Obituaries

Mrs. Meda Blair Carr, 98, of McMinnville was born on November 16, 1921 in McMinnville, TN.  She passed away on January 20, 2020 in Murfreesboro, TN.  She was the daughter of the late, John Carlton Blair, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Kirby Blair.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Noble R. Carr; a daughter, Brenda McCarthy; brothers, Walter Blair, Tommie Blair, Luther Blair, Carlton Blair, Henry Blair, Howard Blair, Sr., Johnny Blair, Fred Blair, and Charlie Blair; sisters, Flora Markum, Ida Ferrell, Dora Bonine, Martha Foster, Alta Cotton, Vinnie Forte, Jewell Blair, and Mary Newby, in addition several other infant siblings preceded her, a grandson, Charles Tyson Ferrell, and a great granddaughter, Cynthia Ann Breedlove.

She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Cooper of McMinnville; grandchildren, Bret McCarthy of Alexandria, VA, David Carr of Kentucky, Adam (April) Cooper of McMinnville, Brian (Carolina) Cooper of Murfreesboro, and Kimberly Chrisman of Columbia; 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; as well as, numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Mrs. Meda grew up in an enormous family even for that period.  They were raising a big family in one of the hardest times in America’s history.  Even so, they found a way to feed, clothe, and have a very close family bond.  She learned early on from her mother how to be selfless for the sake of her family.  When they were lucky enough to have chicken, she would take the back or a wing for herself so the others could have the better pieces.  She was a graduate of Woodbury Central High School.  She was also a member of the Baptist Church.  

Mrs. Meda had a sweet personality and never wanted to put anyone out to do something for her.  She was a devoted wife and mother.  She wasn’t afraid of hard work.  She and Mr. Noble built their home together in 1963.  They raised their daughters and lived a good but simple life.  Their home was located right on the Cannon and Warren County lines.  They would joke about sleeping in Cannon County and eating in Warren County.  He passed away one-month shy of their 70^th Anniversary.  You would hardly see one without the other. 

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 3-7 pm and on Thursday, January 23, from 12-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm.  Interment will be in Gardens of Memory, McMinnville, TN.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Judy Lynn Fox Hill, 54, passed away Wed., Jan. 15, 2020 at her home in Woodbury.  She was a native of Los Angeles, CA.

She is survived by her mother, Liddie Caudill Fox of Murfreesboro; sons, Greg & Teya Brown and Stephen & Deeanna Brown all of Woodbury, Donnie Hill, Jr. of Smyrna; grandchildren, Koby, Britain, Jordan and Jadyn Brown and Audriana Hill; sisters, Debbie Bickford and Brenda Riggan both of Smyrna and Teresa Melhorn of Christiana; brother, Tim Fox of Smyrna.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Hill, Sr. She was a Christian and a homemaker.  Judy was a loving mother and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Fri., Jan. 17, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Clayton Neal officiating.  Interment will follow at Gilley Hill Cemetery. Visititation with the family will be from 11 am – 2 pm Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.

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

Mr. Joe Donald “Duck” Graham, Sr., 78, of Woodbury passed away on January 13, 2020.  He was born in Woodbury, TN on November 19, 1941.  He was preceded in death by his parents Charley Mack Graham and Jennie Barrett Graham; also by, brothers, Doris Graham, Jackson Graham, and Charley Graham and a sister, Loretta Knox.

He is survived by a son, Joe Graham, Jr., a daughter, Donna Graham both of Murfreesboro; sisters, Ann (C.B.) Hollandsworth of Woodbury and Theresa Toy of Readyville; three grandsons, Derrick Moss, Daniel Moss, and Dylan Moss all of Murfreesboro; a granddaughter, Kylie Moss; and by several nieces and nephews.

Everyone in the community knew him as “Duck”.  He got the nickname when he was very young.  His parents couldn’t keep him out of the water, just like a duck.  Many people knew him from working for Paul L. Reed Furniture for over 50 years.  He would help deliver appliances and furniture.  He would also go out to service items too.  Mr. Paul, Rhea, Mike and the whole Reed family were an extended family to him and his kids.  He would often help Mr. Paul on the farm and do other work as he needed.  When he wasn’t working, he helped referee Junior Pro and High School Basketball games for many years.  He loved going horse riding with friends on his favorite horse, Rambo.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and going golfing. 

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 10-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow at Smith Funeral Home in the chapel at 2 pm. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  Share memories, thoughts and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Kent William Stacey, 54,  passed away on Sunday January 12, 2020 at St. Luke’s hospital in St. Louis, MO with his family by his side.  Kent was a native of Cannon County but has lived in St. Louis (Wildwood) Missouri for the last 6 years.  He is preceded in death by his parents, C.C.(Kent) and Elizabeth Bryson Stacey and his brother, Johnny Clark Stacey and his brother-in-law, Tommy Arnold.  

