In Loving Memory: Obituaries Feb. 26 – March 3, 2024
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Obituary for Ruth Hoskins
Ruth Alice Greer Hoskins, 81, of Springfield, passed from this life on Thursday February 29, 2024, at her home.
Graveside services will be conducted Monday March 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Tim Harris officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. on Monday at the Robertson County Funeral Home. An Eastern Star service will be conducted at 12:15 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Ruth was born September 9, 1942, in Danville, KY to the late John R. and Ola Mae Holcomb Greer. She was a retired restaurant cook, a member of Oakland Baptist Church, and a member of the Eastern Star in Greenbrier. Ruth loved quilting and was always a beautiful soul. She loved to cook, and enjoyed making people happy with the food she prepared. Ruth was a great mother and grandmother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: C.B. Hoskins, by her children: Deborah Ann Bartlett and Alva Harrison Boyd, Jr., by her twin brother: John E. Greer, and by her brother: Russell Greer.
Ruth is survived by her son: Dennis Ray Pursley of Springfield, by her daughter: Sherry Kelly of Ohio, by her brother: James Robert “Jim” Greer of Michigan, by her stepchildren:Clarence B. Hoskins, Jr., Teresa Jane Boyd, Vicy Reba Watson, Glenna Sue Hoskins, and Tina Kay Hoskins, by her six grandchildren, eight grandchildren, and by her former daughter-in-law: Angela Crain.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Mitchell “Mickey” Davis Rice
Mitchell “Mickey” Davis Rice, age 55, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Mitchell was born May 8, 1968, in Robertson County to the late William Jerry Rice Sr and Shirley Nadine (White) Rice.
In addition to his parents, Mitchell was preceded in death by his brother, William “Petie” Jerry Rice Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Carolyn Joyce Rice; 2 daughters: Jessica (Justin) Ferrante and Brandee (Raymond) Coonce; 1 son: Steven (Christy) Mefford; 3 grandchildren: Matthew Robert Coonce, Brianna Nicole Coonce and Tobias “peanut” Samuel Ferrante; 1 grandchild on the way; sister: Joyce “Fuzz” (Mike) Gupton; nieces and a nephew, 2 great nieces, 2 great nephews, aunt and cousins.
Mitchell was a jack of all trades. He was a firm believer that duct tape and WD-40 would fix anything. He may have only had a “ged” but he was the smartest man I know.
Mitchell loved Bluegrass and Nascar. He would play both on his phone, connected to a portable speaker, attached to his tractor while he went riding. He may have loved music and cars, but he loved his family more.
He will always be our favorite redneck and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Tennessee Cremation Care 413 Franklin St, Clarksville, TN 37040
Obituary for Shelly Elizabeth Carroll
December 12, 1958 — March 3, 2024
White House
Shelly Elizabeth Carroll, born Shelly Elizabeth Nolan on December 12, 1958, in Arizona, passed away on March 3, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Shelly’s life exuded compassion and selflessness. Described as having a servant’s heart, she always prioritized others’ well-being above her own needs. Her kind and caring nature touched the lives of many around her. She was a woman of strong Christian faith and belonged to Northridge Church in White House.
In her leisure time, Shelly found joy in simple pleasures such as playing slots at the casino and basking under the sun on the beaches of Florida or Myrtle Beach. These moments of relaxation brought her peace and contentment.
Shelly will be deeply missed by her surviving family and friends including her children Matthew (Leslie) Carney, Tiffany Carney, and Jimmy Crafton; life partner of 20 years, Rick Carpenter; siblings Terry Hedgecoth and Elaine Hedgecoth; grandchildren Gracie (Michale, Jr.) Pack, Sabrina Carney, Kayla Crafton, Jordan Crafton, and Michael Crafton; niece Misty Ledford; nephew Josh Stewart; and her beloved fur baby Bailey, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joann Nolan; siblings Anthony Nolan, Tracy Hedgecoth, Pam Nolan, and Joni Hedgecoth.
Services to honor and remember Shelly Elizabeth Carroll will be held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services in White House, TN. A visitation will take place on Friday, March 8th starting at 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Mike Bond at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at White House Memorial Gardens.
Shelly’s legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in peace.
Tribute Video – send a card or flowers
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home – White House.
Obituary for Dan H. Klitz
May 6, 1959 — March 3, 2024
Cross Plains
Dan H. Klitz, 64, of Cross Plains, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Born May 6, 1959, in DeQueen, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Freddie Klitz and Martha Mae Escue Klitz.
