Obituaries

Faye Thomas Robinson, 86, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at NHC McMinnville. Born in Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Elie Thomas and Leddie Summers Thomas. 

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Wray of McMinnville; grandchildren, Linda Floyd, Adam Mathis and Diane Mathis; 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Robinson; children, David Glenn Mathis, Timmy Lynn Mathis and Roy Mathis. Grandchildren, Gina, Tommy and Penny Lawson and siblings, Jeanetta Thomas, Truman Thomas, Viella Estes, Gladys Hollandsworth, Mary Cope, Donald Thomas, John Thomas and Gene Thomas.

A member of the Baptist church, she was a seamstress and secretary.  Mrs. Robinson enjoyed puzzle books, marking curtains, quilting and watching TV.

Her family will receive friends Monday, February 17, 2025 from 12:00 Noon until 8 P.M.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Lawson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Centerhill cemetery. 

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

Lytle Lafayette Tenpenny, 84, of Murfreesboro passed away February 11, 2025 at Community Care of Murfreesboro. A native of Cannon Co., Lytle was the son of Woodrow and Essie B. Davenport Tenpenny. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Faye McCullough; his son, Mark Tenpenny and daughter, Melanie Tenpenny.

Mr. Tenpenny is survived by his granddaughters, Abby (Colton) Tuck of Auburntown and Paige (Lane) Francis of Morrison; great grandchildren, Hunter, Jordan, Levi and Kelly Tuck and Laney Francis. Also surviving is his close friend and neighbor, Joanna Medlin of Murfreesboro.

Lytle attended Sanders Fork School and graduated from Auburn High School in 1958. He was a member of the Baptist church and a veteran of the United States Air Force. His entire career was dedicated to the Tool and Die industry, where he eventually transitioned into a sales role. Lytle served on the Board of Forrest Oaks, enjoyed playing golf, and watching sports. He had a passion for classic cars, which he not only admired but also collected. Lytle attended numerous shows where he forged many lifelong friendships. Alongside his wife Helen, he took great pleasure in collecting antiques and displaying them in their home.

His family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 2:45 P.M. Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Woodbury Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 P.M. at Riverside Gardens cemetery. Bro. Ray Patrick will conduct his service.

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

In Loving Memory of

Albert Lee Lorance

March 7, 1939 – February 8, 2025

A beloved husband, father, and grandfather who touched the lives of many, Albert grew up in Woodbury, TN but had resided in Hendersonville, TN since 2019.

Albert was born in 1939 and lived through remarkable times and approached life with an extraordinary spirit of acceptance and positivity. What truly set Albert apart was his ability to face life’s challenges without complaint. 

A proud Army veteran, who served his country with honor, Albert was a heavy machinery operator until he retired and also was known for his exceptional ability to fix almost anything. His hands were not just tools but instruments of care and creativity, always ready to repair, rebuild, and restore – much like his approach to life itself. He loved to plant and garden as well. 

Albert found joy in the world of CB radio. He loved the camaraderie, the stories shared, and the connections made across miles. His microphone was his gateway to friendship, always ready with a kind word, a helpful tip, or a story that would make others smile. 

In his leisure time, Albert was a dedicated viewer of classic entertainment. Old westerns transported him to tales of adventure and heroism, while the comedic antics of the Three Stooges and the Beverly Hillbillies never failed to make him laugh. These shows were more than just television – they were a source of comfort that reflected his love of storytelling and humor. Albert also loved watching football being a big Tennessee Vols fan and a Tennessee Titans fan. 

In his younger days, Albert found additional joy in the great outdoors. A passionate hunter and fisherman, he cherished moments spent in nature, finding peace in the quiet landscapes and the simple pleasures of pursuing his passions. These experiences shaped his character.

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Virginia; his son, Lee; daughter-in-law, Chastity; brother, Randy (Shandra); and sisters, Brenda, Pam, and Annette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan and Stella; his daughter, Teresa; grandson, Ramon Lee; brothers, George and Henry; and sister, Evelyn, Carolyn, and Wanda. His legacy continues through his 4 grandchildren, Chasity (Brandon), Sean, Jessica, and Ava Danielle; and 8 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories, wisdom, and love he shared. Albert loved his dog, Titan, who was a constant companion for him. 

