In Loving Memory: Obituaries October 20, 2024
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Obituary for Martha Bilyeu
Martha Catherine Simpson Bilyeu, age 84 of Springfield, passed from this life on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at her home.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home with Rev. Tracy Hagerman and Chris Hicks officiating. Burial followed in Brewers Chapel Cemetery in Chapmansboro with Austin House, Jeremy House, Seth Bassett, Chris “Coupe” Hicks, II, Chris Hicks, Joe Bilyeu, and Justin Bilyeu serving as pallbearers. The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 AM until the hour of service.
Mrs. Bilyeu was born January 6, 1940 in Cynthiana, KY. She was a member of Red River Assembly of God and was a homemaker. She was a woman of strong faith who always put God first, and her love for Jesus guided every aspect of her life. As a homemaker she was known for cooking and baking for those she loved and cared about. She adored children and treated every child she cared for in her home as if they were her own. She loved reading her Bible, sharing the word of God, and spending time with family. Her joy also extended to the beauty of nature, especially her love for hummingbirds. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will cherish the love and kindness she shared with all.
Mrs. Martha was preceded in death by her father, Orville Simpson; mother Anna Frances Grayson Simpson; and the mother who reared her, Anna “Stella” Cole Simpson. She is also preceded by her daughter, Cathy Gupton; sisters, Anna Lee Whalen, Cora Mae Florence, Louise Richardson, and Mary Catherine Simpson; and brothers, Clarence “Ed” Simpson, Donald Simpson, Orville Simpson, Jr., and Charles Simpson.
Surviving her are her husband, Charlie Bilyeu of Springfield; sons, Charles “Chuck” (Carrie) Bilyeu, Jr. and Christopher “Chris” Bilyeu, both of Springfield; son-in-law, Keith Gupton of Cedar Hill; grandchildren, Jeremy House, Jessica (Chris) Hicks, Justin (Lydia) Bilyeu, Josh (Katie) Gupton, Victoria (Jake) Connally, Holly (Seth) Bassett, Alex (Tiffany) West, Anna West, and Asher Bilyeu; 15 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; sister, Maxie Wyrick of Cynthiana, KY; and brothers, Newton “Sonny” Simpson of Cincinnati, OH and James T. “Jimmy” Simpson of Cynthiana, KY.
The family request, if so desired, for memorial contributions to be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Obituary for Barbara F. Wortman
February 16, 1932 — October 15, 2024
White House
Barbara F. Wortman, 92, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Born on February 16, 1932, in Nottawa Township, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Walter Jackson and Marjorie Belle Vincent Jackson.
Barbara spent much of her professional life as a supervisor for Michigan Bell Phone Company, showcasing her strong work ethic and leadership qualities.
Barbara was deeply passionate about her hobbies and interests. As a member of the Iris Society of Michigan as well as the American Iris Society, she developed a profound appreciation for the beauty of nature. Her hands were never idle; she was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and crocheting, creating delightful pieces that were embraced by family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years Ronald Ray Wortman; brothers Allen Jackson and Orval Jackson; and son-in-law Dennis Thelen.
Her legacy will live on through her beloved family. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Thelen; her grandchildren Kristen, Mark (Emily), Nicole (Aaron), Gary, Rene (Jeff), Steve (Mary), Brent (Barb), and Lori; and great grandchildren Ashtyn, Abbey, Alyssa, and Addyson. Alongside her immediate family, Barbara also leaves behind her sister, Caroline (Keith) Weatherholt, and her brother, Dennis (Georgia) Jackson. Each of them carries with them memories of Barbara’s love, warmth, and wisdom.
Barbara F. Wortman will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the joy she brought to her family and the community. Her spirit, much like the beautiful irises she so adored, will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who loved her.
A graveside service will take place 10 am Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Michigan.
Final arrangements for Mr. Kuzma have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, Goodlettsville.
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Obituary for Timothy Wayne Jacobs
Timothy wayne Jacobs, age 48 passed away Friday, October 18, 2024 at Hendersonville Medical Center. He was born March 11, 1976 in Nashville, TN to James Jewel & Norma Jean Searcy Jacobs.
