Gail Webb
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
A mother of four, a mother to so many more, Gail Webb, 90, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at her daughter Amanda Blair’s (Keith) home in Smithville, Tennessee. Born on November 1, 1934 to Robert and Margaret Hudgens in Sparta, TN, she is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Norval Finley Webb Jr., son-in-law Harry Greek (Annette), brother-in-law Carl Ballinger (Kay), and cherished loved ones and family members.
After graduating from White County High School, Gail served as a secretary to Tennessee Representative Joe L. Evins at his office in the nation’s capital. Introduced by the congressman, Gail and Norval and soon married in 1954. The Webbs spent the rest of their lives raising their family in Smithville, TN, where Norval, a third-generation pharmacist, owned and operated F.Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy.
While being a stay-at-home mom, Gail’s motherly care extended well beyond her long-time home on South College Street, impacting the lives of so many in the local community and beyond.
For several years, she served as the local Girl Scouts Troop leader. She donated blood at every opportunity to help save lives, totaling more than 13 gallons. Even up until she was 85, Gail was a volunteer with the Smithville Meals on Wheels program, delivering food to those in need in the county.
For nearly two decades, Gail and Norval served as foster parents, opening their home to dozens of children with diverse needs and circumstances. One of those children, Heidi, would eventually become their own. Deaf and blind, Heidi was the cherished daughter they never expected but deeply loved. They raised her with unwavering care and compassion, encouraging her involvement in Girl Scouts and other organizations, and later enrolling her in the Tennessee School for the Blind. Though Heidi cannot speak many words, one she could always say was “Momma.”
Gail’s heart also extended well beyond the local community. She had sponsored countless children through World Vision and donated tirelessly to numerous charities.
Always humble, Gail never failed to put others first. Even in her final days, she continued to care for her daughter, Annette, who faced medical challenges of her own. She never sought recognition for her kindness, illustrating that actions speak louder than words. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Smithville, and all those whose lives were touched by her motherly love over the years.
Gail is survived by her sister, Kay Ballinger; her four children, Amanda Webb (Keith), Annette Greek (Harry), Alan Webb (Lori), and Heidi Webb; her grandchildren, Joseph Greek (Erin and their daughter Madeline), Kathryn Blair, Anna Rachel Blair, William Blair, Anderson Webb (Vivian), Martha Hooper (Justin), Emily Newell (Jared), and Thomas Webb; and several great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank her special caregiver Jimmie Kirby, Dr. Steven Cooper, his staff, and Adoration Home Health for the care and services they provided.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, at First United Methodist Church of Smithville. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by a service at 3:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Town Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to First United Methodist Church of Smithville.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Wilma J Staley
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
Wilma J Staley age 89 of Smithville passed away Monday night March 3, 2025, at N H C Healthcare of Smithville. She was born January 7,1936 to her parents the late Luther and Hauttie Roxanne Bond Ferrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Staley; 2 daughters, Janice Cade and Kathy Olds; grandson, Jamie Higdon; 4 sisters, Helen, Ruby, Shirley, Jodie; friend like a brother, Jimmy Bryson. Ms. Wilma was a member of Buckner’s Chapel Church and was a Homemaker. She is survived by son, Tim (Debbie) Staley of Dowelltown; grandchildren, Kesha (Chase) Bradford, Kiley Staley, Chynna Cade, Brittany Cade, Mindy (Mark) Versluis, Tish Burns, Joni Cade, Brandon Cade; great-grandchildren, Ivy Bradford, Ridge Bradford, Jamison Bustamante, Dylan Burns, Jade Sanders (Isaac), Hannah Durrance. Funeral services will be held Thursday March 6, 2025, at 11:00AM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating with interment to follow in Bonham Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday March 5, 2025, at 3:00PM till 7:00PM and on Thursday March 6, 2025, at 9:00AM until the time of the service at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bonham Cemetery Fund in memory of Ms. Wilma. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Staley family.
JT Brown
by: Dwayne PageMar 06, 2025
JT Brown, 60, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Loudon, Tennessee. He was born on October 21, 1964, in Nashville, Tennessee.
JT graduated from DeKalb County High School in Smithville, Tennessee, in 1983 and went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University until an accident altered the course of his life. Despite the challenges he faced following his traumatic brain injury, JT remained a beacon of resilience and positivity.
For the first 23 years of his life, JT was known for his charismatic personality. He never met a stranger and had an infectious ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His charm and good looks opened many doors for him, but it was his warmth and genuine nature that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. In the years following his accident, though physically limited in mobility and speech, JT’s spirit remained unshaken. His signature thumbs up became a symbol of his enduring optimism and was his way of reassuring others that he was always okay, no matter the circumstances.
Faith played a central role in JT’s life. He was saved and baptized in his youth and held steadfast to his belief in Jesus Christ throughout his life. He was a longtime member of Auburntown Church of Christ in Auburntown, Tennessee, and also attended New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as well as Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. His unwavering faith provided him with strength and hope through every stage of his journey.
JT had a deep love for all things related to the University of Tennessee and found joy in simple pleasures despite the challenges he faced. At Rivergrove, where he spent much of his later years, he became known as the thumb-wrestling champion-a testament to both his playful spirit and determination to engage with those around him. His kindness and gratitude were qualities that never wavered; they defined him just as much as his resilience did.
JT is survived by his sister Carlene Judkins and her husband Steve, Loudon, TN, one daughter Savannah Whitefield, and two granddaughters Alexia and Addi Whitefiled, Smithville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Doris Hawkins Brown.
JT’s life was one of perseverance, faith, and an enduring ability to bring joy to those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. JT will be cremated and no funeral services are planned.