Obituaries

A.W. Thomas, 76, passed away Tues., September 15, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford hospital following a brief illness.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Charlotte Morrow Thomas of Woodbury; daughter, Lanan Thomas of Woodbury; grandsons, Andrew (Annette) Smith of Smyrna, and Thomas (Ashley) Smith of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, Andrew, Mercedes, and Izabelle Smith and sister, Marie Thomas of McMinnville.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie J. “Dig” and Nola Marie Young Thomas, his beloved son, Lee Thomas and his sister, Wilma Gean Smith.
 
A.W. was a member of the Church of Christ and served in the National Guard for 6 years.  He graduated barber school in 1971.  He owned and operated Hair Works in Murfreesboro for 45 years.  He enjoyed being a barber and had many friends through his work over the years. In his spare time, he also enjoyed woodworking Nascar and westerns but most of all, A.W. enjoyed his retirement.  A.W. was a loving husband and father.
 
Graveside Services will be 2 pm Friday, September 18, 2020 at Leoni Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Bowman officiating. Pallbearers include  Andrew Smith, Thomas Smith, Andrew Corbin Smith, Gary Blanton, Herbert Clyde Haley and Alan Brannon and honorary pallbearer,  Mike Bailey and Dane Harville.

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

Carsie Lee Sissom, age 83, of Bradyville passed away Monday, September 14, 2020 at Woodbury Health & Rehabilitation Center.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his daughter, Debra (Tommy) Davenport of Bradyville; Grandchildren, Karli Davenport, Jennifer Keomanivong, & Andrea Davenport; Brother, Earl Sissom of Garden City, MI; and Sisters-in-law, Frances Simmons of Manchester, Patricia Ferrell of Manchester and Audrey Sissom of Largo, Fl.

Mr. Sissom was preceded in death by his wife, Birdie Ferrell Sissom; Parents, Everett & Ezzie Gilley Sissom; and Brothers, Garrett Zelmer & Jesse Darrance Sissom.

He was a member of the Hollow Springs Community Church and was retired from General Electric.  He enjoyed mowing the yard, hunting, & sitting in the swing outside.

Funeral Services will be 10 AM Friday, September 18, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Joe Sissom & Bro. Johnny Mac Brown officiating.  Interment will follow at Gilley Hill Cemetery.  Pallbearers include, Keith Sissom, Jesse Sissom, Donnie Ferrell, Dek Sissom, Pat Sissom and Cassie Sanders. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM to 8 PM Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

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

Michelle “Missy” Lynn Keeney Peterson, age 55, of Woodbury passed away September 9, 2020 at St.Thomas Stones River ER.  She was a native of Allentown, PA.

Survivors include her husband, Dean Peterson of Woodbury; Parents, Ronald (Carol) Keeney of Mechanicsburg, PA & Phyllis (Bruce) Wertz Whitman of Emporium, PA; Brother, David Keeney of Emporium, PA; Brothers & Sisters-in-law, Robin Peterson, Kenneth Peterson, Eric (Lisa) Peterson, Glenn (Claudette) Peterson, & Dale (Donna) Peterson; and Nephews, Ross (Lindsey) Peterson & Levi Peterson.

Missy was a lover of all animals, but especially loved her horses, llamas, & pigs.  She worked as a Correction’s Officer at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department.

Funeral Services will be 1 PM Saturday, September 12, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Reed Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 9 AM until time of the service Saturday.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Juanita Arnold, 82, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at her home following a short illness.  She was born in Smithville, TN. 

She is survived by her children, Kathy Arnold Davis and Ricky (Tammy) Arnold both of Woodbury; daughter-in-law, Pam Arnold of Woodbury; grandchildren, Chris (Linda) Davis, Jason Arnold, Ronica Arnold (Hester Lockridge), Jessica (Jimmie) Hayes, Blake Cummings, Nicholas Arnold, Emma Arnold, Katlyn Arnold, Maci Arnold, Aliyah Grace Arnold; great grandchildren, Kala Davis, Blake Davis, Jacob Davis, Brady Davis, Linsey Arnold, Hannah Jo Foulk, Lacie Arnold, Haylee Foulk, Dakota Hayes, Jesie Arnold and Kaine Arnold; great great grandchildren, Novalee Davis Heath, and Zeke Arnold

Ms. Arnold was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cripps; her sons, Roger Dale Arnold, Greg Arnold, Ronnie Arnold and Jimmy Arnold; son-in-law, Bobby Davis; grandson, Jonathon Davis; granddaughter, Angela Nicole Davis and great grandson, Devin Arnold.

