Mrs. Virginia Bea Parker age 92 of Woodbury died April 28, 2018 of an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harrison Simmons and Carnellia Bush Simmons; husband, Jimmy Parker, three sisters, Clara Burks, Ollie May McDougal, and Ruth Barnett, and her son-in-law, Melvin Green.Survivors include two daughters, Barbara & James Perry and Phyllis Green, two grandchildren, Vanessa & Mike Bailey and Greg Green and Tammy, two great grandchildren, Ana and Steven Smith and Jordan Bailey, two great grandchildren, Nora and Levi Smith. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and special friends.
She was a member of the Smith Grove Church of Christ, a homemaker, and a former employee of Colonial Corporation. Being a parent to five generations was her favorite gift in life.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, April 30, 2018 from 10-2 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm. Al Bugg and Tim Gentry will officiate. A private burial will take place in Cherry Cemetery. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN
615-563-5337
2018
W. T. Todd
W. T. Todd, 78, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Upchurch Todd of Woodbury; 2 Sons & Daughters-in-law, Jeff & Beth Todd and Tommie & Lori Todd all of Woodbury and 4 Grandchildren, Chandler, Addison, Jake and Seth Todd all of Woodbury.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Hoyte and Retha Atlee Gaither Todd and his sister Martha Hoyte Todd.
Mr. Todd was a member of 1st Baptist Church in Woodbury, a lifelong educator and member of the Woodbury Lions Club.
Funeral Services will be 10 am Wednesday, May 02, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Wade Campbell and Bro. Dean Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Thyatira Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 3 pm to 8 pm Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for the family at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
Area Judge Retains Counsel Over Campaign Mailer
An area judge seeking re-election has retained counsel to represent him, based on wording in a campaign flyer sent to voters by the campaign of his opponent. Judge Barry Tidwell’s attorney denies wording in the flyer suggesting he allowed a convicted child rapist to reside in the same home as an 11-year-old child. Attorney Brad Hornsby, who represents Tidwell, said his client actually denied the defendant’s request to live with a family member and a minor child. In a published statement, Hornsby said the allegations in the flyer were either intentionally misleading or indicate incompetence on behalf of the other candidate.The flyer in question was distributed by the campaign of attorney Nathan Nichols, who currently works in the legal department at the City of Smyrna. Nichols said he stands by the allegations, and also said court records clearly show what actually happened. Nichols asserts that Tidwell did alter his opinion two weeks after issuing it, but only after being contacted by state authorities.
Lori Ann Sullins
Lori Ann Sullins, 38, passed away Wed., April 25, 2018 at her home in Readyville.She is survived by her parents, Ellis and Barbara Reed Sullings of Readyville; siblings, Stan (Sandra) Sullins of Woodbury, Shannon (Tim) Bacon of Readyville and Tracy (Steve) Marks of Columbia; nieces and nephews, Shellie (Matt) Rigsby, Scott Sullins, Brianna (Jon) Smith, Garrett & Emily Bacon; 3 great nephews, Race, Coy & Wynn Rigsby and aunts, Myra Greeno, Bonnie Vance, Jean Sullins, Nancy (Jerry) Sissom.
Lori is described by her family as a free spirit, fun loving soul that had a fierce love for nature, her family and God.
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Curlee Church of Christ with Bro. Charlie Bowman officiating. Interment will follow in the Curlee Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or you may leave condolences for her family at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
Unemployment Rate Across State Low, Slight Increase At Home
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development today released the March 2018 unemployment rates for each county in Tennessee. The newest statistics highlighted improved rates during March for the majority of the state’s counties.
Eighty-two of Tennessee’s 95 counties experienced lower unemployment rates when compared to February 2018. The rates in nine counties mirrored the previous month and four counties experienced a slight increase in unemployment during March.
Williamson County once again had the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 2.5 percent. That number did increase 0.1 of a percentage point from the previous month.
At 2.6 percent, Davidson County’s rate was the same as its February rate and was the second lowest in the state. Rutherford County also had a March rate of 2.6 percent, which was 0.1 of a percentage point lower than the month before.
Cannon County’s rate for March was 3.1, that is .2 of a percent higher than February. In neighboring counties, DeKalb, Warren and Wilson all saw a slight drop in unemployment for March. Coffee County remained the same.
The unemployment rate in Houston County decreased a full percentage point during March to 5.8 percent but continued to have the highest unemployment rate in Tennessee. Bledsoe County also had a rate of 5.8 percent in March, which is lower than its February rate of 6.1 percent.
Cannon County Graduate Completes Basic Training in Air Force
United States Air Force Airman Jacob W. Parrish from Woodbury has graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Parrish a 2017 graduate of Cannon County High School is the son of Jennifer Parrish of Murfreesboro and Keith Parrish of Smyrna.
