Obituaries

Fred William Brown age 72 of McMinnville passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at his residence.  He was born July 7, 1952, to his parents the late Alvie and Florene Locke Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 7 siblings.  Mr. Brown was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1975 and served faithfully as a minister until his death.  Mr. Brown served in the United States Air Force and was a self-employed garbage collector.  He is survived by wife of 35 years, Joan Brown of McMinnville; son Stephen Brown of Wyoming; step-sons, Mark Holmes of England and Carl Holmes of Thailand; step-grandson, Benjamin Holmes; siblings, Pauline Cummings, Annie Brown, and Jesse Brown; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. The family has honored Mr. Brown’s request to be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be held 2:30PM April 6, 2025, with Bro. Brian Williams officiating and a slide-show presentation starting at 2:15PM, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, 1015 Harrison Ferry Rd, McMinnville, TN.  The family ask in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McMinnville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in memory of Mr. Brown. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Brown family.

James R.H. Hayes age 95 of Smithville passed from this life on Sunday, March 23 at NHC HealthCare in Smithville from an extended illness. He was born December 25,1929 to his parents, the late Floyd & Novella (Hutchins) Hayes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Aughinbaugh) Hayes; son, Ricky Hayes and sister, Elsie Braswell. He was a member of Whorton Springs Baptist Church. Mr. Hayes was a farmer and a US Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his daughter, Vicky (Joe) Bogle of Smithville; 2 Grandchildren Michelle Trapp Cantrell and Tony (Amanda) Trapp all of Smithville; 2 step-grandchildren, Chris Bogle of Smithville and Eric (Tina) Bogle of Crossville; 5 great grandchildren, Brittany (Brennan) of Richmond, VA, Kylee (Austin) of Sterlington, LA, and Gage, Holden (Hannah) and Bryson all of Smithville; 6 step great-grandchildren, Kami, Kelsey, Chase, Dylan, Jacob, Piper; 3 great- great-grandchildren, Blakelyn, Briley and Karter; Brother, Johnny Hayes of Pegram, TN. Funeral services will be 2 PM Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Mahan officiating and interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday 10:AM till 7 PM and Wednesday 9:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whorton Springs Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Hayes. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hayes Family.

Delena Ann Young Sellers, age 69, of Smithville, passed away on March 22, 2025, at St. Thomas Midtown. Born on September 2, 1955, in Lebanon, TN, she was the daughter of the late James and Versie Pollard Young. Delena dedicated many years of her life working at the Family Medical Center and attended Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church.

She is survived by her brother, Norman (Mary) Young of Nashville; her children, Paula (James) Tindall of Murfreesboro, Timothy (Kayla) Vanderpool of Christiana, and Mallorie (Chris) Kirouac of Baxter; and her grandchildren, Jordan (Robert) Gordon and Colin Tindall all of Murfreesboro, Kaydence Vanderpool, Evalynn Vanderpool, and Owen Vanderpool all of Christiana, Amelia Kirouac and Claire Kirouac both of Baxter. Delena also leaves behind her nephews, Byron (Elizabeth) Young of Huntsville and David Young of Nashville, as well as her great-nephew, Alex Young, and great-niece, Adelyn Young. Her extended family includes her friends and work family at Family Medical Center.

In addition to her parents, Delena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Garry Sellers.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 28, at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Young Bend Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday from noon to 8pm and on Friday from 11am until the time of service at 2pm.

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

Mrs. Lillian Marie Mabe, age 83, of McMinnville, TN passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Willow Branch Health & Rehab. She was born on August 12, 1941 in McMinnville, TN, was a homemaker, and was of the Missionary Baptist faith. Mrs. Mabe was preceded in death by father Calvin Womack, mother Edith Ward Womack Taylor, husband Dexter Mabe, daughter Donna (Richard) Tedrow, son Don Mabe, and brother David Womack.

Survivors include daughter Debbie (Ricky) Arnold, daughter-in-law Tara Mabe, sisters Ann (Richard) Walker, Ruth Walker, Linda Whitlock, Mary Lou (Donald) Woodlee, and Helen (Garry) Gillentine, brothers Tommy Womack and Jimmy (Gail) Womack, grandchildren Joseph (Christy) Arnold, Lisa Porter, and Cassie (Brian) Swayne, Glenna Tedrow, Kellie Baldwin, Christopher Mabe, Christin Brown, and great grandchildren Yasmin Arnold, Lealon Arnold, Lauren Porter, Bryson Porter, Asher Swayne, Anthony Stout, Nolan Baldwin, Billy Baldwin, and Lilly Brown.

The graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at New Bildad Cemetery. Elder Joseph Arnold will officiate. Interment will immediately follow the service. The family of Marie Mabe will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and again on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at McMinnville Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Marie’s memory.

McMinnville Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the family of Marie Mabe.

Mr. Timothy Corley Allen, age 48 of Lebanon, TN passed away on March 18, 2025.

Mr. Allen was born on March 13, 1977 in Lebanon, TN to his parents, Omrie & and the late Madonna Allen. Mr. Allen was a 1995 graduate of DeKalb County High School. He had been a factory worker most of his life and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his 2 Sons, Andrew Allen (Gina Joy) of Chicago, Ill. & Daxton Allen of Florida. Father & Stepmother, Omrie (Temple) Allen of Lebanon, TN. Sister, Roenia (David) Turner of Alexandria, TN. Niece, Lindsay (Daniel) Greer of Portland, TN.

