Betty Jean Malone

April 16, 2022

Betty Jean Malone age 86 of Dowelltown, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, April 15, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was born November 4, 1935 to her parents, the late Joe Don and Bonnie Judkins Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Malone; daughter, Donna Willoughby; 2 granddaughters, Cindy Armour and Dana Malone; 1 grandson, Cody Ray and 2 stillborn infant grandsons, Sammy and Mitchell Ray; 1 brother, Tommy (Sue) Hall; infant sister, Roberta Hall; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don (Loretta) Malone, Debbie (Danny) Bishop and Frances (Troy) Moss. She was born in Lebanon and grew up in Alexandria. Mrs. Betty was a member of the Lower Helton The Baptist Church and retired at the age of 70 after having worked 32 years as a cook in the DeKalb County School System. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. She leaves to cherish her memory, 2 children, Wayne (Doris) Malone of Dowelltown, Lisa (Kenneth) Ray of Smithville; grandchildren, Johnathon (Rena) Willoughby of Smithville, Jessie (Gennie) Willoughby of Sparta, Andy (Heather) Malone of Coalmont, Joe Ray and Johnny Ray both of Smithville; and John Armour; great-grandchildren, Brittney (Nathan) Gard, Nathan (Hannah) Armour, Kelly Armour, Preston Ray, Jathan and Lydia Willoughby, Jake, Maddie and Jessie Wilson; great-great-grandchildren, Makenlee, Logan and Reese Gard, Klara and Khloe Armour and Tristan Baynes; 3 brothers, J D (Becky) Hall of Lebanon, Jerald (Sherry) Hall and Bobby (Fay) Hall both of Alexandria; sister-in-law, Jimmie (David) Carter of Alexandria; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, April 17, 2022 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Dennis Woods officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 1 PM until 8 PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

April 15, 2022

Patricia Lynn Young Killian was born on February 21st, 1956 in Smithville, Tennessee. She went to her Savior peacefully at her home on April 12th, 2022, after bravely battling ALS for over five years with her indomitable spirit and unwavering faith.

She was a native of Smithville, Tennessee and the daughter of the late Grady Lee Tramel and Christine Johnson Tramel. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Phyllis Faye Cantrell. Survivors include her husband: Jerry Killian; son: Chad Young and wife, Casi, Nashville; daughters: Emily Young, Knoxville, and Lindsay Young Honaker and husband, Brian, Knoxville; stepsons: Jeff Killian and wife, Catey, Knoxville, and Scott Killian, Asheville; grandchildren: Eva Ruth and Arthur Wynn Killian (Jeff), Annie Beth and Tramel Wilson Honaker (Lindsay), and Emma Sue and Mattox Wilson Young (Chad). She is also survived by brother Ronnie Tramel and sister Donna Puckett, both of Smithville, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Trish was talented and wore many hats – makeup artist, interior designer, physician recruiter, soux chief, and she was one amazing realtor. But, there is no doubt her greatest joy was her adventure as Grandy. She relished every minute spent with her grandbabies. She taught them all about the kitchen, Jesus, making cookies, and decorating cakes.

If you ever had the chance to enjoy a meal at her table it is likely one of the best you’ve had. From pinto beans to fancy tenderloins and every recipe in between – she mastered them all.

Trish loved baking cakes, gospel music, Jimmy Buffet, Grey’s Anatomy, canning vegetables every summer, and growing roses. She loved banana split blizzards, grilled cheese, chocolate gravy, Chapstick, and diet coke. She was a member of First Baptist Church Concord.

She and her true love Jerry loved a long drive or exotic adventure, from the curvy roads of Tennessee to the coast of Aruba and even the Dairy Queen. They had so much fun. She will forever be his favorite co-pilot.

She loved her babies, Chadwick, Emily Beth, Lindsay Anne, more than anything in the world. There was no corner of the earth too far her to journey if they called and needed her. There is no doubt that “Mom” was her favorite title.

If you needed something and she had it – she gave it to you. If she didn’t, she would try to find it. Her true passion was working in ministries that served and supported single moms.

Our family has been loved on, cared for, and supported by so many friends and a handful of agencies during Mom’s battle with ALS. We want to extend our gratitude to our team at Tennova Hospice, especially Terri, Marie, Indy, Josh, and Tim. And we are awfully thankful for a few gals who provided so much comfort and guidance along the way, Angela, Cydna, and Andrea.

Funeral services will be held at Click Funeral Home on Kingston Pike in Farragut, Tennessee on Saturday, April 16th, at 2:00pm. Prior to that, the family will receive friends between noon and 2:00pm on the same day. The service will be officiated by Paul Standifer; music will be provided by Jason Jennings, Luanne Wade, and Lauren Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be: Chad Young, Jeff Killian, Scott Killian, Brian Honaker, Ronnie Tramel, Craig Killian, Jason Killian, Stephen Sloan, and Jason Jennings.

Trish was one of the kindest people on earth and we are privileged that Heaven let us borrow her for 66 years.

April 14, 2022

Mrs. Ruby Jean Harville Young age 70 of Smithville, TN passed away Wednesday night, April 13, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

Mrs. Young was born on July 16, 1951 in Smithville, TN to her parents, the late Jack & Nettie Miller Merriman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmie Merriman. She was a Christian , she worked in the Nursery Industry and was also a Homemaker.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 11am at Banks Cemetery. There will be no visitation held at the funeral home. Family and friends will gather at the cemetery just prior to the 11am services.