Juanita was a member of the Hollow Springs Community Church, the Cannon Co. Senior Citizens center and was retired from Rich Products.  She loved working in her yard and took pride in her flowers and shrubs.  Juanita enjoyed shopping mainly for purses, shoes and jewelry. She loved music and spending time with her grandchildren.  

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Womack officiating.  Interment will follow at Cherry Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 11 am until time of services at 2 pm.  Pallbearers include, Chris Davis, Blake Davis, Brady Davis, Lee Williams, Nicholas Arnold and Jimmie Hayes.

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

Mr. James “Jim” E. DeJoice, Jr., 76, of Woodbury passed away on September 5, 2020. He was born on February 14, 1944 in Renovo, Pennsylvania.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward DeJoice and June Arlene Hills DeJoice.

He is Survived by his wife, Brenda Gravel DeJoice of Woodbury, sister, Janet DeJoice Stone of Renovo, PA, stepson, Dale McCambridge & wife Angel of Phoenixville, PA, aunt, Patricia Hills Lundfelt of Renovo, PA, niece, Kylinn Stone Gilmore & husband Brian of Magnolia, DE, nephew, Bryce Stone of Pennsburg, PA also by several cousins and many friends.

He was educated in PA at St. Joseph’s School, and Renovo High School graduating in 1962. He furthered his education at Penn State and at St. Augustus College, while in Philippines. A Vietnam Veteran, he served in United States Navy four years as Radarman on board USS Annapolis. Toured offshore Vietnam and Philippines, the South Seas, and the Caribbean.

Proudly served on the PA State Police for 20+ years, beginning with the PA. State Police Rodeo, a team of troopers performing precision formation, drills and tricks on horseback and Indian motorcycles at the Hershey Stadium for the benefit of various charities.  Continued service in narcotics, investigative work, highway patrol, retired in 1986 with commendations.

Owned and operated Pocono Limousine Service in PA for 10 years, was tractor trailer driver in PA, and after moving to TN, drove truck for Averitt Express driving a dedicated route for Nissan in Smyrna, TN.

After retirement, he enjoyed going to car shows, reading automotive magazines, and playing with his dogs, first Lucky, and later Spud.  You could ask him nearly anything about a classic car or hot rod, and he’d have the answer.

Worried about exposure of his friends to Covid, he did not desire a service, instead hoped only that friends remember him as he was when their paths first crossed. A Celebration of Life family service will be held in PA in Spring of 2021 when he goes home to rest eternally with his mother and father.

He was a member of American Legion Post 0279, Retired State Police of PA, and Fraternal Order of Police.

He and Brenda, his wife were grateful for medical care received from the VA, Alvin C York Campus, and the doctors and nursing staff at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital with special thanks to Dr Diana Kooper and Chaplain Kari.

In lieu of flowers, should anyone so wish, memorial contributions in his name can be made to PA State Police Historical, Educational & Memorial Center, (PSP-HEMC) at 187 Police Academy Dr, Hershey PA 17033 or the American Heart Assn 1818 Patterson St, Nashville TN 37203. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Ms. Julie Ann Nunley Heskett, age 39, of Bradyville passed away Monday, August 17, 2020 at Centennial Medical Center.  She was a native of Detroit, Michigan.

Survivors include her son, Blake Edward of Bradyville; Mother and Father, Patricia Ann Konopka Heskett & William David Heskett of Bradyville; Siblings, Chelsea Nunley, Kelly Ann (Jason) Campbell, Audrey Sanders, Samuel Nunley, Jimmy Miller, Billy (Christina) Heskett and Shane Sain; Nanny, Susan Trail of Woodbury; Love of her life, Jason Slagle.  Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nephews, and friends also survive.

Julie was caring and loving daughter and mother. 

She loved to “Netflix and Chill”.  Julie was an intelligent and courageous fighter with a fun loving, generous and forgiving spirit.  A woman who was always kind-hearted with a smile on her face and a coloring book close by.  Named after Aunt Julie, she was paralyzed for 17 years following a car accident.  She is walking and dancing now!