Those who knew Albert will remember his unwavering positive spirit, his ability to never complain, and his generous heart. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. His legacy lives on through the lives he influenced, the things he fixed, and the love he shared.

Albert will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts. His spirit continues to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 12-2 pm. Memorial services will follow on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Amity Cemetery. 

In honor of Albert’s memory, the family suggests flowers, cards, or memorial donations made to Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue in Nashville. For information on how to donate, you can go to their website at https://www.proverbs1210rescue.org/info/donate.

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 

Joyce Faye Haley Huston, 85, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Vera McDougal Haley; her sisters, Hazel Haley Brazzell, Doris Haley Powell and Armilda Haley Mathis and nephews, Jerry Powell and Danny Powell.

Ms. Huston is survived by her daughter, Beverly Wilson Siddons and her husband, John of Rockvale and her grandchildren who were the loves of her life, John Tyler and Shelby Nicole Siddons.

She worked many years as a nurse and also in sales. She loved nature and helping anyone anytime.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Pleasant View cemetery. Bro. Shane Nichols will conduct her service. Pallbearers include, John Siddons, John T. Siddons, John White, Mike Gannon, Shane Nichols and Kent Pipenger.

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

Phillip Bryant Parton, 53, of Woodbury passed away suddenly, Monday, February 10, 2025 from work related injuries. Born in Warren Co., TN., he is the son of Doug Parton of McMinnville and Helen Wilson Moore and her husband, Lynn of Rock Island.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Amy Shipp Parton of Woodbury; his children, Ally (Will) Young of Bradyille and Jacob Parton (Jenna Cantrell) of Woodbury; granddaughter, Lakelyn Rose Young of Bradyville; sister, Melony Diane Parton of McMinnville; step sister, Tristy (Adam) Berryhill of Oak Ridge, step brother, Tory Moore of Winchester and brother-in-law, Kevin Shipp of Woodbury.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Janice Shipp.

Phillip worshipped at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and worked as a fertilizer manager at Warren Farmers Co-Op. He and his father, Doug, previously owned and operated Valley Fertilizer Feed and Seed. Phillip deeply loved the Lord and often shared His message. A devoted Christian, he was a beloved son, husband, brother, father, and grandfather to his new granddaughter, Lakelyn Rose. His main hobby was working on the farm and he also enjoyed deer hunting.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 14, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nick Pelham and Bro. Lane Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the Caney Branch cemetery in Morrison.

Pallbearers include, Jacky Vickers, Chris Terry, Bryan Murphy, Marlon Pelham, Josh and Brady Smith, Dale Rogers, Mike Grissom, George Newman and Randy Estes.

His family will receive friends Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Friday, February 14, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until his time of services.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Caney Branch Cemetery Fund, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Sarah Cannon Cancer center. All can be made through Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Benjamin Welling Hartsfield, 85, of Woodbury passed away at his home Sunday, February 2, 2025. Born in West Palm Beach, FL., and growing up in Jackson, MO., he was preceded in death by his biological parents, Olin Sanford Hartsfield and Mildred Bernice Granger Hartsfield and his adoptive parents, Thomas Edward Wilson and Elizabeth Granger Wilson. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Emma Ray Elizabeth Bugg Hartsfield.

He is survived by his daughter, Mildred Elizabeth “Beth” (Mance) Davis of Bradyville; granddaughters, Aidan Elizabeth Davis, Cadee Grace Davis and Anne Christine Davis all of Bradyville and sister, Julie French of Charleston, MO.

Mr. Hartsfield was a member of the West High Church of Christ and was a retired Mechanical Engineer with Arnold Engineering Development Center. He loved gardening, antique clock repair and working with his metal lathe.

His family will receive friends Friday, February 7, 2025 beginning at 2:00 P.M. with his funeral services to follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Jernigan cemetery.

