Obituaries

William Allen “Bill” Johnston, 78, passed away Monday, July 08, 2019 at St. Thomas Rutherford following an extended illness.  He was born in Eugene, OR. to his parents, the late George and Rose Youngblood Johnston.   

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Johnston (LaDell Peterson) of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Mark Wayde Peterson (Shannon Donnelly) and Haily Peterson all of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren,  Haven and Kason Bean of Murfreesboro and special niece, Nancy (Norman) Pelham of Woodbury.  Also surviving are several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie Johnston; brother, Lawrence Johnston and sister, Pauline Grove.

Bill was a member of the church of Christ and was retired from Jennings Tire Company.  Bill’s passion in life was being a fireman.  He first became a volunteer fireman in 1980 for the City of Woodbury.  He became the Chief of the Woodbury Fire Dept in 1982 until he retired in 2014.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Norman Pelham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Tuesday, July 09, 2019 and Wednesday until the time of service. For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Terry Brower, Jr., 79 died Saturday at his home in Murfreesboro. He was a native of Grand Rapids, MI.

Survivors include: his wife of 32 years:  Pauline Smith Brower, children:  Rick Brower of AZ, Patrick Brower of Murfreesboro, Ross Brower of AZ, Todd Brower of Woodbury, Danny Baker of Murfreesboro, Nancy Huseman of Rensselaer, IN

Siblings:  Fran Hayward & Mark (Marcia) Brower all of MI, also surviving are 14 grandchildren & numerous great and great- greatgrandchildren and nieces & nephews.

He was a member of Crossway Baptist Church. He worked as an auto body repairman and a carpenter.  He was a past Sunday School Teacher and went on many mission trips. He was a member of Gideons International and a member of the Lions Club.

Funeral Services for Terry Brower, Jr. will be Monday at 7:00pm in theChapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment:  Remington Cemetery in Remington, IN Bro. Steve Austin, Bro. Sherman Boyd and Bro. Bobby Nichols will conduct the service.

Visitation is 2:00 PM until time of service at 7:00 PM Monday. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideons International.

Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. David Lawrence Bierbaum, Sr., 60, of Bradyville passed away on June 22, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 5, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Terrance “Terry” Bierbaum and Betty Elizabeth (Dahlhauser) Bierbuam and by a brother, Kyle Bierbaum.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Bain Bierbaum of Bradyville; sons, David (Amanda) Bierbaum, Jr. of Lebanon, Buddy (Liz) Bain, Jr. of Smithville, and Dustin Bain of Bradyville; daughters, Jennifer (Keith Kessner) Bierbaum of Bradyville and Natasha (Harry) Russell of Bradyville; brothers, Dick (Senga) Bierbaum of South Carolina and Robert “Rob” (Isbelita) Bierbaum of Florida; sister, Terri Lynn (Thomas “Pig”) Nickens of Walter Hill; sister-in-law, Christy Fox of Fosterville; 13 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
David was a heavy equipment operator for Jacobs Construction for over 20 years. They were like a second family to him. He loved to be outdoors, camping, fishing, and riding his motorcycle with Lisa. He liked to grill for his family and friends, tell some good stories and joke around. He was laidback and liked to be silly at times. He was all about family, he loved teaching his grandkids how to have fun and still take care of the important things. They loved to be on the lake boating and swimming. He enjoyed classic rock and country music. He was a big Florida Gators fan. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on June 26, 2019 from 11-3 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 3 pm. Interment will be in Amity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Martha Knox Rogers, age 72, passed away June 19, 2019, at the home of her daughter, Samantha Jean Richardson, in Pensacola, Florida after a rapid battle with lung cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, C.D. & Lois Knox Rogers; Sister, Hazel (Al) Beck; Brothers-in-law, Nile Hollis & Jim Strickland; Brothers, Joe (Mary), Ray, & Gail (Joyce) Rogers.
Martha was born on September 2, 1946 in Readyville, TN. She graduated from Cannon County High School in 1964 then moved to Florida at the age of 24. She lived in Pensacola for the rest of her life, but always considered Tennessee home. She made her career at Westinghouse for 27 years where she worked her way up from a secretarial role to being a floor supervisor for manufacturing. She always loved and was loved by her family, spending many years as a fun-loving aunt before becoming a mother to Samantha in 1989. In recent years, Martha enjoyed the company of her grandsons, Paul Thomas (7) and Theodore Knox (3), as well as spending time with her closest friends, Carmen & Ellen. She especially loved antiquing and playing bingo. She is survived by her daughter, Samantha (Michael); Grandsons, Paul & Theodore; Brothers, Jack (Myrna) Rogers & Mark (Jean Anne) Rogers; Sisters, Ovie Hollis, Jean Matthews, Joyce (Tom) Harris, Lynda Strickland, Joan (Bill) Bryson, & Cathy (Alvin) Brandon, as well many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 10 AM Monday, June 24, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Interment will follow at Thyatira Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the funeral home.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Janie Witty, 87, of Woodbury passed away on June 19, 2019.  She was born in Woodbury, TN on February 10, 1932.  Her parents were the late Leburn Allen and Mettie Gannon Allen.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Witty; brothers, Edward Allen and Jerry Lee Allen; sisters, Mildred Norene Edwards and Olivene Corley. 
She is survived by brother-in-law, Howard (Barbara) Witty of McMinnville; many nieces and nephews; church family and other members of the family.
 
