Obituaries: Week of March 16, 2026, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Grant Eugene Cole
September 12, 1964 – March 9, 2026
Grant Eugene Cole, beloved husband, father and son, passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2026. Grant was born to Joan and Ernest Cole on September 12,1964, in Cincinnati, OH. Grant’s strong will and familial love nourished him after his father, Ernest Cole, was killed in the line of duty as a decorated Ohio State Trooper when Grant was just three weeks old. Never one to linger on this loss, Grant responded to his father’s legacy as a man of deep faith and steadfast commitment to family!
His life continued under the guiding love of his mother and stepfather in his new hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. His journey through life laid out before him, he graduated from Franklin High School but his thirst for knowledge led him to Austin Peay State University, where is earned a Bachelor of Science degree. So admired by his peers, he was elected a Lieutenant Commander of the Kappy Mu Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity as a junior and as Commander his senior year.
Grant’s educational quest did not end there as he set across the pond to study at Richmond College in London, England for a summer. Even after marriage he still pursued his love for knowledge and education, which led him to Georgetown University where he obtained his Master’s in International Affairs.
Grant’s professional life was marked by his exceptional talent as a Technical Writer. His ability to distill complex information into clear, concise prose earned him numerous writing awards and the respect of his peers. His work was not just a job; it was a calling that allowed him to touch the lives of many through the power of words.
His life’s most important journey began when he met the love of his life, Susan, while both were working at Opryland USA in the summer of 1981. After a courtship of letters and visits, when possible, the first love grew into a lifetime commitment, to dedicating themselves as a partnership to faith and family.
Soon two beautiful little girls completed the family of four. Olivia Suzette Cole born in 1996 and Amelia Grace Cole born in 1999. At that point, the close-knit family[ON1] supported each other through many athletic events, always following Grant’s lead as number one fan and cheerleader. From the girls’ ALC days through Division 1 college athletic standouts, Grant was omnipresent on the sidelines with his proud smile, a kind word and the corresponding team swag. He was the world’s calmest Goalie Dad with never a harsh word for his daughter’s opponents and always a big hug for the successes they had in goal, no matter the final score!
When not cheering on his daughters, he was an avid (some may say an obsessive) baseball fan who knew and shared the spring training outcomes, scouting news, pre- and post-game observations of his beloved Washington Nationals. You only had to visit Grant’s Facebook page to find out about the inside information of baseball season.
No memories of Grant would be complete without one of his personalized and passionate shoutouts of the love of his life Susan. Even the day of his death he posted on Facebook about the 19th anniversary of Susan as one of the longest serving reading clerks in the U.S. House of Representatives, complete with pictures of her calm and serious demeanor in the face of the crazy House activities.
Grant is survived by his mother Joan, beloved wife of 35 years Susan, oldest daughter Olivia (Jessica), youngest daughter Ameila (fiancé Jake) and multitudes of friends from work, baseball, neighborhood, church and his daughter’s sporting event families and fans. He was a beacon of light and love, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
As we bid farewell to Grant Eugene Cole, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, joy, and an abundance of love. His story does not end here, for he has left an indelible mark on the world, and his spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of the lives he touched. Grant’s journey on earth has concluded, but his memory will endure, guiding us like a lighthouse in the hearts of those he loved.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Ella Louise Presley
January 9, 1939 – March 13, 2026
Ella Louise Presley, age 87, of Goodlettsville, TN passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. She was born January 9, 1939 to Frank and Ella Gulley on a small farm in Hermitage Springs, Tennessee. Farming life brought a big family and community that Louise cherished her whole life. Louise and her siblings Odean, Marie, Buford, Mable, and Brenda helped operate the family farm from an early age and rumor has it there wasn’t a cow Louise couldn’t milk nor a tobacco plant she wouldn’t complain about suckering. Yet, somehow Louise still found time to buck dance and became a scoring guard for the Hermitage Spring High School Tigers. When graduation rolled around, Louise was a proud DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) member.
After graduation, like her siblings, Louise put cow milking in the rearview mirror and fled for the city lights of Nashville. There she landed a job at a bank where she met her best friend for life, Billie Byrd. Louise also continued using her basketball skills at Red Shield, where she ultimately met her future husband and devoted partner for life, Paul.
Louise and Paul became quite a pair and their sense of humor bonded them together forever. Seldom apart, they enjoyed many travels together. Their two sons, Greg and Tim, were spoiled, disciplined, and guilted by Louise into fine young men, if they say so themselves. She was a dedicated member of Goodlettsville Church of Christ for many years.