Dan’s family and friends will remember him as a kind, sweet, loving man who loved fishing and animals.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Kim Rennee Barry Klitz; brothers Tom and Marshal.
He is survived by his children Danyeail Smith, Joseph “Bubba” Klitz, and Brandon Klitz; stepchildren Amanda (Anthony) Matushin and Jesse (Adrien) Barry; Ashley (David) Alfred who was like a daughter to him; brothers Leon and Gerald; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; close friends and caretakers Jim and Danyelle Fisher; and his fur kids Peanut and Jelly.
A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, April 6, from 2pm until 5 pm at 8544 Village Green Drive in Cross Plains.
Tribute Wall – send a card or flowers
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home – Cross Plains.
Obituary for Nancy Virginia Emily Smiley
November 13, 1934 — March 4, 2024
Goodlettsville
Nancy Virginia Emily Smiley, 89, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024. Born November 13, 1934, in Davidson County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Harris and Eula Belle Sanders Harris.
Nancy was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and Nanny to so many. She never met a stranger and was known to give the best hugs. She was employed at Watauga Elementary School in Ridgetop as a day porter, cafeteria worker, and prior to retiring, a bus aide. She will be remembered for her kindness and love toward everyone she met, as well as always having a smile on her face.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Russell Odell Smiley.
She is survived by her daughter Letitia Kay Smiley Martin (Ronald); grandchildren Angela and Rick Zeigler, Joshua and Amber Elliott, Brad Martin, and Brandon and Alisha Gross-Martin; great grandchildren Russell and Kayla Smith, Kennedy Martin, Kellie Elliott, Ryder, Hudson, and Dawson Martin.
Pallbearers will be Josh Elliott, Brad Martin, Brandon Martin, Rick Zeigler, Steve Smiley, and Barry Smiley.
Honorary Pallbearers will be nephews Barry Smiley, Bobby Smiley, Richard Smiley, Dennis Wade, Brian Wade, Randy Crossland, Travis Harris, Calvin Harris, Don Dickens, C.T. Harris, Greg Raklios, and Larry Raklios.
Visitation will be from 5pm until 8pm at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville on Wednesday, March 6. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Thursday, March 7 at 1pm. Visitation on Thursday will be from 10am until 1pm. Burial will follow in Springhill Cemetery in Robertson County.
She will be missed by all that knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations go toward helping with expenses such as the funeral and nursing home.
Tribute Wall – send a card or flowers
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home – Goodlettsville.
Obituary for Richard Charles Sheppard
September 20, 1944 — March 5, 2024
Goodlettsville
Richard C. Sheppard, 79, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at his home. Born September 20, 1944, in Nashville, he was the son of the late Richard Wryland Sheppard and Anne Bradley Sheppard.
Rick was a devoted husband and father who touched the lives of many people, whether it was his fishing buddies or customers who visited his vegetable stand.
Rick served his country proudly in the United States Navy. He loved to fish more than doing anything else. He was often sarcastic, but was mainly that way with people he liked.
Rick loved spending time at his log cabin and was a founding member of the Tennessee Longhunters and a member of the Kentucky Corps of Long Rifleman.
He was always generous… if you needed something and Rick had it, it was yours. If he didn’t have it, he got it for you. When people would periodically take vegetables from his stand without paying for them, Rich would say “they needed it more than I did.”
His family will remember him as being an excellent cook. Every Saturday he would cook family breakfast for his girls and anyone that tagged along. They’ll also remember him for his love of playing the stand up bass with the Thursday Night Pickers at his brother Glen’s home.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Laraine Sheppard.
His is survived by his daughter Sondra Sharpe; grandchildren Danielle Owens, and Delaney (Nick) Reeve; great grandson Kurt Terry; sister Ann Dorris; brother Glen (Kay) Sheppard; and a host of extended family and friends.
He will be sadly missed by everyone he knew.
A Celebration of Rick’s Life where he will be reunited with his much loved wife will be held in the spring. The date/time/location will be updated to this obituary once they are announced.
Rick’s nickname was “The WatchBear”. The WatchBear has now completed his final watch.
Tribute Wall – send a card or flowers
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home – Goodlettsville.
