Obituaries

Virginia Ann Melton Caldwell, age 86, of Murfreesboro passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020 at NHC of Murfreesboro.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include her sister, Lily Frances Hipkins of Murfreesboro; Brother, Ernest Melton of Michigan; Nephew, Mark (Sheril) Hipkins of Murfreesboro; and Niece, Paula (Michael) Szymanski of Michigan.

Ms. Caldwell was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lee Caldwell; and her parents, Ernest Melton & Guy Rogers Melton.

She was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro and was a retired manager from the State of Tennessee Department of Employment Security.  Ms. Caldwell was highly active in her church and worked with her church outreach program feeding and serving the homeless in shelters.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Association.

Memorial Visitation will be at 12 Noon, Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Salem United Methodist Church.  Memorial Services will be held at 1 PM with Pastor Thad Collier officiating and burial to follow at Center Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to G.R.O.W. (God Restoring Our Women) at Salem United Methodist Church.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneral@dtccom.net

Joyce Monzell Lewis

( January 25, 1935 – June 14, 2020 )

Smithville, TN resident and Cannon County, TN native Joyce Monzell Lewis, age 85, was born January 25, 1935 and died June 14, 2020 at NHC Healthcare in Smithville, TN following an extended illness.

A homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Belford and Kathleen Young Lewis.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Don Ray Lewis and daughter-in-law, Debbie Reuhland Lewis. 

She is survived by four children and spouses, Ronald and Carol Lewis of McMinnville, Russell Lewis of Murfreesboro, TN, Jimmie and Teresa Lewis of Woodbury, TN and Gretchen and Carl Byford of Smithville, TN; ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Jerry Foster of Montana; and four nieces and nephew also survive. 

A graveside service and interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 in Mt. View Cemetery with Brock Lillis officiating.  There will be no visitation at High’s.  Friends are to meet at the cemetery. 

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

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Dorothy Borzick, 82, of Woodbury, TN passed away peacefully on June 11, 2020 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born February 5, 1938 in Waukegan, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry M. Rawn and LaVergne King Rawn, her husband, Donald Borzick, Sr., sons, Christopher Borzick and Byron Borzick, a brother, Wayne “Bunky” Rawn, and a sister, Lucy Rawn.

She is survived by a daughter, Marilee Lehman of Woodbury, TN, sons, Donald (Sam) Borzick, Jr. of Woodbury TN, Andy (Angie) Borzick of Lake Villa, IL, and Eric (Cindy) Borzick of Woodbury, TN., sisters, Ginny Lundeen of IL, Kathleen (Ivra “Charlie”) Fouts of Woodbury, TN, brother, Charlie Rawn of MN, four grandchildren, Dana (Cory) Henson, Michelle Borzick, Marc Borzick, Jake (McKenzee) Borzick, and one great-grandson, Tommy Marcos, III.

Dorothy was born and raised in Waukegan, IL not far from the shores of Lake Michigan. That began a life-long love for fishing and boating. Dorothy often joked about how she would finish her chores early so that she could spend her time outdoors by the lake, swimming, or playing baseball, seeing movies, or going dancing. Light-hearted and happy she always looked at the bright side of things and she loved to have a good time.

She later married and raised her six children in Grayslake, IL. She was a fun mom, who played lots of games, a tradition that she continued with her grandchildren. Her mischievous side would often get the kids in trouble with their dad as she pelted them with snowballs indoors! She was also a hardworking mother who taught her children everything that they needed to be strong, independent, and hardworking people. She taught them to cook, clean, and sew, to the delight of their future spouses! More importantly, she raised kind, loving children for whom her daughters-in-law and son-in-law will be forever grateful.

In 1967, Dorothy undertook a lengthy study of the Bible and in 1969 was baptized as one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Serving God would become the most important and happiest part of her life. When she moved to Woodbury, TN in 1988, she became a member of the Woodbury Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She built a strong network of close friends in the congregation and in the community. She worked as seamstress in her alterations shop called, Sew What, in Murfreesboro, TN and became widely known and appreciated there as well.

