Obituaries

Doris Joann Frazier, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother peacefully departed this world at her home on March 10, 2024.

Doris was born September 2, 1932, in Saltville, VA, or “The Motherland” as we lovingly call it. Doris’s journey through life was remarked with love for her family, being “everybody’s granny” her skill set as a quilt-maker, and an excellent cook. Out of her marriage to John Clyde “Jay” Frazier, she was blessed with 6 children, 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

She was a graduate from Saltville High School in 1950. She was a cheerleader and first-chair trumpet player in the marching band for the Saltville Saltshakers. She later attended Marion College.

Doris married her second-grade sweetheart, John Clyde “Jay” Frazier on September 2, 1954. They were married 56 years at the ages of 22 and 24. During their marriage, she spent 22 years as a military wife while her husband was in the Air Force. They were stationed in a variety of places, including Maryville, Tn., Panama City, FL., Rantoul, IL, RAF Mildenhall, England, returned to Rantoul, IL., and finally retired to Woodbury, TN. She served as a devoted mother, raising her children with love and care through his military career. She later worked at a military clothing supply store while in Rantoul, IL., and at Smith’s Department Store in Woodbury, TN.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John Clyde “Jay” Frazier, her son, Michael Jay “Mikey” Frazier and her grandson, Daniel Clyde Frazier. She is survived by her children, Linda Gail “Toppie” Osborne (Johnny), Karen Luann DiNovo, William Clyde “Bill” Frazier (Lori), Janet Ruth Bogle (Tom), and Mary Jo “Jodi” Summar (Maron).

Doris is survived by numerous grandchildren, Via Toppie, Jimmy Voss (Spring) and Debra Peralta (Michael). Via Karen, Niki Morris (Andy), Erik Naylor (Natausha), Amy Graham (Craig), Ryan Naylor (Annie), and Kaylee Isenhart (Case). Via Bill, Tim Frazier (Stacy) and Hollie Handel (Josh). Via Janet, Michelle Moore (Benji) and Wil Bogle (Faith). Via Jodi, Carli Reed (Jay) and Cameron Summar. Via Mikey, Ashley Howse.

Doris is survived by even more great-grandchildren, Makayla Voss, Blake Peralta, Sharaya Garner (John), Ethan Chesshire, Nick Morris, Daniel Naylor, Hannah Jo Naylor, Alden Purdy, Jolen Gurdak, Lasten Nichols, Oden Naylor, Troy Naylor, Sadie Frazier, Andrew Frazier, Danica Handel, Eleanor Handel, Mason Bogle, Lilly Bogle, Jack Reed, Finley Reed, Laura Lynn Sanders, Gatlin Smithson and Layla Howse.

Finally, she is survived by two great great grandsons, Michael Garner and Sterling Peralta.

Doris was a member of United Methodist church in Woodbury, TN. She recently attended Center Hill Baptist church and enjoyed preachings by Bro. Greg Mitchell.

As we remember Granny, let us celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter and cherished moments. May her spirit and legacy continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love that she so generously shared with us all.

Visitation with her family will be Friday, March 15, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 15, 2024 after 10:00 am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell and Rev. David Lilley officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Dustin Scott St. John, 38, of Shelbyville passed away March 7, 2024 from injuries received in an automobile accident.  He was born in Woodbury, TN.

He is survived by his mother, Laketia St. John Grizzle of Shelbyville, children, Heavanne York and Charletta York both of Shelbyville, Bentley St. John of Coffee Co., and Dayvanie St. John of Woodbury; siblings, Jennifer (Steven) Martin of Woodbury, Paul Tyler Grizzle of Shelbyville and Case Grizzle of Shelbyville; nieces, Gracie, Alivia and Rosie Martin.  Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Dustin was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Bly, Stepfather, Paul Jerome Grizzle, Grandparents, Wesley & Betty St. John, James & Ruth Bly and Charles & Betty Grizzle.

A member of the church of Christ, Dustin was a factory worker.  He enjoyed listening to music, fishing, riding dirt bikes and four wheelers, and being with his family and friends.

