Ronnie Cook

March 23, 2021

Mr. Ronnie Cook, age 72 of Smithville, TN passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN.

Ronnie was born on February 17, 1949 in Lebanon, TN to his parents, the late Roy & Hazel Barrett Cook. Also preceding him in death is a Grandchild, Jay Cook & a Brother, Puggy Cook. He was retired from the Construction Industry & was a member of the Whorton Springs Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 3:30pm from the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Mike Carpenter will officiate and burial will be at Salem Cemetery in Liberty, TN. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday from 4-8pm & Friday from 11am until the service time at 3:30pm. We are not accepting food in our kitchen facility at this time.

Survivors include his Wife, Sue Mullins Cook of Smithville, TN. 3 Daughters, Rhonda (Chris) Tuttle, Ashley Cook & Angel Cook all of Nashville, TN. Son, Kevin Cook of Nashville, TN. Step Children, Desiree Neal & Christopher McPherson both of Smithville, TN. Grandchildren, Shon Cook, Devonte Sharp, Jailey Sharp, Alexus Sharp, Aaron & Abby Cook, Kevon McCloud, Mariah Woodroof, Tyson Tucker, Darian Ferrell, Dylan Roller, Caden McPherson, Tyler Lambardi & Skyler McPherson. A host of Great Grandchildren. 3 Sisters, Dorothy George of Alexandria, TN, Pam Young & Lisa Rhody both of Smithville, TN. Brother, Joe (Brenda) Cook of Watertown, TN. Sister-in-law, Linda Cook of Alexandria, TN.

In addition to flowers, donations can be made to Whorton Springs Baptist Church or to the Lighthouse Christian Camp in memory of Ronnie.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

March 23, 2021

Mrs. Virginia Laverne Cunningham, age 67 of the Johnson Chapel Community of DeKalb County passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at her residence.

Mrs. Virginia was born on July 25, 1953 in Smithville, TN to her parents, the late Bill & Nancy Gracy Luna. Also preceding her in death is her husband, Jimmy Bruce Cunningham & 2 Brothers, Harold Luna & Gene Luna. She was a Homemaker & was of the Baptist faith.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1pm from the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro Elmore Judd & John Cunningham will officiate with burial to follow at Old Zion Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday from 4-8pm & Friday from 10am until the service time at 1pm. We are not accepting food in our kitchen at this time.

Survivors include a Daughter- Renee Cunningham of Sparta, TN. 3 Sons- Bruce & Sherril Cunningham of Smithville, TN, Gene Cunningham & John & Rebecca Cunningham all of Sparta. 7 Grandchildren- Gene Cunningham, Traci & Ben Gard, Josh & Amanda Cunningham, Rachel & Matt Buchanan, Kevin & Dashia Cunningham, Chelsie & Kenneth Colwell & Megan Cunningham. 14 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Brother- Bill & Ruby Luna of Tullahoma, TN & a Sister- Christine Hopkins of Winchester, TN. Special thanks to Caris Hospice and caregiver Lisa.

In addition to flowers, donations can be given to the Gideons International in memory of Mrs. Virginia.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

March 22, 2021

Joyce Hibdon Mullinax passed away during her sleep on March 19, 2021 at home. Joyce was born in DeKalb County on October 14, 1936 to Jimmie and Hazel Cantrell Hibdon.

Joyce was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and served as the home demonstration agent in Rutherford County for several years. She then taught in the DeKalb County School system for many years before serving as the DeKalb County System Food Service Director. After retiring from the school system, she developed and operated Richland Retirement Home in Smithville.

She was a remarkable woman who touched numerous lives as a teacher, friend, neighbor, caregiver, and mother to many. It was her wish to stay at home even as her health was declining. She was cared for by many generous and caring people, for which she was thankful to you all, especially Stephanie Tiner, and Sissy Pyles.

Joyce is survived by her son, Greg Mullinax, of Tokyo, Japan. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Jerry Hibdon and Freddy Hibdon. She is survived by her brother, John Hibdon (Vickie) and her sister, Nina Moss (James) and sisters-in-law Wendy Hibdon and Susan Hibdon. Joyce was an aunt to thirteen nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Joyce was also “Granny Joyce” to her special family Barbara and Doug Ervin, their children, Hayden (Katie) Ervin and Lindsy Shae (Ryan) Winfree and children Charlee and Rylee Winfree.

Joyce was a special and giving friend to many and always enjoyed running into her former students, even when, sometimes, she didn’t recognize them right away! Joyce was an excellent Southern style cook who enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends, always happy to share a recipe or cooking tip. She also never shied away from issues with managing rental properties for which Terry Hicks was a dependable helper and problem solver for many years.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to either the Justin Potter Library, 101 S. 1st Street, Smithville, TN 37166, or the Banks Cumberland Presbyterian Church (mail to Violet Carr, 2807 Blue Springs Road, Smithville, TN 37166), for which she has been a member of for most of her life.