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Opal Inez (Witty) Martin passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020 after a brief illness.  She was born April 14, 1928 in the Oak Grove Community near Centertown.  She graduated from Centertown High School in 1946 and promptly moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee Business College.  She was an excellent student and loved learning.  She graduated from business school in 1947 and moved to Muncie, Indiana.  She went to work as a secretary in the engineering department at Ball Corporation.  She was introduced to her future husband, Roy Martin, by a mutual friend.  She found out Roy was from Coffee County and they had several mutual friends.  They connected quickly and were married January 21, 1950.  They had been married for less than two years when Roy was drafted into the Korean Conflict.  He served his country for two years and returned home to his wife.  Their first child was borne nine months after he got home.  They had two more children. She was very active in encouraging her kids to do well in school.  She was very proud that all her children finished college with at least a four year degree and owned their own businesses.  In 1978, her husband retired from his job in Muncie, Indiana and they moved back to Tennessee.  Roy chose to purchase a property in Cannon County to be near their home towns.  In her retirement years in Woodbury, Opal enjoyed walking, visiting with friends, neighbors, and relatives, traveling and sightseeing, gardening, yard work, tending to her flowers, cooking, canning and baking, and following the Atlanta Braves baseball team.  She also enjoyed her grandchildren when they started coming along.  She showed much pride when talking about her grandchildren, Douglas, Austin, Price, and Lily.  She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. 

Opal attended Sunny Hills Baptist Church.  She loved the ladies in her Widows Fellowship Group and took great comfort in her friendship with these special ladies.  Opal was described as a “sweet lady” by all who met her.  She was an encouraging woman who always looked for the best in everyone.  Heaven will open its gates for another one of God’s children. 

Opal was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 65 years, Roy Martin; her mother and father, Ollie Lee and Willie Witty; her brother, Jim Witty; and daughter in law, Rhonda Martin.  She is survived by her three children, Gary Martin and wife Lori, and grandchildren, Price and Lily; Debbie (Martin) Barnes and husband, Larry Barnes; and Roger Martin and grandchildren, Douglas and Austin.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Saturday, September 5, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy Barrett officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Grove cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Friday, September 4, 2020 from 6 pm until 8 pm and Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 10 am until time of service. 

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

Louella Bell Johnson, 85, passed away Fri., August 28, 2020 at her home in Woodbury.  She was a native of Cannon Co.              

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Knight of McMinnville; 3 grandchildren, Jessica Pittard, Amber Shields and Tanner Cook all of Woodbury; brother, Gordon Bell of Murfreesboro, sister, Betty Penner of NC.  6 great grandchildren also survive

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delter and Edna Melton Bell, her husband, Eddie Royce Johnson and her daughter, Donna Cook.  She was also preceded in death by 7 siblings.

Ms. Louella was a member of the Centerhill Baptist church and was retired from Woodbury Grammar School where she was a cook.

Visitation with her family will be 1 pm until 3 pm Sunday, August 30, 2020 with graveside services to follow at Centerhill cemetery at 3:30 pm.  Bro. Greg Mitchell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help her family with funeral expenses at Woodbury Funeral Home 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences please visit, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Jimmy Brackett Cantrell, 81, of Smyrna, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

Jimmy, also called Jim, was born at Rock Island, Tennessee on February 23, 1939 to Jennings Bryan Cantrell and Lyda Jones Cantrell. As a child, he lived in McMinnville, Tennessee and at 15, his family moved to New Mexico where he developed his lifelong love of green chile. Jim was a U.S. Marine and an electrical engineering graduate of New Mexico State University.

Jim was part of early laser research at Hughes Aircraft and founder/president of Belco Industries in Carrizozo, New Mexico, manufacturer of Belco Arc Welders. In 1984, he was presented the “E” Award for Exports by President Ronald Reagan. Jim loved to travel and especially enjoyed the trips he took with his wife Virginia, traveling to Alaska, Africa, and many places in the US.

Jim loved his family and is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughters, Elaina (Clint) Robinson and Lisa (Jody) Phillips, sons, Bryan Cantrell, Billy Cantrell and Tony Cantrell; step-children, Teresa Massa-Thompson and Tony (Dawn) Massa. Jim took great joy in his many grandchildren: Jason Hill, Alexa (Jeremy) Leech, Kaitlyn Cantrell, Samantha Jarpe, Jansen Cantrell, David Hill, Jameson Cantrell, Jason Cantrell, Marc Cantrell, Morgan Cantrell, Rafael Cantrell, Carolyn Cantrell, Nikki (Jeff) Fletcher, Anthony Thompson; and great-grandson, Ryan Leech. Jim leaves behind many other family and friends including his sisters-in-law, Mary Cantrell and Marjorie Burling and dear friend, Johnny Shelton.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Carolyn Scott Cantrell. In addition to his parents, sister Barbara (Wayne) Wall; brothers Richard (Mary) Cantrell and Bobby Larry; and grandson, Ryan Hill. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or preferred memory care charity.

Visitation will be held August 28^th 6 to 8 pm at the Woodbury Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to visitation starting at 10:30 am with the Celebration of Life at 12 pm, on Saturday, August 29^th, at Highland Heights Church of Christ, in Smryna, Tennessee. Graveside services will be at Centertown Cemetery at 3:30 pm.

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