He enjoyed racing and attended Good Shepherd Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, James “Jamie” Jacobs. He is survived by his wife, Mindy Jacobs; sons, Cody (Dana) Jacobs, Harley (Amanda) Jacobs, Austin Jacobs and Ashton Jacobs; daughters, Addisyn Jacobs and Aubrey Jacobs, all of White House, TN, Jeskia (Brandon) James, Greenrier, TN; brothers, Norman (Joyce) Jacobs, Tullahoma, TN and Ronnie Lee, Mount Juliet, TN; 6 grandchildren, Akenzleigh, Bobby, Rhylee, Chevy, Amaya and Natalie.
A memorial service is being planned and this obituary will be updated when those arrangements are finalized. Memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to help with funeral expenses at CashApp, $Mimi95spunky, Venmo @mindy-Hughes-22 or in a cash donation to Mindy.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
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Obituary for Brenda Hutson Wills
Brenda Hutson Wills, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on July 15, 1944 to Neal & Helen Hutson. Brenda lived a life full of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family. Brenda enjoyed countless adventures alongside her husband Phil. They spent their time together racing, flying, riding motorcycles and cruising in hot rods. Brenda also cherished her time spent with her children and grandchildren. From family meals, girls’ trips and pool days, she loved being surrounded by her girls. She was a proud and active member of the Charlotte Reeves Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Brenda enjoyed genealogy and spent countless hours researching her family’s roots, tracing her lineage and helping others discover theirs.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Peggy (Homer) Lempicki and Pat Barrett. Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Henry (Phil) Wills, Jr; her daughters, Lora (Jack) Moore and Carrie (Rusty) Graves; her grandchildren Abbi Graves (Ivan Gainous), Britney Graves (Tyler Smith), Chelsie (Josh) Edwards and Sarah Moore; brothers, Gary (Nancy) Hutson and Clif (Fran) Hutson; brother-in-law, Gordon Barrett.. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A special thank you to Gloria Smith, Brittany Carter, Kris Brooks, Debra Gander and all the other hospice nurses and caregivers that took such good care of Brenda and her family over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dementia Society of America in Brenda’s memory. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11am in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, with Ricky Minton and Clif Hutson officiating. Interment will follow in Cross Plains Cemetery with Clif Hutson, Jack Moore, Rusty Graves, Josh Edwards, Tyler Smith and Michael Carroll serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Monday, October 21, 2024 4-8pm and Tuesday, October 22, 2024 9am until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
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Obituary for Ester “Jeanette” Wilkins
Ester Jeanette Wilkins, 88, affectionately known to many as Ma, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, in Only, TN. Born on April 17, 1936, in Springfield, TN, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother to 17, great-grandmother to 33, great-great-grandmother to 4, and a cherished friend and mother figure to countless others.
Jeanette was admired for her unwavering loyalty to those she held dear, her warm-heartedness toward everyone, and her sharp wit paired with a radiant smile.
She is survived by her children Terry (Debbie) Wilkins, Vickie Tardiff (Mike), Goeffrey (Patty) Wilkins, as well as her sisters, Sue Johnson and Joyce Pitt. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Sammy and Nancy Kiger; husband Ellis Wilkins, Jr., her best friend Raymond Morehart, her siblings Jeannie (Lester) Whitaker and Lizzy (Wilson) Murphy; as well as her children Debbie (Larry) Berman, Danny Wilkins, and Michael Wilkins.
Throughout her life, Jeanette took great pleasure in gardening, relaxing on her front porch swing, traveling to visit loved ones, tending to her beloved hummingbirds, and hunting for treasures at yard sales. Her home was always a welcoming haven for friends and family.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 12pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Mr. Taylor Griffin officiating. Burial followed in the Elmwood Cemetery. The family received friends from 11am until time of the service at 12pm Sunday, at the funeral home.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Daniel and Stephanie Wilkins, Crystal Malugin, and Vicky Writesman, for their compassionate care during her final days.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
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Obituary for Shirley Helton-Riggs
Shirley Ann Helton-Riggs, age 85 of Clarksville, Tennessee passed away, Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at her home.