Louise is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Paul G. Presley, sons Greg (Connie) Presley and Tim (Debbie) Presley, cherished grandchildren, Sydney (Kevin Hertlein) Presley, Phoebe (Tristen) McCarthy, Coby Presley, Greyson (Caleb) Hammons, Cooper Presley, Ella (Kayden) Angell, and Eden Presley, great grandchildren, Evvie Hertlein and Garrett Hammons.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Odean, Marie, Buford, Mable, and Brenda.
Louise’s life was defined by her love of family and friends, her strong faith, her sense of humor, and the joy she found in simple pleasures. She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brookdale Memory Care in Goodlettsville TN.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, beginning at 11:00 am, with a Chapel service starting at 1:00 pm, at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville. A private burial service will follow immediately after.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Sherman Shoulders
November 18, 1962 ~ March 10, 2026
63 Years Old
Sherman Dale Shoulders, 63, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday March 10, 2026. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday March 14th at 2:00 p.m. in the Greenwood Cemetery in Adairville, KY with Brother Nick Stamps, Brother Allen Woodard, and Brother Johnie Baldwin, Jr. officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends, on Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the Greenwood Cemetery in Adairville, KY.
Sherman was born November 18, 1962, in Russellville, KY, to the late Maurice Aaron and Mora Hildabrand Shoulders. At the time of his retirement, he had been a lifelong farmer on his family farm in Adairville, KY, and was a member of Post Oak Baptist Church in Russellville, KY. Sherman loved fishing, reading, and sport shooting. His favorite pastime was being outdoors so that he could enjoy nature and all the animals that he loved so much.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Connie Smith Shoulders. Sherman is survived by his daughter: Racheal Shoulders and her husband Adam Roehrig of Louisville, KY, by his brother: Brian Spencer Shoulders and his wife Judy of Russellville, by his sisters: Reba Shoulders of Russellville, KY, and Bonnie Lowery and her husband Brent of Russellville, KY, and by his nephew: Larkin Shoulders of Springfield.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home
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David William Nance
September 28, 1959 ~ March 15, 2026
66 Years Old
David William Nance, 66, of Springfield, passed away on Sunday March 15, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday March 19th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Brother Flint Redwine and Sidney Nance officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Riley Dozier, Kaleb Dozier, Tristan Dozier, Danny Highsmith, Thomas Murff, and Jerry Aydelotte serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 12 noon until service time at the funeral home.
David was born September 28, 1959, in Erin, to the late Raby Ellis and Susie Barnes Nance, Sr. He was a retired pipefitter with the VA Medical Center in Nashville and was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Springfield. David enjoyed watching trains, woodworking, and baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother: James Nance. David is survived by his wife of 45 years: Sue Bradley Nance of Springfield, by his son: Brad Dozier and wife Michelle of Adairville, KY, by his daughters: Leianne Everett and husband Michael of Boise, Idaho, and Susan Reece of Springfield, by his brothers: Raby Nance, Jr., and wife Diann of Clarksville, and Sidney Nance of Dickson, and by his eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home
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Mary (Stone) Nixon
June 19, 1934 ~ March 16, 2026
91 Years Old
Mary Stone Nixon, 91, of Springfield, passed from this life on Monday March 16, 2026, at her home. Graveside services will be conducted Friday March 20th at 1:00 p.m. in the Elmwood Cemetery with Tim Harris officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends, on Friday, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Ms. Mary was born June 19, 1934, in Clarksville, to the late Clyde and Mary Robertson Stone. She was a graduate of Clarksville High School and then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University. Ms. Mary was a homemaker and a member of Eastland Heights Baptist Church. She enjoyed shopping, sewing, canning pickles, cooking for her family, and cross stitching. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Joe Nixon, and by her sister and brother-in-law: Jayne and Gilbert Wall. Ms. Mary is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law: Joel Lee and Sandra Nixon of Nashville, and Charles Stone Nixon of Springfield, by her grandchildren: Joe Nixon and wife Anna, Rebecca Case and husband Trevor, Sara Nixon and husband Patrick Taylor, and Caitlin Nixon and husband Sean Staggs, by her great grandchildren: Bryce Nixon, Parker Healy, and Skye Case, by her niece: Marianne Brantley and husband David, and by her great nephews: Max and Sam Brantley.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home
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Richard Leslie Lane
August 16, 1959 – March 12, 2026
Richard Leslie Lane, age 66 of Murfreesboro passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his home. He was born August 16, 1959 in Gallatin, TN to Robert Leslie & Elizabeth Marie Harper Lane. He had been employed by McLanahan as a field tech for many years.
