Obituaries

JoNelda Stewart Judkins

December 14, 2024

JoNelda Stewart Judkins age 94 passed away at her residence in Smithville Wednesday, December 11, 2024. She was born February 11, 1930, to her parents the late James Fowler and Zona Lee Randolph Stewart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Hobert O. Judkins, Sr.; siblings, Joyce Mauro, Sue Curry, and Jimmie Webb. Ms. Judkins was a homemaker. JoNelda Stewart Judkins was a blessing and gift to everyone fortunate enough to know and love her. Her genuine loving care inspired us all with her words and actions. She was an exceptional cook, talented seamstress, quilter, homemaker and had a natural gift for hospitality that touched our hearts. Her patience and nurturing spirit were a guiding light to us all, and her calm, gentle and forgiving nature inspired us to be better versions of ourselves. She was a shining example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Her legacy of love will continue to inspire us and be a beacon of hope for generations to come. She is survived by 6 children, Hobert O. (Rebecca) Judkins, Jr. of Smithville, Shelby (Barbara) Judkins of Rock Island, Dave (Chris) Judkins, Sr. of Smithville, Michael (Virginia) Judkins, Sr. of Sparta, Danny Judkins of Dallas, TX, and Colleen (Tony) Hernandez of Smithville; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Judy Stewart of Cookeville. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Monday December 16, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bernard Houk officiating and burial to follow in Jaco-Judkins Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday December 15, 2024, at 1 PM till 5 PM and Monday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Judkins family.




Karen Lucille Hollembeak

December 11, 2024

Karen Lucille Hollembeak was born in Rockford, Illinois on May 11, 1943 to Kenneth and Grace White. She grew up on a farm with her two younger brothers, Denny and Ron. One of her favorite things as a little girl was listening to the Children’s Bible Hour on Moody radio. At age 5 she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior with her mother by her side.

Karen graduated from Belvidere High School in Illinois in 1961 and worked as a secretary for Shappert Engineering Co. She met and dated Roger Hollembeak in school and they married on September 30, 1961. She had three children, Christine Ann, Cathleen Lynn and one that died in her womb. She was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker, as well as a secretary and pianist for Calvary – Faith Baptist Church for many years and even after retirement. She loved and enjoyed her family, friends, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite activities include playing the piano, mini putt putt golf, bowling, getting together with family and life long friends, playing scrabble and card games, working puzzles, going to church, reading Christian books and the Bible.

Karen dedicated her life to the Lord. She lived, walked and breathed her Christian testimony each and everyday. Her daughter Cathy often said she felt that her mom was so pure that she seemed angelic here on earth. She never faltered in her faith, always being a Godly example staying steadfast in her convictions. Her rewards will be great in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Kenneth and Grace White, husband; Roger Hollembeak and daughter; Christine Brown.

Karen went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 5:56 am when she passed from heart complications.

Visitation with the Hollembeak family will be on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home from 11:00 am until the memorial service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Tom Fittis will officiate.

Survivors include her daughter; Cathleen (Travis) Williams, 6 grandchildren; Zachary Hanson, Erin (Prentice) Reynolds, Lydia (Matthew) Johnson, Vincent (Lisa) Castillo, Savanah White, Rachel White, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers; Denny (Nancy) White and Ron (Jan) White.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.




Brian Jason Wilhite

December 10, 2024

Brian Jason Wilhite age 43 of Smithville and formerly of Sparta, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at his residence in Smithville after battling cancer. He was born July 10, 1981. Brian was preceded in death by grandparents, Carl (Lyrea Ann) Kinnaird, JD Wilhite, and Mary Alice and Cecil Smith. Brian was a Concrete Layer in the local community until he became too sick to work. Brian enjoyed all animals, but his true passion was horses, and he never turned down a fishing trip or a chance to go hunting. He is survived by children, Catierra Wilhite, Daniel Wilhite, and Bella Wilhite; parents, Joette (John) Kinnaird; siblings, Karena (Sean) Anderson and Jonathan Kinnaird; Brandy Batey, longtime girlfriend and caregiver who remained at Brian’s side; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive. The family has chosen direct cremation to honor Brian’s wishes. Buial and graveside service will be held at a later date. A sincere “Thank You” to Gentiva Hospice for the care and support shown to Brian. The family request you enjoy a riding trip with your horse or to your favorite fishing or hunting spot in memory of Brian. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Wilhite family.