Funeral services were conducted at 1 o’clock pm, Saturday, October 19th, at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, 2204 Jarrell Ridge Rd, Clarksville, Tn 37043 with Pastor John Richardson and Rev. Mike Pressnell officiating.
The family received friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00AM until the hour of service at 1:00PM.
Burial will be Monday, October 21st at 11:00AM at Candle Ridge Church Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
Mrs. Shirley was born on September 5, 1939 in Harlan, Kentucky to the late George Russell & Anna Russell-Napier. She retired after 30 years as a social worker for nursing homes in Ohio and Texas. She loved to do craftwork, making wreaths and loved to shop. She taught Bible studies and loved to read her Bible.. Her greatest joy were her children and her grandchildren. She was a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Clayton Helton, second husband, Jack Riggs, and siblings, Evelyn Adkins, Helen Tibbs, Chris Blanton, Curtis Partin, Roy Napier, Marvin Napier, and Carolyn Napier.
She is survived by her sons, Gary (Rene) Helton and Joe (Teresa) Helton; daughters, Linda Helton and Debbie (Jim) Pressnell; grandchildren, Mark (Marianna) Helton, Sonya Helton, Heather (Mason) Heggie, Rebecca (Henry) Boepple, Joshua (Kerry) Pressnell, David (Alicia) Pressnell, Clayton Talley, and Danielle Helton; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Shirley’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, Tn. 38105.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
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Obituary for Sue Dayton
Sue Walker Dayton, age 91 of Pleasant View, Tennessee died Monday, October 14, 2024, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
There will be a private family graveside service and no visitation prior to the graveside.
Mrs. Dayton was born on September 28, 1933 in Pleasant View to the late Cecil & Mattie Brown Walker. She was a bookkeeper for twenty years and then became a homemaker. She loved the outdoors and was a member of Good Springs Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Dayton.
She is survived by her daughter, Christy (Ron) Rich; brother, Rev. Billy Walker; two grandchildren, Jessica Love and Christopher Braden; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sue’s memory to Susan Komen Cure, 4009 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 209, Nashville, Tn. 37215 or American Heart Association, 1818 Patterson St, Nashville, Tn 37203.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
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Obituary for David Proctor Fisher

David Proctor Fisher, age 85, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at NHC Springfield. Funeral services were conducted at 1pm Friday, October 18th, in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Bro. Adam Callis officiating. A private family only burial followed in the Elmwood Cemetery with Stephen Callis, Andy Callis, Eric Callis, Bradley Callis, Mitchell Beers, Alec Beers, Dalton Head, and Tanner Callis serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends from 11am until time of the service at 1pm Friday, at the funeral home.
Mr. Fisher was born September 5, 1939, in Odessa, TX, to the late Larry Lajoie Fisher and Gwendolyn Spencer Fisher. He was a graduate of Greenbrier High School, former Owner of Springfield Express Trucking, a former member of the Rotary Club, and a member of Springfield First United Methodist Church. Mr. Fisher served multiple terms as the Mayor of Springfield, and retired from Titan Transfer Logistics.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Fisher was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Lajoie Fisher.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Florence Fisher; children, Polly Elaine Fisher Mickle and husband Robert, Perry David Fisher and wife Lisa, Kelly Scott Fisher and his fiancé Lynn, Frank Lee Callis Jr. and wife Cheryl, Stephen Allen Callis and wife Sheila, and Elana Dawn Beers and husband Emmett; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
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Obituary for Charles Benton Herndon Sr.
Charles Benton Herndon, Sr., age 91 of Greenbrier, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, October 19,2024 at 11am in the Greenbrier Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Hwy 41 S., Greenbrier, TN with Charles Herndon, Jr. and Bro. Johnny Trail officiating. The family received friends 4pm to 8pm on Friday, October 18 and 9am until hour of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with grandsons, Jeremy Creasy, Roge Herndon, Kyle Herndon, Chad Herndon and great-grandsons, Tony Moody and Duncan Cloud serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Max, Cooper, Archie, Michael, Matthew, Noah and Jude Herndon, Abel Creasy, Obie Johnson, Beau McLamb and great-great grandson Tyler Cain.