Survivors include two sisters, Margie Arnold of Woodbury, TN and Tiffany (Jerry) Alvey of Wildwood, MO; and a sister-in-law, Kim Stacey of Murfreesboro; Niece & Nephews, Beth Stacey of Auburntown, Chris(Margarita) Arnold of Lubbock, TX, Ben Arnold of Smyrna, TN & Michael Alvey of St. Louis, MO; Great nephews and great niece,  Christopher Arnold, Kevin Arnold, Marcus Arnold, and Meghan Arnold;  Uncle and Aunt, Johnny (Shirley) Bryson.  Extended family members are Judy Stacey and Tim Cooper and Will Cooper of Auburntown, TN and many dear cousins and friends.   

Kent was a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodbury.  Kent loved being with his family, being on his computer, watching TV and going on trips.      

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday January 18, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Visitation will be 4 PM to 8 PM on Friday January 17 and from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2020.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilley Hill Cemetery, the American Heart Association or the Lymphoma Research Foundation. 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Kimberly Marie Smith Prater, 49, of Woodbury passed away Thurs., Jan. 9, 2020 at St. Thomas Stones River.  She was a native of Rutherford Co.

She is survived by her father, Robert Smith of Woodbury; husband, Marlin C. Prater of Woodbury; sons, Christopher Adam Warrick and his fiancé, Haley Higgins of Bradyville and Justin Prater of Woodbury; siblings, Sherry Stephens and Bud Smith of Woodbury; father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Pam Prater of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Angela (Rodney) Young of Woodbury; nieces and nephew, Matthew Stephens, Ashley Hobbs, Kayla Stephens and Allysa Smith; great nephews:  Eli and Blake.

Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Ann Holden Smith.  She was a member of the Baptist church and was a homemaker.  

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Tues, Jan. 14, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in Prater Cemetery. Visitation with her family will be from 3 pm – 9 pm Monday, Jan. 13, 2020.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home to help the family with funeral expenses.

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

Faye Nokes passed away Wednesday, Jan. 08, 2020 at her home in Cannon Co. surrounded by her loving family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Anna Vickers Nokes.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, L.D. Nokes of Cannon Co.; her sons, Heath (Susan) Nokes of McMinnville and Jason (Leann) Nokes of Woodbury; grandchildren, Sam, Ashlyn, Eli and Gage Nokes; brother, John (Sarah) Nokes of Cannon Co.; special nieces, Niva Harrison of Andalusia, AL. and Tricia (Ray) Robinson of McMinnville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Caresse Nokes of McMinnville; niece and nephews, James (Sheryl) Nokes, Rachel & Ryan Nokes. Several great nieces and nephews also survive. Faye

A member of the New Short Mtn. Methodist church, she was retired from the Warren Co. School System where she worked as a receptionist.  Faye was an excellent cook and was devoted to her family and her church. 

Funeral Services will be 11am Mon., Jan. 13, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Womack and Stewart Orell officiating.  Interment will follow in Gunter-Grizzle Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Eli, Gage, Ronnie, Ryan and Sam Nokes, Ray Robinson, Brandon Potter and Keith Billings. Visitation the family will be from 2 pm – 8 pm Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 and Monday until time of her service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gunter-Grizzle Cemetery, Feed America First Murfreesboro or Alive Hospice. 

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

Judy Faye Elkins, 72, passed away at her home Wed., Jan. 08, 2020.  She was a native of Cannon Co. Her parents were the late Richard Earl Elkins and Beurena St. John Elkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Tami Elkins Bragg of Woodbury; grandchildren, Ryan (April) Hawkins, Taran Bragg and Taylor Bragg; great grandchildren, Kase William Hawkins, Kyra Agee and Kylee Davis; siblings, Mark (Pat) Elkins, Sherry (Phil) Thomas, Johnny Elkins, Beverly (Robert) Pitts, Myla Elkins Jordan all of Woodbury. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Earl Elkins and Beurena St. John Elkins; her brother, Wayne Elkins and her great granddaughter, Kendall Faith Hawkins.

A member of the Church of Christ, she was a retired factory worker.  Judy loved her family, facebook and her facebook friends.

Memorial visitation with the family 4 pm – 8 pm Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020.  It was Judy’s wishes to be cremated and her ashes be buried with her great granddaughter, Kendall at Leoni cemetery. 

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

Linda Marie Hunter Turner, 69, passed away at her home in Gruetli Laager, Tn. on Wed., January 8, 2020.  A native of Rutherford Co., Tn., she was preceded in death by her father, Orden Odell Hunter.

She is survived by her mother, Naomi June Vassar Hunter of Manchester; her husband, Gary Turner of Gruetli Laager, Tn.; her daughter, Lynn Parker Briley and her husband, Terry; grandchildren, Jonathan Parker, Suzzanne Parker, Haley Parker McNeal, Cotey Briley and Logan Briley and brother, Wayne (Joann) Hunter of Christiana.  6 great grandchildren also survive.

