95 year old Russell Evans Cantrell of Smithville passed away Thursday at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. He was a World War II veteran, a member of the First Baptist Church, and a retired Supervisor for General Motors. He worked twelve years for Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief and Amateur Radio. The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Mark Bass and Freddy Curtis will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1-2 p.m. Cantrell was preceded in death by his parents, Perry Green Cantrell and Elizabeth Evans Cantrell and brothers, Alfred and Gerald Cantrell. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Billye Ferrell Cantrell of Smithville. A daughter, Vivian and Walt Stock of Smithville. Grandchildren, AmyBeth and Randy McBride of Maryville, Jennifer and Brian Ledbetter of Cookeville, Stephen and Jamie Stock of Franklin, and Marilynn and Michael Mitchell of Murfreesboro. Great grandchildren, Russell, Walter, and Margaret Thompson of Maryville, B.J., Vivian, and Emma Ledbetter of Cookeville, Eric and Ryan Mitchell of Murfreesboro, and Isaac, Colton, and Camryn Stock of Franklin. Brother, Wayne and Ann Cantrell of Mount Juliet. Several nieces and nephews survive. A sister-in-law, Nell Pedigo. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In addition to flowers, if you wish to make a donation in memory of Mr. Russell, you can make a contribution to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief at 615-371-7926 or 1-800-558-2090 extension 7926.

59 year old Betty Sue Certain of Smithville passed away on Tuesday at her residence. She was a member of the Old Fashioned Free Will Baptist Church and was retired from Georgia Girl. The funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bernard Houk will officiate and burial will be in the Banks Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Certain; parents, William and Vivian George Thomason; three sisters, Faye Simmons, Wanda Jenkins, and Patsy Thomason; and three brothers, Jonah, Billy, and James Thomason. Survivors include one son, Trent Certain; a daughter, Tonya and Chris Roller; two grandchildren, Hunter and Chloe Robinson; three sisters, Louise Jones, Virginia Jones, and Janis Pollard all of Smithville and special friend Brenda Foster. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to the Banks Cemetery.

Ms. Doris Jean Love age 85 of Dowelltown went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, July 4, 2017 at her residence. She was born September 5, 1931 to her parents, the late Elbert Riley and Sarah Lee Taylor Spence. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Walden; 2 sisters, Ruby Oakley and Oleda Tubb. Ms. Love was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church and the Alexandria Senior Citizens. She had worked at Precision Rubber in Lebanon, a restaurant worker, Hardee’s and was a care giver. Jean was a lady that loved and enjoyed people. She leaves to cherish her memories 1 son and daughter-in-law, Spencer (Karen) Walden of Dowelltown; 3 grandchildren, Lacy (Brent) Arnold of Dowelltown, Ryan Walden of Smithville, Jessica (Hunter) Stewart of Smithville; 4 great-grandchildren, Calen, Jackson and Deacon Arnold and Braxton Walden; 1 niece, Sue (Bob) Harper of Cleveland, TN and 3 nephews, Buddy and Thomas Tubb both of Michigan and Jackie Tubb of Georgia; several great and great-great nieces and nephews and many friends also survive. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jean will be Friday, July 7, 2017 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Joel Wood and Bill Robertson officiating and burial will follow in Hillview Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria. Visitation with the family will Thursday 3 PM until 8 PM and Friday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Lighthouse Christian Camp, in memory of Ms. Love. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

88 year old Mary Jane Johnson of Smithville passed away on Monday at NHC Healthcare Center in Smithville. She was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church and was retired from DeKalb General Hospital. The funeral will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bill Robertson and Joel Wood will officiate and burial will be in the Mt. Holly Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, John “Red” and Nora Fuson Johnson; grandson, Dustin Edwards; two brothers, Virgil and Charlie Johnson; and three sisters, Christine Tramel, Barbara Keaton, and Lorene Hale. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy and Billy Edwards of Murfreesboro and Vicky and Nelson Duke of Smithville. Five grandchildren, Becky and Brandon Miller, Dana and Eric Barber, and Ethan Duke all of Smithville, Nikki and Nolan Harrell of Murfreesboro, and Allison and Corey Bryant of McMinnville. Seven great grandchildren, Brianna, Taylor, and Bryce Harrell all of Murfreesboro, Paige, Kelsie, and Jaden Barber all of Smithville, and Noah Bryant of McMinnville. One brother, A.C. and Elizabeth Johnson. One sister, Violet Pack. Several nieces and nephews survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Donations may be made to Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church.

