Obituaries

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, our loving mother and grandmother, Jessie Pauline Elkins, passed away at the age of 99 at Woodbury Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born on August 24, 1920 in Bradyville, Tennessee.

Pauline and her husband, Clark, lived in several different states throughout their married life while Clark was preaching the gospel and building congregations.  She was known for her delicious cooking.  She prepared many meals for church members, family, and friends.  She loved spending time with her family and was a member of the Bradyville church of Christ.

She was preceded in death on April 7, 2004, by her husband of 65 years, Clark.  Her parents, Vince & Eugenia “Eudie” Knox Williams; her brothers, Ellis, Maurice, & Wayne Williams; her son, Darrell Elkins; and her daughter, Patricia Stratton.  She is survived by her son, Don (Tommie) Elkins of Cape Girardeau, MO and her daughter, Vickie (Don) Knox.  Thirteen grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren also survive.

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, graveside services will be 3 PM Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Terry Grant Holt, age 73, of Readyville passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Shirley Mealer Holt of Readyville; Daughters, Sherry (Michael) Sexton of Christiana and Tanya (Dusty) Lewis of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Cody & Lane Baker and Deegan & Finley Lewis.

He is preceded in death by his parents, White & Ailene Bynum Holt.

Terry was a member of the Bradyville church of Christ and served in the National Guard for 6 years. He was retired from General Electric after 31 years where he was a material handler.  He enjoyed hunting & farming.

Graveside Services will be 1 PM Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Myra Haley, 86, of Woodbury passed away on March 30, 2020.  She was born on June 21, 1933 at home in the Red Hill Community of Cannon County.  Her parents were the late Vernie Granville Burks and Mary Etta Young Burks.  She was the youngest of five girls and the last living of the children.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Mack Haley, sisters, R. A. Lynn, Jewel Parker, Juanita Parker, and Evelyn Davis Myers, and by a granddaughter, Harmony Haley.

She is survived by her son, Shane (Sharon) Haley of Woodbury, daughter, Shannon Haley of Woodbury, half-brothers, Allen Hale and Vernie Hale both of Murfreesboro, grandchildren, Nathan (Kayla King Weller) Horn, Kellye (Dillon) Weaver, Melody Haley, Sean Haley, Elizabeth (Bryce) Bichon, and Sarah Haley; great grandchildren, Lucas Horn, Kyan Weller, Cooper Weaver, Evie Weaver, Brodie Bichon, Ella Bichon, Haven Haley, Cameron Haley, and Cason Haley, as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mrs. Myra grew up knowing the value of family.  She went out of her way to make her family feel special, giving them unconditional love, and showed them how to be strong.  As a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother she gave more than she took and deeply enjoyed time to share stories, talk, hug, and laugh.  Her beautiful smile and green eyes were twinkling almost every time you would see her.  The love of her life was her husband Mack.  They met and married very young and celebrated their 48^th anniversary before his passing.  He was a Marine veteran and they lived many different places over the years.  Raising their kids in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s was a great time in our country.  It was unusual for the time, but she made sure they experienced things many other kids of the era didn’t.  They took trips to the State Fair and took time out to see the Christmas Parade.  She and Shane took a train ride from California to Nashville.

She also kept busy working.  Through the years she worked as a secretary for many different places.  One of the first was for Walter “Cap” McCrary and her last 20 years were spent at the VA in Murfreesboro working as a clerk in the Prosthetics Department until the age of 77.  She was a graduate of Woodbury Central High School in the Class of 1951 and stayed close friends with many of her classmates.  She was also a long-time member of the Woodbury Church of Christ. 

Due to the continuing situation with the virus in our country we are offering options to family and friends to pay their respects.  You may call to have us place your name and condolence in the register book, you may also offer memories and condolences on the guestbook page of our website, www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  A private graveside service will follow at Riverside Garden later Thursday.  Herb Alsup will officiate.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Ethan Patrick Grizzle, 25, of Bradyville passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020. He was born in Dekalb Co.

He is survived by his parents, Jennifer Grizzle Barrett of Woodbury and Shannon (Cydney) Robinson of Auburntown; children, Paisley, Ainsleigh and Walker; 

sister, Paige (Obie) Gnida of Bradyville; grandparents, Diana (Butch) Prater and Pam (Bill) Tillman all of Bradyville; great grandmother, Pauline Campbell of AR.; niece, Willow Gnida; aunts and uncles, Tana (Brian) Lewis of Ashland City, Christy (Sonny) Davis of Hackett, AR., Kristen Grizzle of Readyville and Chad Robinson of Kittrell; cousins, Dustin Duggin, C.W. Alexander, Sadye Lewis and Haley Davis.

