Obituaries: Week of February 23, 2025, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Chris Flake
July 24, 1973 ~ February 17, 2025 (age 51)
Steven Chris Flake, 51, of Springfield, TN, passed from this life on Monday February 17, 2025, at Skyline Medical Center. Funeral services were conducted Saturday February 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Dr. Eric Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Sam Drew, Will Drew, Jonathan Hornick, Brent Hallman, Peyton Womble, and Pat Storey serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Collins, Melvin Smith, Mark Johnson, Jason Jackson, Mike Rippatoe, and Chris Cooksey. The family will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Chris was born July 24, 1973, in Albany, GA to Harry and Linda Flake, Jr. He graduated from Deerfield-Windsor Academy in Albany, and later received his bachelor’s degree from the Brock School of Business at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. While at Samford, he met Lisa and they moved to Springfield following their marriage. Chris spent a lifetime career working in the construction industry, serving as a sales representative for A.E. Finley & Associates and Scott Equipment Company in LaVergne. He was an active member of Cedar Hill Baptist Church and served on the Board of Trustees at Davidson Academy, where his children attended school since Pre-K. Chris was an avid sports fan and loved all things outdoors. He especially loved going back to South Georgia to hunt and fish and spend time with his family and friends. Chris’ greatest love and devotion was to his family, and he loved supporting his children in any way that he could. Most days and weekends you could find him on a sports field or inside a gymnasium watching their games. Chris was always quick to offer assistance and wanted to make sure everyone felt loved and valued. He will always be remembered for being honest and kind and for always making others laugh with his jokes and quick wit. Chris will be deeply missed and forever loved by all his family.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents: Harry and Bronnie Flake, Sr. of Whigham, GA and Charlie and Louise Bass of Savannah, GA. He is survived by his wife of 27 years: Lisa Johnson Flake of Springfield, by his children: Carson, Connor, and Delaney Flake all of Springfield, and by his parents: Harry and Linda Bass Flake, Jr., of Cordele, GA.
If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cedar Hill Baptist Church building fund at 112 S. Main St. Cedar Hill, TN 37032, or to Davidson Academy at 1414 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville, TN 37207. For those that wish too, donations can also be made payable to the desired organization and sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home 2201 Memorial Blvd. Springfield, TN 37172.
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Lallie (Wilson) Lane
May 30, 1935 ~ February 18, 2025 (age 89)
Lallie Frances Wilson Lane, 89, of Goodlettsville, passed from this life on Tuesday February 18, 2025, at her home. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday March 1st at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Don Sensing officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Mark Pitt, Les Rossiter, Chase Rossiter, Craig Rossiter, Robert Wilson, and Camen Wilson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Ray Wilson. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Ms. Lallie was born May 30, 1935, in Cross Plains, to the late James Robert and Ethel Marie Campbell Wilson. She was a graduate of Cross Plains High School and was a member of Southern Methodist Church in Goodlettsville. She was a retired bookkeeper and worked alongside her husband, L.D. Lane, in the business they owned, Lane Prosthetics. Ms. Lallie enjoyed cooking and was always known for her banana pudding and lemon icebox pies, and she enjoyed listening to music. She was a blessing to many people, and she always said, “I love people and I love helping people”.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, L.D. Lane, by her sons: Roger Wilson Lane and Randy Dee Lane, and by her siblings, Garnett Wilson, Marvin Wilson, Paul Wilson, and Dorothy Sue Wilson Pitt. Ms. Lallie is survived by her grandchildren, Toby (Kayla) Lane, Jody Lane, and Jamie (Brent) White, by her three great grandchildren, by her nephews: Ray (Fredia) Wilson, and Mark Pitt, and by her niece: Lillie Wilson (Les) Rossiter.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International and may be sent c/o the Robertson County Funeral Home.
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Carolyn (Songer) Dean
December 7, 1940 ~ February 19, 2025 (age 84)
Carolyn Songer Dean was born December 7, 1940, in Washington, Indiana to Mary and William Alfred Songer. She is survived by her blessed and devoted husband Rev. Dr. David R. Dean of Springfield, TN; her sons Rev. Michael (Michelle) of Framingham, MA, Rev. Timothy (Julia) of Ithaca, NY; her younger brother Dr. Joseph (Gayle) Songer of Muncie, IN, sister-in-law Brenda Songer of Macon, GA; many beloved nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren are Lauren (Matt) Shively of Grand Prairie AR, Nathanael (Abby) Dean of Chattanooga, TN and Ella Dean of Ithaca, NY. Her first great-grandchild Judah David Dean brought light to her eyes and joy to her spirit!
She was preceded in death by her brother Jerry and his wife Jane Songer, sisters-in-law Sarah Dean and Pat and her husband Clif Underwood. Her middle son Stephen Dean was first in line to welcome her to heaven on Wednesday February 19, 2025.