Upon retiring, she began to travel. She loved to meet new people and experience new things. Her favorite place to visit was Disney World. In her later years, Dorothy spent her time visiting with family and friends. She would always lend a helping hand to people in need, delivering food from the local food bank. She also spent her time reading, fishing, playing all kinds of games from Sudoku to Scrabble, making puzzles, and watching old movies. She loved our beautiful countryside. She would sit on her porch, with her sister, Kathleen, admiring the hills, flowers, and birds of Tennessee, the place she chose to call home. The one thing that most people have said about Dorothy, is that she was always smiling. She is loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Her wish was to be cremated and the family will celebrate her life privately.  Those who wish to share condolences, thoughts, and memories may do so at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Bonnie Pearl Stacy, 96, of Bradyville passed away at Community Care of Rutherford County, Tuesday, June 2, 2020.  She was born in Cannon County where she lived her entire life.

She was survived by a host of nieces and nephews who reside throughout the U.S. and abroad.  Also survived by a large extended church family who loved and cared for her as their own mother or grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom P. and Annie Stacy; brothers, Walter, Robert and Thomas Stacy; and sisters, Nora Mears and Violet Smith.

Bonnie was a long-time member of Jehovah Witnesses in Woodbury and was very faithful to attend.  She worked many different jobs from an early age and devoted years to caring for her aging parents, her sister Nora, and many other individuals who needed assistance.  She loved gardening, crochet, cooking for others, and keeping up with everyone by phone.  She also wrote an article for the Cannon Courier about the happenings in the Ivy Bluff community.  She will truly be missed by the many who knew her.

Due to the Covid-19 situation and Ms. Bonnie’s request for cremation, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Della Toombs, 61, of Auburntown passed away suddenly Saturday, May 30, 2020 at St. Thomas Stones River E/R.  She was a native of Sebring, FL.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Johnny Ray Toombs of Auburntown; her son, Allen (Tina) Barnes of Christiana; grandchildren, Jacob, Ashley, Noah and Allana Barnes and siblings, Suzie (Greg) Gray of Brandon, Fl., Gwenda Byers and Lee Byers both of Lakeland, Fl. Also surviving are several nieces & nephews.

Della was a member of the Auburn Baptist Church and was a commercial and residential painter.  She was a beautiful soul who gave the best hugs and was always smiling.  She enjoyed any outdoors including camping, fishing, listening to her windchimes and taking care of her animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benton Lee Byers, Sr. and Geraldine Cheshire Byers.

Graveside Services will be 4 pm Wednesday, June 03, 2020 at Odom Cemetery with Bro. Larry Thomas officiating.   Visitation with her family will be from 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm Wednesday, June 03, 2020. 

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

Landon C Davis, Sr., 81, of Murfreesboro passed away at his home, Thursday, May 28, 2020 at his home. He was born in Cannon Co.

Survivors:  children, Cathy Stride of VA (Richie), Landon “Corky Davis, Jr. (Christine) of Readyville, Dean Allen “Buddy” Davis of Murfreesboro, Tanya Gaither (Clint) of Readyville and Christina Forgey (Steve) of Murfreesboro; sisters, Patsy Cook of McMinnville, Judy Carol York of Macon Co. and Linda Cook of Dearborn, MI; 20 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Lymon and Hester Barrett Davis; his wife, Catherine Gammon Davis and 9 siblings.

Landon was a member of the Baptist church and was a master mechanic.  He was the former owner and operator Broad Street Auto Clinic.  He enjoyed everything to do with automobiles, whether it was working on them, watching races or simply just admiring their beauty.  He also liked to fish. Above all, he loved his family and spending time with them.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Sunday, June 07, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Ward officiating.  Interment will follow in  Blue Wing Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be 12 noon until 8:00 pm., Saturday, June 06, 2020.  

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

Michelle Renee Meissner, 55, of Bradyville passed away at her home, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. She was a native of New Orleans, LA.

She is survived by her father, Joseph Maxwell of Atlanta, GA.; daughter, Ashley (Travis) Miller of Murfreesboro; 3 grandchildren, Juliann, Adeline and Tristan Miller; brother, Chris (Suzanne) Maxwell of Chattanooga and nephew, Carden Maxwell of Chattanooga.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Juliann King Maxwell.

Renee enjoyed riding and caring for horses and she cleaned new construction homes.

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

Mershal Doyle Blanton, age 94, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Alvin C. York Medical Center.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He was survived by his wife of 72 years, Edna Sue Goff Blanton of Woodbury; Children, Kenneth Doyle (Nancy) Blanton of Chelsea, MI & Connie Sue Leanza of Tullahoma; Four grandchildren, Sara Blanton (Matt) Kroll, Jenna Blanton, Jennifer Leanza, & Craig Leanza; and Two great grandchildren, Quin Blanton Kroll & Francis Blanton Kroll.

