Obituaries: Week of July 19, 2026, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Amanda Lee Cortese
Jul 25, 2026
Amanda Lee Cortese, age 41, of Lebanon, Tennessee, passed away on July 25, 2026. Born on June 7, 1985, in Nashville, Tennessee, Amanda was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter and granddaughter, and faithful friend.
Amanda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joe and Joyce Lee, grandfather, Ross Thompson, uncles, Charles and Nick Thompson.
She is survived by her husband, Ross Cortese, sons, Nolan and Sutton Cortese, parents, Steve (Barbara) Lee, brother, Joseph Lee, grandmother, Mary Thompson, aunt, Stephanie (Ron) Mathis, and many other loving family members.
Amanda found joy in horseback riding, exercising, gardening, and playing card games. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family, creating memories filled with love and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alive Hospice Residence, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or website Alive Hospice | Hospice Care & Grief Support | Nashville & Middle TN
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Beech CP Church, 3216 Long Hollow Pike, Hendersonville, TN 37075. A memorial service celebrating Amanda’s life will begin at 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Mildred Ann (Redfern) Owens
January 14, 1938 ~ July 21, 2026
88 Years Old
Mildred Ann Redfern Owens, age 88 of Cedar Hill, passed from this life on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at her home. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Green, Mark Goins, and Gabe Rawls officiating. Burial will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Gabe Rawls, Jeremy Owens, Clint Rawls, Tommy Caira, Tyler Vaughn, and Josh Mason serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Gregory, Charles Redfern, Michael Redfern, Tony Owens, Dale Redfern, Ken Gregory, and Mark Redfern. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 until 6 PM and Monday from 11 AM until the time of service.
Mrs. Owens was born January 14, 1938 in Cross Plains to the late David and Dovie Redferrin Redfern. She was a member of Center Point Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Millie’s life was dedicated to her church family, her family, and her friends. She firmly believed in “loving thy neighbor” and helping those in need. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Maxie Sanders Owens, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Surviving her are her son, Steve (Carol) Owens of Cedar Hill; daughters, Pamela (Kenneth) Rawls of Adams and Christy Owens of Cedar Hill; sister, Barbara Ann Holt of Adams; grandchildren, Gabe Rawls of Springfield, Jeremy (Elisabeth) Owens of Barren Plains, Clint (Brandi) Rawls of Cedar Hill, Misty (Tommy) Caira of Springfield, and Nicole (Tyler) Vaughn of Adams; great grandchildren, Jasper Owens, Devlin Owens, Waylon Owens, Maxie Owens, Wade Owens, Layne Owens, Pierce Rawls, Bryce Rawls, Owen Rawls, Lilah Rawls, Brandt (Tori) Caira, Emma Caira, Sawyer Caira, Paislea West, and Newton Vaughn; and great-great grandchildren, Jesse Owens, Nellie Owens, and Valley Caira.
The family request, if so desired, for memorial contributions to be made to either the Center Point Baptist Church Building Fund or the Jo Byrns Elementary School Library Fund. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Greg Stephens
April 24, 1961 ~ July 23, 2026
65 Years Old
William Gregory “Greg” Stephens, age 65 of Springfield, passed from this life on Thursday July 23, 2026, at his home. Celebration of Life services will be conducted Thursday July 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Will Sensing officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday July 29th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday July 30th from 12 noon until the hour of service at the funeral home. In keeping with Greg’s final wishes, there will not be a graveside service following the funeral. His remains will be cremated thereafter.
Greg was born April 24, 1961, in Ft. Worth, TX. He was a software developer with the Department of Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee, and he attended World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro. He traveled to Ecuador on mission trips on numerous occasions and was a vital part of their water systems purification projects. Greg was a man of many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed woodworking, carpentry work, riding both bicycles and motorcycles, swimming, growing his vegetable garden, playing guitar, and singing, teaching Bible studies, and birdwatching, especially bluebirds and building birdhouses for them.
Greg was preceded in death by his mother: Shirley Lynne Anderson Stephens, and by his sisters: Laura and Paula Stephens. He is survived by his wife: Kimberly Stephens of Springfield, by his father: Dr. William H. “Bill” Stephens of Brentwood, by his stepson: Cleve Austin Birdwell of Clarksville, by his sister: Carol Stephens of Nashville, and by his late sister’s husband, his brother-in-law: Joe (Susan) Baker of Birchwood, TN.