Carolyn was a graduate of Belmont College. She taught elementary school in Mississippi, Kentucky, & Indiana and also served as a faithful and exemplary pastor‘s wife in Kentucky, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. Carolyn loved music, served as organist, church secretary, and was a generous hostess to hundreds of guests in her home through the years.
Carolyn was a vibrant follower of Christ, a Sunday School teacher and dedicated choir member at Orlinda Baptist Church. She had “the purest heart,” was conscientious, considerate of others, and busied her hands in service throughout her life. Her beauty and loving nature is unsurpassed.
She will be missed and forever loved by all who know her. Carolyn’s family is especially grateful to the generosity of many friends and caregivers whose compassion and strength ensured she could remain at home in her final months.
Carolyn’s family will receive visitors at the Robertson County Funeral Home from 4-6pm on Tuesday February 25th. Her family will again receive visitors on Wednesday February 26th at the Orlinda Baptist Church beginning at 12pm., followed by funeral services beginning at 1pm, Burial will follow in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Lamont, with Michael Dean, Timothy Dean, Nathanael Dean, Matthew Shively, Lauren Dean Shively, and Ella Dean serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent the Dean Family Scholarship at either Carson Newman College or Belmont University. If so desired, your donations may be made payable to the organization and sent c/o the Robertson County Funeral Home.
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Rosemary Swing
April 4, 1937 — February 16, 2025
Hendersonville, TN
Rosemary K. Swing, age 87, departed this world peacefully on February 16, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Hendersonville, TN. She was born on April 4, 1937, in Shackle Island, TN to the late Margaret and Robert “Jack” Kizer Jr. She is also preceded in death by her grandparents Ethel and Robert Kizer Sr. and Estelle and Archie Overton, her brothers James Robert Kizer, Jerry Kizer, and Wallace Kizer. Rosemary is reunited in heaven with her husband George Ramon Swing, lovingly known as Ray. Rosemary is survived by her children Gary (Cheri) Swing and Rachel (Randy) Potts, and her four grandchildren: Isabella, Makenna, Nathan, and Amelia. She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Willis, Gradie Kizer, and Janette (Earl) Fields, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A beacon of love and kindness, Rosemary was more than a beloved mother and sister; she was a nurturer, an anchor for her family, and a radiant light in a world often overshadowed by uncertainty. Her journey into adulthood began after she graduated from Hendersonville High School, Class of 1955, marking the onset of a vibrant life enriched by loving connections. Her father secured her a job at Genesco, one that she absolutely protested, but fate would have it that she would encounter Ray, the love of her life. Their union blossomed into a beautiful marriage, creating a legacy of devotion that would echo through the generations to come. Rosemary would go on to work at the Ford Glass Plant, spending an impressive 27 years there, working steadfast until her well-deserved retirement.
While her career flourished, Rosemary’s heart thrived among her family. Her sisters fondly remember her as a second mother, always nurturing and supportive. The four would often embark on delightful excursions to yard sales and thrifting, creating moments of laughter and memories. Rosemary, in her generous spirit, often indulged in her children’s interests, allowing them to have opportunities she did not have herself. She also adored her grandchildren dearly, joking that her Gary and Rachel made her wait a long time for them.
Her personality reflected the beauty of her soul—protective, nurturing, and endlessly caring. With a kind and welcoming demeanor, Rosemary lived by the principle of selflessness, teaching her children to prioritize others’ needs and feelings along with their own. Her adventurous spirit was manifest daily, as she sought thrills in the simplest of activities. Faith was the cornerstone of her existence, a strong Christian belief guiding her actions and decisions. Rosemary was not only a devoted member of the Shackle Island Church of Christ but also flourished as a Sunday School teacher at the Hendersonville Church of Christ, nurturing the faith in countless young hearts.
Among her many cherished hobbies, Rosemary found joy in the silver screen, with “Somewhere in Time” being a beloved favorite. Her family recalls a memorable trip to The Grand Hotel, a pilgrimage to the film’s historic setting, blending her passion for cinema with cherished family moments that would last a lifetime.
As we gather to honor her remarkable life, we remember the vibrant spirit of Rosemary Swing, who passed away surrounded by the love she so freely gave. Her memory will be celebrated during visitation held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville on February 25 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on February 26 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. Rosemary will find her final resting place at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery on February 26 at 1:00 PM.
In mourning her loss, we also rejoice in the rich, loving legacy she leaves behind—a testament to a life lived fully, a heart that knew no bounds, and a spirit forever intertwined with those she loved. Rosemary Swing, you will be profoundly missed, yet your love will continue to envelop us, reminding us of the beauty and depth of a life well-lived.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Theodore Collins Sr.
