Obituaries: Week of November 8, 2026, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Evelyn D Carson
Mar 30, 1939 — Nov 8, 2026
Goodlettsville, TN
Evelyn “Dale” Carson, age 87, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away on November 8, 2026. She was born on March 30, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Charles and Dorothy Doucet.
She spent her childhood years in Sykes and Memphis, Tennessee. A graduate of Millington Central High School, she went on to build a life that reflected both diligence and compassion.
At the age of 16, Dale met Noble Ray Carson at church camp. They married in 1957 and shared decades of faith, family, and travel. They had two daughters, Patricia and Raybecca, who live out of state with their husbands, children, and grandchildren.
She was a dedicated professional who worked as an accountant for a number of businesses including her church.
Faith was at the center of Dale’s life. For 36 years, she and her husband pastored the Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church, until retirement in 2005. She had a lifelong passion for reaching out to others through mentoring and counseling. She was not a preacher but the life she led spoke multitudes.
Dale found joy in reading fiction and historical fiction novels. She enjoyed writing and went on to become a published author after the release of her novel; Life is Not Fair. She also loved to travel and among her most treasured journeys were her visits to Israel. She and her husband enjoyed traveling out west and particularly loved Zion National Park.
She is reunited in heaven with her husband of 54 years, Noble Ray Carson, great grandson Sebastian James Gardner, and parents Alvin Charles and Dorothy Dean Doucet.
She is survived by her daughters Patricia (Robert) Foil and Raybecca (Greg) Gardner, grandchildren: Zachary Carson (Emily) Foil, Mary Kathryn Foil, Jacob Warren Foil, Brittney Ann Gardner (Tareq Nimri), Madeline Noelle Gardner, and Emma Elizabeth (Christopher) Hettich. She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Emily Grace Foil-McCormick, Levi Carson Foil-McCormick, Rainey Rose Foil, Christopher Shane Hettich Jr., Elisa Mariam Nimri, her sister in laws Mary (Robert) Clement and Carolyn Carson. She is also survived by her Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, 127 N Main St, Goodlettsville, Tennessee. On Saturday, November 14, 2026, visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church, 733 Old Dickerson Pike, Goodlettsville, Tennessee, followed by the Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 1150 Dickerson Rd, Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Evelyn Dale Carson will be remembered with love and gratitude for a life of faith, service, and deep care for others. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.
In memory and honor of Dale, thr family kindly asks that you would gift a donation to Lead Academy at Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church. To give please visit gvillepc.com/give and select “Lead Sponsor” in the drop down menu. Before completing your donation, please write “Dale Carson Memorial” in the note section. Thank you for your generosity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
Melissa “Missi” (Alley) Hayes
July 23, 1973 ~ November 5, 2026
53 Years Old
Melissa “Missi” Alley Hayes, 53 of Greenbrier, passed away suddenly on Thursday November 5, 2026, at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center. A private family committal is being held in Larkspur Conservation in Westmoreland with Tim Harris officiating.
Missi was born July 23, 1973, in Springfield to Connie Morris Alley of Springfield, and Noah Alley (Billie Sue) of Springfield. In addition to her parents, she is survived by; her husband, Steven Adams Hayes of Greenbrier; her son, Trevor Adams Hayes (Kayla Ward) of Portland; her daughter Grace Alley Hayes (Reese) of Hermitage; her granddaughter Hadley Tate Hayes, of Portland; her sisters, Jana Alley (Cynthia Rohkar) and Lori Harris (JP) both of Springfield; her niece, Georgia Harris, by her nephews Jonah Harris and Silas Rohkar, all of Springfield, and by her poodle, Percy.
Missi was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1991. She formerly worked as an underwriter for Ally Financial and was of the Christian faith. Missi enjoyed life and she always wanted everyone to laugh and be happy. She loved to watch TV, especially Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. She enjoyed a great cup coffee that was always loaded with sweetener, creamer, flavored syrups, and anything else she decided to add to it. Missi’s favorite pastime was enjoying a good cup of coffee out by their swimming pool, as the pool was always her happy place.
If so desired, memorial gifts may be given to Robertson County Funeral Home to assist the family will burial expenses.
Ricky Lee Smith
December 9, 1962 ~ November 2, 2026
63 Years Old
Ricky Lee Smith, age 63, of Springfield, TN, passed away on November 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the open highways he traveled. Known to everyone as the coolest guy you’d ever meet, he was a man who lived life in the fast lane, but always had time for the people he loved.
For 40 years, he made his living as a long-haul truck driver, crossing through every single continental state. This man has driven more miles backing up a trailer than most people ever manage to drive forward in their entire lives! He possessed an incredible work ethic, using his decades on the road to protect, provide for, and support his family with fierce devotion.