Mr. Herndon was born January 7,1933 in Springfield, TN to the late Theodore Harry Herndon and Gladys Marie Charlton Herndon. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Bagwell Herndon, his son, Roger Alan Herndon, sister, June Weinert, and brother, Donald Wayne Herndon.
He is survived by children, Julie (Jerry) Creasy of Hendersonville, Charles (Marsha) Herndon, Jr. of Ridgetop, Rick (Tina) Herndon of Mt. Juliet and daughter-in-law, Dee Herndon of Greenbrier.
Charles was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ in Springfield where he served as a Deacon. He retired from Dupont in 1996. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball when his sons were playing. Charles played basketball in a league at Dupont during his years there. He loved supporting his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in different sports and enjoyed many years playing golf. He and his wife, Margaret, spent many years helping to organize their Senior Adult Young at Heart group and Prime timers group activities for fun and fellowship at their church.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2.) Charles Herndon walked in the way of love.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Greenbrier Bobcats Athletic Club.
Online condolences may be made at Austin & Bell Funeral Home 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN is in charge of arrangements.
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Obituary for Mary Catherine Dotson
Mary Catherine Dotson, age 76 of Portland passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024 at her home. She was born May 3, 1948 in Max Meadows, Virginia to Henry Lee & Annabell Novella Gravly Jakson. She attended Northridge Church in White House. She loved cooking for everyone, canning, gardening and was a gifted seamstress. She enjoyed spending time with her family more than anything else.
Mrs. Dotson is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Loyd Roger Dotson; 4 brothers, Henry Jackson, William Jackson, James Jackson and Melvin Jackson. She is survived by her daughter, Paige (Kirby) Pearce, Cottontown, TN; sons, Loyd R. (Wendy) Dotson, Jr., Bay City, MI and Michael Dotson, Lillian, AL; sisters, Mamie Gipson, Lebanon, TN and Nona Kitts, Adolphus, KY; 5 grandchildren, Heather Vaughn, Michael Dotson, Heather Kerr, Jacob Pearce and Kaleigh Pearce; 6 great-grandchildren, Novella, Elizabeth, Alison, Eleanor, Charlotte and Lana; several nieces and nephews; special family friends, Mandy Freytag and Lynette Conquest.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Kirby Pearce officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation was Tuesday, October 15, 2024 11am-1pm at the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
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Obituary for Carolyn June Goodwin
Carolyn June Goodwin, age 75, of Greenbrier, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 at the home of her son in Cedar Hill.
Funeral services were conducted at 2pm Tuesday, October 15th in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Bro. Mitchell Osborne, Bro. Gary Dillard, and Bro. Roger Cunningham officiating. Burial followed in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Riley Goosetree, Dylan Goodwin, Jordyn Goodwin, Zay Henley, Nicholas Henley, and Noah Henley serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Tim Osborne, Shane Long, German Poteete, Roger Cunningham, and Jordan Brant.
The family received friends from 10am until time of the service at 2pm Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Goodwin was born February 8, 1949 in Nashville, to Ernest Henry Knight and Josie Mai Johnson Knight. She was tough as nails, the toughest, indestructible, and couldn’t be bent or broken. Just a true lovely lady. Mrs. Goodwin worked in many different roles at the Highland Rim / Veterans Motorplex raceway for many years and loved her “track” community.
Mrs. Goodwin was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Goodwin; father, Ernest Henry Knight; and a sister, Jacqueline Osborne.
She is survived by her sons, James Ernest “Bo” Owens, Matthew Boyd (Amber) Goodwin, and Dustin Edward (Tracey) Goodwin; daughter, Wendye Leeann Owens; 13 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; mother, Josie Mai Knight; and sisters, Marlene Henley, and Henrietta Long.
Online condolences may be made at Austin & Bell Funeral Home 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN is in charge of arrangements.
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