He also served in the U.S. Navy for four years and then in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he retired with 20 years of service. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, drinking beer and whiskey and spending time on the beach. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren more than anything else. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Leslie Lane; sister, Anita Grimes; son-in-law, Rick Williamson. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kim Lane, Murfreesboro, TN; son, William (Chasity) Lane, Shelbyville, TN; daughters, Andrea Williamson, Tullahoma, TN, Karolyn (Scott) Hill and Melanie (Andy) Metcalf, both of Huntsville, AL; mother, Marie Lane; sister, Mary Lou Lane (Paul Schwartz), both of Cottontown, TN; 12 grandchildren, Abigail, Bayleigh, Blake, Sawyer, Presley, Preston, Grayson, Jozlynn, Cullen, Ansley, Berkleigh and Bennett.
Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. Interment will immediately follow in Walnut Grove UMC Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers and with full military honors.
Visitation is planned for Monday, March 16, 2026 10am until 1pm at the funeral home. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, Tennessee 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
Ophelia Brown
April 30, 1934 – March 12, 2026
Ophelia Brown, age 91, of Chapmansboro, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Gallatin Center for Rehabilitation and Healing.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 o’clock pm, Wednesday, March 18th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Bro. Johnny Trail officiating.
Burial will follow in Joelton Hills Memory Gardens with her grandsons and great-grandsons serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 11:00AM until the hour of service at 1:00PM.
Mrs. Ophelia was born on April 30, 1934, in Scottsboro, Tennessee, to the late Wilks & Callie Underwood. She worked as a caregiver at Davidson County Hospital early in life and then in hospice care late in life. She also had several jobs in the hospitality industry. She enjoyed growing rosebushes and was known for her love of fishing. Mrs. Ophelia was a member of Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for over 30 years.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband who she was married to for over 50 years, George Brown; daughters, Linda Markum and Margaret Williams; son, Charles Brown; grandson, John Williams; and her siblings.
She is survived by her sons-in-law, William Markum and Johnny Williams; grandchildren, Charles (Hayley) Flynn, Tonya (Matt) Stewart, James (Angie) Flynn, Chris (Jessica) Williams, and Callie (Stephen) Perry; 9 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Ophelia’s memory to Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ, 2699 Old Clarksville Pike, Ashland City, Tennessee 37015
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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Jeraldene Pitt Heflin
February 3, 1933 – March 12, 2026
Jeraldene Pitt Heflin, age 93, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, entered into the presence of the Lord on March 12, 2026.
She was born on February 3, 1933, in Robertson County, Tennessee, to the late Vernon King Pitt and Bertha Mae Pitt.
Jeraldene leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 71 years, Reverend Jerry Heflin. Her legacy of love and faith will live on through her four children: Ross Heflin; Kent Heflin (Leanne); Dawn King (Mike); and Starr Taylor (Chris). She is also survived by eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
A woman of steadfast faith, Jeraldene devoted her life to serving the Lord. She faithfully served alongside her husband in ministry as a pastor’s wife, worked as a dormitory mother at The King’s Academy (formerly Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy), and spent many years volunteering as a chaplain at the women’s prison. Her life was marked by compassion, service, and a deep commitment to her faith and family.
A joint celebration of life service will be held for Jerry and Jeraldene at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist 614 S Main Street Goodlettsville, TN 37072 with a designated to Chili orphanage.
Cremation offered by Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield, TN.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Judy Ann Norris
November 18, 1952 – March 16, 2026
Judy Ann Norris, age 73 of Portland passed away Monday, March 16, 2026 at Centennial Medical Center. She was born November 18, 1952 in Nashville, TN to James Arthur & Frances Marie Anderson Stone. She worked as a homemaker and was a caregiver for her mother and many others over the years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandchildren.
She had attended New Hope Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her father, James Arthur Stone; husband, Robert Odell Norris; grandson, Robert Dale Broadrick. She is survived by sons, Marcus (Tracey) Smith, Ashland City, TN, Chris Smith, Byhalia, MS and James Norris, Campton, KY; daughter, Fran (Anthony) Givens, Portland, TN mother, Frances Stone, Hendersonville, TN; brothers, Larry Stone, Hendersonville, TN, Marty (Dana) Stone, Westmoreland, TN, Ernest (Linda) Stone, Cross Plains, TN, Milton Stone, Portland, TN and Tony (Bonnie) Stone, Red Boiling Springs, TN; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026 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 Marcus Smith, Chris Smith, Anthony Givens, Joseph Copeland, Marcus Smith, Jr. & Branigen Root serving as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family is planned for Friday, March 20, 2026 10am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are requested to Austin & Bell Funeral Home or to a gofundme organized by Alyssa Copeland for her grandmother’s funeral expenses.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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