Graveside services for Dustin Scott St. John will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Sugar Tree Knob Cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Thursday, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with funeral expenses.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Thomas Avent Muncy, 40, died Friday March 1, 2024 at Unity Hospital emerency room in Manchester. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tina Muncy Pendergrast and Ricky Pendergrast.

He is survived by his sons, Richard Wayne Muncy & Harley Allen Muncy of Bradyville and stepson, Paul Elam Tune; grandparents, Billy & Joyce Muncy of Bradyville & Billy & Margaret Pendergrast of Murfreesboro;  Siblings, Billy Richard Pendergrast & Richelle Lea Pendergrast of Bradyville; niece, Maci Renee Barrett; Uncles & Aunts, Billy Levoit Muncy, Monica Muncy Jones (Barry) & Sherry Muncy Simpson (Eric);  cousins, Brent Jones & Erica Simpson.

Thomas was a Christian and enjoyed fishing, playing video games and movies.

Funeral services will be Wednesday March 6, 2024 at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home, burial will follow at Leoni Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday 4:00 to 8:00 PM.   Pallbearers will be Richard Pendergrast, Jr. Pendergrast, Charlie Pendergrast, Bradley Barrett, Brian Mulligan, Paul Elam Tune, & Brent Jones.  Honorary pallbearers will be his sons, Richard & Harley Muncy.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Sandy Kay Johnson, 57, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.  A native of Cannon Co., she is the daughter of Howard and Lois Todd Johnson of Woodbury.

In addition to her parents, she is also survived by her sisters, Pennie (Charles) Johnson of Woodbury, Tracy (Brent) Mooneyham of Woodbury, Deborah (Charlie) Cantrell of McMinnville and Lisa Johnson of McMinnville; nieces and nephews, Nickel Eaton, Chucky Johnson, Steven Mooneyham, Michalia Mooneyham and Chloe Pack.  Several great nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ovalee and Molly Johnson and Leighman and Hassie Todd and her beloved dog, Harley.

A member of the Smith Grove church of Christ, Sandy was known in the medical field as an EMT with IV, X-Ray tech and a dispatcher.  She had a servants heart and would always think of others before herself.  She loved to travel to the Smokey Mountains, listen to George Strait and was a big supporter of the TN Vols. 

Sandy will always be remembered for her loving heart, fun loving spirit, her beautiful smile and her kind words. Being a recipient of organ donation, Sandy wanted to encourage everyone to consider the gift of life.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 26, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg, Bro. Norman Pelham and Clarence Santini officiating.  Interment will follow in Center Hill cemetery.  Pallbearers include members of the Cannon Co. Ambulance service.

Visitation with her family will be Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. until 8 P.M. and Monday, February 26, 2024 until her time of service. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Cannon Christian Academy, Kidney and Diabetes Associations or become a Tn Organ Donor.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Charles B. Wilder, Jr., 89, of Readyville passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at the Tennessee Veterans Home.  A native of Charlotte, N.C., he was the son of the late Charles and Annie Mae McCord Wilder.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty L. Strickland Wilder of Readyville; his son and daughter-in-law, Charlie and C.J. Wilder of Monteagle; grandchildren, Lori (T.J.) Hale and Jake (Ashley) Wilder, Corbin and Carson Gipson; great grandchildren, Meadow, Memphis, Tori, Jason, Gunner, Brooklyn, Sophie and Morrigan.  Also surviving is his sister, Jane Bruce Wilder of Mobile, AL.

A member of the First Baptist church of Woodbury, he was a retired Tech. Sergeant in the United States Air Force.  He served in Korea and Vietnam.  He also retired from Alvin C. York Medical center where he worked in the kitchen.  Mr. Wilder was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  He was known for his wonderful story telling.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the First Baptist church of Woodbury with Bro. Dean Anderson officiating.  Full military honors will be performed for Mr. Wilder at Coleman Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 12 noon Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Vetrice Viola Spry Goins, 87, of Woodbury passed away Friday, February 9, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Vernon and Leona Duke Spry.

She is survived by her siblings, O’Neal (Wilma) Spry of Manchester, Evelyn (George) Barnes of Greenbriar, Joyce Smith of Nashville and Ronnie (Betty) Spry of Murfreesboro; sisters-in-law, Martha Jo Spry of Woodbury and Shirley Goins Taylor; niece, Shannon Taylor Lewis.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Farris Goins and siblings, Shirley Jones, Olin Spry and Nora Faye Spry. 