Mershal was the son of the late Doyle & Annie Enis Blanton.  He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Thomas Michael Leanza; Siblings, Joe Blanton, John Hayes Blanton, Mabel Jordan Shackleford, Alice Wilcher, & Eleanor Logan.

Mr. Blanton was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army where he received a Purple Heart.  He was retired from General Motors after 30 years and a member of the Woodbury church of Christ.  He was also a Mason, where he was a lifetime member of the Findlater, Michigan Masonic Lodge #75.

Graveside Services will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Blues Hill Cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.

Due to the threat of Covid-19, please maintain social distancing during the services.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Bobby Ray Pitts, 75 died Sunday May 24^th at his home. He was a native of Woodbury, Tennessee.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Nelda Pitts, daughters:  Paula Renee and Marsha Rhea Pitts both of Woodbury. Grandchildren:   Heather (Josh) Thomas, Brad (Karis Baker) Odom, Rachel Odom, Ethan Ray Stanley and Joanie Campbell.

Great Grandchildren: Westin Thomas, Austin Moody, Anna Moody and Kinley Mae Thomas. Brother:  Gary Don (Judy) Pitts of Murfreesboro, Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law:  James & Marie Prater, Wayne & Katie Prater & Ricky & Barbara Prater all of Woodbury. Also surviving are many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Press & Ruby Jones Pitts; siblings:  Grace Nell Bly, David Pitts, Peggy Edwards, Dot Sullivan, Edward Pitts, Jerry Pitts & Jimmy Pitts.

Bobby retired from GE with 27 years of service and was a member of Cannon Lodge # 774

Funeral Services: Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home When:  2 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Minister:  Bro. Bobby Nichols

Visitation:  4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday May 25

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. 

Ralph Earnest Reed, age 88, entered into his eternal rest on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.  He passed peacefully at home after a long illness, with his wife and children at his bedside.

He was born January 30, 1932 to the Late Charlie Reed & Birdie Rogers Reed.  He was a lifetime resident of Cannon County and never had any desire to live anywhere else.

After high school, he joined the Army and spent a year in a hospital in Colorado due to illness.  After returning home, he attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville.  Ralph had many jobs in his early years, but had a God given talent for woodwork.  He developed this talent and became a skilled craftsman.  Many homes in Cannon County feature his kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, custom made furniture, and other beautiful crafted items.

Ralph was a longtime member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and his work can be seen throughout the building.  He considered one of his greatest achievements to be the communion table and podium he crafted and donated to the church in memory of his son, Steve, and in honor of his children.

Ralph was a quiet, soft spoken man who loved the Lord, the church, his family, his home, and his friends.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Betty Mooneyham Reed; Daughter, Vicky Phillips; Son, Jeff Reed and his wife, Tracey; 4 grandchildren, Jarrod Phillips & Ashley of Brooklyn, NY, Jessica Casper & Kyle of Murfreesboro, and Nicholas Reed, and Blake Reed, both of Woodbury; one great grandson, Noah, who contributed much joy, excitement, and love to Ralph’s life the last few years.  Also surviving is one brother, Howard Reed; Niece, Linda Reed; and Nephew, Bobby Reed of Woodbury and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ralph Stephen Reed.

Many hearts are saddened by his passing and he will be greatly missed by family, friends, and caregivers of Adoration Home Health, Avalon Hospice staff, Woodbury Health & Rehab, caregivers and friends, Shirley Davenport, Lisa Nichols, and Melinda Bailey, and his former co-worker and best friend, Butch Serfas, and wife, Linda, formerly of Woodbury and now of Elmira, NY.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Woodbury Funeral Home from 4 to 8 PM.  Graveside Services will be at Riverside Gardens Cemetery Friday, May 22, 2020 at 2 PM with Bro. Herb Alsup & Bro. Charlie Bowman officiating.

Pallbearers will be Darrell Turney, James Adkins, Mark Vance, Michael Vance, Kyle Casper, Teddy Taylor, Tim Bell & David Burchett.  Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Byars, Stan Hollandsworth, Butch Serfas, Barry Bucey, Dr. Jeff Todd, Dr. Jeffrey Webber.

Rest in peace Ralph Reed.  We will always love and miss you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Due to COVID-19 and Governor Lee’s orders, please adhere to social distancing guidelines during the services.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net