When he wasn’t behind the wheel of a big rig, he was chasing his passions. A self-taught musician who could play anything from the trombone to the drums, to the guitar with a deep love for music, he famously cried the day Elvis died and spent countless hours playing songs for anyone who would listen. He was a natural dancer who could two-step, moonwalk, or boogie his way right into your heart. Fascinated by aviation, he earned his pilot’s license and spent hours flying his own Cessna 150 and his Ultralight as well as RC airplanes, always joking that he had missed his true calling by not joining the Air Force. He loved the freedom of riding motorcycles, possessed the rare skill to fix absolutely anything that broke, and was a massive cut-up who dedicated himself to making people laugh.
More than the miles he logged, the planes he flew, or the songs he played, his greatest masterpiece was the love he gave to his family. He loved his family with all of his heart.
He is survived by his precious mother, Frances Smith; his beloved daughter, who will always be his little girl, Felicia Butler, and her spouse Bradley Butler; and his grandchildren, Phoebe Butler, Payton Butler, and Benjamin Butler, with whom he shared an exceptionally close and special bond. He is also survived by his daughter, Stephanie Gamble and her spouse Matthew Gamble; his sons, Joshua Smith and his spouse Sandy Smith, and Patrick Sanders; his grandchildren, Brandon Etherly and his spouse Mackensie Etherly, Nichole Ensley and her spouse Johnny Ensley, Lacedes Smith, and Kaiden Sanders; and his great-grandchildren, Levi Etherly and Adam Ensley.
He leaves behind his siblings, Jerry Smith and his wife Becky Smith, David Smith and his wife Dana Smith, and Brenda Whiting and her husband Bobby Whiting; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of which he loved. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Smith.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday November 9th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Briggs officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery with Bradley Butler, Payton Butler, Benjamin Butler, Matt Poole, David Smith, and Patrick Sanders serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Whiting and Jerry Smith. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Martha Ann (Woodis) Young
February 16, 1937 ~ November 7, 2026
89 Years Old
Martha Ann Young, age 89 of Cross Plains, passed from this life on Saturday, November 7, 2026 surrounded by her family. Born February 16, 1937 in Elkton, KY to the late Woodson and Grace Phillips Woodis. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James William “Billy” Young; her precious son, James Todd Young; and her brother, Brent Woodis.
Martha leaves behind her daughter, Vicki (John, Jr.) Rippy of Cross Plains; daughter-in-law, Vicki Young of White House; her sister, Noni Woodson of Franklin, KY; four grandchildren, Jason (Kecia) Young, Jodi (Matthew) Hancock, Jenna (Matt) Miller, and Lexi (Bailey) Young; eight great grandchildren, Grace Hancock, Kason Young, Lee Hancock, Reece Hancock, Kate Hancock, Callan Miller, Jade Stafford, Baylor Young, and soon to arrive, Tate Young coming in December. She also leaves behind four special nephews, Doug Woodson, Lance Woodis, Shane Stafford, and Brad Woodis and niece, Diane Woodson.
Martha graduated from Goodlettsville High School Class of 1955. On August 3, 1955 she married the only man she ever loved, Billy Young. Martha’s 89 years were filled with many blessings. She never had a public job but was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She loved working in her home, her flowers, and cooking for her family. She was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home with Dr. Bill Owen officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery with Doug Woodson, Lance Woodis, Shane Stafford, Brad Woodis, Jason Young, Kason Young, Lee Hancock, Callan Miller, Bailey Young, Matt Miller, and Matthew Hancock serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the residents, nurses, and aides at Richland Place Senior Living. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of service.
The family would like to thank Richland Place Senior Living in Portland for the love and special care she was given there and to Aveanna Hospice for their special care as well. We will always be grateful for the friendships made there.
The family requests, if so desired, for memorial contributions to be made to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Stone Soup Ministry. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Jerry Wayne Smiley
October 5, 1948 ~ October 25, 2026
78 Years Old
Jerry Wayne Smiley, age 78 of Springfield, TN passed Sunday October 25, 2026, at HCA Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Memorial services will be held at 12pm on Saturday November 14, 2026, in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Duff officiating. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and friends from the Greenbrier High School class of 1966. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 am until 12 pm.
Jerry was born on October 5, 1948, in Nashville to the late Grady Collins and Annie Mae Anderson Smiley. His brother, Jimmy Smiley and his sister, Linda Eidson also preceded him in death. He was of the Baptist faith and was a US Navy veteran. Jerry had multiple “careers” over the years, starting as a salesman for Nasco, then a supervisor at Holley Carburetor, manager of Dairy Queen in Springfield then he was manager of the Springfield, Gallatin and Dickson Arby’s franchises finally finishing working as a self-employed contractor retiring at 62 for health reasons.