Ethan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ronnie Grizzle, Roger and Shirley Robinson.  

If you knew Ethan, you knew he had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He was full of life and loved his family more than anything.  Ethan loved the outdoors, enjoyed riding horses and shooting pool.  He was affiliated with the church of Christ and was a tree surgeon.  

Graveside Services will be  2 pm Wednesday, 04/01/20 at Midway Cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Pallbearers include Obie Gnida, Christopher Hanes, Anthony Allen, Austin Boyle, Talyn Black and Matt Prater. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dustin Duggin and C.W. Alexander. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses or Cannon Co. Walking Horse Assoc. 

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

James T. Bly, 83, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2020 at his home in Bradvyille. He was a native of Cannon Co., TN.

He is survived by his children, Betty Ann Allen of Bradyville; Bertha Elaine Kellebrew of Nashville, James Ray Bly of Dickson, Vickie Diane Bly of Nashville, and Jo Ann Mitchell of Nashville; grandchildren, Lou Ann Meyer, Mavis Frances Mayo, James Ray Bly, II, Rocky Joe Bly, James Alexander Reynolds, Dustin St. John, Kayla Lynn Clinton, Christiana Lynn Moore & Roger Dale Kellebrew, Jr.; siblings, Faye Lefever of Murfreesboro, Elinor Hughes of Woodbury, Jean Canda of Lebanon and Peggy Sue Kentner of Nashville

Mr. Bly was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff Bly and Joanna Scott Bly; his wife, Mavis Ruth Bly; Son, Robert Eugene Bly and siblings, Mary Ann Shrum, Joyce Bly, Magaleane Merritt, Charles Bly, Robert Bly and A.J. Bly.  

Graveside Services will be 1 pm Monday, March 30, 2020 at Cummings Melton Cemetery with Bro. Mike Moore officiating.  

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

Mrs. Mae Ann Davenport, 85, of Readyville, TN passed away on March 24, 2020.  She was born on July 6, 1934 in Woodbury, TN.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard N. Tenpenny and Beatrice Patrick Tenpenny, her husband, Thomas Earl “Ted” Davenport, and a sister, Reba Jo Bowman.

She is survived by brothers, Billy (Shirley) Tenpenny, Sr. of Murfreesboro and Tony Lynn Tenpenny of Murfreesboro, nieces and nephews, Billy Tenpenny, Jr., Andy Tenpenny, Becky Anderson all of Murfreesboro, Gilda Bowman and Patrick Bowman both of Nashville, great niece and nephew, Andrew Anderson and Rachael Anderson, one great great niece, Kaitlyn Scruggs, cousins and special friends, Edward (Myrtle) Bryson, Jerry (Brenda) Mullinax all of Woodbury.

Mrs. Mae Ann was a happy go lucky and fun-loving person.  She enjoyed being with family and friends, talking, smiling, and having a good laugh.  In the summer of 1950, she met and married the love of her life Ted Davenport.  They went to Georgia to get married and came back to Floating Mills at Center Hill Lake for their honeymoon.  They were married for 56 years before his passing in 2006.  Most of their married life was spent living in or near the Dobbs Hollow.  They enjoyed taking trips to the Smokey Mountains, Indiana State Fair, and Michigan to visit family.  Many times, they would take their trips on Ted’s motorcycle.  It was unusual in those days for people around here to have a motorcycle.  He was one of, if not the first in the county to own a Harley Davidson.  July was always an important month in her life.  She was born, engaged, and married in July.  After Ted’s passing, she kept active with family and friends, she liked listening to live music, going out to eat, and visiting. 

Starting out she worked for the Colonial Shirt Factory for about 10 years.  Later she found a job with the Bank of Commerce and stayed there over 35 years.  She worked as a teller in the drive-in window.  During her time with the bank she was able to take banking courses.  She was a long-time member of the Church of Christ.  As her health began to fail, she depended on her brother, Billy and other family to help take care of her an provide much needed time to talk and visit when she couldn’t get out. 