Obituary for Melody Lynn Wilkes
Melody Lynn Wilkes, age 63, of Madison passed away Monday, March 4, 2024 at her home. She was born March 26, 1960 in Sewanee, TN to Garland & Carolyn Faye Crisp Foutch, Jr.. She worked as the manager of Grand Central Party in Hendersonville. She enjoyed spending time with her twin boys, cooking ,and drinking sweet tea. She was always lending a helping hand to others in any way that she could help them.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Chris Foutch. She is survived by her sons, Parker and Tyler Wilkes, both of White House, TN; brothers, Kelly Foutch (Susie), Monteagle, TN and Tracy Foutch, Atlanta, GA.
A Celebration of Life visitation is planned for Monday, March 11, 2024 4-7PM at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. Inurnment will be held Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 4PM in Monteagle City Cemetery in Monteagle, TN
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
Obituary for Amy Jo Stone
Amy Jo Stone, age 63 of Portland passed away Sunday evening March 3, 2024 at Portland Medical Center. She was born August 14, 1960 in Gallatin, TN to Homer & Elizabeth Bush Carter, Jr. She worked as a custodian for Wal-Mart before becoming disabled. She enjoyed cooking, canning and swimming. She was a true homemaker and loved caring for her home and her family more than anything else.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Milton Stone, Portland, TN; son, Cleo (Stephanie) Stone, Goodlettsville, TN; daughter, Julie Kirkham, Bowling Green, KY; brothers, Wayne and Jeff; sisters, Kim, Carolyn, Brenda, Peggy and Sheila; 6 grandchildren, Carley, Lynna’d, Cadence, Bryson, Bransen and Brayden; her beloved pin pin, Sophie.
Funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 2pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Bro. Perry Hall officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Tuesday, March 12, 2024 10AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.. In lieu of flowers the family humbly asks for donations to be made to Austin & Bell to help with funeral expenses.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
Obituary for Howard Binkley
Howard Leslie Binkley, age 91, of East Point, Kentucky, formerly of Ashland City, died Thursday February 29, 2024 at Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services will be conducted at Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ Cemetery in Ashland City at 2:30PM on Sunday, March 10th, with Bro. Randy Riggs officiating. Burial will follow with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View on Sunday, March 10th from 12:00PM until 2:00PM and then proceed to the graveside service.
Mr. Binkley was born on September 18, 1932, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Jerome & Alice Morris Binkley. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was also a retired truck driver for TDOT.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Binkley; and a son, Randy Binkley.
Survivors include his nephews, Tim, Jerry, and Jason Boyd; and a great- nephew, Jessie Boyd.
Howard was a faithful servant of the Lord and often spoke on how much he was looking forward to meeting his Master and Savior. He greatly missed his wife Geraldine and spoke often how he wanted to be with her. His last hours on this Earth were spent in prayer and praise.
During his life here, he was never ashamed or unwilling to talk to anyone about Jesus. His love for the Lord led him to attend many churches as he sought always to gain a greater understanding. He was a very sociable, thoughtful and kind person who enjoyed meeting new people and was almost always smiling, especially when talking about his faith. He was an inspiration to many.
He will be missed, but not with sadness or grief. He is exactly where he wants to be.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Donna Plumlee
County fair award-winning photographer and Halloween costume designer extraordinaire, the honorable Kentucky Colonel Donna Jo Leding Plumlee, passed away February 28 after a thankfully short-lived battle with that c-word, cancer.
Born and raised in Springfield, TN, this feisty redhead was a daddy’s girl to the late Anthony John ‘AJ’ ‘Tony’ Leding, a devoted daughter to the late Rebecca ‘Becky’ Elizabeth Porter Leding, and a pain in the neck to little brother Frank Patrick ‘Pat’ Leding of Hermitage, TN. Her deviousness presented at an early age when she would sneak behind her parents’ place of business to smoke discarded cigarette butts…in full view of the health department ladies across the street who would call Becky to “come get Donna.” Some of her earliest and fondest memories were spending time with her grandmother, Ma Porter, eating homemade biscuits and being a regular sh*t-*ss. Ma Porter, also a known sh*t-*ss and from whom Donna learned a great deal, was affectionately referred to as “shick-aker” by young Donna, who was so young at the time, she was unable to pronounce sh*t-*ss and it came out shickaker instead. Always an original, even to the point of developing her own words, shickaker is now an affectionate term of endearment amongst her family.