Jerry Wayne is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Elliott Smiley of Springfield, son Chad (Cherie) Smiley of Watertown, stepson, Bryan Bagwell of Springfield, daughters, Denise (Daniel) Leighton of Greenbrier, Malia Smiley Witherspoon of White House, Jessie (Kyle) Cook of Murfreesboro, brother, Gary Smiley of CO, sister, Dot Brewer of Springfield. His grandchildren, Brenden Witherspoon (Virginia Sacdalan), Hokulani “Lucy” Ridge, Avery Witherspoon (Dayton Cheatham), Kekoa Ridge, Alex Smiley, Reagan Smiley, Elizabeth Cook, Carson Cook, Annsley Cook, great grandchild, Kayson Charles Witherspoon, special cousin, Margaret Ann Mays and several nieces and nephews.
If so desired, the family request that memorial donations may be made to the Robertson County Special Olympics. All donations can be sent care of the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Stephan Michael Headrick
July 21, 2009 – August 19, 2026
SERVICE UPDATE
Stephan Michael Headrick, age 17 of Cottontown passed away suddenly Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026 at Vanderbilt Medical Center following a surgery. He was born July 21, 2009 in Hendersonville, TN to Dustin Headrick & Stephanie Norman Headrick. Michael was a member of the 2027 Senior Class of White House High School and was a member of the Robotics Team. He enjoyed digital art and was a member of Long Hollow Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his step-grandfather, Lloyd “Skip” Jackson; 2 uncles.. He is survived by his mother, Stephanie Headrick, Cottontown, TN; father, Dustin Headrick, White House, TN; brother, Luke Headrick, Cottontown, TN; sisters, Liliana Headrick and Mila Headrick, both of Cottontown, TN, Amelia (Caleb) Ketring, Knoxville, TN and Isabella Headrick, Chattanooga, TN; maternal grandparents,, Jerry and Carol Norman; paternal grandparents, Pam Jackson and Mike Headrick; 3 Aunts; 1 Uncle; numerous cousins.
UPDATE REGARDING MICHAEL’S MEMORIAL SERVICE
His family says that due to unexpected circumstances affecting their ability to finalize some of the arrangements, Michael’s memorial service will be postponed until further notice. His family needs some additional time before they can move forward with the service and make the arrangements they feel are appropriate to honor Michael and his life. They are incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, kindness, and support that has been shown to Michael and to his entire family during this unimaginable time. They know that many people loved him and want the opportunity to remember and celebrate him with them. Updated memorial information will be shared here as soon as arrangements can be finalized. Until then, the family greatly appreciates everyone’s patience, understanding, and respect for the family’s privacy. The family asks that you continue to keep Michael and everyone who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.
*MEMORIAL SERVICE AND VISITATION FINALIZED
Visitation will be held Friday, November 13, 2026 at Long Hollow Church from 5PM-6PM with the Celebration of Life memorial service to follow from 6PM-7PM at the church.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME
533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
Selena Joy Gillhamer
February 8, 1961 – November 9, 2026
Selena Joy Gillhamer, age 65, of Springfield, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026, at her home. Mrs. Gillhamer’s wishes were to be cremated and there are no services scheduled at this time.
Mrs. Gillhamer was born February 8, 1961, in San Diego, CA, to Anthony Allen Barnett and Juanita Joyce Barnett.
She was preceded in death by a son, Maxx Gillhamer; and her father, Anthony Allen Barnett.
Mrs. Gilhamer is survived by her husband of 40 years, Howard Roy Ries Gillhamer; son, Derek (Niki) Gillhamer; 2 grandchildren, Wyatt Nash Gillhamer and Weston Howard Gillhamer; mother, Juanita Joyce (Vernon) Kysar; brother, Terry Lynn Barnett; and a sister, Tina (Daniel) Cypher.
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
Clarence William Armstrong
January 29, 1947 – November 9, 2026
Clarence William Armstrong, age 79 of Goodlettsville, TN passed away Monday, November 9th, 2026 at his home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in the Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN with Rev. L.A. Harris officiating. The family will receive friends 10am until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Clarence was born January 29, 1947 in Murfreesboro TN to the late John L, Armstrong and Lorene Kelton Armstrong. He was also preceded in death by the love of his life, Barbara Gamble; son, David Armstrong and 3 brothers.
He is survived by daughter and caretaker, Margaret (Micheal) Dufresne of Ridgetop, TN; grandsons, Ryan Dufresne, Kolton Harrell, Johnny McElhiney, Gabe Cruz and many other extended grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; five sisters and 1 brother.