58 year old John Wayne Grandstaff of Liberty passed away at his residence. He was an employee of Star Manufacturing, a DeKalb County native, and a member of the Cave Springs Missionary Baptist Church. The funeral will be Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Dennis Young and Wilson Williams will officiate and burial will be in Hillview Cemetery. The pallbearers are Kevin Rhody, Corey Morrow, Chris Chapman, Keith Billings, Tom Sklenka, Danny Chapman, Tyler Bundy, and Daniel Sklenka. Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Lizzy, and Hobart Herman; parents, John B. Grandstaff and Mildred Herman; and a brother, Roy Grandstaff. Survivors include his wife, Donna Grandstaff of Liberty. A daughter, Tiffany and Corey Morrow of Liberty. A granddaughter, Lexy Gammons of Liberty. A nephew, Marcus and Diana Grandstaff of Woodbury. Three great nephews and several cousins also survive. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements.

97 year old Clara Brown Lawrence of Alexandria died Friday at Tennova Hospital in Lebanon. She was retired from Kingston Timers and a charter member of the West Main Baptist Church in Alexandria. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the West Main Baptist Church. Dusty Desimone will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4- 8 p.m. at the funeral home and Sunday from 1 p.m. until the service at the church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Davis and Ila Lynam and a sister, Mildred Agnew. Survivors include children, Kenneth and Sandra Lawrence of Goodlettsville, Sandra and Gene Ross of Grapevine, Texas, Lisa and Ralph Agee, Jr. of Alexandria, and Gary “Bronson” and Sherrie Lawrence of Alexandria. Eight grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren survive. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia “Pat” Overton Paris, 85 of Smithville, Tennessee passed from this life on Monday, June 19, 2017, at NHC HealthCare of Smithville.
Pat was born Tuesday, December 1, 1931 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and she was the daughter of the late Gladys (Grieve) and Olin Overton.
Pat was a loving wife, mother, and Muffy to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son Randy Paris and his wife Donna Paris of Smithville, Tennessee and her daughter, Ginger Van Sant and her husband Richard Van Sant of Cumming, Georgia
She had 6 Grandchildren: David Van Sant, Richard Van Sant, Jr., Kate Karassik, Brandon Paris, Jennifer Griffith and Stephanie Smith. She had 10 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William Donald Paris.
Pat chose cremation and the family followed her wishes and a celebration of her life will be held at Elizabeth Chapel in Smithville, Tennessee on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dekalb Animal Coalition Construction Fund.
Please send to:
Dekalb Animal Coalition
PO Box 354
Smithville, Tennessee, 37166

