Obituaries

Loy Willard Smithson, age 82, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  He was a native of Cannon Co. 
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Faye Davis Smithson of Woodbury; Daughter, Penny Smithson of Woodbury; Brother, Jerry Smithson of Woodbury; and Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law, Deborah Gibson, Vivian Ely, Glen & Debbie Davis and Marie Davis, all of Woodbury.
 
Several nieces and nephews also survive.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl & Arminda Sadler Smithson.
 
Mr. Smithson was a member of the Church of Christ and was retired from Samsonite.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors and hunting for squirrels.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Thursday, April 11, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Norman Pelham officiating.  Interment will immediately follow at Blue Wing Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 10 AM to 2 PM Thursday.
 
Pallbearers:  Jr. Davis, Josh Davis, Ethan Curtis, Richie Davis, Andy Davis, & Daniel Smithson.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Viola Valley Puppy Rescue or Alive Hospice.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Eva Lois Griffith Rogers, age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2019 of heart failure at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  She was the daughter of the late Jay & Golda Prater Griffith of Woodbury. 
Eva was born on July 6, 1941 in Cannon County.  She graduated from Cannon County High School in 1959 and worked at Colonial Shirt Factory until she moved to Murfreesboro in the early 1970s.  After working at the Daily News Journal for several years, she then went to work at Rich Products in Murfreesboro from which she retired in 2005.
 
Eva is survived by her brother, Dwain Griffith and his wife, Sue of Woodbury.  Her son, Timothy Ray Rogers and three grandsons, Dallas, Dustin, & Justin.  One granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers Keith and her husband, Jason of Murfreesboro.  She leaves behind several great-grandchildren.
 
She is also survived by her first cousin, lifelong best friend and her caretaker for the last two years, Gwen Kelton Pedigo.  Gwen & Eva were like sisters and were together literally until the very end.  Eva held a special place in the hearts of Gwen’s family – husband, Donald Pedigo and daughters, Rae Pedigo Tarbett and husband, Doug and Amy Pedigo Rigney and husband, Jason.  Eva spent much of her free time enjoying holidays, trips, and fun times with the Pedigo family.  She had a sharp sense of humor and a beautiful smile.  Without a doubt, she will be greatly missed.
 
A special thanks to Faye Houston, a childhood friend and Tammy Christianson for visiting Eva regularly while she lived in assisted living/memory care at Stones River Manor.  Special thanks to Stones River Manor for providing such loving care to Eva during her time there.
 
A short visitation will be held on Wednesday April 10, 2019 from 1 PM to 2 PM at Woodbury Funeral Home.  Graveside Services will immediately follow at Leoni Cemetery.  Eva was a member of the East Main Street Church of Christ and Bro. Wayne Langford from East Main will officiate the service.  Eva will be laid to rest at Leoni with many of those in her family who passed before her.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Leoni Cemetery Trust Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Christopher Lynn Barnes, age 47, a Ft. Mitchell, AL resident and Cannon County, TN native was born July 23, 1971 and passed away April 3, 2019 in Piedmont Atlanta Hospital following a two-month illness. 
He was a special education teacher in the Muscogee County Georgia School District, member of the Church of Christ and son of Betty Barnes of the Short Mountain Community and the late Steve Barnes. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Jessie Barnes; maternal grandparents, James and Evolene Burks; and mother-in-law, Fay Wade.
 
Mr. Barnes was married October 6, 2009 to Julia Wade Barnes who survives. In addition to his mother and wife, he is survived by son, Peyton Colt Barnes of Alabama; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Barnes of Spencer, TN; father-in-law, Jerry Wade of Phenix City, AL; uncle, Jesse Barnes, Jr. of Murfreesboro, TN; special brother, Nathan “Buddy” Brazle of the Short Mountain Community; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Andrea Wade of Phenix City, AL; three nieces, Arissa Wade, Katelyn Martin and Jessica Martin; and cousin, Marion Barnes of Odessa, TX.
 
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Blues Hill Church of Christ with Kevin Key to officiate. Interment will follow in Blues Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Sunday at High’s.
 
Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com
 
High Funeral Home, McMinnville, TN (931)473-2137
 
 

Russell Gale Stembridge, 61, passed away Fri., March 29, 2019 at Generations of Spencer.  He was a native of Cannon Co.  
He is survived by his siblings, Harrell Stembridge, Frank (Cynthia) Stembridge, James (Sondra) Stembridge, Bernice (Dorce) Wimberly and Teresa Farless all of Woodbury, Wade (Pat) Stembridge of Kunkle, OH., Carl Stembridge of McMinnville, Carolyn (Tommy) Burks of Murfreesboro.  Also surviving many nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mary Susan Harrell Stembridge; siblings, Clarence, Joe Bob and Joy Stembridge and Brenda Redmon.
 
Russell was a member of the Bethlehem Church of Christ of Murfreesboro.  He loved music, singing and playing his harmonica. Russell was a fun-loving person and loved people especially his family.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Monday, April 01, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home  with Bro. Jamie Byrom and Bro. Richard Burks officiating.
Interment will follow in the Centerhill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm to 8 pm Sunday, March 31, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Centerhill Cemetery. Pallbearers:  Greg Wimberly, Jim Lancaster, Ryan Burks, Lee Patrick, Pat Isabell and Doug Burks. Russell’s nieces and nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 
 
 
 

Randy Ray Rains, 54, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2019  at his home in Woodbury.  He was a native of Cannon Co. 
He is survived by his children, Miranda Rains of McMinnville and Zachary Barrett of Woodbury; mother and stepfather,  JoAnn and Joe Shelton of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Raylee and Colton Vinson; siblings, Penny Forstel of Murfreesboro and Paul (Tonia) Hollandsworth of Artesia, NM.; uncles and aunts, Roy Rains, Clark Rains and Cora Jean Duke all of Bradyville and Thelma Rains of Woodbury.
 
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Rains; wife, Winona Rains and sister, Rhonda Wright. 
 
Randy was a self-employed heavy equipment operator.  He loved to play cards and tinker with things like wood working. 
 
Graveside Services will be 2 pm Friday, March 29, 2019 at Rains Family Cemetery with Pastor Carlos Saddler officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 11 am until 1:45 pm Friday, March 29, 2019.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 
 

Charlene Cleo Roney Ary, age 84, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  She was a native of Davidson Co. 
Survivors include her children, Bob (Judy) Ary, Jr. of Cottontown, Mike (Tina) Ary of Virginia Beach, & Connie (Jimmy) Higgins of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Rob (Jamie) Ary, Chad (Molly) Ary, Mikey (Amber) Ary, Josh Ary, Kristy (Ricky Clagett) Ary, Dusty (Desiree) Ary, & Candace (Rob) Baker; Great Grandchildren, Maddy, Knox, Harper, Will, Jalen, Alani, Charlee, Cam, Kylie, Jaxson, & Charlie; and Siblings, Sue Gill, Jerry (Missy) Roney, Jenny Tucker, Joe (Lisa) Roney, Frank (Nell) Roney, Jimmy Roney, & Barbara Wingo.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ary; Parents, Charles Allen Roney & Moncie Davenport Ary; Brother, Sonny Roney; and Stepmother, Maxine Roney.
 
Ms. Ary was retired from administration at Lewis Brothers Bakery and was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ.  She enjoyed doing benevolent work with her church.
 
Funeral Services will be 11 AM Friday, March 29, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Knox & Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow in the Higgins Family Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 9 PM Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the funeral home.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stones River Recovery, Short Mountain Bible Camp, or Alive Hospice in Memory of Ms. Ary.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Robert Gail Davenport, age 74, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, March 23, 2019 at his home.  He was a native of Franklin TN. 
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Gladys Bryant Davenport of Woodbury; Children Robert Wade (Bridgette) Davenport of Woodbury and Tammy (Donald) Ivie of Woodbury; grandchildren, Robert Cody Davenport, Lucas Lee Dobson, Alexis Davenport, Emily Ivie, Titus and Andrew Underwood; great grandchildren, Ryder Mullican and Addilynn Weddington; sister Nonnie Shelton and sister in law Margaret Davenport.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Webb Hatton and Susie Mell Alexander Davenport; brothers Wade and Jarrell Davenport; sister Debbie Grizzle; brother in laws Kenneth Grizzle and Jerry Shelton; niece Jennifer Underwood and nephew Steve Underwood.
 
