Obituaries

William Russell Morton, 55, of McMinnville passed away suddenly at his home Monday, September 30, 2024.  Born in Murfreesboro, TN., he was the son of the late William Hiley and Katherine Rich Morton.

Russell is survived by his sons, Caleb (Desiree) Morton of Tullahoma and Jacob (Macey) Morton of Manchester; grandchildren, Cooper, Jonah William and Mia Kate Morton who is due in December; siblings, Cheryl (Jim, Jr.) Barlow of Readyville, Dale Morton Fletcher of Woodbury, Susan Morton Taylor of Murfreesboro and Lisa Winslow of Murfreesboro; his friend, Chris Matthews of Murfreesboro and his loyal companion, Duke.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Fay Warrick Kelly.

A member of the Baptist church, Russell worked for Rollins Excavating Co.  He enjoyed hunting and kayaking but most of all he loved spending his time with his sons and grandchildren.

His family will receive friends Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 P.M. at Cherry Cemetery with Bro. Johnny McGriff officiating. 

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

Mrs. Annie Pearl Ivie Robinson, 88, of Readyville passed away with her family at her side on September 27, 2024.  She was born in Rockvale, Tennessee on December 28, 1935.  Her parents were the late Alvin Ivie and Mary Elizabeth Steele Ivie.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Gordon Robinson, a brother, Thomas Ivie, two grandchildren, Sharon Parker and Jammie Parker and her son-in-law, Walter Johnson.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna (Eugene) Parker and Peggy Johnson, brothers, J.T. (Robbye) Ivie and William (Julie) Ivie, sister-in-law, Margaret Ivie, grandchildren, Malinda Johnson, Jennifer Jones, Chris (Kayla) Johnson, and Kristy Higgins, thirteen great grandchildren, and ten great great grandchildren.

When the Great Depression hit families in this part of the country struggled, the thing that pulled them through was faith in God, hard work, and love.  These were things Annie Pearl held onto throughout her life.  Like many of the people of that day, the classroom was a luxury they couldn’t always afford.  They were schooled in common sense and learned the lessons they needed to survive and thrive when the going got tough. 

She was not one to be idle with her time.  After she and her husband married, they took a job in the heart of Bradyville on the dairy farm owned by Ellis Thomas.  They were tasked with milking and rounding up the cows.  That sounds simple but, when you’re dealing with cattle, they have a knack for finding every little hole in the fence during the worst possible weather.  After their girls were born, she would often bring them to the feed room while the cows were being milked so she could keep an eye on them. When the girls were big enough, they pitched in to help with whatever needed to be done.

Working on a dairy farm in those days didn’t pay much.  It wasn’t unusual for them to have to wait until their milk check came in to make the much anticipated once a month trip to town to the store and get all the local news. Later was able to find work at the Samsonite chair factory and spent 24 years there.  When she wasn’t working, she busied herself with sewing, raising goats, flower gardening, and taking care of her home. 

Early on she found her faith and a church family with Cedar Grove United Methodist Church.  She loved being in church and often helped with teaching the kindergarten age classes. As far as church went her work didn’t end there.  She helped with cleaning the building and also, beautified the outside of the building by keeping the flower beds clean and planting some of her beloved flowers like tulips, Shasta daisies and peonies.  One of her favorite Bible verses was Psalm 118:24.  “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  This verse seemed to sum up her life.

Her family could rejoice when she cooked up a special batch of her chicken and dressing with some biscuits on the side.  Her son-in-law, Eugene, didn’t find so much rejoicing in the “special burger” she made for him one day.  He hunted for quite a while to find the tiny patty under the pickle.  Needless to say, he liked to pick at her.  She was easy going most of the time but, if her temper got up you would know it and get back in line quickly.

She always found peace with being outside enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.  She especially loved to put out hummingbird feeders.  They would flock to them and she could watch them happily for hours.  Her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, lovingly called her Nannie.  She taught them that she didn’t need anything fancy to be happy.  The best things in life are free.  The love of the Lord, love for your family, a good home cooked meal, and a good day’s work were enough to satisfy her.

The family would like to express their special heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the great love and care they gave to their Mama (Nannie). Their visits meant more than they can say.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 10-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Jeffrey Reynolds will officiate.  Interment will be in Robinson Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has a story.

Herbert Cobb, Sr., 49, of Morrison passed away suddenly Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Unity Medical Center in Manchester. A native of Cannon Co., he is the son of Avanell Campbell Cobb of Woodbury and the late Bobby Thomas Cobb.

He is also survived by his children, Herbert Cobb, Jr. of Morrison, Hayden Cobb of Woodbury, Chloe Cobb (Christian Elgin) of Morrison, Carson Cobb of Morrison and Hunter Kilborn of Dickson; grandchildren, Kai, Terra, Tucker, Hayden and Grayson; siblings, Bobby Joe Cobb of Summitville and Nellie Cobb Stone of Woodbury. Several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Eugene Farless, Lea Ann Farless and Shelby Jean Farless.