After winning first prize in the kindergarten Halloween costume contest parade thanks in part to the addition of a real calf’s tail pinned to her butt (R.I.P. calf, but this is Donna’s obit), she went on to attend the University of Tennessee, eventually earning a Master of Science in Social Work. During grad school, she met her beloved husband, George Newton Plumlee, Jr. originally of Oak Ridge, TN. Claiming an intense love of nature and caving, she tolerated said activities until he put on a ring on it. In all honesty though, her love of travel paired well with his (and now hers) membership in the National Speleological Society, whose annual caving conventions took them all over these great United States during their 48 years of marriage.
When she wasn’t busy travelling to all 50 states, Donna devoted 30+ years in service to her career as a social worker at the Nashville Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. She went above and beyond seeking services for the many veterans and their spouses she came to know and love over the years. Facilitating emergency weddings by baking cakes and arranging flowers, clearing out the apartments of veterans who passed away, and walking the dogs of old widows were just some of the ways Donna showed her love for others. Her daughters learned the phrase “Are you 100% service connected?” at an early age, as it was the first question from Donna upon learning of someone’s veteran status, whether in the grocery line or at a restaurant.
Always the life of the party, she relished being the “fun aunt” and generally embarrassing her daughters any chance she got. While said antics may have gone unappreciated in their younger years, these life lessons of “just hang loose, just have fun” have been instilled in her daughters, five nieces, and many grand-nieces and nephews. Her always cheerful disposition served her greatly in connecting with grandsons Jack and Milo Meeuwis of Madison, TN. Caring for them in their infancy was the “greatest job” she held in her 76 years of mischief-making.
She did other stuff too. More travels to Europe and Central and South America to relish in the local cuisine. A lighthouse tour of the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Many cakes were baked (the secret ingredient is orange juice), gingerbread houses were hot-glued together, dance parties were had, buttercups were picked, and fits of laughter rang out on Sunday afternoon drives through the country.
What remains are unfinished sewing projects in her craft hoard, unlabeled family photos too numerous to count, an unwieldy amount of “live laugh love” and “dull women have immaculate homes”-type décor, and a house full of memories to clean out lovingly bequeathed to George and daughters Mary Meeuwis (Frank) of Madison, TN and Catherine Plumlee (Adam Kiepe) of Omaha, NE. “I’m starting…I got two bags of goodwill ready to go,” said Donna Plumlee, circa 2017.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the friends who have supported them and Donna throughout her illness, as well as to the physicians and caregivers at Vanderbilt and Brookdale Assisted Living.
In true Donna Jo fashion, a long, drawn out process of putting her to rest will begin with visitation on Sunday March 3 from 1-4 pm at Robertson County Funeral Home in Springfield, TN. More visitation will take place on Tuesday March 5 from 1-2 pm followed by a memorial service at 2 pm, also at Robertson County Funeral Home. Feather boas are optional. A private burial will take place on Wednesday March 6 at the Plumlee family cemetery in Celina, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for stories or honoring Donna with donations to a charity of your choice.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Patsy Hart
Patsy Joan White Hart, 80, of White House, passed from this life on Wednesday February 28, 2024, at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday March 4th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Tim Harris officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with Domonique Cartwright, Dante Cartwright, Dakota Sasser, Christian Hart, Steven King, and Jada Hart serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Patsy was born December 27, 1943, in Cedar Hill, to the late G.R. and Nellie Estella Stuard White. She was a retired LPN and was of the Baptist faith. Pasty loved flowers, especially roses, playing computer games, and watching TV, especially westerns. She always loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Douglas Wayne Hart, and by her siblings: Robert White, Conelia White, Darlene Starks, Betty Wells, and Peggy Moseley.
Patsy is survived by her children: Kimberly Hart of White House, Kecia LaFond and husband Eric of Gallatin, Kevin Hart and wife Crystal of White House, and by her grandchildren: Domonique Cartwright, Dante Cartwright, Jada Hart, Jasmine Hart, Dakota Sasser, Haley Sasser, Damon LaFond, Chloe Hart, and Christian Hart.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Judy Adkins
June 7, 1945 — February 28, 2024
Goodlettsville
Judy Adkins, a dedicated professional who spent 45 remarkable years in the banking industry, with the majority of her career contributing to the success of Bank of Goodlettsville, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. Judy was born on June 7, 1945, and departed from this world on February 28, 2024.
Throughout her lifetime, Judy achieved great milestones both professionally and academically. She graduated from Martin Methodist College with a degree in banking and later pursued further education at LSU, where she obtained a banking certificate. Her commitment to the field was unwavering and admirable.
