtis of Short Mtn Community, Geraldine (Michael “Crickett”) Bryson of Woodbury, Patsy Phillips of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Dorothy Jones of McMinnville.  Also surviving by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Brown, Sr. and Robert Roberta Campbell Brown; her husband of 50 years, Jim William “J.W.” Hale; her son, Tommy Darrell Hale; her daughter, Lisa Darlene Hale and grandson, Brenton Clay Hale.  She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Jim (Novella) Brown, Cecil (Earnestine) Brown, Jr., Dorothy (Dean) Grizzle, Becky (Eddie) Haynes and brother-in-law, Odie Phillips.

A member of the Church of Christ, Ms. Hale started to work at the age of 16 at Colonial Shirt Factory until they closed.  She loved to cook, work in her vegetable garden, loved her chickens and especially her cat, Fido.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Banks Cemetery with Bro. Russell Vickers officiating.  Pallbearers include Jacob & Justin Jones, Scott Horne, Jay Hale, Hunter Vickers, David Curtis and Brenton Hale.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm to 8 pm Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

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

Prentice Wayne Cooper, 81, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 at his home in Portland, TN.  He was born in Auburntown, TN to his parents, Willie Cooper and Susie Bogle Cooper. 

He is survived by his sister, Joyce Leach of Auburntown, best friends and caregivers, Frank and Patricia Hughes of Portland. Several nieces & nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Cooper.

Mr. Cooper was a veteran of the United States Army, a member of the Baptist church and was a retired mechanic.

Funeral Services will be 1pm Friday, November 27, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with interment to follow in Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 11 am to 1 pm Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

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