October 8, 1925 – February 15, 2025
Theodore Edward Collins, Sr., age 99 of Greenbrier, Tennessee died Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Tennessee State Veteran’ Home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 pm, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Bro. Chad Phelan officiating.
Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:30am until the hour of service at 1:30pm.
Mr. Collins was born on October 8, 1925 in Cottontown, Tennessee to the late J.B. & Bertha Lee McDougal Collins. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII in Germany and the Battle of the Bulge. He was owner-operator of J.B. Collins and Son lumber company for over 40 years and also the president of a CB Radio club. He loved his family and grandchildren dearly and was a Christian.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Catherine Collins; son, Theodore “Ted” Collins, Jr.; sisters, Juanita Adcock, Catherine Webb, Margaret Dunavin, Marie Paris, and Evelyn Dorris; and daughter-in-law, Martha Collins.
He is survived by his sons, Gene Collins and Wayne (Betty) Collins; daughters, Linda Collins and Kathy (Johnny) Coleman; sister, Barbara McLean; grandchildren, Lori (Zayn Howse) Davis, Mia (Lawrence) Orlando, Shannah (Scott) Creel, Cara (David) Yates; ten great-grandchildren: and four great-great grandchildren.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Collin’s memory to VFW Post 2120, 2730 US-41, Greenbrier, Tn 37073.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements, 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, Tennessee 37073 (615) 643-4000 www.austinandbell.com
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Barbara Ann Geer
April 12, 1938 – February 15, 2025
Barbara Ann Whitley Geer, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15th, 2025. She was born the oldest of two children on April 12th, 1938 in Altrincham, England to Brian Whitley and Lily Whitley. Her sister, Sheila (currently living in Gawsworth, England) was born 11 years later, posing quite a shock to young Barbara.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Dick), her sister, Sheila, four grandchildren, Alex Hewitt (Kelsey), Nick Rolfe (Chandler-Grace), Richard Rolfe, Laura Hewitt and two great grandchildren, Collins Hewitt and Leighton Hewitt. She is preceded in death by her sons, Nick Hewitt and Simon Hewitt.
Barbara had a happy and loving childhood in England, spending many cherished holidays in Wales with her sister, parents and grandparents. She went to Convent High School, taught by very strict nuns. She earned the “most helpful girl in the school” medal, a clever strategy to avoid her schoolwork.
After high school, Barbara worked in the hospital at the Pathology Department for seven years, loving her job. She married Russ Hewitt in 1959. Nicholas was born in March of 1961 followed by Simon in December of 1962. Shortly thereafter, in 1963, the family of four immigrated to Los Angeles, California. Michelle was born in September of 1966. The family moved across country to New Jersey for a new sales position, followed by Ohio, Arkansas and then Mississippi.
In 1980, after living in Yazoo City, Mississippi for several years, a professional connection brought her to Coronado Island, California, where she built a fulfilling life and lasting friendships over the course of the next 32 years. Barbara met and married a retired Captain of the Navy, Clif Geer, where she helped him run his various business endeavors. All of her family from England, Arkansas and Mississippi looked forward to their annual trips to San Diego, especially her grandchildren. She took great pride in making sure every visit was perfect, creating unforgettable memories with beach outings, sightseeing adventures, and special moments together.
In 2012, Barbara made the decision to be nearer to her family in Tennessee and Arkansas, relocating to Franklin, Tennessee. Barbara thrived here and enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She spent her free time, reading, playing words with friends with her sister, watching professional golf on tv and attending her grandchildren’s special events. Barbara looked forward to her annual visit to see her sister, Sheila, in England, where she would stay for a couple of months each year. She loved gardening and loved fresh flowers in her house. She was absolutely thrilled to have become a great grandmother in 2023. Barbara will be greatly missed by friends and family. Everyone that knew her loved her. Barbara is now at peace with her two boys.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Franklin First United Methodist Church Historic Sanctuary Downtown, 148 5th Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064.
The family will receive friends from 1-2pm Tuesday, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests remembrances be made in honor of Barbara W. Geer to: Project Redesign P.O. Box 159276 Nashville, TN 37215.
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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James “Sean” Heatherly
April 26, 1973 – February 16, 2025
James “Sean” Heatherly, age 51 of Old Hickory, TN passed away Sunday, February 16th, 2025.
Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 21st in the Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Bro. Gary Dillard officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening the 20th from 4pm to 8pm and again on Friday the 21st from 10am until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Rev. Gary Dillard officiating. Pallbearers will be Donnie Bowen, Tyler Bowen, Bailey Bowen, Billy Phillips, Steven Phillips and Brad Pearce.
Sean was born in Springfield, TN on April 26, 1973 to the late James Roy Heatherly and Gayle Phillips Smith. He is survived by his mother; sister, Nichole (Donnie) Bowen of Cedar Hill, TN; nephews, Tyler Bowen, Bailey (Knoxlee) Bowen; great-nephew, Weston Bowen and great-niece, Chloe Bowen.