Aside from her illustrious career, Judy found joy and fulfillment in various hobbies and interests. She cherished socializing with friends, actively participated in the Goodlettsville High School Alumni Association, enjoyed meeting friends for lunch, found solace in reading, and had a green thumb when it came to gardening.
One of Judy’s proudest accomplishments was being a loving grandmother to her grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “JuJu”. Her impact on their lives will forever be treasured and remembered with great fondness.
Judy is now reunited with her beloved parents, Joseph and Pauline Peay; her devoted husband of 57 years, Frank Adkins; and her dear sister, Donna P. Stephens. Though she may have left this world, Judy’s spirit lives on through her surviving son, Kyle (Jamie) Adkins; grandchildren Carson Maxwell and Avery Adkins; as well as nieces Lisa (Jim) Moore, Leslie (Marty) Crump, Linde (Mark) Waller.
A Visitation will be held at Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in Goodlettsville on March 5th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Let us gather to honor and commemorate the life of Judy Adkins—a remarkable individual who touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Tribute Wall – send a card or flowers
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
Obituary for Trudy Ann Hughes
September 30, 1952 — February 27, 2024
Greenbrier
Trudy Ann Hughes, 71, of Greenbrier, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Nashville. Born September 30, 1952, in Nashville, she was the daughter of the late Walter Dickson and Dorothy Ragan Dickson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Wesley Dickson.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jimmy Hughes; son Kevin (Karen) Hughes; daughter Keri (Danny) Thompson; grandchildren Jordan Justice, Brandon Justice, Kristin Avaritt and Jamie Avaritt and was “Nee Nee” to many more; great grandson Weston Fletcher.
Trudy was raised in the Goodlettsville area. She attended Goodlettsville High School and graduated from the Watkins Institute. She was an accountant for Kenneth Duncan Painting for over 30 years.
Trudy’s passion was her horses and the horse show community. She loved showing horses, barrel racing, as well as designing custom made rodeo shirts. Her family will remember her as an outspoken spitfire who took care of everyone she knew. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and as of very recently, great grandmother, who will be missed dearly.
A memorial gathering took place at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville from 12 pm noon until 8 pm on Saturday, March 2.
An informal celebration of her life will be held in the spring.
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
Obituary for Linda Ellen Evitts McCord
Linda Ellen Evitts Mayfield McCord, age 71, of Nashville, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12pm Tuesday, March 5th in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Pastor James Jett officiating. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery on Dividing Ridge Road.
The family will receive friends from4-7pm Monday, and again from 10am until time of the service at 12pm Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. McCord was born July 3, 1952 in Springfield, to the late Lester and Myra Smiley Evitts. She was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. McCord was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy Michelle Beazley; sister, Sue Evitts; and grandparents, Samuel Collins Smiley and Martha Evaline Robertson Smiley.
She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Daryl McCord; and a sister, Margaret Evitts Mays.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Spring Hill Baptist Church, 6137 Dividing Ridge Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Highway 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
Obituary for Phyllis Jo Adcox
Phyllis Jo Adcox, age 79, of Greenbrier, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Wednesday, March 6th in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Dennis Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Mickey Adcox, Josh Adcox, Bailey Adcox, Peyton Adcox, Tracy Sterry, and Dennis Morris serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Bubba Adcox.
The family will receive friends from 4-8pm Tuesday, and again from 11am until time of the service at 1pm Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Adcox was born January 28, 1945, in Davidson County, to the late Malcolm Patterson Rittenberry and Winnie Aline Gibson Rittenberry. To her, family was always number one and she loved and cherished her’s deeply. Mrs. Adcox loved to sew, read, cook and garden. Loved to work, and loved the sunshine.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Adcox was preceded in death by her husband of almost 39 years, Robert Bailey Adcox; and sisters, Ruby Frances Mallard, and Margaret Jewel Pendleton.
She is survived by her sons, Robert Ernest “Bubba” Adcox (Lynda), and Malcolm Patterson :Mickey” Adcox; daughters, Vickie Rhena Sterry (Tracy), and Phyllis Charlene Adcox; 4 grandchildren, Joshua Ryan Adcox, Alexis Patterson Adcox, Bailey Dean Adcox, and Peyton Lane Adcox; 2 great grandchildren, Ryan Lane Adcox and Bowen Robert Payne; 1 great great grandchild on the way; brothers, Malcolm Patterson “Buddy” Rittenberry, and James Crockett “Jimmy” Pope (Anita); sister, Brenda Charlene Land; and a god-daughter, Kirstie Ann Finch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or by visiting https://lovetotherescue.org
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Highway 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
Obituary for Kenny Balthrop
Kenneth Dorris “Kenny” Balthrop, age 65 of Pleasant View, Tennessee, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024 at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center.