He was a retired construction worker for L&G Construction. Earlier in life he was certified in tree removal service and he also worked for Aladdin Products. Farming and construction were his passion for over 30 years. He was man of the Baptist faith. He was most proud of all his grandsons and their accomplishments whether it was ballgames, catfishing Friday nights, working together, graduations or weddings. He was their biggest supporter!
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com
Nancy Carlton Vandewalker
August 31, 1955 – November 5, 2026
Nancy Carlton Vandewalker, age 71 of Portland, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026 at St. Thomas Midtown. She was born August 31, 1955 in Toledo, Ohio to Jere Coleman Carlton & Shirley Virginia Swanson Carlton.
She worked as a secretary for a software company until her retirement. She enjoyed riding motorcycles when she was younger. She enjoyed gaming, especially card games and dice. She was proud to be her husband’s crew chief when he was drag racing.
More than anything else she wanted to be a mother and a grandmother and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father; 2 grandchildren, Bonnie Lynn and Eli John Hawkins; sisters, Pamela Carlton and Beth Ann Carlton.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Scott Vandewalker, Portland, TN; mother, Shirley Mawhorter, Hudson, OH; son, Sean Vandewalker, Murfreesboro, TN; daughters, Jaime (Mark) Lewis, Hilo, Hawaii and Nicole (Garrett Hawkins) Vandewalker, Portland, TN; sisters, Karen Carlton, Toledo, OH and Jennifer (Bob) Lovano, Hudson, OH; 2 grandchildren, Betty Jo Lewis and Otis Dean Lewis.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday evening, November 25, 2026 at 5pm in the chapel of Austin and Bell Funeral Home in White House. Visitation is planned for 4pm -5pm prior to the service. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 3718 (615)672-5000
Bruce Farmer
May 14, 1958 – November 5, 2026
Bruce Nelson Farmer, age 68, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his home.
A graveside service will be conducted at 12:30 pm, Monday, November 9th, at Hopewell Cemetery, 6264 Hopewell Road, Springfield, Tennessee, with Bro. Hubert Cunningham officiating.
Burial will follow with James Lewis, Joseph Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, Michael Sloan, Robert Sloan, Andrew Sloan, Jason Farmer, Jerry Farmer, and Adam Blankenship serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 6316 Highway 41 A, Pleasant View, Tennessee, on Monday, November 9th from 10:00-11:00AM.
Bruce was born on May 14, 1958, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Ernest & Virginia Gibbs Farmer. He worked as a customer service representative in the vending business. He was a God fearing, Christian man, who never met a stranger. He loved to host family & friends for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and to watch ballgames. He loved the Titans, and was an avid Vols fan. He enjoyed fishing and dearly loved his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Farmer & Barney Farmer.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Farmer; daughter, Paula (Michael) Sloan; grandchildren, Robert Sloan, Andrew Sloan, and Zoe Sloan; brothers, Sydney Alvesia (Barbara) Farmer, Chris Farmer, Mark Farmer, Stephen Tracy (Pattie) Farmer; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Bruce’s memory to: The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433
Susan Diane Hughes James
July 31, 1962 – November 4, 2026
Susan Diane Hughes James, age 64, of White House, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at her home.
Mrs. James was born July 31, 1962, in Nashville, to the late William Clayton and Billie Etoile Hughes. She worked in the insurance industry most of her life.
To know Susan was to experience a living reflection of Christ’s love. She truly exuded the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in everything she did, bringing an abundance of joy, peace, and gentle kindness to everyone she met. Her patient heart, steadfast faithfulness, and sweet goodness made the world a brighter place, and her beautiful legacy of love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Susan especially loved studying and teaching the Bible. She enjoyed bible studies with her sisters on Thursday nights and in her earlier years of teaching, taught younger-aged children. She so loved spending time with her family. We never left one another or hung up the phone or ended a text without saying we loved each other. She was precious and she will be missed tremendously.
She is dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Doyle James; son, Colton Clay James; Daughter, Tracy Lynn (Tommy) Gilbert; 6 grandchildren, Hayden James, Lincoln James, Noah Gilbert, Gabriel Gilbert, Jonah Gilbert and Olivia Gilbert; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sherrie (Richard) Lane and Shirley Hughes; and nephews, Aaron Lane, Adam (Lauren) Lane, Hunter McHenry, Jared Tankersley and Chris Brooks. In addition to her parents, Mrs. James was preceded in death by a sister, Shellie Brooks.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted at 2pm Saturday, November 21st in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm Saturday, November 21st, at the funeral home.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000
