Deborah Lynn Janey

March 7, 2024

Deborah Lynn Janey was born on October 10, 1950 in Washington, DC and passed away on March 6, 2024 in Smithville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents Shirley (Muellner) Janey and Clifford R. Janey. She is survived by her sister, Doreen Vasudevan of Exton, Pennsylvania and brothers Cliff Janney of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Tom and Patricia Janney, of Smithville, Tennessee.

Debbie was a person of many names. Her Minnesota cousins called her Deborah, her Tennessee cousins called her Debbie, her immediate family called her Deb, and a significant number of work associates called her “DJ”. She drew the line, however, at putting the extra “n” in her last name, as her brothers did, saying “I came in with one ‘n’ and I’m going out with one ‘n’.” So here we are.

Debbie graduated from John F Kennedy High School, in Bloomington, Minnesota, in 1968 and St. Catherine University in 1972, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. While Debbie was talented as an elementary school teacher, she eventually embarked on several wide-ranging occupations, including server and trainer at Steak and Ale Restaurant, a librarian at North Hospital in Minneapolis and an administrative professional at Mt. Yale Investment management, Minneapolis office. Her main “wage free” occupation, however, was being a world class runner. She ran many marathons, including the Twin Cities, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Nashville and Honolulu. She also participated in many 5k races, including the Smithville’s Fiddler 5k, a favorite.

Her most treasured role, however, was being “Aunt Debbie” to her five nieces and nephews: John and Kate Vasudevan, and daughters Molly and Jane, nephew Michael Vasudevan, Andrea Janney and daughter Cora, Alllison (Janney) and Aaron O’Keefe and sons Nolan and Levi, and David and Kelsie Janney and daughter Emelia. Some of Debbie’s fondest memories included sharing holidays and vacations with her nieces and nephews as they were growing up. However, nothing made her prouder or happier than seeing the next generation come along, thus receiving the coveted title: Great Aunt (emphasis on the “great” but not the part that implies being old, of course).

Deb made friends wherever she was. She was always remembered for making birthdays, or any event, extra special and fun. She enjoyed being of service to her friends and family and was a hard worker. She absolutely loved classic Hollywood movies with stars such as Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews and so forth. Theater and movie musicals were her favorite entertainment, and on one occasion, she spent an entire two weeks in New York City attending as many shows as possible. When her high school class was stuck on where to go for their senior trip she suggested a New York City theater tour – and it happened!

Debbie retired to Tennessee in 2019, with her beloved Min Pin, Lola, and eventually made her way to Smithville and the Webb House Retirement Center. She loved everyone there, especially her friend, Vicky Haggard and all of the staff and residents. She may have mentioned more than once – she does NOT like eggs! Thank you, Webb House for everything.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home on Monday, March 11 at 2:00pm. Visitation with the family will be from noon to 2:00. An internment and celebration of life will be at a later date in Minnesota.

Debbie was very special, and very loved, and will be missed by many. Donations in her memory may be made to the DeKalb Animal Shelter, 186 Transfer Station Rd, Smithville, TN 37166 or the charity of your choice.

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

March 7, 2024

Eddie Wayne Malone age 75 of Smithville, passed away Thursday morning March 7, 2024, at The Webb House in Smithville. He was born February 28, 1949, to the late Eligah Douglas and Nonnie Ann Moore Malone. Eddie attended the Smithville Church of God, a retired claims adjuster with Farm Bureau and a cattleman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: Frank, Hubert and Jerry Malone; sisters: Alma Dean Henley and Mainell Foutch. Funeral services for Eddie will be held 1:30PM Sunday March 10, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Saturday 10:AM until 7 PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1:30PM. Survivors include his wife of 53 years Patty Malone; Son: Kevin Malone of Smithville, Son & Daughter-in-law: Trent and Denise Malone of Lascassas; Grandchildren: Brittany (Jeremy) Leichtfuss, Katherine Malone, Aidan Malone, Alli & Lexi Malone; 1 Great-Grandson: Kieron Leichtfuss; Brother: Tommy (Linda) Malone of Woodbury; 2 Sisters: Roberta (Robert) Robinson, Ann Campbell both of Liberty; Brother-in-law, Joe Foutch of Liberty. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Malone Family.