Survivors include her Husband, Clyde Randall Young of Smithville, TN & 2 Sons, Gene Lattimore & Eric Lattimore. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

April 11, 2022

Mr. Thomas Paul Close age 89 of Smithville, TN passed away Sunday night, April 10, 2022 at his home.

Mr. Paul Close was born on August 27, 1932 in Liberty, TN to his parents, the late Elmer & Alta Page Close. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruetta Kirby Close. 3 brothers, Ed, Hoyte & Odis Close. 5 sisters, Barbie Spencer, Opal Cantrell, Drusie Meyers, Jo Kania & Mary Damali. Mr. Paul worked for TRW (Ross Gear) for over 33 years before he retired and he was a lifelong farmer. He attended Mt. Herman Baptist Church and was a member of Snow Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Paul served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 2pm from the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Mike Gay and Bro. Jonathan Willoughby will be holding the service with burial to follow at DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, from 3pm-8pm & Wednesday, from 10am until the service time at 2pm.

Survivors include 2 Sons, Phillip (Sue) Close & Richard (Gina) Close all of Smithville, TN. 4 Grandchildren, Shayne (Kevin) Pitts of Knoxville, TN, Chris (Kelly) Close of Murfreesboro, TN, Caden Close & Conner Close both of Smithville, TN. 4 Great Grandchildren, Aaron Close & Hannah Close both of Murfreesboro, TN, Leah Pitts & Madeline Pitts both of Knoxville, TN. 2 Sisters, Margie (AW) Patterson of Mt. Juliet, TN & Doris Estes of Smithville, TN. Sister-in-law, Jo Puckett of Smithville, TN. Several Nieces, Nephews & Cousins also survive.

Special thanks to Jimmie Kirby and Brandi Cantrell for helping take care of Mr. Paul for the last 8 months.

In addition to flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Mt. Herman Baptist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

April 10, 2022

Funeral services for Betty Jo Taylor, 78 of Silver Point, will be Sunday, April 10 at 2 PM at the Baxter Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Maynard Cemetery in the Cherry Hill Community of DeKalb County. Bro. Tony Crow will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday from 12 Noon until service time at the funeral home.

Mrs. Taylor died Friday, April 8, 2022 at NHC of Cookeville.

She was born April 20, 1943 in DeKalb County to the late Ather Avery Maynard and Lillie Mae Clemons Maynard.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers James “Jim” Avery Maynard and Terry Lynn Maynard and father of her children Bobby Taylor.

She was a retired assembler with Kingston Timers of Smithville and worked at the Herald-Citizen of Cookeville in the press room. She also served as secretary on the board at the Cherry Hill Community Center.

Betty Jo was a woman of faith. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, working in the yard and her flowers. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially the grand and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters Tammy (Brent) Hickman of Cookeville, Kathy (Kirk) Moody of Smithville, sons Glyn (April) Taylor of Silver Point, Lynn (Trenia) Taylor of Baxter, sister Rosie Maynard of Cookeville, brother Donald (Cindy) Maynard of Indiana, grandchildren: Brittany Guerrero, Devan Taylor, Jacob Taylor, Jaylee Taylor, Avery Hickman, Presley Hickman, great-grandchildren: Rhealynn Taylor, Ryleigh Taylor, Jocelyn Guerrero and Dean Guerrero.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Baxter Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)858-2134. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.

April 8, 2022

Johnnie Agee Taylor age 94 of Liberty, passed away Thursday night April 7, 2022 at NHC Healthcare in Smithville. She was born March 16, 1928 to her parents, the late Jospeh & Lola Mai Hendrixson Green. She was retired shirt factory worker, clerk at Robert’s Grocery Store and a member of Salem Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by husbands: Grady Agee and C.B. Taylor; 2 Step-Children: Betty Jean Welch, Donald Taylor; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Sunday at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Butch Agee, Joey Agee, Josh Agee and Bro. Wilson Williams officiating and burial to follow in Salem Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Saturday 12 noon until 8 PM and Sunday 12 noon until the time of the service at 3 PM. Survivors include: 2 children: Wanda Agee of Liberty, Butch (Cynthia) Agee of Liberty; Step-Children: Peggy Pursell of Liberty, Doyle Taylor of Mahome, Charles Taylor of Watertown, Joy Mahoney of Watertown and Lisa Pominski of Lebanon; Grandchildren: Josh (January) Agee of Smithville, Joey (Casey) Agee of Alexandria; 6 Great-Grandchildren: Kennedy, Avery, Jordyn, Vaden, Lucas and Teagan Agee; Special Niece: Robbie Joan Frazier of Dowelltown; Several nieces and nephews; Special family member: Deborah Taylor. In addition to flowers, family asked that donations be made to Avalon Hospice of McMinnville or Salem Cemetery in memory of Ms. Johnnie. The family would like to express a very special Thank You to NHC Healthcare and Avalon Hospice of McMinnville, for the love and care given to Ms. Johnnie. The Funeral Home lounge is closed at this time and NO FOOD or DRINKS are allowed in the funeral home. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.