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

March 20, 2021

Freda Kay Duggin Johnson age 68 of Liberty, died Friday, March 19, 2021 at her home. Born May 2, 1952 in Cannon County, she was the daughter of the late Allie Mae White Mears and Hoyte S. Duggin. Freda was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Wayne Johnson in 2019; a brother, Bob Duggin and sisters, Geraldine Campbell, Wanda Campbell and Denise Dodd. She retired from the Norvell Co. and worked as a DeKalb Co. school bus aide. Freda was a member of the Covenant Baptist Church in Smithville. She is survived by her sons, Darrell Johnson (Inga) and Anthony Johnson of Liberty, Donnie Johnson (Ronda) of Smithville, and Derek Johnson (Kim Cantrell) of Liberty; grandchildren, Kaitlyn King (Buster), Kimberly Johnson, Justin and Eli Johnson, Andrew Johnson; step-grandchildren, Alex Hale (Phillip), Keshia Hale (Thomas), Gabby Robinson (Kyle), Noah Byford, Maegan Harris, Peyton Harris, Carlie Sullivan; several great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; sister, Ann Ferrell; special cousins, Paul and Jean Neal and many other cousins and friends. Funeral services 2 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2021 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with John Bell, Bobby Thomason, Wilson Williams and Leonard Herman officiating. Visitation 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. till service time Monday. Pallbearers, Darrell, Anthony, Donnie and Derek Johnson, Justin Eli, and Andrew Johnson. Honorary pallbearers, Peyton Harris and Noah Byford. Interment at Salem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements

March 19, 2021

Judith Kay James passed away peacefully on February 26th at her home with her family at her side.

Born December 12, 1950 in St Louis, Missouri to the late Robert and Geraldine Jostrand, Judy is survived by her daughter, Shawnda James Caulfield, her son-in-law, Daniel Caulfield Jr, and her beloved granddaughter, Ava Caulfield. Ms. Judy, as she was known by most, was the owner/operator of James Dance Center in Central Florida for 35 years. After embarking on a successful performing career of her own, it was when she opened her studio that she was able to combine her two great loves; dance and working with children. She guided numerous generations of children through their youth by providing them with a safe place to grow both artistically and emotionally in a nurturing environment that became like a second home to the dancers. Many of her students went on to successful performing careers with major dance companies, touring shows, and overseas companies, and just as many others thrive in fields as diverse as the medical, publishing and teaching worlds to name just a few.

Ms. Judy was beyond proud of all of her students and kept in touch with many of them even after retiring and moving to middle Tennessee 10 years ago. Upon her move to Smithville, Judy immediately became involved in her local community and volunteered her time for numerous causes close to her heart. She was passionate about her teaching for Community Bible Study in Cookeville and for the homeless outreach and food pantry her church, Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian, organized. In addition to all of this, Judy was always unfailingly available to her family, often picking up and flying wherever her daughter was working to watch her granddaughter with whom she developed an incredible bond. Judy was the embodiment of selflessness and compassion and lived her life supporting and loving her family, her dancers, her friends, and anyone who needed it to the absolute utmost of her ability. Her legacy will live on through those family and friends and all those whose lives she impacted in so many ways.

A service celebrating her life will be held March 21, 2021 at 2pm at Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 201 S. College St. Smithville, TN 37166. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Compassion International, two charities whose mission of helping children in need she wholeheartedly supported.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

March 18, 2021

Bobby Lewis “Stub” Martin, 79, of Smithville, TN passed away November 30, 2020 at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN surrounded by his wife and children.

Bobby was born September 29, 1941 to the late Malcolm and Elizabeth Martin. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by a daughter Ginger Kay Martin, brother Thomas Martin, and sister Mackie Ann Emmert.

Bobby leaves behind his wife of 54 years Thelma Bates Martin, son Christopher Lewis Martin, granddaughter Kaylee Elizabeth Martin all of Smithville, and daughter Misty Rose and Larry Bulawsky of St. Louis, Missouri.

Stub was a long-time resident of DeKalb County. Over the course of his lifetime, he was a member of the United States Army, co-owner of DeKalb Auto Parts, an avid reader, outdoorsman, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and husband and a true pleasure to be around with a unique and memorable sense of humor.

Memorial services for Bobby Lewis “Stub” Martin will be held Saturday, March 27th at the Smithville Church of Christ. Visitation with the family will begin at 1 PM with a short service starting at 3 PM. During the service, friends and family will recount tales of his life-long adventures and the many great moments of his life.
Due to Covid-19, In consideration of other attendees, please wear a mask and follow the Church social distancing policies.

The family asks that donations be made to the Justin Potter Library or the Smithville Church of Christ Day School in lieu of flowers.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.