Due to the current situation in our country the immediate family will hold private visitation and funeral at Smith Funeral Home on March 27, 2020.  Herb Alsup will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be given to Adam’s Memorial Library.  Those who would like may sign our online guestbook to share memories or condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  If you would like to call we would be glad to sign the register for you or you may stop at your convenience to sign the register and pick up an obituary program.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Randy David Vinson, age 58, of Liberty passed away Friday, March 20, 2020 at St Thomas Dekalb Hospital.  He was a native of Warren County

He is survived by his Wife, Ann Lewis Vinson of Woodbury; Son, Ryan and his wife, Amanda Vinson of Cookeville; Grandchildren, Riley, Emma, Lucy and Cora Vinson all of Cookeville; Step-daughter, Nakia Lawson (Anthony) of DeKalb Co.; Brother, Larry Vinson Jr. of Woodbury; Aunts and Uncle, Sandra Vinson of Murfreesboro, Margie Williams of McMinnville, and Mike Vinson of McMinnville; Niece, Heather Butner of Norfolk VA; and Great Niece, Alice Butner of Norfolk, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Joyce Barrett Vinson; and Step-daughter, Liza Luna. Randy was retired from International Paper.  He loved to fish, hunt, work on cars, and enjoyed the outdoors.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, March 23, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Interment will follow in Blues Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 12 pm until time of service, Monday, March 23, 2020.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expense.

James Willie Smithson, age 94, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital he was a native of Cannon County.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jewell “Dean” Baltimore Smithson of Woodbury; children, James Richard Smithson of Murfreesboro, Stephen Smithson, John Smithson, and Debbie Smithson all of Woodbury; grandchildren, David Smithson of Murfreesboro and Robert Smithson of Arizona; sisters, Gertrude Gann, Mary Grizzle of Woodbury, and Rachel Johnson of Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Monroe Smithson and Angie Prater Smithson; children, Stanley and Kathy Smithson; and siblings Ray Smithson, Christine Beatty, Opal Smithson, Lucille Mears, and Viola Foster.

He was a member of the New Hope Church of Christ and worked in construction and remodeled houses.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Sunday, March 22, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Howard Knox officiating. Interment will follow in Midway Cemetery. Visitation with the family 11 am until time of service, Sunday, March 22, 2020.

J.C. Bailey, age 73, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was a native of Fayetteville. 

He is survived by his siblings, Patricia Ann (David) Walls of Rockvale, J.W. (Patricia) Bailey of Woodbury, & Betty Lykins of Woodbury.  A host of nieces & nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen Lawrence & Eunice Reedy Bailey; and siblings, Marvin Bailey & Kathy Jean Murphy.

Mr. Bailey was a member of the Baptist church and was retired from Genesco warehouse. He enjoyed fishing & hunting.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a private funeral service & visitation will be held for the immediate family.  Please sign Mr. Bailey’s online guestbook to leave condolences for his family.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mr. Bobby Lee Corley, 81, of Woodbury passed away on March 15, 2020 after an extended illness.  He was born on November 9, 1938 in Lynchburg, TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Nat Corley and Mary Jane Harris Corley, a son, Ricky Corley, brothers, Edward Dean Corley and Ernest Corley, and by a sister, Betty Jean Bean.

He is survived by a son, Steven Corley of Woodbury, brothers, Paul (Fran) Corley of Rockvale, Jerry Wayne Corley of Readyville, Charles (Emily) Corley of Murfreesboro, Donald (Rosemary) Corley of Readyville; a granddaughter, Jessica Wood of Murfreesboro and great grandchildren, Riley Wood and Kinsley Wood, as well as, special friends, Bobby & Susie Simpson of Bradyville, Hazel Sissom of Woodbury, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bobby was the oldest boy of seven with one older sister.  Growing up he learned how to work, not just work hard but work smart.  He could do just about anything he set his mind to do.  He built many homes from the ground up.  Laying the foundation, framing, laying brick, plumbing, wiring, he could do it.  He loved helping friends, talking, telling stories and having a good laugh.  He retired from the Cannon County School System in maintenance.  Never one to be idle, if he didn’t have his hands on a project, he was thinking about one.  His shop always had a tractor or a piece of equipment he was working on.  Other people took junk to a salvage yard.  He could go to the salvage yard and see things he needed to repair or build all kinds of things.  He built several log splitting machines for himself and friends.  In the summer he would be found in the hay field.  When he got in at night, he’d have a gallon of ice cream to satisfy his sweet tooth.  Many times, he would top the ice cream with grape jelly and eat it with a fork.  He didn’t mind sharing it with his dog, Amanda either.  If there was a job everyone thought could not be done, you wouldn’t want to bet against Mr. Bobby.  He would figure out a way.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Greg Mitchell will officiate.  Interment will be in Amity Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Amity Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association.  Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337