If so desired, the family request that donations be made in Greg’s memory to Critter Fixers P.O. Box 286 Cross Plains, TN 37049 (spayrobertson.org)
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Aubrey (Sam) Suiter
February 13, 1936 ~ July 24, 2026
90 Years Old
Aubrey E. (Sam) Suiter, age 90 of Springfield, passed from this life on Friday, July 24, 2026, at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Tim Harris officiating. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31st in the Antioch Cemetery in Clarksville. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Suiter, Jeremy Lobdale, and Scott Aleridge. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Mr. Suiter was born February 13, 1936, in Clarksville, to the late Homer H. and Annie Davidson Suiter, Sr. He served in the United States Air Force. Mr. Suiter was a retired barber, having worked over 60 years in both Nashville and Clarksville. He was a member of Springfield Baptist Church, where he enjoyed attending his Sunday School class and was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Suiter enjoyed life, working, and talking to people.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son: John Matthew Suiter, and by his siblings: Homer H. Suiter, Jr., Mable Walker, Mildred Grant Berlin, Thelma Haley, Blanche Mayo, and Ann Stinson. Mr. Suiter is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Spann Suiter of Springfield, by his son and daughter-in-law: Steven and Debra Suiter of Lexington, KY, by his granddaughter: Lauren Suiter of Lexington, KY, and by his sister: Rebecca Aleridge of Clarksville.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Baptist Church or to Parkinson’s Research. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Betty Binkley
March 22, 1939 – July 20, 2026
Betty Binkley, age 87, of Joelton, Tennessee, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at her home.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:30 AM, Monday, July 27th, at Good Springs Cemetery in Pleasant View with Pastor Mike Hollis officiating.
Burial will follow with family serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View on Monday, July 27th from 10:00-11:00 AM.
Mrs. Betty was born on March 22, 1939, in Springfield, Tennessee, to the late Rabon & Mary Ellis Teasley. She previously worked for Washington Manufacturing and enjoyed crafts and cross-stitching. She was a very loving and caring person and was a longtime member of Good Springs Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Marvis Binkley; and her brother, Charles Teasley.
She is survived by her sister, Sue (Ed) Spurlock; and several loving nieces & nephews.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Betty’s memory to: Good Springs Free Will Baptist Church, 2330 Good Springs Road, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
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Sarah Bond
February 14, 1934 – July 21, 2026
Sarah Frances Bond, age 92, of Chapmansboro, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville.
Her remains will be cremated, and there will be a private burial of her ashes at a later date.
Mrs. Sarah was born on February 14, 1934, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Thomas and Annie Lemons Smith. She retired after 20 years as a route carrier with the US Postal Service. She loved to gamble and go to the beach at Gulf Shores. She enjoyed flowers and hummingbirds, and her favorite color was yellow.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Bond; son, Dale Litchford; and daughters, Gale Tomlin and Linda Dickens.
She is survived by her sons, Jesse “Eugene” Litchford and Lowell “Pat” Bond; daughters, Pam Barnett and Anna Turner; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
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Robert Jones
April 7, 1957 – July 21, 2026
Robert Edward Jones, age 69, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, of Pancreatic Cancer.
Graveside services will be conducted at Wilson Cemetery on Jack Teasley Road in Pleasant View on Saturday, July the 25th at 3:00 PM with his cousin, David Patterson, JC Knott, and Tyler Wood officiating.
Burial will follow with Joel Poston, Darryl Miller, James R. Miller, JC Knott, Jeff Ashworth, and Kyle Labore serving as pallbearers.
Robert was born on April 7, 1957, to the late Samuel and Kathreen “Shorty” Jones.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Sue Calvert and Shearon Kehl; great-nieces, Jennifer and Adrianna Wix; and niece Sonya Kehl.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Katrina Dawn Pardue; niece, Kathy Casey Nale; great-nieces, Heather Midgett and Casey (Patrick) Robinson; 2 great-great-nieces; 3 great-great-nephews; and several cousins.