Nancy Elizabeth Redmon

December 10, 2024

Nancy Ethel Redmon, born on January 18, 1935, passed away on December 10, 2024, at NHC in Warren County. She was a devoted housewife and a lifelong member of New Union Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and loved to sing. Nancy was an avid gardener, loved to bake, and cherished reading her Holy Bible.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Euna Young Cantrell; her husband, JB Redmon; her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Redmon; her son, Phillip Wayne Redmon; her grandchild, Joseph Daniel Redmon; and 15 brothers and sisters.

Nancy is survived by her loving children: Janice (Terry) Stough of Alabama, James (Cathy) Redmon of Georgia, David Redmon of Indian Mound, and John (Michelle) Redmon of Rock Island. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Christopher (Mary Beth) Malone, Rachel Harris, Nickalas Redmon, Sarah Redmon, Sedwin Davis, Eran (Sheyenne) Davis, David (Heather) Redmon Jr., Laura (Kenny) Johnson, Lydia (John) Sheppard, Kathy Redmon, Lloyd Johnson, and Jennifer (Carl) Hoskins.

Visitation with the Redmon family will be held on Wednesday from 3:00 to 7:00 and on Thursday from 11:00 until the service at 1:00 in the chapel of Love-Cantrell. Bro. Jason Brown will officiate, and burial will follow in New Union Cemetery.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements




A. V. Meeks

December 9, 2024

A. V. Meeks, 83 of Cookeville, Tennessee passed from this life on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

A. V. was born Sunday, February 9, 1941, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, and she was the daughter of the late Cordell Hull Smith and the late Fannie Bea (Anderson) Smith.

A. V. was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was a longtime member of Smithville Church of Christ. She loved taking care of the children at Tiny Tots and Tiny Tots II in Smithville, Tennessee, where she worked for many years. She loved her family and spending time with them. A. V. was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

A. V. is survived by, Daughter, Deborah Allen and her husband, Michael; Grandson, Addison Allen; 4 Sisters, Mary “Etmo” Burgess, Jewell Wingard, Jo Helen Baker, and Jean Denton; Brother, James Smith and his wife, Linda; Sister-In-Law, Jean Smith; Brother-In-Law, Howard Bryant; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

In addition to her parents, A. V. was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron “Sonny” Meeks; 3 Brothers, Paul Smith, Cecil Smith and his wife Eneloit, and Charlie Ray Smith; 3 Sisters, Christine Bryant, Norman Bennett Stewart and her husband, Floyd, and Kathleen Ragland and her husband Lee; 3 Brother-In-Law, Elvin Weatherford, Joe Wingard, Steve Denton, and Frank Baker; Nephew, Jerry Stewart.

Special Thanks to Wanda Mathews, Mary Ann Isbell, Pam Ball, and Lynn Caldwell for their special care, concern, and friendship of Mom in her time of need. Also thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their support.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 am until the time of service at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

To sign the online guestbook and send the family a message please visit www.crestlawnmemorial.com

Arrangements entrusted to Crest Lawn Funeral Home.




Billy Hooper

December 9, 2024

Smithville, TN resident and DeKalb County native Billy Hooper, age 88, was born January 21, 1936 and died December 8, 2024 at NHC Smithville following an extended illness.

A retired mortician and member of Calvary Baptist Church in Greeneville, TN, he was the son of the late Douglas and Maggie Turner Hooper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Billy Hooper, Jr.; siblings, Allen Hooper, Louise Story, Harry Hooper, T. M. Hooper, Clyde Hooper and Eddie Hooper.

Mr. Hooper was married June 12, 1989 to Mary Jane Hunt, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by Son Jeff Hooper of Smithville; granddaughter, Jessica (Pete) Taylor of Smithville; great-grandchildren Aiden and Adelann Taylor of Smithville; brother Jack (Marlys) Hooper of California; sisters-in-law, Johnnie Ruth Hunt of Liberty, TN, Sue Cook of Statesville, TN, Juanita Hooper of Smithville, TN; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in High’s Chapel. Burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens in DeKalb County. The family will receive visitors Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.




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