A member of the Baptist church, Herbert was a “Jack of All Trades”, self employeed tree trimmer, mechanic, enjoyed working on any type of machinery and building cars. He was an outdoorsman who loved to fish and go camping with his family. Herbert would help anyone with anything they asked.

His family will receive friends Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Graveside services will follow at the Cobb Cemetery at 8640 Ivy Bluff Rd., Morrison, TN. 37357.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his children with funeral expenses.

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

Wayne Thomas, 71, of Smithville passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 at his home. A native of Lewis Co., he is the son of Dorothy Rose Thomas of Smithville.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Curtis Thomas of Smithville; his children, Penny (Greg) Hicks of Baxter and Tony (Judy) Thomas of Smithville; 3 grandchildren, Douglas Hicks, Stewart Hicks and Carly Thomas; siblings, Larry (Tena) Thomas of Watertown and Randy (Amy) Thomas of Woodbury; sisters-in-law, Talma Mosely and Doris Curtis; brothers-in-law, Eddie (Yvonne), Teddy and Kenneth Curtis. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by his father, Morgan Thomas, grandson, William Gregory Hicks and sister, Barbara Gribble.

A Deacon at Sycamore Baptist Church, Wayne was a retired Lineman for Shelbyville Power System.  He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, September 26, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Williams and Bro. Jim Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sycamore cemetery.

His family will receive friends Wednesday, September 25, 2024 after 4:00 P.M.

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

Robbie Nell Owen, affectionately known as “MeMe”, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at NHC of Murfreesboro.  She was 87.  Born in Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Bob & Johnnie Bell Pitts Patrick. 

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (James Thomas) Sherrell of Auburntown; grandchildren, Bryan James and Michelle (Aaron) Bennett; great grandchildren, Lilyan and Orion Bennett; siblings, Betty (Terry) Thomas, Ruth (Marvin) Davenport, and Prentice (Anna) Patrick all of Auburntown; step grandchildren, Clay Sherrell and Dusty Clark and step great grandchildren, Alexia, Kaylee and Chloe Clark all of Baxter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Owen and her brother, Frank Patrick and baby daughter, Patricia Owen.

A member of the Auburn Baptist church, Ms. Owen was a farmer, worked at Colonial Shirt Factory and GE.  She enjoyed gardening and flowers.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 24, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Marvin Davenport and Bro. Ray Patrick officiating.  Interment will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends Monday, September 23, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. until her time of service.

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

Joseph Michael Duke, 45, of Woodbury passed away at his home, Monday, September 16, 2024. Born in Woodbury, he is the son of Steve and Linda Stacey Duke of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Gavin (Cheyanne) Duke and Caden Duke both of Woodbury and granddaughters, Wrenlee and Oakleigh Duke of Woodbury. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alton and Lucy Duke and E.P. and Dorothy Stacey.

Michael’s life was a testament of simple joys, finding fulfillment in farming, family, building and working on cars. His greatest joy was his remarkable sons and precious granddaughters.

His family will receive friends for a memorial visitation Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories and condolences for Michael’s family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Kyle Williams, 64, passed away at his home in Woodbury on Monday, September 8, 2024 from complications of ALS and Alzheimer’s. He was the son of Duane Williams and Diane Teasley Williams.

He was born and grew up in Grandview, Missouri. Kyle graduated from BYU in Utah and later served in the U.S. Army as a language interpreter before moving on to a career in genealogy. He came to Cannon County in 1992 and later earned a J.D. degree from the Nashville School of Law. He was an attorney in Woodbury and served as a judicial commissioner until his retirement from practice in 2015. Kyle was very active in the Arts Center of Cannon County, appearing on stage in several plays and musicals. He traveled extensively and especially enjoyed his many sojourns in Italy.

He is survived by his husband, Richard Northcutt; brother, Dirk Williams; sister, Kynne Williams; sisters-in-law, Ann McBride and Faye Knox; brother-in-law, Doyle Wood; and, aunt, Sharlene Williams. He also leaves behind two children, Grant Farnsworth and Kelsey Bileen, seven grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Kyle was predeceased in death by his brother, Drek Williams, and brothers-in-law, John McBride and Britt Knox.

There will be a celebration of Kyle’s life on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Arts Center of Cannon County from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Cannon Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arts Center, the Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Association, or Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-231, or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

John Lynzy Mingle, age 58 of Smithville, passed away Thursday night at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. He attended Old Fashion Free Will Baptist Church and was a dump truck operator with Faulk Trucking. 

He was born on February 7, 1966 in Smithville to his parents, the late Bobby and Paulette Mason Mingle. 

Visitation with the Mingle family will be on Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and on Sunday 11:00 am until the service time at 2:00 in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Billy Martin will officiate and burial will follow in the Sycamore Cemetery.