Helon Marie Gentry
Mrs. Helon Marie Gentry, 80, of Woodbury passed away on April 22, 2018. She was born in Woodbury, TN on August 13, 1937. She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” Powell Milligan and Nannie Vandergriff Milligan; brothers, Billy Eugene Milligan, Milton Brown (Alma) Milligan; sisters, Sammye (Virgil) Tenpenny, Marjorie (Morgan) Lorance, Quixie Frances (Dixie) Carroll, Rachel (Jack) Hillstrom, Shirley Ann Tate; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Laura Deskin (George) Prater, Roberta McBride Gentry, Nora B (Curtis Ray) Fann, Cecil Vinson (Judy) Gentry, and Harold Lanier Gentry.She is survived by her husband, Boyd Freeman Gentry, daughters, Karen Mechelle (Richard) Burks, Stephanie Rene (David) Faulkner, Jennifer Maria (Phill) Coppinger, Lydia Denise (Brent) Bush; son, Timothy B. (Terri) Gentry all of Woodbury; brothers, Jack Milligan of McMinnville, Jimmy (Shirley) Milligan of FL; sister, Betty Billings of McMinnville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kenneth Tate of FL, William Thomas “Billy” Gentry of NE, Marion Sue (Dwayne) Griffith of Woodbury, and Shirley Gentry of TX; thirteen grandchildren, Richard Douglas “Doug” Burks, Jr., Daniel Brian (Beth) Burks, Johnathan “David” (Emily) Burks, Emily Christine (Kyle) Stembridge, Rebekah Elaine (Jonathan) Lamb, Hannah Isabelle Faulkner, Samantha Marie (Adam) Elrod, Bradley Glen (Laura) Coppinger, Jessica Nicole (Mike) Mowl, Zachariah “Zack” Dale (Kendall) Bush, Nathaniel Brent (Danielle) Bush, Jeremiah Beard, and Drew Perry Sanders Gentry; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mrs. Helon graduated in the Class of 1955 from Woodbury Central High School. She made friends easily because of her easy-going personality. She met Boyd and married on January 3, 1957. They recently celebrated 61 years together. She had to do a lot of traveling early in their marriage and for many years because of his duty in the military. Her first plane and boat trips were to be with him while in the service. They began having children in 1959 and they too, enjoyed the thrills of living abroad. Raising five children was a challenge and a joy for her. She made all of her family feel special by remembering them on special days, cooking, and offering up her time and talents. Having a large family made her very happy. She made a point to have them over to celebrate the birthdays for each month and cook a requested special dish for them. It was always a pleasure for her to baby sit grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Going to numerous events including ball games, awards ceremonies, marriages, and births were precious moments she treasured. They enjoyed traveling and seeing different places and visiting family also.
Her giving nature and loving character were her hallmarks. She loved everyone with the love she felt through her belief in God and her Christian faith. She loved her church family at Smith Grove Church of Christ. She was active in many things going on there. She was always willing to help or offer a kind word or a card to encourage someone.
Through the years she enjoyed working outside the home too. She worked for Colonial Shirt Factory, Val-Dor, OMC Boats, and others. Idle time was not something she knew about if she wasn’t sleeping, she was up and busy doing something. Her love and spirit has impacted several generations of family and friends and will continue.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 2-8 pm and on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10-2 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Al Bugg will officiate. Interment will follow in Leoni Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the charity of your choice in her memory. Contact Smith Funeral Home if you would like a card to be placed. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN, 615-563-5337
Wanda Diane Hargrove
Mrs. Wanda Diane Hargrove, 58, of Smithville, TN passed away on April 20, 2018. She was born in Nashville, TN on January 4, 1960. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rainey Odell Adams, Sr. and Faye Parker Adams; and two brothers, Rainey Adams, Jr. and Terry Phelps.She is survived by her husband of over 37 years, Jerry Fisher; two sons, Eddie (Lori) Foriest and Wiley Randall Hargrove both of Smithville; a brother, Tommie (Cookie) Phelps of KY; a sister, Melanie (Billy) Kirby of Madison, TN; grandsons, Eric, Nathan, Ethan, and several other grandchildren.
Mrs. Wanda was a loving mother and grandmother. She was a free spirit who didn’t let anyone mess with her family. She loved playing with her grandkids out in the yard because family time was important to her. Going horseback riding and listening to music were great releases for her. She enjoyed going fishing at Percy Priest Lake, Mill Creek, and anywhere else she could put a hook in the water. She worked many years at the Aladdin Plant in Nashville and would bring home many of the special lunchboxes for her kids. She developed health problems at a young age but she didn’t let that stop her from enjoying life, she was a fighter.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 4-6 pm. A memorial service to celebrate and honor her memory will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 6 pm. Tim Gentry will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to assist with expenses by contacting Smith Funeral Home. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 615-563-5337
Norman Ray White, Sr.