A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, she was retired from Cumberland Optical as an assistant.  Ms. Goins enjoyed reading, watching television, basketball and baseball.

Visitation with her family will begin Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 1:30 P.M. until 2:15 P.M.  Graveside services will follow at 2:30 P.M. in Riverside Gardens cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup.  Pallbearers include Tim Spry, Mike Barnes, Jamie Spry, Ron Spry, William Brimm and Randy Alexander.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories and condolences for her family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Shirley Temple Morris St. John, 84, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Hendersonville Medical Center.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Gribble and Esta Lee Bogle Morris.

She is survived by her daughters, Earlene (David) Lewis of Millersville and Angela (Dennis) Rose of Old Hickory; grandchildren, Molly Lewis of Millersville, Matthew Armstrong of Old Hickory, Christiana Bratchie of Hermitage and Jeb Bratchie of Old Hickory; great grandchildren, Andrew Alexander, Alexander Armstrong and Charlotte Molina; siblings, Leon (Audrey) Morris of Murfreesboro and Linda (Dickie) Bedwell of Woodbury.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl St. John and sisters, Loretta Dodd, Jeanette Prater and Mary Wiley Gunter. 

A member of the Greenhills church of Christ in Mt. Juliet, Ms. St. John was so much more than a homemaker.  She was the best mom and nanny. While her children were growing up, she enjoyed being a scout leader, room mom and taking them to many concerts.  She was involved with numerous activities with her church including Meals on Wheels and was a chaperone with the Inner-City Youth.  Shirley loved flowers, books, puzzles and Elvis Presley. 

Visitation with her family will be Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until 2:30 P.M.  Graveside services will follow at 3:00 P.M. at Riverside Gardens with Bro. Ray Robinson officiating. 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Charlene Mathis Rigney, 76, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Unity Medical Center. A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Mamie Harell Mathis.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Foy L. Rigney of Manchester;  her daughters , Ericka Marie (Jim) Webb of Jackson and Emily Megan (Matt) Cagle of Manchester; granddaughters Tatum Marie Readhimer and Megan Gwyn Cagle; siblings, Sepal DeBerry of Murfreesboro, Lynwood (Carol) Mathis of Paducah, Kentucky, Cordell (Pat) Mathis of LaVergne, Rachel Stafford of Cookeville, and Era Kay (Joel) Neely of Searcy, Arkansas. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Ms. Rigney was a homemaker and a member of the Mt. View Church of Christ.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Wood Church of Christ with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Kip Green officiating. Interment will follow in the Wood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kip Green, Matt Cagle, Roger Medford, Mark Rigney, Larry Powers, and Shannon DeBerry.

Visitation with her family will be Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 10 AM until 12:30 PM at Woodbury Funeral Home. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Frances Simmons Uselton, 96, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Wednesday, August 10, 1927 to the late Finnie and Mattie Ila Parker Simmons. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Uselton, Jr.; daughter, Wilma (Mack) Scott; son, Artis Mitchell; brothers, Wayne Simmons, Virgil (Naomi) Simmons, Howard (Joan) Simmons, Leonard Simmons, and Elmer (Myrta) Simmons; and sisters, Susie (Donald) Lorance and Annie Parker.

She is survived by her son, Wendell (Tina) Mitchell of Bradyville; brother, Roy Simmons of Paris,, Illinois; grandchildren, Misty (Joe) Duggin of Woodbury, Dan (Kim) Scott of Morrison, Shelia Pitts of Brentwood, John Artis (Bonnie) Mitchell of Lascassas, Sandra (Paul) Thomas of Walter Hill, Mendy Mitchell of Kittrell, and Brittany (Chris Alexander) Lawson of Woodbury; 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Frances was a woman cut from a different cloth. Throughout her life, she had an old soul and remained attracted to the old ways of doing things. Education was a luxury not an entitlement for her generation, so when duty called, like her schoolmates before her, Frances left Mooretown School in the 9th grade and began to work.