Mrs. Janie was born in the middle of the Great Depression and learned how to become a “Jill of all trades”.  She met and married the love of her life in 1949.  She and Mr. Charles were seldom apart.  She quickly became a cherished member of the Witty family and continued to be up until her passing.  She worked for a time at the Colonial Shirt Factory, but she and Mr. Charles owned and operated Cedar Valley Antiques for many years.  They had a passion for antiques, an eye for how to find a bargain, and a knack for how to fix up a piece to sell.  They spent many happy hours together buying, selling, and restoring them.  She was a devoted and loving wife.  Even though they never had children of their own, she had a mothering nature and treated her nieces and nephews like children.  She had a great memory and could tell you where a particular piece came from, how much they paid, and a little history to go with it.  She was a good Christian lady and worshiped with her church family at the New Hope Church of Christ.  Her unique voice and laugh and sweet loving spirit will be remembered fondly by her family and friends.
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, June 22nd from 12-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Bro. David Dunn will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either the New Hope Church of Christ or Auburntown Church of Christ.  Share thoughts and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

Mrs. Linda Joyce Barnes, 70, of McMinnville passed away April 22, 2019.  She was born in Bessemer, Alabama on November 1, 1948.  She was preceded in death by her parents Eldridge Lee Chatman and Doris Greenbooth Chatman and by a brother, Edward Chatman. 
She is survived by her husband, John “Jack” Barnes; two sons, Joseph Fulton and David (Brenda) Fulton both of McMinnville; two brothers, Walter Chatman of McMinnville and Neil Chatman of Florida; and six grandchildren, Sarah, Alex, Breanna, Diamond, Orion, and Edwin Fulton.
 
Mrs. Linda learned to work hard at an early age.  She worked on farms picking and later as a seamstress in a garment factory.  She had a sparkling personality and a get it done attitude.  Family was her focus and whole reason for living.  This especially related to her grandchildren.  She spent as much time as she could with them.  She enjoyed going dancing and listening to music, such as, country western, the crooners, and gospel.  She liked going to flea markets, looking for unique things and bargains. 
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 11-1 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 1 pm.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Her untimely passing left a void in the family and unexpected burdens.  Due to this fact the family is requesting memorial donations in lieu of flowers to assist with expenses.  Share thoughts and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

 Clay B. Nipper, 76, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 at this home in Madison, TN.  He was born in Rutherford Co.
 
He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Farmer of Madison, TN.; children, Melissa (Kirk) Gibson, Robert Hanson and William Hanson all of Madison and James Hanson of Nashville; grandchildren, Devon Hanson, David Nolan, Ayrica Gibson, McKayla Hanson, William Hanson, Adrian Hanson, Fisher Davis, Bryce Hanson and Jayden Connor; great granddaughter, Nicole; siblings, Virginia Lorance of Gallatin, Paul Nipper of Lebanon, Carolyn Woodson of Old Hickory, James Nipper of Selma, Al., Ernest Nipper, Hollis Nipper and Mary Barrett all of Woodbury
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milbra and Lucille Haley Nipper and his siblings, Bill, Thomas, Kate and Sarah Nipper.
 