A member of the Church of Christ, Linda was a homemaker and a CNA. She enjoyed growing flowers.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gilley Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10 am – 2 pm Sunday, Jan. 10, 2020.  

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

Captola Armstrong Bell, 97, Tues., Jan. 07, 2020 at her home following an extended illness.  She was a native of Cannon Co. to her parents, Earl Wayne Rivers and Ila Mae Bell Rivers.

She is survived by her children, Delores Armstrong Watley of LaVergne and Willie E. “Bill” (Teresa) Armstrong of Huntsville, AL.; 4 grandchildren, Billy Ray Mason, Perry Lee (Kim) Mason, Dawn Armstrong Allen and Brian Armstrong; sisters, Shirley Vance and Reba (Tom) McGee both of Woodbury, Wilma (Gene) Harris of Auburntown and Mozell Page of McMinnville. 4 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald Armstrong and Charlie Hoyte Bell; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

A member of the Church of Christ, Captola was a retired apartment complex manager. 

Graveside services will be announced when they become available.

Mary Helen Brandon Jones, born January 15, 1934 to Marvin A Brandon and Eppie Drennan McBroom Brandon in Louisville, Kentucky.  She was raised in Woodbury, Tennessee.  After graduating from Woodbury Central High, Helen enrolled at Ward Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee.

During her time at Ward Belmont it united with the Tennessee Baptists and became Belmont College, a four year college.  Mary Helen Brandon had the distinction of being the first graduate of the new four year college named Belmont College – receiving a BA in Education in the spring of 1955.  Possibly an omen of things to come, Dr. Baker James Cauthen of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention spoke at her graduation.

While attending Belmont College she was set up on a blind date with an airman from Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee.  A connection was made and in December 1955 Helen married Donald William Jones.  She taught at Woodbury High School and Central High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee while Don went to Middle Tennessee State College to get his BS in Industrial Arts Education.

While still in Tennessee their first two children were born, William (Bill) in 1956 and Robert (Bob) in 1958.  They moved from Tennessee to Ohio once Don graduated college and he began his teaching career.  While living in Ohio, Rebecca (Becky 1960) and Brian (1962) were born.  During a one year move to Amarillo, Texas where they taught and were dorm parents at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, their fifth and last child, Elizabeth (Beth 1964) was born.

Both feeling God’s leading to something different, they were open to learning about missions work when visited by a missionary(Mike Wilson and wife, Kitty) whose background was also Industrial Arts Education.  They joined Dr. Cauthen and became missionaries.  They left TN in 1968 and with matching American Tourister suitcases all in a row, they loaded up their five kids and headed off to East Pakistan to learn the Bengali language and tell the people there about Christ.  After just three years there, the civil war between East and West Pakistan began and the Jones family took a furlough and returned to the United States before relocating to Taichung, Taiwan where they set up residence for the next twenty five years.  Don and Helen both worked at Morrison Academy, a school for missionary children, and did Bible studies and English classes in homes and local churches where they could share with the people of Taiwan about God’s love.

After retiring in 1995, they settled back in Woodbury.  They eventually bought a small trailer in Leesburg, Florida where they spent the winter months; making the trip south in early November and back to TN in early April.  They visited with their children and grandchildren when possible – California, Texas, Virginia and Tennessee –  and enjoyed their visits when the family got together in Tennessee.  Don passed away in 2013 and Helen gave up the Flordia trailer, having already had hip surgery and depending on a walker for getting around.  After several osteoporosis related compression fractures in her back, she settled in at Woodbury Health and Rehab Nursing Home where she enjoyed reading, writing, watching tv and visiting with the staff, many of whom were descendents of old friends from the area.  Being in Woodbury allowed her to have regular visits from her community and church friends.  She also enjoyed occasional Wednesday outings with one of her kids to O’Charlie’s for some low country shrimp and free pie.

Though mentally sharp until the end, her body was giving up on her and after a couple of hospital stays near the end of 2019 she returned to the nursing home with Alive Hospice helping with her care.  She passed on January 7, 2020.  She is survived by her children; Bill (Sandy) Jones, Bob (Penney) Jones, Becky (Jim) Courson, Brian Jones, and Beth (Jesse) Thomas – her grandchildren; Rachel (Kyle) Courson Swenson, Josh (Meghan) Courson, and Matt (Toni) Jones – and her great-granddaughters; Sydney Swenson and Adelaide Helen Swenson who is due any day now.

Helen will be remembered as a caring friend, faithful correspondent and prayer warrior as well as a loving mom and grandma.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, 405 W. Main St. Woodbury, TN on Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 1-2:30 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 2:30 pm.  Pastor Dean Anderson will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be given to either the International Mission Board, SBC or Gideons.  Share thoughts, memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337