George Mansfield Johnson, Sr. age 88, of Walling, TN passed away Monday morning, June 19, 2017 at home. He was born June 26, 1928 to his parents, the late James Herman and Nancy Eller Johnson.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by, the mother of his children, Nellie Jane Johnson Keaton, Son, George M. Johnson, Jr., Granddaughter, Stacey Powell, Wife Clara Johnson, Stepdaughter Jenny Smith, Wife Jewell Hoffman Johnson. Four brothers, Dallas (Della Mae), Dink (Donna Bell), James (Margaret) and Earl Johnson, two sisters Tracey and Marie Johnson.
Mr. Johnson served in the United States Army Nov. 29, 1950 until Nov. 28, 1952. He was retired from DTC Communication in Dekalb County.
Mr. Johnson was a Christian and was known for his love for the Lord. He was an inspiration to many.
Mr. Johnson is survived by daughters Debra (Kenny) Bain of Smithville, Teresa A. Johnson and Janie Johnson of Walling, Stepdaughters Juanna (Rick) Mason, Janet (Don) Pugh, of Walling, Diane (Ben) Johnson of Walling, Grandchildren Nelda, Bandy, and Kenny Bain, Jr. of Smithville, Great Grandchildren, Jacob Bandy, Tanisha Bandy and Briana Bandy, Braxton and Gavin Bain all of Smithville, and Danye Powell of McMinnville, Great Great Grandchildren Aaron Cole Bandy, Alejandra Grace Gutierrez of Smithville, and a sister in law Katie Johnson Young of Sparta.
Many neices and nephews also survive.
Funeral service will be at 1pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Alton Marcum and Robert Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Walling. Family will recieve friends from 3pm until 9pm on Tuesday, June 20 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers include; Lynn Johnson, Adam Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Garland Johnson, Anthony Johnson, and David Young.
Condolences to the family may be made at oaklawnmemorial.com

Christine Taylor Reeder age 77 of Smithville, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. She was born January 17, 1940 to her parents, the late Albert and Pauline Hoover Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Winnie Taylor; husband, Melvin Reeder; granddaughter, Lindsay Reeder; 1 brother, Buddy Taylor and 1 sister, Faye Lohorn. Ms. Christine was a member of The Baptist Tabernacle, retired factory worker and baby sitter. She is survived by 2 children, Regena (Reginald) Truitt of Smithville and Charles (Liz) Reeder of Cookeville; 5 grandchildren, Whitney Houk (Ana Armendariz), Corey Winchester, Amanda (Jeff) Rippy, Chavon Young and Reggie Truitt (Nesea Napper); 7 great-grandchildren; 6 sisters, Mary Ludy of Smyrna, Peggy (Ralph) Tramel of Smithville, Judy (Ronnie) Redmon of Dowelltown, Linda (Alvin) Armour of Smithville, Darlene Jones of Smithville and Sandy (Cam) Dunn of Smithville; 5 brothers, Ricky (Dianne) Taylor of Murfreesboro, Ronnie Taylor of Smithville, Jerry Taylor of Smithville, Jimmy (Rita) Taylor of Smithville, Tony (Vickie) Taylor of Murfreesboro; brother-in-law, Don Lohorn of Smithville; sisters-in-law, Brenda Taylor of Smithville, Sally Tims of Cookeville, Hazel Bowman of Carthage and Susie Vandergriff of Smithville; many nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be 3 PM Saturday, June 17, 2017 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Garry McBride officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Friday 11:AM until 8 PM and Saturday 10:AM until the time of the service at 3 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy C. Adcock of the Belk Community passed away Monday night, June 12, 2017 at NHC HealthCare Center in Smithville. She was born April 25, 1927 to her parents, the late Bryan and Susie Rankhorn Green. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Adcock; daughter, Donna C. Phillips; 2 brothers, James and J.D. Green; 3 sisters, Josie Boyd, Maureen Sellars and Velma Walker. Ms. Dorothy was a faithful member of the Keltonburg Church of Christ and a homemaker. Survivors include 2 sons, Phillip (Carolyn) Adcock and Wayne (Brenda) Adcock both of Smithville; 4 daughters, Carol (Eddie) Green of Smithville; Jane (Don) Crouch of McMinnville; Peggy Shuster of Murfreesboro; Elaine (Trey) Axum of Woodbury; son-in-law, Barry Phillips of Hermitage; sister, Janice (Harris) Haley of McMinnville; sister-in-law, Ann Green of Clarksville; 16 Grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and her first great-great-granddaughter, LayLynn on the way; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be 2 PM Thursday, June 15, 2017 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Matthew Bouldin and Jonathan Stubblefield officiating and burial to follow in Keltonburg Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday 11:AM until 8 PM and Thursday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Keltonburg Church of Christ Guyana Mission Fund, in memory of Ms. Dorothy. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.