Obituaries

Shelia K. Welch

May 6, 2024

Shelia K. Welch, age 61, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Shelia passed away at home with her husband of 19 years by her side. She was born on October 28, 1962 in Macon County, Tennessee at the Smith-Chitwood Hospital to the late Erthon B. Krantz and Alta Oneta Davis Krantz. At the time of her death, she resided in Liberty, TN where she made her home with her loving husband.

Shelia and Richard were married on September 18, 2004. Between them, they have five daughters and 13 grandchildren. Shelia leaves behind the legacy of a beautiful family and boundless love.

Shelia was a devoted Christian and was a member of Prosperity Baptist Church. She treasured her Church and the friendships and fellowship she found there. In her last days on this Earth, she found great comfort knowing she would soon be in Heaven with her Father and loved sharing the great news of Jesus Christ. Her faith in God during such a difficult journey is an inspiration and gives much hope to those around her. With her testimony, her family takes comfort knowing there will be a great reunion one day.

Shelia was treasured by many, and her relationships defined her life. She knew the value of family and friends and worked hard to make sure everyone in her life knew they were special to her. She always pushed for family gatherings, knowing that our time on Earth is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have here. She was the family photographer, knowing the importance of capturing memories. Her family is left with the memories she captured and will find joy in looking back at the light and laughter she brought to the world.

Shelia also had a deep love and compassion for animals. She had many beloved pets throughout the years, but two held a very special place in her heart, Mickey and Minnie. She called them her “babies” and loved them dearly.

Shelia will be remembered for her big heart and fiery spirit. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on and her light will continue to shine in this world.

Shelia is survived by: Husband, Richard Welch of Liberty, TN; Daughter, Sandi Jenkins, Daughter, Katy Jenkins, Daughter and Son-in-law, Candi and Chris Barrett, Daughter and Son-in-law, Laura and Chanse Hudgens, Daughter and Son-in-law, Kimberly and Justin Waldrop, Grandchildren, Christian Jenkins, Robert Burton, Gabriel Jenkins, Timothy Welch, Lacey Welch, Sarah Hudgens, Daniel Hudgens, Jacob Waldrop, Katylin Waldrop, Emily Waldrop, Patrick Barrett, Kayla Barrett and Rebecca Barrett; Great Granddaughter, Piper Jenkin; Sister and Brother-in-law, Teresa and Glenn Foss of Cornersville, TN, Sister and Brother-in-law, Denise and Tim Hesson of Lafayette, TN, Brother, Eric Krantz of Hendersonville, TN, Sister-in-law, Pam and John Gaymon; special niece Crissy (Ryan) Kosier and A host of nieces and nephews.

Shelia is at the Avant Funeral Home in Alexandria, TN. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday May 9, 2024 at 11AM at the Prosperity Baptist Church with Bro. David Moody and Bro Dean Sircy officiating. Interment will follow in the Prosperity Cemetery.

Shelia’s family will receive friends on Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 1PM to 8 PM at Avant Funeral Home and on Thursday May 9, 2024 from 10AM until service time at 11Am at the Prosperity Baptist Church.




Grady Cope

May 1, 2024

Mr. Grady Cope, age 84 of Estill Springs, passed away Wednesday at his residence. He attended Christian Lighthouse Church in Tullahoma and was a retired truck driver.

Mr. Cope was born on September 9, 1939 in Smithville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents; Hastle & Myrtle Cantrell Cope, 2 sons; Tim and Barry Cope, step-son; Bret Cates and 2 sisters; Betty Jones and Maxine Briggs.

Visitation with the Cope family will be on Friday from 11:00 am until the service time at 2:00 pm at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Larry Briggs will officiate and burial will follow in Jefferson Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Wanda Kay Cope of Estill Springs, 3 children; Melinda (Chris) Blocker of Smithville, Kayla Cope of Estill Springs and Bart (Tina) Cates of Hendersonville, 1 sister; Gloria Webb of Smithville, several grandchildren and close family also members survive.