Survivors include his fiance, Melissa Glenn of Smithville; 3 sons, Dustin (Samantha) Mingle of McMinnville, Justin Mingle of Gassaway, and Nathan Mingle of McMinnville; bonus children, James Glenn of Smithville, AJ Glenn (Emma Daugherty) of Sparta and Hailey (Sean) Booth of Smithville; 6 grandchildren, Zoie Mingle of Auburntown, Matthew Mingle of Gassaway, Jeffery Mingle and Lynzy Mingle both of McMinnville, Tinley Booth of Smithville and Sammy Glenn of Sparta; 1 sister, Felisa (Steven) Coppinger of Woodland; 2 brothers, Bobby (Priscilla) Mingle of Smithville and Billy (Donna) Mingle of Woodbury.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations please be made to Love-Cantrell to help with expenses. 

Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Cherry, 69, of Readyville passed away on September 8, 2024.  She was born in Chester County, Tennessee on February 3, 1955.  She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph William Brower and Mary Nell McCall Brower

She is survived by her husband, Michael “Mike” Cherry of Readyville, two sons, Zachary Cherry of Readyville and Jason Cherry of Woodbridge, VA, a daughter, Allyson (Jeff) Neal of Christiana, three brothers, Mac Brower and Brad (Peggy) Brower both of Jacks Creek, TN and Danny Record of Henderson, TN, six grandchildren, Micah Cherry, Tommy Cherry, Rebecca Cherry, Lydia Cherry, Cadence Neal and Addison Neal, brothers-in-law, Johnny Cherry of St. George, UT and Phil Cherry of Murfreesboro, several nieces and nephews, as well as her special Shih tzu dogs, Baby and Raschal.

It seemed preordained that she would live on a farm for the majority of her life.  Growing up in rural West Tennessee near the community known as Jacks Creek, her parents had a farm where they raised cattle, hogs, and cotton. Being the youngest of her family and the only girl didn’t make her immune to hard work, not that she would have shied away from it. On the contrary, she must have longed for it and thrived on it. Because later in life that tradition continued when she and Mike set up housekeeping on Locke Creek with a 75-acre farm of their own. 

Living in a rural community had its share of pluses and minuses. One of the pluses was getting to know people around you well and their family.  As it so happened she lived near Mike’s grandparents and his cousin was dating her brother. This connection opened the door for Mike and Cindy to meet and strike up a relationship that blossomed into a family and 51-year marriage. Starting out Mike had a job working in the nuclear energy field that allowed them to live in different parts of the country. One of the favorite places they lived was in Montana. While they didn’t travel far from home, they did get to see some of the most beautiful sites in the country like Yellowstone.

When Mike was at work bringing home the bacon, Cindy busied herself taking care of their family and home.  In true southern tradition she had a treasured collection of recipes handed down to raise her family with.  They were blessed with her excellent cooking abilities and chowed down on some of the best brisket you ever tasted. She knew how to make the downhome staples of pinto beans, corn bread and turnip greens as good as anyone. 

In school she took to the basketball court to have a little fun. Her interest in basketball carried on well past school.  She enjoyed sitting down to watch the Southern Illinois High School Basketball tournaments. One of her favorite basketball players was Larry Bird, when he was playing for the Boston Celtics. When the children were growing up, they were encouraged to be active in sports and she made sure to never miss a game.

The farm life kept calling to her and Mike.  He found a steal of a deal on their little slice of heaven on Locke Creek.  When they bought it, there was the beginning of a home already there.  Mike recruited her as his “apprentice” helper, and they set about turning it into a home and cattle farm. They were able to find a hearty newer breed of cattle, the Beef Master, and began raising them to sell.  You can only imagine with a name like this what she could do with some of that brisket.  Working on the house and raising cattle weren’t her only interests on the farm.  Flower and vegetable gardening took up a significant portion of her time.

Even though it seemed family and farming would have taken up all her time.  She knew the importance of working on a relationship with God too.  During their time living around the country, she placed her faith and hope in the strength of the Lord.  She and Mike were baptized at the Fort Collins Church of Christ. Having this foundation helped them overcome the ups and downs we are all prone to have.  It allowed them to stay strong and achieve the 51years of marriage most of us can only hope to see. 

A visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 8-10 am.  Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 10 am.  Her brother-in-law, Johnny Cherry will officiate.  Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Jeremy Scott “Scotty” Foster, 49, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024 at St. Thomas Stones River Hospital.  He was born in Woodbury, TN.

He is survived by his mother, Wilma Byford Foster of Woodbury, his sons, Jacob Foster of Woodbury, Preston Gumz of McMinnville and Nicholas Shane Foster of Woodbury and his brother, Ronnie “Rolo” Foster of Woodbury.  Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, H.A. Foster; his grandparents, Medford Foster, Lota Smith, Marlin and Hattie Byford; his uncles, Med Foster and Glen Byford and his aunt, Sybil Gunter.

Scotty was of the Church of Christ faith and worked at Crane Interiors in the shipping dept.  He loved to draw, play corn hole and his RC cars.

Graveside services will be Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Riverside Gardens cemetery with Phillip Close officiating. Pallbearers include Brent Mathis, Darris Cook, Blake Foster, Chris Sneed, Brian Taylor and Bob Gilley.

His family will receive friends Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 9:30 A.M. until 11:45 A.M.

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