A member of the Baptist church, Clay worked security for G4S.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling and playing guitar.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Thursday, June 20, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Haley officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Garden Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 3 pm until 7 pm Wednesday, June 19, 2019. 
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 
 

Joseph Donavon “Don” Smith, Sr., 76, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019 at his home.  He was born in Muncie, IN. to his parents, the late William Fred Smith and Lillian Herndon Smith.  
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Laws Smith of Woodbury; children,  Joseph “Joey” Donavon (Marsha) Smith, Jr. of Woodbury, Katie (Tony) Love of Murfreesboro, Joshua (Vonda) Smith of Manchester; grandchildren, Ashley Steakley, Alexis Melton, Luke Love, Lindsay Smith, Cassie Smith, Connor Smith and Chloe Smith; great grandchildren,  Bella Steakley, Anslee Steakley and Bishamon Bowhall; sisters, Yvonne (Rayford) Mahaffa of Morrison, Darlene Powell of Morrison, Debra (Glenn) Davis of Bradyville, Freda (Joe) Scott of Rock Island, Jennie Smith of Woodbury and Dawn (John) Pedigo of Rock Island.
 
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his stepmother, Margaret Dunlap Smith; grandson, Adam Love; brother, Jerry Wayne Smith and brother-in-law, Danny Powell.
 
Mr. Smith was a member of the Pleasant View Church of Christ and was retired from Nissan.  He enjoyed being outdoors coon hunting, rabbit hunting and fishing. 
 
Graveside services will be 2 pm Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Cherry Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Gilley officiating.  Pallbearers include Ryan Powell, Connor Smith, Andy Davis, Luke Love, Paul Adams and Daniel Watson.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm to 8 pm Monday, June 17, 2019 and Tuesday from 11 am until time of graveside service. 
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 
 

Connie Gale Dodd, age 57, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019 at St. Thomas West Hospital.  She was a native of Dekalb Co. 
Survivors include her son, Cory Allen Chapman of Woodbury; Granddaughters, Morgan Hale & Kayleigh Chapman; Sisters, Rosa Nokes of Liberty, Paulette (Steven) Osment of Woodbury, & Kendall (Mark) Duggin of Auburntown; Nieces & Nephews, Ricky Nokes, Tracy (Terry) Hill, Brent, Brian, & Katelyn Duggin, Kenny (Jazmin) Fults, Chloe Hill, Keauna Nokes, & Lucas Byford.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth & Loretta Morris Dodd; Daughter, Candace Dodd; and Grandsons, Klayton Chapman & Kolton Chapman.
 
Connie was a member of the Gassaway Church of Christ and enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Sunday, June 16, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Hancock officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Aarat Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 3 to 8 PM Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the funeral home.
 
Pallbearers will be Steven Osment, Mark Duggin, Ricky Nokes, Brent Duggin, Brian Duggin, Kenny Fults, & Terry Hill.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 

Mr. Samuel Wayne “Sammy” Smith, 56, of Woodbury passed away on June 9, 2019 after an extended illness.  He was born on October 29, 1962 in Woodbury, TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harris Ralph Smith and Barbara Alice Higgins Smith and by a sister, Teresa Pelsue. 
He is survived by his wife Janice Beshearse Smith of Woodbury; daughter, Jennifer Smith of Woodbury; brothers, Robert Smith, Ronnie Smith, Jeffery Smith, and Michael (Sharon) Smith all of Woodbury; sisters, Jannie (Randy) Durham of Readyville, Pat Maxwell of Murfreesboro, Marie (Ray) Ferrell of Lebanon and by a close friend, Larry Grizzle.
 
His family and friends called him Sammy.  He was a family person who loved spending time with them.  He met his future wife and they have been together over 37 years.  They enjoyed going on rides through the country, going to the Smokies for the Rod Run, or any car show.  One of his favorite hobbies was working on classic cars like his GTO.  He worked most of his life hanging dry wall until his health began to fail.  Janice and other family and friends took time to come and be with him and offer what ever support they could.  He was a member of the Midland Baptist Church. 
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 5-8 pm and Tuesday, June 11, 2019 from 11-1:30 pm.  Graveside services will be Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 2 pm in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.  Jim Jones will officiate.  Due to his extended illness memorial donations are requested to assist with expenses in lieu of flowers.  Share thoughts and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337