Mr. Allens remains rest at Avant Funeral Home in Alexandria, TN where funeral services are scheduled to be conducted on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 1pm from the chapel. The Allen family will receive friends on Friday from 11am until the time of the funeral services at 1pm. Burial will follow at Hillview Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the funeral home to help with burial expenses.

AVANT FUNERAL HOME, DIRECTORS

Bob Earl Fuston, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville. Born on July 3, 1941, in Dowelltown to his parents, the late Robert and Vena Crips Fuston. He was a devoted member of Dry Creek Missionary Baptist Church and attended Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church. Bob retired from a fulfilling career at Carrier.

He is survived by his loving family, including his son, Tony Fuston (Thena Edwards), and his daughter, Gina (Richard) Close, all from Smithville. Bob was a proud grandfather to Caden Close and Conner Close, also of Smithville. He is also survived by 2 sisters-in-law, Betty Lattimore of Liberty and Lucille Lewis of Alexandria, and a special niece, Dana Turner of Smithville. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and workers of the Webb House for their exceptional care and love.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Fuston.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 3pm, with Bro. Mike Gay and Bro. Jonathan Willoughby officiating. Burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 10am until the time of service at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church youth group.

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

Erby Gene France, age 91, of Smithville, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at his residence. Born on February 20, 1934, in Smithville, he was the son of the late Daniel and Loudella France. Erby was a dedicated pharmacist who also enjoyed farming. He was a proud Mason and a member of the New Union Baptist Church.

He is survived by his two sons, Tim France of Smithville and Danny (Debbie) France of Dowelltown, and his daughter, Tawana (Randal) Box of Lynnville, TN. He is also survived by the mother of their children, Jeanette France, and his sister, Ophylnn Redmon of Smithville. Erby was a beloved grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Alex Hall, Bradley Pelham, Bryna Pelham, Isabella France, Mackenzie France, Nakayah Box, Jared (Mindy) Box, Febrienne (David) Lovell, Micheala (Brant) Poindexter, Justin (Haley) France, and Casey France. He also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren: Winston Lovell, Waylon Lovell, Baby Boy Poindexter, Neely France, Clayton France, Caiton France, and Kinsley France.

In addition to his parents, Erby was preceded in death by his brothers, Audie France, Alvie France, and Almon France.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 23, at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 6pm until 9pm and on Sunday from noon until the time of service at 2pm. A Masonic Service will be Saturday at 7 p.m.

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

Thomas Daniel Easterwood, age 61 of Smithville, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at his residence. He was employed with Newell Brands in McMinnville and was an Army veteran, avid Tennessee Vols fan, and enjoyed golfing. His grandbabies were his pride and joy.

He was born on December 7, 1963 in Woodbury to his father, Leon Easterwood and mother, Geraldine Dover Sherrell who preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Pruitt Easterwood; and brothers, Don Easterwood and David Merriman

The family has chosen cremation and a memorial service will be announced at a later time.

Survivors include his wife; Melissa Price Easterwood of Smithville, 6 children; Thomas Dalton Easterwood of Smithville, Whitney Easterwood (Eric Flowers) of Cleveland, Dylan Kayne Easterwood of Antioch, Kayla Roberts of Baxter, Dalton (Jordan) Roberts and Kelly (Ryan) Evans all of Smithville, 9 grandchildren; Bryson Roberts, Braxton Sanders, Boston Heady, Kimber Easterwood, Braylin Webster, Odin Flowers, Luke Roberts, Renly Roberts and Tate Evans.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

Doris Evelyn Caldwell, age 80 of Smithville, went to her heavenly home peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Signature Healthcare in Putnam County. She was a member of the Brethren in Christ and retired after 35 years from Kingston Timers. She was a devout Christian and a loving, dedicated mother and grandmother. She loved her family and doted on them, especially her son, Eddie. She loved her church family and dear friends.

She was born and raised in Hohenwald, Tennessee and moved to Smithville in 1969. She was preceded in death by her parents; Edward and Louise Martin. Her husband of 64 years; Cordell Caldwell, daughter, Sandy Caldwell Rhoady and special granddaughter; Tabitha Taylor Young.

Visitation with the Caldwell family will be on Thursday from 2:30 to 8:00 pm and Friday 10:00 am until the service at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Larry Steffee will be officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include her son; Eddie Caldwell (Misty Wilson), sister-in-law; Shirley Caldwell all of Smithville, Cousins; Patsy Smith of Bell Buckle, Peggy Stacy and Judy Bates both of Gallatin. Special friends; Larry (Reta) Steffee, Amanda Knowles and Eva Dover all of Smithville.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

James Lee Adcock age 56, of Dayton, Tn. passed away Saturday March 15, 2025, at Laurelbrook Nursing Home. He was born September 30, 1968, to his parents the late James Mason and Mary Judkins Adcock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kelvin Adcock. Mr. Adcock was a member of New Union The Baptist Church and he worked in Landscaping. Graveside services will be held Thursday March 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in Jaco – Judkins Cemetery. There will not be any visitation or services held at the funeral home for Mr. Adcock. Family and friends will meet at Jaco – Judkins cemetery for graveside services. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Adcock family.