Obituaries

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 

George Ray James passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at his home in Bradyville.  He was 72 and a native of Ludington, MI.

He is survived by his children, Frank (Danyelle) James of Bradyville, Charlie James and Christine James both of Nashville, MI.; grandchildren, Brandon (Abby) James, Cody (Desirae) James, Jessie (Chelsa) James, Brittany (David) Thomas, Remington James, Haley Mills, Tia James, Logan Hill, Christina Torres, Michael (Courtney) James, Carnelle James and Christian Main; siblings, Jessie Comstock and Cokkie Karosas both of Ludington, MI and Ron James of Nashville, MI. 21 great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and June Vandervest Currier and his brother, Charlie Currier.

Mr. James was a retired handyman and a veteran of the United States Army where he served in Vietnam.  He enjoyed hunting and teaching his grandchildren about life.  George would always help someone in need.  

His family will celebrate his life at a private gathering. 

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

Mrs. Wendy Lee Whittemore, 51, of Woodbury passed away on August 26, 2020 with her family at her side.  She was born in Woodbury, TN on May 30, 1969.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Ross Youngblood and Dovie Dean Cook Youngblood, husband, Johnny Whittemore, and by her brother, Joel Carson “Bubba” Youngblood.

She is survived by sons, Kyle (Shauna) Whittemore, Johnny Brian Whittemore, and Justin Odom, daughter, Emily (Jonathon) Bess, sister, Deana (Jeff) Lorance, grandchildren, Kaytlyn Bess, Maleah Odom, Drayden Mendoza, Kamden Whittemore, Jaxsten Bess, Aylah Bess, and soon to arrive Kimberlynn Bess and by special friend, Jeffery Clayton.

She was a family-oriented person, who loved her grandchildren. She was happiest when they were around. Family was the most important thing to her. Almost all the kids and grandkids were named after someone in the family.  She met Johnny at the age of 16. They were together over 27 years when he passed.  They were the perfect pair, always cutting up and carrying on.  There was never a dull moment with them. She was an outspoken and independent person. Even as her health declined, she wanted to do things for herself. She loved going fishing and kept on the go.  In years past she worked at Bridgestone Arena as a shift supervisor for their numerous events.  She loved getting to see all the musicians, athletes, and other well-known stars. In more recent times she had been baptized and attended Pleasant View Baptist Church until her health kept her from going. 

Her wish was to be cremated and rejoined with Johnny.  The family will hold a private memorial service in her honor.  Share memories and condolences with them at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

James D. Shelton Sr. passed away on Friday August 21, 2020 at Northview Health and Living Center in Anderson Indiana. James was born in Manchester Tennessee the son of Birdie H. and Willie F. Shelton on Tuesday March 30, 1937. He served in the United States Army and then having several full-time jobs before settling at the United States Post Office where he retired after 32 years. He enjoyed family and anything “Racing”, Indy or NASCAR, fishing and being at Menards.

Surviving James are his wife of 63 years Judy Shelton; sons James D. (Kathy) Shelton Jr., Joseph R. (Sara) Shelton; grandchildren, Shaira, Shayna, Michael, Austin, Bailey, Cole and Chase; brother Clyde R. Shelton and sister Betty L. Hankel.

His parents, son, John P. Shelton; and sisters Alberta Kriete and Juanita Reid preceded James in passing.

The family would like to thank the staff at Northview Health and Living Center for the quality of care they gave to James.

Funeral services will take place at Parson Mortuary in Muncie, Indiana at 1:00 pm Thursday August 27, 2020 with burial at Cherry Cemetery, Woodbury Tennessee on Friday at 5:00 pm.  Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.  Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Grover Denton Parker, age 95, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020 at his home.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Alice Ferrell Parker. He is survived by his children Brenda (Teddy) Rains, Denton Parker, Lynn Parker, Dale Parker, Thomas (Kaitlin) Parker; grandchildren Luke Parker and Macy Scott; also, many family and friends.

Grover was the son of the late Thomas C. and Minnie Powell Parker.  He was preceded in death by young siblings Morgan, Clatie, Eartle as well as siblings Clyde Parker, Estelle Kirby, Burt Parker and Milton (Juicy) Parker.

He was born and raised in the Pleasant View Community of Cannon County, TN. Grover lived and raised his family at Clearmont in Warren County, TN where he worked as a logger and farmer growing tobacco, pepper, hogs and cattle. He also worked as a custodian at Woodbury Grammar School and Centertown Elementary. He had a love for music and signing – as many knew him from entertaining as the Parker Brothers with his brother Milton. He was a member of the Ivy Bluff church of Christ.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday, August 25, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Norman Pelham, Bro. Bryan Reed, and Bro. Robert Hoover officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 PM to 8 PM Monday, August 24, 2020 at the funeral home.

Carl Glenn Stembridge, age 66, of McMinnville passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020 at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his children, Carla Stembridge, Tyler Stembridge, & Collin Stembridge, all of Woodbury & Shane Cook of Liberty; Stepdaughter, Lisa Brown of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Courtney Barrett & Trenton Bynum; Brothers, Harrell Stembridge, James (Sondra) Stembridge of Woodbury & Wade (Pat) Stembridge of Kunkla, OH; and Sisters, Bernice (Darce) Wimberly & Teresa Farless, both of Woodbury & Carolyn (Tommy) Burks of Murfreesboro.  A great grandchild also survives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel & Mary Susan Harrell Stembridge; and Siblings, Joy Stembridge, Clarence Stembridge, Frank Stembridge, Russell Stembridge, Brenda Redmon, & Joe Bob Stembridge.

Carl was a member of the Baptist church and was a farrier and a horse trainer.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Monday, August 24, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at Center Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 PM to 8 PM Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Quentin Cook, Taylor Cook, Randall Deberry, Thomas Russell, Greg Wimberly, Trenton Bynum, & Jonathan Redmon.

Donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net