Mr. Davenport was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, and was a retired area manager of Rogers Group.
 
Funeral Services will be 4 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro . Bobby Nichols officiating. Interment will follow at Reed Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 3 PM until 9 PM Tuesday, March 26, 2019.
 

Denise Mankin Reed, age 60, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019 at St Thomas Rutherford.  She was a native of Cannon Co. 
Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Terry Russell Reed of Woodbury; Children Casey and C.W. (Atheana) Reed of Woodbury; Granddaughter Sadie Grace Reed; mother, Elizabeth Joy Jernigan Mankin; brother Kevin “Scooter” (Dorinda “Dodie”) Mankin; brother and sister-in-laws, Gary and Wanda Reed, Greg and Lisa Rogers, & Barry and Anita Bush, all of Woodbury. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
 
She was preceded in death by her father, Clifton Wayne Mankin, Sr.; and brother Clifton Wayne Mankin, Jr.
 
Denise was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and a homemaker.  She enjoyed going camping and fishing.
 
Funeral Services will be 1 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Bowman officiating. Interment will follow at Cateston Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM until 8 PM Tuesday, March 26, 2019.
 

Betty Carol Vance Nichols Gilley, age 81, of Woodbury passed away Friday, March 22, 2019 at NHC of McMinnville.  She was a native of Cannon Co.Survivors include her children, Barbara (Grady) Parker, Jimmy (Penny) Nichols, & Michael (Kim) Nichols, all of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Nicholas Parker, Ashley Hoffman, Jimmy (Jennifer) Nichols, Ashley (Ben) Cantrell, & Zoe Nichols; Great Grandchildren, Braxton, Brennon, Brooklyn & Matthew Parker, Mason, Sophie, & Maggie Nichols, and Cohen & Addy Cantrell; Stepchildren, Kenny (Debbie) Gilley & Bob (Daffy Parsley) Gilley. Six Step Grandchildren & 11 Step Great Grandchildren also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray & Ola Mae King Vance; Husband, Paul E. Gilley; Siblings, James Vance, Nora Lee Bogle, Glennette King, Alpha Fann, Winfred “Wimp” Vance, Alva Lee “Strut” Vance; and infant daughter, Anna Ruth Nichols.
 
Ms. Gilley was a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodbury.  She worked at Colonial Shirt Factory and was Assistant Plant Manager of Val’Dor and Cannon County Sportswear. She loved to cook and before retiring, she owned Betty’s Restaurant on Main Street in Auburntown.
 
Funeral Services will be 1 PM Monday, March 25, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bros. Al Bugg, Jr., Dean Anderson, & Bobby Nichols officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 2 PM until 8 PM Sunday, March 24, 2019 & until time of service on Monday at the funeral home.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 

Clifton Wayne Mankin, Sr., age 84, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was a native of Balinger, TX.  Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Joy Jernigan Mankin of Woodbury; Children, Denise & Russell Reed of Woodbury & Kevin “Scooter” & Dorinda “Dodie” Mankin of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Casey & C.W. (Atheana) Reed & Wilder Mankin (fiancee, Megan Deatcher); Great Grandchildren, Sadie Grace Reed; and Siblings, Billy Wilson of Smyrna & Lonnie (Janice) Mankin of Hermitage. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper William & Lyda Belle Wilder Mankin; Son, Clifton Wayne Mankin, Jr.; and Siblings, J.W. Mankin, Elsie Ragsdale, & Katherine Ferrell.
 
Mr. Mankin was a member of the Elkins Church of Christ and was a Veteran of the Korean War where he served in the Army.  He retired from State Farm in the Maintenance Department after 28 years.  Clifton enjoyed fishing at Center Hill Lake, working in his yard, horseback riding, and spending time with his family & his dog, Bandit.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Saturday, March 23, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bros. Earl Sutton & Jerry Burgess officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 9 PM Friday, March 22, 2019.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net