Dinah Rose Cripps
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Dinah Rose Cripps, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home on Dry Creek Thursday night June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. Her final days were comforted by the dedicated care of both her family and the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice.
Dinah was born on October 12, 1951, the youngest child of William and Nettie Hicks Cubbins, who preceded her in death. A proud graduate of DeKalb County High School, Class of 1970, she married the love of her life, Phil Cripps, in that same year. They shared 55 years of marriage, worshipping together at Dowelltown Baptist Church and later at Smithville Church of the Nazarene.
Dinah and Phil were blessed with two children, Tony and Amy. Their son Tony and his wife Cynthia gave them two grandsons, Preston and Dylan Cripps. Their daughter Amy and her husband Shane Smith added three more grandchildren to their family: Matthew, Mark, and Sarah Smith.
A beloved presence in her community, Dinah drove most recent Bus #6 for DeKalb County Schools for 36 years, where she lovingly treated each child who boarded as one of her own. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the school route, as she worked for many years as a sales associate at Jr. Foods Market and Larry’s Discount Grocery. Wherever she went, former students—now grown with children of their own—greeted her warmly, a testament to the lasting impact she made on their lives.
Dinah is remembered for her joyful spirit, sharp wit, and infectious laughter. Of all the children she lovingly helped raise, none held a more special place in her heart than her five grandchildren. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Preston’s daughter, Paisley, and Matthew and Brooke Smith’s daughters, Caroline and Nellie. True to form, Dinah and Phil affectionately gave each of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren special nicknames, which they answered to just as naturally as their given names.
Dinah was preceded in death by her brothers J.C. and Charles Cubbins, and sisters Eleaise Estes, Myrtle Taylor, and Carolyn Cubbins. She is survived by her devoted husband Phil, her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their care and kindness in recent weeks. A special thank you is given to her niece Teresa Rigsby for her ongoing support, love, and help in caring for Dinah.
Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, June 29, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Shane Smith and Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in Mt. Holly Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 2 PM until 8 PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Cripps family.
Hannelore Lina Drake
by: Dwayne PageJun 27, 2025
Hannelore Lina Drake, age 87 of Dowelltown, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. She was a homemaker and attended Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church. She had a love for cooking, baking, sewing, gardening and especially growing beautiful flowers. She enjoyed spending time with her family & friends, pets and was very active in her church activities.
She was born on January 27, 1938 in Saasen, West Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents; George and Lina Girone Petizinger, sister; Lieselotte Carl, brother-in-law; Werner Carl and nephew; Jurgen Carl.
The family has chosen cremation. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1:00 until service time at 3:00. It will be held at her residence, 508 Old Snow Hill Road, Dowelltown, TN. Bro. Bill Robertson will officiate. All friends and family are invited to attend.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years; Glen Drake, 2 daughters; Rhonda Drake of Dowelltown and Cindy Drake of KY, her dog; Prince Prancer, (aka my baby), niece; Ursula Frank, great nephews and great-great niece all of Germany, also all family & friends in TN, MI, WA and FL.
The family would also like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice caregivers and staff of McMinnville.
Donations can be made to St Jude, Shriner’s Hospital, Jaida’s Paws Rescue, mail checks to 3138 Palestine Road, Campbellsville, KY 42718 or Pay Pal jaidaone@yahoo.com in memory of Mrs. Drake.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements
Donnie Lewis
by: Dwayne PageJun 27, 2025
Donnie Lewis, age 82, of Smithville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Born on May 22, 1943, in Nashville to the late J.D. and Sara Stephens Lewis, Donnie lived a life marked by service, hard work, and deep devotion to his family.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Donnie served as a Seabee in Vietnam, where he skillfully operated heavy equipment and helped build infrastructure. After his military service, he returned home and applied his talents to a successful career as a small business owner, operating both Lewis Construction and Magic Video. He later retired from Rogers Group and, never one to sit still, spent his retirement years driving a school bus. He served his community as a Smithville City Alderman in the 1970’s.
Donnie was a devoted husband, having shared 31 loving years with his wife, Christine Lewis. He was a beloved father to his son, Jimmy (Gina) Lewis, and daughter, Heather (Mark) Kent. He found great joy in his role as Granddaddy to his grandchildren: Ava and Hayes Kent, Caitlin Anderson and Chelsea McCroskey. Great grandchildren: Lilly Anderson, Emilia and Adalyn Meadows, Jayme Linn Hayes and Layla James McCroskey. He is also survived by his sister Gail Coil.
He was a man of Baptist faith. Known for his gentle nature, tireless work ethic, and kind heart, Donnie touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Tuesday, July 1, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers are Hayes Kent, Mark Stephens, Mike Stephens, Nate Meadows, Conner McCroskey, Todd Kent, Terry Taylor, and Donnie Roller.
In honoring Donnie’s memory, his family celebrates a life well lived and a legacy that will continue through those who loved him.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Lewis family.