If so desired, memorial contributions to help with funeral expenses may be made to Austin & Bell Funeral Home.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433
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Timothy William Ketler
February 19, 1958 – July 21, 2026
Timothy William Ketler, age 68, of Germantown, TN, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at home surrounded by family and friends. Graveside services will be conducted at 10am Friday, July 24th in the Elmwood Cemetery in Springfield, TN with Dr. James D. Whitmire officiating. Pallbearers will be Noah Ketler, Caleb Ketler, Chris Ketler, Jonathan Speer, Ted Minor, Jack Pepper, and John Blankenship. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Wade and Chip Hardin.
Mr. Ketler was born February 19, 1958, in Tacoma, WA, to the late Arnold William Ketler and Marcella Mabel Frederick Ketler. He was an airline pilot for Delta Airlines for many years.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Ketler was preceded in death by a brother, Jonathan Ketler.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ketler; sons, Noah Ketler and Caleb Ketler; daughter, Sarah Grace Ketler; 8 grandchildren; brother, David Ketler; and sisters Tamara Ketler and Sandi Reed.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Donna Joyce Downard
February 15, 1949 – July 22, 2026
Donna Joyce Downard, age 77, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at NHC Springfield. Private Graveside services will be conducted in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Leslie Richardson officiating.
Mrs. Downard was born February 15, 1949, in Springfield, to the late Jack Marshall Fisher and Gertrude Tate Fisher. She was a homemaker, enjoyed oil painting, reading and crossword puzzles, and was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Downard was preceded in death by two sons, David and Darrin Downard; a brother, Jimmy Fisher; and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Bunch.
She is survived by a son, Don (Allison) Downard; 2 grandchildren, Alyssa (Seth) Choate and Jake Downard; and 3 sisters, Darlene (Glenn) Gainous, Marlene Bunch and Marilyn (Bill) Johnson.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Shirley Marie Heredia
November 21, 1953 – July 26, 2026
Shirley Marie Heredia, age 72 of Portland went home to be with the Lord Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Sumner Regional Medical Center. She was born November 21, 1953 in Fountain Head, TN to Clay Knox & Agnes Marie Greer James. She worked as an administrative assistant for NHC Hendersonville before becoming disabled. She loved shopping, watching NFL football and was an avid reader.
She was a member of Clearview Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jeffrey Heredia; daughter Angela (Tim) Bell, both of Portland, TN; son Chris (Tracey) Heredia, White House, TN; sister, Sandra (Bob) Kubash, Franklin, KY; 5 grandchildren, Jordan, Tyler, Clay, Miles and Annalee; great-grandchild, Aby.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House at 3pm with Minister Stephen Rogers officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the Cole Family Cemetery in White House, TN.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 1pm until 3pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jue Children’s Research Hospital in Shirley’s memory. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Peggy Joyce Briggs
October 17, 1938 – July 26, 2026
Peggy Joyce Briggs, age 87 of White House passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at NHC Place Sumner in Gallatin. She was born October 17, 1938 in Orlinda, TN to James L. & Lillian Mae Barrow Lane. She worked as a homemaker and was a member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. She enjoyed working puzzles, reading, watching the Andy Griffith Show, and tending to her flowers.
Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Jimmy Briggs; daughter, Cynthia Anne Briggs. She is survived by her sons, Anthony Mark (Karen) Briggs, White House, TN and Tim (Andrea) Briggs, Cottontown, TN; daughter, Melanie (Bryan) Jones, White House, TN; brother, Lonnie (Beverly) Lane, White House, TN; sisters, Patricia (Larry) Jernigan, Mary (Ronnie) Murphy, both of Cross Plains, TN and Judy (Donnie) Sloan, Cottontown, TN; 9 grandchildren, Kyle (Andrea) Ruffin, Tyler (John) Ruffin, Barry (Shelby) Hutchison, Sarah (Tyler) Garner, Hannah Jones, Matthew Jones, Taylor Briggs, Nathan Jones and Lily Briggs; 2 great-grandchildren, Camden Garner and Penelope Ruffin.
Funeral service is scheduled for 1pm Saturday, August 1, 2026 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Pastor Sam Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Saturday, August 1, 2026 10am until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.P.O. Box 422 White House, TN 37188
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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