Funeral services will be conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View, Tennessee at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8th, with Bro. Randy Hester officiating. Burial will follow at EverRest of Cheatham with Preston Murphey, Anthony Moore, Keith Gupton, Clay Balthrop, Mike Stokes, and Josh Pulley serving as pallbearers and Linda Balthrop serving as honorary pallbearer.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at 1:00 p.m.
Mr. Balthrop was born on April 13, 1958 in Springfield, Tennessee to the late Dorris & Lila Bell Hunt Balthrop. He was a 1976 graduate of Springfield High School and worked at Electrolux for over 20 years. He was also the owner and operator of Southwind Farm in the Gause Community. He was a member of Heads Free Will Baptist Church. In his free time, Kenny loved to travel. He also loved to conversate with friends and family while having a good meal.
Survivors include his aunts, Faye Murphey, Bonnie Moore, Dimple Balthrop, Rosa Balthrop, and Nellie Jo Balthrop ; numerous loving cousins; and many dear friends.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Christine Vaden Brown
This Obituary is done as a courtesy for Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home, 241 W Main Street, Lebanon, TN (615) 444-2142.
Mrs. Christine Vaden Brown age 83 of Springfield passed away February 29, 2024, at St. Thomas West Hospital. Born in the Elmwood Community of Smith County, July 30, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Herman Vaden and Susie Woodard Vaden. She was a 1959 graduate of Springfield High School and Valla Business College. She was a real estate broker most of her working career and retired as executive secretary at Nationwide Insurance. She was a member of South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Howard Brown, March 2, 2019; sister, Bettye Sue Hilton; brother, Thomas Lee Vaden.
She is survived by two children: Tina (Frank) Schnitzler of White House, Kirby Joe (Felicia) Brown of Donelson; grandson, Michael Owen Brown of Florida; sister-in-law, Wanda Vaden of Greenbrier.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield with Dr. David Blazer officiating. Interment – Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers: David Diaz, Josh Dickinson, Sam Smith, James Sawyers, Johnny Norton, Mitchell Buck, Bernard Smith. Visitation Monday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at South Haven Baptist Church.
LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME, in charge of arrangements.
Obituary for Gary Thomas Axley
Gary Thomas Axley, age 64, of Springfield, passed away Monday, February 26, 2024.
The family received friends from 11am-12pm Friday, March 1st at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield. Funeral service and interment followed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cedar Hill, Tennessee at 1pm Friday. Pallbearers were Ernie Axley, Jr., Jeremy Axley, Keith McClard, Steve Axley, Andrew Cobb, and David Hall.
Gary was born on November 7th, 1959, in Springfield, Tennessee, to Arthur and Mamie (James) Axley. He was a lifelong lover of the outdoors, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a beloved father, brother, and friend.
Gary is preceded in death by both parents; brother Ernie Axley; and nephew Brent West. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Axley and her mother, Bettye Ann (Cobb) Axley; sisters Colleen (Axley) West, Wanda (Axley) McClard, Carol Axley, Venita Axley, Tina (Axley) Kelly, and Phyllis Axley; brothers Dennis Axley and Tony Axley; niece Michelle Axley; and nephews Brian West, Keith McClard, Ernie Axley, Jr., Jeremy Axley, and John Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or Our Lady of Lourdes.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
(Updated) Obituaries February 19-25, 2024
Obituary for Linda Wilson
Linda Evelyn Osborne Wilson, age 74, of Springfield, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 1pm in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Brother Gary Dillard and Brother Donnie Bryant officiating. Burial followed in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Kenny Betts, Jr., C.J. Betts, Dylan Wilson, Koby Rojo, Jasper Wilson, Curt Sowell, Michael Wilson and Tyler Braswell serving as pallbearers.
Visitation was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4-8pm and again on Thursday from 11am until the hour of service at 1pm.
Mrs. Wilson was born August 12, 1949 in Springfield to the late Odis and Ruth Dowdy Osborne. She worked as a seamstress at Wilson Sporting Goods and was a life-long member of Calvary Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents Mrs. Wilson is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Wayne Wilson, sisters, Joann Randolph and Esther Crain, and her brother, Ray Osborne.
