Denis Albert Marrotte

September 25, 2021

Denis Albert Marrotte, 73, of Smithville, Tennessee passed away on September 11, 2021, surrounded by angels and the presence of our Lord.

He was born to parents Marcel (Mike) Marrotte and Rita Talbot on September 23, 1947, in Keene, New Hampshire. Denis graduated from Monadnock Regional High School and went on to be a carpenter after trying his hand at culinary school. He was also an ordained minister and touched hundreds by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with so many that crossed his path, he faithfully attended New Life United Pentecostal Church in Smithville for the last several years. Denis wrote two books: Vote Right and Live and Salvation Revelation: The Rock-Solid Salvation and the Alien Within.

Denis was jovial and rarely confessed a bad day. ‘No problems, only challenges and this too shall pass,’ he would say. He loved God, family & friends, shooting guns, fishing, bird watching, hunting, horses, the mountains, cheesy dad jokes, bible studies and ice cream. He was simple. While he didn’t have much for material possessions, he gave generously to anyone that was in need. He was honored by his children as #1 Dad and Best Dad several years running with key chains, coffee cups and t-shirts. Denis will be remembered fondly for encouraging his children and grandchildren to seek the Lord, to read their Bibles and to just pray about anything and everything. He was zealous for the Lord, always encouraging and loved his family and friends unconditionally.

Denis is survived by his son Matthew Marrotte, his daughters Heather Henn, Sarah Lock, Elizabeth Marrotte, a host of grandchildren & great-grandchildren, the mother of his children Susan, and countless loved ones & dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents Marcel Marrotte & Rita Talbot and his granddaughters Brittany Johnson & London Henn.

Celebration of Life Services will be held 3:PM Sunday, September 26, 2021 at New Life United Pentecostal Church Connection Center (738 South Congress Blvd. Smithville, TN) with Pastor Dwayne Cornelius officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday 2:PM until the time of the service at 3:PM. The service will be live-streamed at New Life Smithville Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please lend support for someone in need or donate to one or both of his regular beneficiaries: The College of the Ozarks and Dugit.org.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the services.

September 24, 2021

Vernon “Roy” Royce Taylor, age 79 passed away at St. Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Roy was born on June 15, 1942 in Cannon County, TN to his parents, the late Repsie and Hannah Thomas Taylor. Also preceding him in death was his son, David Anthony Taylor, and 7 brothers and 2 sisters. Mr. Taylor was an Army veteran, a farmer and a Christian.

A graveside services will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 2pm at Melton Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Taylor of Smithville, TN; 2 children, Joyce Mosley (fiance, Bobby Turner) of Morrison, and Ben Taylor of Smithville; 1 stepson, Glenn (Louise) Ferrell of Smithville; 2 grandchildren, Dustin Mosley of Morrison and Audrea Mosley of TX; 2 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Conley of Centertown and Noah Mosley of Coffee County; 1 brother, Ernie Taylor of Centertown.

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

September 22, 2021

Ayla Michelle Hartman Donatto age 24 passed away in Cookeville on Monday, September 20, 2021. She was born February 25, 1997 to her mother, Crystal Lynn Nokes. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Susie Vandergriff. She worked as a Social Worker at Group Home for Girls. She is survived by her daughter, Kayleaigha Michelle Donatto of Cookeville; step-son, Reese Porter Donatto of Crossville; mother, Crystal McCorkel of Indiana; adopted mother, Treva Hartman of Smithville; step-father, Lee McCorkel of Indiana; brothers, Willie Murphy of Smithville, Christopher Rue of Indiana, and TImothy Rue of Indiana; sister Katlyn Harn of Smithville; step-brother, Christopher McCorkel of Indiana; mother and father-in-law, Elizabeth Donatto-Clark and John Clark; husband, Logan Donatto of Cookeville. The family has chosen direct cremation. A Memorial Service will be held Friday September 24, 2021 at 1:00PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with the family officiating. Visitation will be Friday 11:00AM until the time of the service at 1:00PM. Due to COVID the funeral home lounge is closed and no food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

September 22, 2021

Mr. James Anthony “Tony” Donnell, age 56, of Lebanon, TN, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Vanderbilt UMC in Lebanon, TN, surrounded by his four children.

Mr. Donnell was born February 17, 1965 in Lebanon, TN, a son of the late Albert Donnell and Joan Donnell. Tony was also preceded in death by his sister; Tammy Donnell Griffin.

Tony was a 1983 graduate of DeKalb County High School. He worked for Tread Transportation as a driver and contractor for FedEx.

Mr. Donnell is survived by four children; Brandon (Kalah) Donnell, Travis (Amber) Donnell, Logan (Justin) Johnson, and Jake Donnell. He is also survived by step-mother; Susan Donnell, special cousin; Steve Dedmon, and girlfriend; Rita Anderson. Grandchildren; Carson and Collin Donnell, Eden and Hattie Donnell, and Harper Johnson.

Funeral Services for Mr. Donnell are scheduled to be conducted at the Avant Funeral Home in Alexandria, TN, on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2PM with Bro. T.J. Hewitt officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillview Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation with the Donnell family will be at Avant Funeral Home on Saturday from 10AM until service time at 2PM.

September 21, 2021

James L. “Jimmy” Emberton age 72 of Buffalo Valley died Sunday night September 19, 2021 at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville. He was born October 25, 1948 to his parents, the late Harvey and Mary Magdelene Redmon Emberton. He attended the Church of God and was a nurseryman. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by 3 sisters: Nancy Harris, Betty Williams, Edna Locke Hooper. Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday 4PM until 7PM. Survivors include 4 children: Tapatha (Eddie) Ray of Smithville, Brian (Charlotte) Emberton of McMinnville, Chad Emberton of Woodbury, Josh (Katie) Emberton of Smithville; Grandchildren: Dusten (Brandi) O’Conner, Julie (Chris) Ponder, Ethan (Samara) Ray, Brad Emberton, Ashley (Joe) Jones, Cade Emberton, Cristyn Emberton, Thea Kate Emberton; 13 Great Grandchildren; Domestic Partner: Kathy Prosser of Buffalo Valley; Brother: Ronnie (Katherine) Emberton of McMinnville; Sister: Tanya Emberton of Sparta. The Funeral Home lounge is closed at this time and NO FOOD or DRINKS are allowed in the building. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

September 19, 2021

Mr. Kenneth L. Boring age 79 of the Johnson Chapel Community of DeKalb County passed away Friday, September 17, 2021 at his home.

Mr. Boring was born on March 15, 1942 in San Antonio, TX to his parents, the late Cyrus & Alfreida Self Boring. Also preceding him in death was his wife, Karen Fogerty Boring. He was an Engineer with Inland Steel and had served his country in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne/Paratrooper Division. He was also a member of the Amvets.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11am at Peeled Chestnut Cemetery with military honors provided by the Veterans Honor Guard. There will be no visitation held at the funeral home. Family and friends will gather at the cemetery just prior to the 11am service.

Survivors include 2 Sons, Bryan Boring & Bret Boring both of Smithville, TN. 1 Daughter, Dawn Maranto of Smithville, TN. 9 Grandchildren, Alyssa, Austin, Tyler, Riley & Kayla Boring, Jared & Dakota Boring, Heather Parkerson & Megan Hunter. 3 Great Grandchildren, Indy Parkerson, Wesley & Mave Hunter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Mr. Boring.

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