Sean was a Graduate of Jo Byrn’s HIgh School class of 1992. He loved the UT Vols, the Oak Ridge Boys singing Elvira, clowns, dogs and watching wrestling.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com
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Chris Turner
October 17, 1964 – February 19, 2025
Christopher “Chris” Michael Turner, age 60, of Pleasant View, Tennessee died Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Northcrest Medical Center in Springfield.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o’clock am Wednesday, February 26th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Pastor Andrew Bolton officiating.
Burial will follow in EverRest of Cheatham in Pleasant View with Christopher Turner, Dewayne Childress, Brook Turner, Justin Vaughn, Justin Turner, and Joe Tucker serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Arlen Turner, Jimmy Spratt, and Randy West.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 25th from 4:00-7:00PM, and again on Wednesday from 9:00AM till the hour of service at 11:00AM.
Chris was born on October 17, 1964 in Nashville, Tennessee. He worked as a truck driver for 40 years in their family business, Alley-Cassetty Brick. Chris loved to play and coach softball & baseball, going fishing & riding motorcycles. He was a Christian.
He is preceded in death by his father & stepmother, Mike & Juanita Turner and nephew, Kyle Childress.
He is survived by his son, Christopher (Shalyn) Turner; daughter, Janette Turner; grandson, Arlen Turner; mother & stepfather, Linda (Jimmy) Spratt; brother, Brook (Stacie) Turner; sister, Jo (Dewayne) Childress; niece and nephew, Kimi (Justin) Vaughn & Justin (Brianna) Turner; great niece and great nephews, Codi & Case Vaugn and Jackson Turner.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Chris’s memory to Pleasant View Christian School Athletic Club, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/christopherturnermemorial
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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Leslie Brian “Booger” Keith
October 23, 1980 – February 20, 2025
Leslie Brian “Booger” Keith, age 44 of Springfield, TN passed away Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at Tri-Star Medical Center in Hendersonville, TN. Funeral Services will be held at 12pm on Tuesday, February 25th in the Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Pastor Sammy Rye officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Cemetery with Jordan McKinney, James Spivey, Vinnie Crubaugh, Michael Keith, Hank Smith, Thomas Mooneyhan, Cameron Bradley and Johnny Gainous serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the hour of service at 12pm at the funeral home.
He loved his family, joking and making people laugh, music, reading, his dogs and going to old graveyards and reading all the old tomb stones.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Marie Murphy Keith; daughter, Chasity Nicole Keith (fiancé, Hank Smith); brother, Michael Keith and several nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Austin & Bell Funeral Home Greenbrier to assist the family with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com
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Spencer Thad Williams
September 11, 1959 – February 21, 2025
Spencer Thad Williams, age 65 of Greenbrier passed away Friday, February 21, 2025 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in the Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home Greenbrier with Rev. Jon Briggs officiating. The family will receive friends from 4pm until the hour of service at 6pm at the funeral home.
Spencer was born September 11, 1959 in Springfield, TN to the late Kenneth Thad and Amilia Ann Jones Williams. He worked for Peterbilt in Nashville and loved cars, hunting, fishing and music.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Todd Williams.
He is survived by daughters, Courtney Williams (Ryan Rigsby) and Latasha Mead (Clinton); four grandchildren, Savanah Highley, Bethany Mead, Elisabeth Mead and Sarah Beth Mead.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com
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Glenda Binkley
October 19, 1945 – February 21, 2025
Glenda Gale Binkley, age 79 of Pleasant View, Tennessee died Friday, February 21, 2025, at NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 o’clock pm, Thursday, February 27th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Bro. Troy Rust and Bro. Jackson Watts officiating.
Burial will follow at EverRest of Cheatham with Nathaniel Mutkus, Brennen Dixon, Sam Mutkus, Chris Garrett, Ron Mutkus, and Alan Farmer serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 26th from 4:00-8:00PM, and again on Thursday beginning at 11:00AM until the hour of service at 1:00PM.
Mrs. Binkley was born on October 19,1945 to the late Earl & Irene Fort Jackson. She retired after 41 years of driving the school bus for Cheatham County and was a member of Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, C.F., Melvin, Clayton, Neil, Tomcat Jackson and sisters, Mavis Surratt and Norma Sue Bayliss.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years, James Alton “Shag” Binkley; daughters, Sherry (Ron) Mutkus and Michelle (Alan) Farmer; brother, Bobby Ray Jackson; sister, Lynda Harris; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Kate) Mutkus, Chenoa Dixon (fiance’, Chris Garrett), Brennen Dixon, and Sam Mutkus; great-grandsons, James Mutkus and Kamdyn Garrett; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Service will be livestreamed at www.youtube@austinbellofpleasantview3266
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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