Mr. Norman Ray White, Sr., 87, of Woodbury passed away on April 20, 2018. He was born in Greenville, NC on May 2, 1930. He was a long-time resident of Richmond, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Eronia Dee Jones White; brothers, James Clyde White and George Lee White; sisters, Rosalee Harrell, Geraldine Morris, Molly Mae Harrell, Hazel Gholson, Ollie J. Vanderburg, Letha Mobley and by a grandchild.He is survived by sons, Norman Ray (Kathy) White, Jr., Michael Robert (Lynn) White both of Richmond, VA, and David Calvin (Jennifer) White of Prince George, VA; daughters, Nancy Malone and Deborah Lynn White both of Woodbury, and Lisa D. (Ken) Murphy of Richmond, VA; a sister, Susie Naomi Palmer, nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Mr. Norman was born in the early part of the Great Depression in a large family. Those times taught him the value of hard work from a very early age. He had a talent for building and constructed many homes for families. He also enjoyed coaching little league baseball in his off time. He had a gift for being able to put the right kids in the positions to take the worst team in the league to be the best. He had a great sense of humor and liked to laugh. When his kids were young they enjoyed going to drive in movies, bowling, skating, parks, to ball games, and the zoo.
A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at the Cannon County Senior Center, 609 W. Lehman St. Woodbury, TN on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 5-7 pm. A life celebration memorial service will follow at 7 pm also at the Cannon County Senior Center. Tim Gentry will officiate. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN, 615-563-5337
Helon Marie Gentry
Mrs. Helon Marie Gentry, 80, of Woodbury passed away on April 22, 2018. She was born in Woodbury, TN on August 13, 1937. She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” Powell Milligan and Nannie Vandergriff Milligan; brothers, Billy Eugene Milligan, Milton Brown (Alma) Milligan; sisters, Sammye (Virgil) Tenpenny, Marjorie (Morgan) Lorance, Quixie Frances (Dixie) Carroll, Rachel (Jack) Hillstrom, Shirley Ann Tate; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Laura Deskin (George) Prater, Roberta McBride Gentry, Nora B (Curtis Ray) Fann, Cecil Vinson (Judy) Gentry, and Harold Lanier Gentry.She is survived by her husband, Boyd Freeman Gentry, daughters, Karen Mechelle (Richard) Burks, Stephanie Rene (David) Faulkner, Jennifer Maria (Phill) Coppinger, Lydia Denise (Brent) Bush; son, Timothy B. (Terri) Gentry all of Woodbury; brothers, Jack Milligan of McMinnville, Jimmy (Shirley) Milligan of FL; sister, Betty Billings of McMinnville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kenneth Tate of FL, William Thomas “Billy” Gentry of NE, Marion Sue (Dwayne) Griffith of Woodbury, and Shirley Gentry of TX; thirteen grandchildren, Richard Douglas “Doug” Burks, Jr., Daniel Brian (Beth) Burks, Johnathan “David” (Emily) Burks, Emily Christine (Kyle) Stembridge, Rebekah Elaine (Jonathan) Lamb, Hannah Isabelle Faulkner, Samantha Marie (Adam) Elrod, Bradley Glen (Laura) Coppinger, Jessica Nicole (Mike) Mowl, Zachariah “Zack” Dale (Kendall) Bush, Nathaniel Brent (Danielle) Bush, Jeremiah Beard, and Drew Perry Sanders Gentry; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mrs. Helon graduated in the Class of 1955 from Woodbury Central High School. She made friends easily because of her easy-going personality. She met Boyd and married on January 3, 1957. They recently celebrated 61 years together. She had to do a lot of traveling early in their marriage and for many years because of his duty in the military. Her first plane and boat trips were to be with him while in the service. They began having children in 1959 and they too, enjoyed the thrills of living abroad. Raising five children was a challenge and a joy for her. She made all of her family feel special by remembering them on special days, cooking, and offering up her time and talents. Having a large family made her very happy. She made a point to have them over to celebrate the birthdays for each month and cook a requested special dish for them. It was always a pleasure for her to baby sit grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Going to numerous events including ball games, awards ceremonies, marriages, and births were precious moments she treasured. They enjoyed traveling and seeing different places and visiting family also.
Her giving nature and loving character were her hallmarks. She loved everyone with the love she felt through her belief in God and her Christian faith. She loved her church family at Smith Grove Church of Christ. She was active in many things going on there. She was always willing to help or offer a kind word or a card to encourage someone.
Through the years she enjoyed working outside the home too. She worked for Colonial Shirt Factory, Val-Dor, OMC Boats, and others. Idle time was not something she knew about if she wasn’t sleeping, she was up and busy doing something. Her love and spirit has impacted several generations of family and friends and will continue.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 2-8 pm and on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10-2 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Al Bugg will officiate. Interment will follow in Leoni Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the charity of your choice in her memory. Contact Smith Funeral Home if you would like a card to be placed. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN, 615-563-5337