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

Jerime Alan Dozier, 45, of McMinnville passed away from complications of the flu on January 29, 2025 at St. Thomas Midtown hospital. Born in Murfreesboro, TN., he was the son of the late Robert Anthony Dozier and Sharon Kay Hindman Dozier.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Dozier of McMinnville; his children, Mia Dozier Segobiano and her husband, Caleb of Auburntown, Braden Dozier and his wife, McKayla of Clarksville, Harper Dozier and Havik Dozier of McMinnville; grandchildren, Emerson, Ruby and Charlie Segobiano; his brother, Chris Harris and his wife, April of Readyville; nephew, Nicholas Arnold and his wife, Lacy of Readyville and father-in-law, Steve Damon and his wife, Elizabeth of McMinnville.  Also surviving are uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A member of Grace Baptist Church, he had a career spanning over 30 years in automotive paint and bodywork. He was known for his vibrant personality, humor, and was always the life of the party. Above all, Jerime loved God and his family.

Jerime was an organ donor, giving the gift of life to many people. His generosity will forever impact the families who receive his gift, improving their quality of life.

His family will receive friends Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until his time of service.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 5, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in the Bethlehem cemetery.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with his funeral expenses.

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

David Raymond Barrett, 59, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at his home in Woodbury.  Born in Davidson Co., he was the son of the late William Ray and Wilma Jean Bryant Barrett.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond Barrett; his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Calvin Lloyd.

He is survived by his daughters, Tiffany Barrett (Tony Lowe) of Manchester and Tosha Barrett of Woodbury; significant other, Wanda Mayo of Woodbury; aunt and uncle, Travis and Katherine Singleton of Woodbury; cousins, Patsy Jones and Sue Harrison and chosen grandchildren, Willow Gnida, Jesiah, Jadelynn and Jace Johnson, Emma and Ally Nichols.

David was a member of the Pentecostal church and retired from the Cannon County Highway Department, where he served as a heavy equipment operator. Prior to this position, he dedicated 27 years to Pelham’s Auto Salvage, where he found great satisfaction in his work. Known affectionately as “Big Dave,” he also volunteered as a firefighter with the Midway Fire Department. David had a multitude of interests, including playing rook, fishing, camping, traveling, attending car shows, participating in mud bogs, and listening to music. He greatly valued spending time with his friends, family and always cherished those moments. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside cemetery. 

His family will receive friends Monday, February 3, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday until his time of service.

In lieu of flowers, David’s family is requesting donations to be made at Woodbury Funeral Home to help with his funeral expenses. 

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

Deborah Owens Haley, 68, of Woodbury passed away at her home, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 following an extended illness.  Born in Woodbury, she was the daughter of the late James and Christine Snow Owens.

Debbie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Amanda Emberton of Woodbury; grandchildren, Cade and Christyn Emberton of Woodbury and her sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Rick Herman of Murfreesboro. 

A member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, Debbie was a seamstress and previously worked for Crane Interiors.  She enjoyed puzzles, coloring and collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. 

Memorial graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Leoni cemetery.  Bro. Eddie Boggess will conduct her service. 

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

Mrs. Betty Joe Davenport Whitehead, 88, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born to the late Lawrence Elmer and Verna Lee Watson Davenport on Thursday, September 17, 1936 in Woodbury, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Samuel and Ida Richards Davenport and Joseph B. and Eliza J. Stone Watson; brothers, Kenneth Watson (Myla) Davenport, Thomas Jewell Davenport, Elmer Ray Davenport, and Billie David Davenport; sister, Mary Helen (Thomas) Holden; niece, Ginger Davenport; and nephew, Gary Davenport.