For 10 years, Frances remained at the Colonial Shirt Factory, a place where many people in Cannon County got their start or made their living. Working on the floor, she took on the role of being a seamstress and wasn’t afraid to work her fingers to the bone. Being a young lady raised on a farm, tough didn’t even begin to describe Frances. She remained content and healthy, and being a woman that wasn’t sickly and proving she was sturdy attracted attention her way.

Attracting just the right suitor showered Frances with blessings when her children came into the world. However, tragedy struck their family when he died, leaving Frances a single mother of 3. Finnie and Mattie stepped in to take on raising the children, while Frances transformed her pain into a living. She worked at Walgreen’s Drug Store for 21 years in the cosmetics department, and you could pick her out from the crowd with her bright red lipstick.

For many ladies, red lipstick can be difficult to pull off, but it fit Frances like a glove. She began her standout employment in Nashville, but her heart was calling her home. She moved to Murfreesboro, and somehow, in all of her ventures, Frances managed to avoid driving. Not once did she end up behind the wheel of the car, but she made a lovely passenger, and Mr. Uselton must have thought just that when they met, fell in love, and married because they hit the road hot.

Both fans of UT Vols football, they didn’t miss very many games. If the team was traveling, they were making sure there was gas in the tank. Their travels to out-of-state games led to many memories and fun stories to share, but believe it or not, Frances didn’t care to get out and about very often. She was a homebody in the purest sense of the word. If she had a choice, she would hang out in her pajamas rather than get dressed up. If you wanted to talk, you needed to come look at her face to face because she didn’t have a cell phone and wasn’t one to stay on the line with you. The only way you were hooking Frances’ attention was by coming to visit her in the flesh in the comfort of her home.

Speaking of lines and hooks, it probably isn’t a surprise that Frances wasn’t a fisherman. If you got her a drink and a chair, she might make it 10 minutes before she was ready to leave, so you better bait your hook and cast a line fast. You shouldn’t take any offense though because Frances stayed that way in almost every outdoor setting. She wanted to be inside, and the only outside thing she would let on her was Wendell and Tina’s little Maltese, Lovie.

Now, this doesn’t mean that Frances became a hermit. It worked out quite the contrary. She still enjoyed going for rides, so when William died, Wendell took up the torch. Friday was Frances’ day. She would go get her hair done and get groceries. Wendell kept her delighted by taking her a different route each time to get her some new scenery. He must have done a good job because anytime you asked her where she was along the drive, she said she didn’t know.

Though Frances didn’t get to be as involved in her children’s lives as her heart had hoped, she made up for it on the back end. She loved Wilma, Artis, and Wendell dearly, but Wendell earned a special place in her heart when he took it upon himself to ensure she got the care she needed. He was cut from the same cloth as Finnie and Mattie, took up farming like they taught him, and grew up to be a strong man of direction and conviction. Wendell became Frances’ rock and shepherd through the trials of this life. He stood by her when she lost William, when she lost Wilma, and when she lost Artis.

With each storm, Wendell and Frances stood firm because their feet were planted on the Rock that doesn’t move. In each chapter, they remained faithful and clung to God’s unchanging hand. Her heart would sing with the music at church, and her final church home was at Living Water Pentecostal Church in Manchester. Now, she thirsts no more and can rejoice that she is finally home.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Madden Hall on Friday, February 3, 2024 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2 pm in First Baptist Church’s Madden Hall. Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will be in Center Hill Cemetery.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Shirley A. Cummings Young, 83, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Unity Medical Center.  A native of Cannon co., she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Lillie Bell Cummings.

She is survived by her son, Michael Young of Woodbury; her grandsons, Michael Thomas, Nicholas Young and Tanner Young all of Woodbury and her great grandchildren, Olivia, Bradley and Bryce Young.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Felson Young; her sons, Mark and Anthony Young and her sisters, Radene Frazier, Dorothy Tucker and Billie Barrett.

Ms. Young was a retired office manager with Colonial Corp.  With her husband, Felson, Shirley enjoyed going to flea markets, yard sales and couponing.  Most of all, she loved her family, especially helping raise her grandsons whom she loved so much. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gunter-Grizzle cemetery.  Pallbearers include Nick and Tanner Young, Chance England, Dustin Ward, Justin Ward and Jack Peters.

Visitation with her family will be Monday, February 5, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.  

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net