March 7, 2024

Thelma Jean Owens age 76, passed away Monday March 4, 2024, at her residence. She was born July 13, 1947, to her parents the late Reed and Pauline Overbey Owens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Owens; 2 brothers, Curtis Owens and Daniel Owens. Ms. Owens was a Christian and a Homemaker. She is survived by children, Michelle Curtis of Dowelltown, Patrick Connors of Smithville, and Michael Connors of Smithville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive; sister, Ruby Rigsby of Rock Island; brother, Bobby Owens of Ohio. A Graveside service will be held Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11:00AM at DeKalb Cemetery with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery at 11:00AM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Owens family.

March 6, 2024

Mrs. Tadea “Teddie” Marie Barnes, age 88 of Smithville, passed away at her residence Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024. She was of the Catholic faith and a retired administrator with Citi Bank, DeKalb Co. Doctors Building and an Avon representative. She had a love for dancing.

She was born April 25, 1935 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose & Herlinda Hernandez Montalvo and her husband, Willam Bill Barnes.

Visitation with the Barnes family will be on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am till 12 Noon. A graveside will be held at 1:00 pm at Jefferson Cemetery.

Survivors include one daughter, Felicia (Jeff Morgan) Hodges Davis of McMinnville, Son, Darrick and Laurie Barnes of CA, 5 grandchildren, Lindsey Hodges of McMinnville, Holly (Dylan) Heim of Nashville, Rachel Hodges of AZ, Payton and Cooper Barnes of CA and one sister, Ann Kelly of West VA.

In addition of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

March 4, 2024

Anthony Wayne Hale age 32 of Smithville passed away Friday night, March 1, 2024 in Smithville. He was born in Cincinatti, Ohio on September 5, 1991 to his parents, Raven McCloud and Candy Hale. He was preceded in death by grandfather, Eugene Wilkey; 2 brothers, David Hall and John Keith Hale; aunts, Penny Hale, Connie Brownfield, Cynthia Hale, Clara May Wilkey, Reba Jean Wilkey; uncles, Phillip Wilkey, Joe Wilkey, Sr. and Joseph Harrison. He was of the Baptist faith and a handyman. He is survived by children, Bethany Dillon, Leuana Cullum, Emmitt Hale, Abigail Hale and Eppy Brown all of Smithville; father, Raven McCloud of Cincinatti, OH; mother, Candy Hale; step-dad, John Hale (Melissa Templeton) both of Smithville; 2 sisters, Rebecca (William) Dickens, April (Doug) Barnes; 4 brothers, Larry Stump, Rickey Hall, Johnny Hall (Morgan Green) and Terry (Christie) Hale all of Smithville; grandmother, Carolyn Davis of Smithville; Papa, Charlie and Ellen Hale; aunts, Ginger Anderson, Pauline Crook and Betty Pack; uncles, Roy Wilkey, Tom Hale, Steve (Linda) Hale, Leroy Hale and David Brownfield; special cousins, Joe Wilkey (Shaska Winnett), Daniel Anderson; nieces, Sophie Demonbreun, Brooklyn Barnes, Alexis Barnes; nephews, Aiden Hale, Cain Hall, Colin Dickens, Sean Dickens, Ethan Barnes and a host of cousins. Funeral services will be 1 PM Friday, March 8, 2024 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Joe Wilkey and Eugene Lawson officiating and burial will follow in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 2 PM until 7 PM and Friday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hale family.

March 4, 2024

Gregory Allen Laboe age 64 passed away Friday, March 1, 2024. He was born August 24, 1959, to his parents, his late mother, Mary Elaine Bourassa Laboe and his father Joseph James Laboe. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by brother, Joseph Benjamin Laboe; his beloved dog, Forest. Mr. Laboe was affiliated with Woodbury Church of Christ, and he worked as a Handyman. He is survived by children, Heather Pruitte of Carthage, and Crystal Laboe of South Carolina; grandchildren, Zackery Pruitte, Tyler Pruitte, Blake Pruitte, Adalynn Laboe, and Everly Conley; father, Joseph Laboe of Smithville; siblings, Valerie Laboe of Smithville, and Kenneth Laboe of Smithville; the love of his life, Janice Laboe. The family has honored Mr. Laboe’s request to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Laboe family.