Mrs. Wilson is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Dwayne and Jennifer Wilson and Nick and Haley Wilson; daughter, Melissa Trimble; brother and sister-in-law, Roy Lee and Suzanne Osborne; grandchildren, Misty (Kenny) Betts, Adriana Rojo, Dylan (Katelyn) Wilson, Hanna (Tyler) Braswell, Koby (Rebekah) Rojo, Jasper Wilson, Atticus Wilson and Peyton Wilson; great-grandchildren, Presley Betts, C.J. Betts, Haley Betts, Alexus (Ryan) Brown, Caliyah Rojo, Cason Rojo, Dawson Braswell, Everly Braswell, Cayden Warren, Gibson Warren and Jarrett Wilson; great-great-grandchildren, Ava Brown and Zayden Smith; and coming soon, great-grandson, Nicolas Rojo.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
Obituary for Wilma Sue Hudgens Vandertang
February 9, 1942 — February 24, 2024
White House
Wilma Sue Hudgens Vandertang, of Jackson County, TN, passed away on February 24, 2024, in White House, TN at the age of 82. She was born on February 9, 1942.
Wilma was known for her love of working in her flower garden and traveling, with a special fondness for the beach. Her proudest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren, who affectionately called her “MeMaw”.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward Long and Bessie Jenkins; husbands Burl Hudgens and Charles Vandertang, as well as her sister Marlene Fickes.
Wilma is survived by her son Tim (Dana) Hudgens, grandchildren Chris (Nicole) Troutt, Kristen (Adrian) Reeds, and Ana Hudgens, great-grandchild Wyatt Reeds, and sisters Sue and Linda. She is also survived by a special someone, who was like a daughter to her, Stacey Newman.
Services to celebrate Wilma’s life was held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville, TN. A visitation took place on March 1st from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again from 11AM-1PM Saturday prior to the service. The Celebration of Life service was on March 2nd starting at 1:00 PM, and burial followed at White House Memorial Gardens.
Wilma Sue Hudgens Vandertang will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace.
Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
Obituary for Roy Milton Pitt Jr.
Roy Milton Pitt Jr., 70, of Springfield, Tennessee, passed away on February 26, 2024.
He was born on December 3, 1953, in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Debi Sue Pitt; his son, Andrew Milton (Erica) Pitt; his sister, Mary Ann (Barna) Gibson; his sister, Betty Jo (Donald) Hawks; his granddaughter, Bella Clinard; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private service for friends and family was held at Oakland Baptist Church in Springfield, Tennessee, on March 2, 2024, at 12:30 PM.
May Roy rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Obituary for Doris Garrett
Doris Ann Pinson Garrett, 88, of Springfield, passed from this life on Friday February 23, 2024, at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Doris Ann was born in Robertson County, in Orlinda, TN, on August 5, 1935, to the late Walton Sterling “Doc” and Carrie Pauline Webb Pinson. Her parents were farmers and Doris Ann grew up learning to do all the farm chores. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior when she was eleven years old and was baptized in the Red River by Brother Bruce Ousley. She was a member of the Christian faith, and she participated in church in many ways wherever she lived.
Doris Ann was a graduate of East Robertson High School Class of 1953. She was a star basketball player and team captain at East Robertson. She was also voted to be a member of the DAR. Doris Ann lived the first 49 plus years of her life in Robertson County. She married Ltc. Othur E. Garrett and moved to Paducah, KY in 1985. While living in Paducah, she was an avid gardener and homemaker. After his death, she moved back home to Robertson County in May of 2012. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters.
Doris Ann was a homemaker, and she loved the Lord, her family, and her friends. Prior to becoming a homemaker, Doris Ann worked as a secretary for Greenbrier First Baptist Church, as a bookkeeper and dispatcher for Better Block Company, and in Real Estate for G.S. Moore & Son. In her leisure time, she enjoyed quilting, genealogy, being a historian, and was an avid UT Vols fan. She was a longtime volunteer with the NorthCrest Medical Center Auxiliary and was a volunteer hostess at The Doctors House in Cross Plains.
