Reta Jewell Caldwell
by: Dwayne PageMar 02, 2025
Reta Jewell Caldwell of Smithville age 70, passed away Thursday February 27, 2025, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was born June 17, 1954, to her parents the late J. E. and Violet Jo Webb Evans. Reta was a member of Pomeroy Chapel Church and worked in the E. R. Registration at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. She also worked with her parents at Town & Country Video. She loved her kids, grandkids and spending time with them. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Frankie Caldwell of Smithville; children, Frankie Wayne (Mary Ann) Caldwell of Smithville and Shannon (Johnny) Vaughn of Mississippi; grandchildren, Courtney (Cody) Betsworth of Smithville, Alexis (Brayde) Baker of Smithville, Justin Stanick, Jordan Stanick and Jayden Stanick all of MIssissippi; great-grandchildren, Ember Betsworth, Colt Betsworth, Cora Jo Betsworth, and Jaxon Baker; sister, Shelia (David) Schoenmann of Smithville. nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends also survive. Funeral services will be held Sunday March 2, 2025, at 2:00PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale and Bro. Nathan Thomason officiating with interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday March 1, 2025, at 4:00PM till 7:00PM and on Sunday March 2, 2025, 10:00AM until the time of the service at 2:00PM. The family would like to say “Thank You” to St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital and St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital for all the care and kindness shown Reta during her sickness. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Caldwell family.
Ronald “Ronnie” Brown
by: Dwayne PageMar 02, 2025
Ronald “Ronnie” Brown of Smithville, age 72, passed away Wednesday February 26, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 7, 1952, to his parents the late Frenchie and Lula Bell Judkins Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son: Ronald Brown, II; great-granddaughter: Oaklynn Messina. Mr. Ronnie worked for Chrysler, then became the owner of his own Parking Lot Maintenace Company, sealing and striping parking lots. He loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife: Deborah Brown of Smithville; children: Christine (Daryl) Patterson of MIchigan, Rianna (Joe) Barnes of Michigan, and James (Jo Amber) Messina, Jr. of Chattanooga; grandchildren: Samuel Patterson, Jesse (Kayla) Messina of Michigan; great-grandchildren: Gideon Alexander Hood of Sparta, Levi, Cameron, Jo Anna, Aidan, and Cameron; Siblings: Gary (JoAnn) Brown of CO., Larry (Julie) Brown of Smithville, Janice Miller Smith of FL., Richard Brown of MD.; Many nieces and nephews also survive. The family has honored Mr. Brown’s request to be cremated. No services are planned at this time. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Brown family.
Eva Loyce Sandlin Willoughby
by: Dwayne PageFeb 23, 2025
Eva Loyce Sandlin Willoughby went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025 after suffering lung cancer. Eva was born October 17, 1942 to her parents, the late Ewin Quentin and Bettie Lee Walls Sandlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Gaynelle Willoughby; sister-in-law, Nelda McIntyre and a large number of aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Mac Edward Willoughby of Murfreesboro; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie Ann and Dana Richardson of Murfreesboro; granddaughters, Lauralee Richardson of Murfreesboro and Amber Simons and her husband, Matt of Christiana; 5 great-grandchildren, Lily, London, Aspen, Haven and Aubrey Simons; sister, Wanda (Jerry) Scott of Smithville; brother, Freddy Sandlin of Smithville; brother-in-law, Ron McIntyre of Hixson; niece and nephews, Shandi Sandlin, Anthony Scott, Brian Tramel, Chris Tramel, and Sean Tramel; aunt, Earlene Olson and several cousins. Eva was a Baptist and at various times attended church at Mount Herman, Upper Helton and New Vision Baptist at Alexandria. She worked at First Central Bank and later became an Officer and the Vice-President at the bank. Eva was the first woman to become President of the Smithville Chamber of Commerce. She also worked in real estate for a few years. Eva was a very community minded person, having volunteered with the American Cancer Society and was a member of the FCE and Garden Guild. She was the President of the Alexandria Red Hat Society as well as volunteered at the DeKalb County Fair. Eva served as a hostess at the Heritage Barn for the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair, these past few years. She loved to travel and be with family and friends. Funeral services will be 2:PM Sunday, February 23, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Russell Vickers officiating and burial will follow in Hillview Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday 11:AM until the time of the service at 2:PM. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the New Hope Cemetery, in memory of Mrs. Eva. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Willoughby family.