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




Bradley Shane Johnson

April 30, 2024

Bradley Shane Johnson, 46, of Woodbury passed away suddenly at his home April 25, 2024. Born in Davidson Co., he is survived by his mother, Viva Ferrell Johnson (Jewel Redmon) of Smithville and was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Johnson.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Brandi Pelham of Woodbury; children, Kimberly Carlton (Aldon) Underwood, Jacob Carlton, Dustin Johnson and Peyton Johnson all of Woodbury; grandchildren, Kingston and Weston Underwood; siblings, Melissa Johnson of Sparta and Debra Johnson of Smithville; nephews, Dylan Johnson and Jaxon Hillis; father-in-law, Gary Pelham of Woodbury and mother-in-law, Cindy (Terry) Staton of Woodbury.

A member of the Blues Hill church of Christ, Bradley was a mechanic at Right Price and previously worked at Neill Sandler. He was the rock of his family, always picking on everyone and was quick witted. He enjoyed “big boy toys”, dirt track racing, mud bogging, 4 wheeling, motorcycles and kayaking. Most of all, he was a wonderful provider for his family and loved spending time with them making memories.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marie and Hilton Ferrell, Lillian and Bobby Taylor and aunt and uncle, John and Mary Chapman.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Rannie Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Aarat cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net




JoAnn Johnson

April 30, 2024

JoAnn Johnson age 58, passed away Sunday, April 28 at St. Thomas Stones River Hosptial ER. She was born September 10, 1965 to her parents the late Ray Donald Murphy and Cleta Jo Horn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Teddy Johnson and brother David Turner. Ms. Johnson was a member of Kingdom of Jesus Pentecostal Church, and a homemaker. She is survived 4 children, Jessica (Joey) Coe, Jeffery (Ashley) Johnson, Thomas George, and Joshua Johnson all of Liberty; grandchildren, Zoey, Nicholas, and Dominic Coe, Madison Johnson, Landon and Haven Johnson, David, Kaylee and Hannah George; sisters, Darlene Jackson of Smithville and Diane (Richard) Ervin of Smithville; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday May 2, 2024 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Glen Chapman officiating and burial to follow in Johnson Family Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 PM till 8 PM and Thursday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Johnson family.




Maxine Maloy Thomas Trapp

April 30, 2024

Mrs. Maxine Maloy Thomas Trapp, age 69 of Smithville, passed away on Monday at her residence. She was a retired Lab and X-Ray technician and a member of the Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church. She was a member of the F.I.S.H. Facebook group which she enjoyed being a daily part of.

She was born on October 3, 1954 in Cookeville, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents; CJ and Helen Roberta Herron Thomas.

Visitation with the Trapp family will be on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and on Thursday 10:00 am until the service at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Andy Patterson will officiate and burial will follow in Judd Cemetery in Baxter.

Survivors include 1 daughter; Hayley Trapp, 2 grandchildren; Hannah and Noah Culwell, 2 sisters; Jeanette (Caroll) Irby all of Smithville, Jan (Tommy) Long of Baxter, and 2 brothers; Dwight (Brenda) Thomas of Cookeville and Joey (Jamie) Thomas of Mt. Juliet.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations please be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home to help with burial expenses.




Michael “Big Mike” Gardner

April 27, 2024

Mr. Michael “Big Mike” Gardner, age 71 of Dowelltown, passed away Wednesday at his residence. He was an Army veteran and served during the Panama Conflict from 1969 to 1976. He was a retired supervisor with the Environmental Management Service, and was an employee and trainer at Gym Bob’s Fitness Center. He was of the Church Of Christ faith.

Most everyone knew him as “Big Mike” in his community. He was loved by everyone and surrounded with numerous close friends. He never met a stranger. He had a heart of gold and was truly a gentle giant. He obtained his nickname from his love of working out and his dedication in the gym. He was a former powerlifter and an expert in his field. He was tough, kind, honest and wanted to leave everyone better than he found them. The world definitely needs more “Big Mikes”.

He was born on December 26, 1952 in Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Sarah Bell Gardner.

Mr. Gardner’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 30 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 6:00 pm.

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




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