Obituaries

Phyllis Mae Willis, 75, of Readyville passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  She was born in Coffee Co., the daughter of the late Bernie and Clatie Stacey Hill. 

She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Melvin Willis, children, Lisa Davis and her husband, Jeff of Woodbury; Terry Willis and his wife, Lynn of Readyville; grandchildren, Steven Davis, Zachary Davis and his wife, Amanda), Kelly Frazee and her husband, Ian and Lane Willis; great grandchildren, Hunter, Montana & Zaden Davis and John Blake Frazee; siblings, Robbie Frame and her husband, Billy of Beech Grove, James Hill of Smithville, Billy Hill of Manchester, Bobby Hill and his wife, Bonnie of Christiana, Diane Green and her husband, Donnie of Christiana and Jeff Hill of Woodbury and sister-in-law, Betty Hill of Murfreesboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Wendell Hill.

Mrs. Willis was a member of the Grace Assembly Church of God and was a homemaker.  She enjoyed family vacations, loved cooking, gardening and canning but most of all, she loved her family and that’s what meant the most to her. 

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Sunday, August 04, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Eaton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gilley Hill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday, August 03, 2019.  For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to the Gilley Hill Cemetery. 

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

Nancy Marie Coomes, 68, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at her home in Cannon Co.  She was born in Kaiser, WV to her parents, John Carr Getty and Elsie Wilzbacher Getty.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dr. Bernard Coomes of Sht. Mtn., TN.; her children, Jonathan Coomes of Simi Valley, CA., Malani Coomes of Nashville, Rachel Coomes of Los Angeles, Bridgit Coomes Morris of Nashville, Damian Coomes of Memphis;  her siblings, Carr Getty and Ricky Getty both of Evansville, IN., Mary Getty (Jim Kikuchi) of Chicago, IL. and Bill Getty of NH. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Getty.

Nancy was a teacher and massage therapist with Coomes Chiropractic. She had a close bond with her book club and her study group friends.  She had been a member of the Unity Church and tirelessly strived for spiritual growth often studying information from Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. among other sources, that teach love for one another.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on a later date.  Condolences may be sent to Dr. Coomes at 6067 North Short Mtn. Rd. Liberty, TN.  37095 or online at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Aubrey Barlow, Jr., of Woodbury, passed away Friday, July 19, 2019 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  He was a native of Rutherford Co. and the son of the late Aubrey Lee Barlow, Sr. and Beatrice Perry Brandon.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dale and Bobby Barlow.

He is survived by his caring friends, Josh and Jill Stansbury of Woodbury; his children, Angela Gail Barlow of IN. and Aubrey Scott Barlow of Woodbury and siblings, Shery Sanders, Wanda Sanders and David Barlow.  He is also survived by his Sycamore Creek family.

Aubrey was a member of the Sycamore Baptist Church and was a caretaker and farmer.  

Services will begin at 11:45 am Sunday, August 4, 2019 following church services at his church, Sycamore Baptist with Bro. Richard Williams officiating.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideon Bibles %Sycamore Baptist.  

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

Chief Master Sgt. Paul Curless, age 77, of Woodbury passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at his home.  He was a native of Bluff City, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Trail Curless of Woodbury; Children, Greg (Lisa) Curless of Murfreesboro & Brenda (Jeff) Dwyer of Smyrna; Stepsons, Kevin (Jackie) Trail of Shelbyville & Kelly (Starla) Trail of Bradyville; Siblings, Judy Brennan of Springfield, IL, twin sister, Pauline (Dick) Atchley of Lewiston, IL, & Janie (Jess) Atterberry of Springfield, IL; Grandchildren, Erin, Elayna, & Emily Yeatts, Shane & Stephen Curless; Step Grandchildren, Brett Trail, Britta (Jonathan) Cantrell, & MacKenzie Trail, MaCayla Gaines, Jerri, Erbie, & Jaydon Trail; and Step Great Grandchildren, Logan & Harper Trail & Addison Cantrell.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Eva Thompson Curless; wife, Donna Lee Curless; and Brother, Wayne Curless. 

Chief Master Sgt. Curless proudly served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, serving in Tehran, Iran, Guam, Turkey, Philippines and several states in the United States from the west coast to the east coast. He was a Church of Christ preacher for 34 years.  He also served as a Cannon County Deputy Sheriff court officer for 9 years.  He enjoyed classic cars, playing dummy rummy (and cheating!) and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Friday, August 2, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Ferrell & Bro. Charles Holder officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery with full military honors.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Thursday, August 1, 2019.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, woodburyfuneralhome.net

Irene Bryson Rich, 101, of Woodbury, passed away Tuesday  at NHC Healthcare in Murfreesboro.  She was a native of Cannon County.

She is survived by her son & daughter in law, Joe David and Ann Rich of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Bart (Richard) Lowell of CA, Jeff (Lisa) Rich and Kelly Armstrong both of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, Jon Rich and Kelsey Armstrong both of Murfreesboro and Abi (Cole) Davis of NC.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Robert Bryson & Tina Barrett Bryson; her husband, Medford Rich and sisters, Evelyn Hayes and Christine Rich.

Mrs. Rich was a member of 1st Baptist Church, Woodbury and a housewife.  She volunteered and helped with many organizations including the American Cancer

Society and volunteering at the Stones River Hospital. 