She is survived by her husband, Virgil Whitehead; children, Cheryl L. Whitehead (Mark) Faiola, Kenneth Michael Watson, and Steven Ray Whitehead; uncle, Wayne (Cherie) Watson; nieces, Debbie Milligan Joseph, Peggy Davenport Messmer, Theresa Davenport Batey, Connie Davenport, Karen Davenport, and Cheryl Davenport Witt; nephews, Bruce Davenport, Kenneth Davenport, and Ray Lawrence Davenport; grandchildren, Christopher E. (Michelle) Fowles, Laura N. Fowles, Michael Maxwell Watson, Samantha N. Watson, Westley K. Whitehead, Jessica L. Whitehead Helm, and Julia Abel; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Fowles, Luna Bella Fowles, Adreena Fowles, Magnus Fowles, Theo Fowles, Evelyn Roberts, Raelyn Roberts, Walker Helm, Etha Abel, Jackson Abel, Izzie Abel, and Wyatt Abel; and sisters-in-law, Lois Davenport and Betty Davenport.

Running a farm, Mr. Lawrence was really hoping for another boy to add an extra set of hands. Instead, he quickly fell in love with his beautiful baby girl, Betty, but that didn’t keep him from getting “Joe” into her name. Betty opted to shorten it down to just “Jo” in later years, but it was a reminder of times past and what it meant to grow up during the trying times of the Great Depression.

Born and raised in Cannon County, Betty went on to live a true Cannon County childhood. The Davenport family’s farm was down on Doolittle Road, and many memories were made there. From stopping to wash her feet in the creek on her way to church to taking out someone’s fence when she was learning to drive, Doolittle was the setting for Betty’s formative years. That was until the place burned down and the Davenport Farm moved out on Red Hill Road.

Betty also went on to be involved in some of the great traditions of Cannon County during her early teen years. Playing basketball for Woodbury Central High School, Betty learned how to work with a team and that she loved to “throw those hoops.” That along with her farm girl work ethic translated into her work at the Shirt Factory. However, life in Cannon County was missing the adventure Betty hungered for, and she knew she had to get out of Woodbury.

Before turning 18, she met and married a Marine named Virgil Whitehead. Love was her ticket out, and Betty didn’t miss that train. She traveled all over the world with Virgil, going through Europe together before heading to Okinawa, Japan. When the kids started coming, Betty opted to stay on the state-side, but Virgil’s military service kept the family hopping. They started off in North Carolina and then made their way to Millington, Tennessee.

Woodbury came back in the mix for a few years, but Virgil and Betty were soon hot on the trail again. They lived in Georgia, went back to North Carolina, and finally, landed in California. Their travels are probably most memorable because of the family car – a Volkswagon Beetle. The boys had long legs and therefore first dibs on the middle seats, leaving Cheryl in the back, which was typically reserved for groceries. 

Their little Beetle took them far and wide across the United States from the East Coast to the West, but it was on the West Coast that Betty found her love for the beach. When Virgil got sent back to Okinawa, she would take the kids camping on the beach. They would pull up between sand dunes with the camper and set up their nest. California provided several opportunities for Betty to learn and grow into her own. 

Getting her GED, Betty took the leap of not only becoming a hairdresser but also opening her own salon. Nautilus Hair Styling was born and run in La Jolla, California. The name said it all. Betty styled hair just as beautiful as the seashell she named her salon after, and that helped her to maintain regular clientele from older generations. She formed relationships with those ladies, balancing out her role in the beauty parlor as hairdresser and counselor. 

Even with a business, Betty didn’t let it tie her down all the time. The kids remember their summers spent on the Davenport farm on Red Hill Road. They knew when they could start getting excited because there were only about 3 houses on the road at the time. One of the first was Mr. Smithson’s with a big “S” on the front, and that was the sign they were almost there. 

Cannon County remained a major part of Betty’s life, and as the years went on, she grew to appreciate it more and more. It only seemed fitting for her to move back to Cannon County, and she did so with the same excitement that she left with. Family reunions sparked her interest in geneology, and she had the family tree traced back through the Davenports, Watsons, and Stones. 

Betty’s roots only grew stronger and deeper into the history of Cannon County, but more importantly, her time as a farm girl, a military wife, a mother, and a businesswoman grew her roots in faith. She attended at Smith Grove Church of Christ and Midway Church of Christ until her health began to decline, but through it all, she made sure her feet were firmly planted on the Rock and her hand nestled in the unchanging hand of her Creator.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Al Bugg will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smith Grove Church of Christ. 

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