Virginia Lois Davis
by: Dwayne PageJul 01, 2025
Virginia Lois Davis passed away passed away peacefully Sunday night, June 29, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family and special caregivers. Born October 27, 1942, Lois was a lifetime resident of Smithville. She was a member of Whorton Springs Baptist Church, retired from Val-Dor Industries and later from Mid-South Agri Chemical. Her big smile, compassion and friendly manner will be missed by many.
Lois was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Anthony “Tony” Davis; parents, Elmer and Jessie Luna Knowles; her sisters and brothers, Betty Jo Atnip of Smithville, Joyce Large of White Pine, Lovell Knowles of Louisiana, JT Knowles of Cleveland, TN; and a sister and twin brothers who died as babies.
She is survived by her beloved (and patient) husband of 65 years, Jimmy C. Davis of Smithville; one sister, Ruth (Ronnie) Hobbs of Smithville; step-daughter, Jackie Golden of Sparta; local and much loved nephews, Ricky (Lisa) Atnip and Danny McGinnis; two sisters-in-law, Marsceen Davis and Lenora Davis as well as multiple other much loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, many friends and relatives as well as special caregivers, Doris Lynn, Winona Lee, Tammy McDonald, Tanna Harris and the compassionate team from Gentiva Hospice.
Funeral services will be held 3:PM Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Mahan, former pastor and long-time friend will officiate. Burial will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday July 7, 2025, 3:PM until 7:PM and Tuesday 11:AM until the time of the service at 3:PM.
In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Whorton Springs Baptist Church, in memory of Lois. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Davis family.
Larry Woodward Brown
by: Dwayne PageJul 01, 2025
Larry Woodward Brown age 65 of Smithville passed away Monday morning, June 30, 2025, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER. He was born June 29, 1960, to his parents, Frenchie Elliott and Lula Bell Judkins Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Brown. Larry was a maintenance worker and a Baptist and a US Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Julie Brown of Smithville; 2 daughters, Shelly Nichole (Tyson) Moser of Manchester and McKenzie (Hunter) Cannon of Smithville; 3 grandchildren, Braxton Davis, Rylan Castile and Serenity Moser; 2 brothers, Gary (Jo Ann) Brown of Colorado and Richard Brown of Maryland; 1 sister, Janice Miller of Florida; sister-in-law, Deborah Brown of Smithville. Funeral services will be 4 PM Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday 12 Noon until the time of the service at 4 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Brown family.
Dinah Rose Cripps
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Dinah Rose Cripps, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home on Dry Creek Thursday night June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. Her final days were comforted by the dedicated care of both her family and the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice.
Dinah was born on October 12, 1951, the youngest child of William and Nettie Hicks Cubbins, who preceded her in death. A proud graduate of DeKalb County High School, Class of 1970, she married the love of her life, Phil Cripps, in that same year. They shared 55 years of marriage, worshipping together at Dowelltown Baptist Church and later at Smithville Church of the Nazarene.
Dinah and Phil were blessed with two children, Tony and Amy. Their son Tony and his wife Cynthia gave them two grandsons, Preston and Dylan Cripps. Their daughter Amy and her husband Shane Smith added three more grandchildren to their family: Matthew, Mark, and Sarah Smith.
A beloved presence in her community, Dinah drove most recent Bus #6 for DeKalb County Schools for 36 years, where she lovingly treated each child who boarded as one of her own. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the school route, as she worked for many years as a sales associate at Jr. Foods Market and Larry’s Discount Grocery. Wherever she went, former students—now grown with children of their own—greeted her warmly, a testament to the lasting impact she made on their lives.
Dinah is remembered for her joyful spirit, sharp wit, and infectious laughter. Of all the children she lovingly helped raise, none held a more special place in her heart than her five grandchildren. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Preston’s daughter, Paisley, and Matthew and Brooke Smith’s daughters, Caroline and Nellie. True to form, Dinah and Phil affectionately gave each of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren special nicknames, which they answered to just as naturally as their given names.
Dinah was preceded in death by her brothers J.C. and Charles Cubbins, and sisters Eleaise Estes, Myrtle Taylor, and Carolyn Cubbins. She is survived by her devoted husband Phil, her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their care and kindness in recent weeks. A special thank you is given to her niece Teresa Rigsby for her ongoing support, love, and help in caring for Dinah.
Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, June 29, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Shane Smith and Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in Mt. Holly Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 2 PM until 8 PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Cripps family.