Funeral Services will be 12 noon Friday, July 26, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 10 am until 12 Noon Friday, July 26th, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 1st Baptist Church, Woodbury.

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

David Anthony Taylor, 45, Smithville died at his home Thursday.

Survivors include; parents: Roy and Louise Taylor of Smithville, brothers: Glen Ferrell of Smithville, Ben Taylor of Warren County, sister: Joyce Mosley of Spencer, special friend: EllaDean Green, Greg Byford and Shane Byford all of Woodbury

He was a member of the Church of God.

Funeral services for David Anthony Taylor will be Tuesday at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Charles Stanton will conduct the service.

Visitation is today: 4pm-8pm and Tuesday: 9am-time of service at 1pm

Burial will be in the Byford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Bertha Diane Rackley Underwood, 66, of Woodbury died Thursday, July 18, 2019 at her home. She was a native of Warren Co.

She is survived by her son, Lynn (Brenda) Underwood of McMinnville; grandchildren, Katlyn Underwood of Morrison and Hunter Underwood of McMinnville, Titus and Drew Underwood of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Heather Campbell, Kinchen and Hazel George; siblings, Martha Woodward and Harvey Rackley both of Morrison. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ms. Underwood was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Rackley and Ruby Pelham Rackley; her husband, Jerry Underwood; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jennifer Underwood; siblings, Ida Miller, Bonnie Rackley, and Carl Rackley; In-laws, Janie Rackley, Lavon Woodward and Edgar Miller.

Diane was a member of the Bradyville Church of Christ and was retired from Vintec.  He enjoyed reading books and writing in her journal.  

Graveside Services will be 12 noon Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury 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 

Mrs. Lorene Parker, 99, a native of Cannon County and resident for the past several years of San Diego, California passed away on July 15, 2019 just a few months shy of reaching 100.  She was born on November 30, 1919.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William Fred Parker and Mary Jane Starr Parker; husband, Beecher Parker; sons, Nicky Parker and Ranny Parker; daughter, Myrna Joyce Parker; brothers, Lonnie Parker, Elvin Parker, Clark Parker; and a sister, Christine Sabia.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Joyce Parker; grandsons, Allen (Stephanie) Parker and Jeffery Parker; great grandson, A. J. Parker; special niece and nephew, Pamela Parker and Jim (Renea) Sabia; Connie (Wayne) Parker Phillips; and many other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lorene was an outgoing and energetic person.  She kept a smile on her face and loved to be around people.  She worked as a beautician for many years with different shops in and around Woodbury.  She lived in Cannon County for about 90 of her almost 100 years of life.  When she wasn’t working, she, Mr. Beecher, and other family members enjoyed playing music, going dancing, and listening to other live music.  She kept active well into her nineties, until dementia began to affect her mind.  She was a longtime member of the Midway Church of Christ. 

A service is being planned but arrangements are incomplete at this time.  They will be announced later by Smith Funeral Home.  In the meantime share memories, thoughts and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Sterling A. Harrell, 82, of Murfreesboro passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Thomas West hospital.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Ball Harrell of Woodbury; children, Brenda McKenzie, Beverly Wallace and Brian Harrell and his wife, Monica all of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Jessica Wallace, Julie Wallace Walker and her husband Brian all of Nashville and Cassy McKenzie of Murfreesboro; stepchildren, Jackie Elliott and her husband, Larry of McMinnville and Ricky Ball of Woodbury; brothers, William Howard Harrell and his wife, Mildred of Murfreesboro and Russell Harrell and his wife, Jo of Lawrenceville, GA. Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Mr. Harrell was preceded in death by his parents, Nollie and Hettie Campbell Harrell; his first wife, Geneva Blanks Harrell and his siblings, Glen Harrell, Sepal Boren and Pauline Jones.

Sterling was a member of the Kingwood Church of Christ and was retired from Colonial Corp. as the plant manager.  He also managed other privately-owned plants throughout TN.  Mr. Harrell loved his employees and was very passionate about his job as he was a cornerstone of his community and in the garment industry.  He would spend most of his mornings drinking coffee with his friends at Hardee’s “liars table”.  Sterling enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and yard work but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, July 19, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Doug Hutchins officiating.  Interment will follow in the  Riverside Gardens cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2019 and Friday from 10 am until time of his service.  Pallbearers include, Eric Parker, Ricky Ball, Bobby Francis, Brian Walker, David Godwin and Manny Camara.  Larry Elliott and Martin Harrell will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Blvd. Church of Christ Meals on Wheels or to Riverside Gardens Cemetery % Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Lillian Charlene Spence Higdon, age 88, passed away July 15, 2019 at St Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was of the Church of Christ faith.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly Burks and Robby Lee Sanders Spence; husband, George Franklin Higdon; sons, Timothy Higdon, Brent Higdon, Brad Higdon; daughters, Sherry Higdon, Jan Higdon, Nan Higdon; brothers, Gilbert Spence, Ernest Spence; and sister, Mildred Spence Smotherman. She is survived by her son, Bruce (Yong) Higdon of Rutherford County, George Scott (Lauren) Higdon of Georgia; brother, James Spence of Indiana; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Smotherman Cemetery with her son, Bruce Higdon officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com