Doris Ann is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Rick and Toni Lane of Spaulding, IL, Steven and Loretta Lane of Ft. McCoy, FL, by her daughters and sons-in-law: Barbara and Tom Wilson of Springville, TN, Susan and Robert Lenard of Mooresville, NC, by one grandson, six granddaughters, seventeen great grandchildren, four adopted great grandchildren, one adopted great great grandchild, and by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday February 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Tim Harris officiating. Interment followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. The family received friends on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to Gideons International. All donations may be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Jeffrey Sawyers
Jeffrey Lynn Sawyers, 59, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday February 22, 2024.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday February 27th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Diane Coppock officiating. Interment followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Justin Hutchison, Josh Pyle, J.R. Mealer, Briley Hutchison, Heath Parks, and Mark Wilson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Hilarino “Leno” Chavez, George Cowan, James Cowan, Paul Dyer, and William Bennett. The family received friends on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Jeffrey was born March 12, 1964, in Springfield. He was a member of GreenRidge Church of Christ, but also enjoyed attending Palestine Methodist Church, Woodland Street United Methodist Church, and the Main Street Church of Christ. Jeffrey enjoyed watching wrestling, participating in Special Olympics, going to church, eating at Shoney’s, anything “Elvis” like watching movies, listening to music, and collecting Elvis memorabilia, and he always enjoyed spending time with his family especially on holidays and birthdays. He was preceded in death by his father: Leonard Sawyers, by his mother: Mabel Ann Goodwin Sawyers, and by his brother: Barry Sawyers.
Jeffrey is survived by his sister: Mary Nell Sawyers Mealer and husband Glenn of Springfield, by his nephews: Justin Hutchison, Josh Pyle, and Glenn Mealer, Jr., by his niece: Ashley Mealer, and by nine great nieces and nephews.
Jeffrey’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of RHA, in Springfield, for the love and care that each of them extended to Jeffrey.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics and may be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Robert Cyprus
Robert G. Cyprus of Springfield, Tennessee passed away peacefully Monday, February 19, 2024, after a brief illness. “Cowboy Bob” as he was known to most, was born on September 21, 1935, in the Bronx, New York. He graduated from the American School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1953, and entered Cornell University, graduating in the class of 1957 with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. While at Cornell, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and played on the varsity polo team for four years. In August 1957, he married his college sweetheart Jo Anne Eastburn. After serving for three years in the U.S. Army Reserve at Ft. Bliss, Texas, he began a 30-year career as a special agent for Prudential Insurance Company in El Paso, Texas where he and Jo Anne lived for 40 years while they raised their three children. During this time, Bob pursued his lifelong love for horses and polo as a member of the Paso Del Norte Polo Club.
In 1995, he moved to Springfield, Tennessee where his business card listed him as “Old Retired Guy/Gentleman Farmer/Horseman”. Bob was a member of the Montgomery County Trail Riders Association and New Chapel Men’s Club. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and a covenant member of Fifth Avenue Uniting Church. On a typical day, Bob could be found riding his horses through his back pastures, sitting on the back patio in the sun, and eating a bowl of ice cream.
He is preceded in death by his mother (Erica), father (Kip) and brother (Norman). He is survived by his wife of 66 years Jo Anne, his three children Robert Bruce Cyprus, Thomas Clayton Cyprus (Tawni), Elizabeth Cyprus Anderson (Mike), and his five grandchildren Lexi Sisk (Casey), Chandler Badcock (Matt), Laurel Callaway (Jack), Allie Cyprus, Tripper Capps.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alive Hospice Nashville, or Fifth Avenue Uniting Church of Springfield. All donations (payable to the organization) may be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home 2201 Memorial Blvd. Springfield, TN 37172
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Rusti Sue Wiersma
Rusti Sue Wiersma, age 52, of Cedar Hill, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at her home.
A Celebration of Life was held at Center Point Baptist church in Barren Plains on Saturday, March 2nd at 1pm with Brother Ronnie Green officiating. There was a balloon release ceremony at 2pm following the Celebration of Life service at the church. All were welcome to attend.
Ms. Wiersma was born November 11, 1971 in Grand Rapids, MI to Robert Simon Wiersma, Jr. and Lois Jeanne Merritt Johnson. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service after many years of service.
Ms. Wiersma was preceded in death by her father, Robert Simon Wiersma, Sr. and her brother, Robert Simon Wiersma, Jr.
She is survived by her mother, Lois Jeanne Johnson; brothers, Ryan Shawn (Michelle) Wiersma, and Doug (Shannon) Lagendyk; sisters, Valerie Kim, and Rhonda (Elvis) Bellar; step mother, Karen Uhen; goddaughter, Annalese “Lei-Lei” Beeks; nephews, Justin Simon, Shawn (Ariel) Simon, Shane Wiersma and as well as several nieces and nephews that she loved as if they were her own children.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
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