Obituaries

Gary L. Vonckx age 76, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Cookeville, Tn. Gary was born May 24, 1948, in Fort Pierce, FL. He graduated from University of Central Florida in Orlando. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy for 6 years and served aboard the USS California. He worked for Unisys, a computer corporation, and later retired from the City of Port St. Lucie, FL after 20 years. Gary was an avid surfer when he lived in Florida and later transferred that passion to golf. He moved to Smithville in 2006 and was a member of Allen’s Chapel Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Lloyd and Elizabeth Shimoneck Vonckx. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kitty Vonckx of Smithville; 2 step-children, Julie Kenny of Smithville and Mike Sullivan of Lake Mary, Florida; 4 grandchildren, Christian Sullivan, in the US Air Force in New Mexico, Anilyse and Natalie Sullivan of Lake Mary, Florida, and Jonathan (Ashley) Morris; 3 great-grandsons, Colton, Owen and Mason Morris of Smithville. He was a devoted husband, stepfather and grandfather and made a tremendous impact on their lives. He lives on in our hearts with the many good memories we have. Funeral services will be Monday March 10, 2025, at 1:00PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Grant Goodwin officiating and interment to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday March 9, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel at 2:00PM till 5:00PM and on Monday March 10, 2025, 11:00AM until the time of the service at 1:00PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Vonckx family.

A mother of four, a mother to so many more, Gail Webb, 90, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at her daughter Amanda Blair’s (Keith) home in Smithville, Tennessee. Born on November 1, 1934 to Robert and Margaret Hudgens in Sparta, TN, she is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Norval Finley Webb Jr., son-in-law Harry Greek (Annette), brother-in-law Carl Ballinger (Kay), and cherished loved ones and family members.

After graduating from White County High School, Gail served as a secretary to Tennessee Representative Joe L. Evins at his office in the nation’s capital. Introduced by the congressman, Gail and Norval and soon married in 1954. The Webbs spent the rest of their lives raising their family in Smithville, TN, where Norval, a third-generation pharmacist, owned and operated F.Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy.

While being a stay-at-home mom, Gail’s motherly care extended well beyond her long-time home on South College Street, impacting the lives of so many in the local community and beyond.

For several years, she served as the local Girl Scouts Troop leader. She donated blood at every opportunity to help save lives, totaling more than 13 gallons. Even up until she was 85, Gail was a volunteer with the Smithville Meals on Wheels program, delivering food to those in need in the county.

For nearly two decades, Gail and Norval served as foster parents, opening their home to dozens of children with diverse needs and circumstances. One of those children, Heidi, would eventually become their own. Deaf and blind, Heidi was the cherished daughter they never expected but deeply loved. They raised her with unwavering care and compassion, encouraging her involvement in Girl Scouts and other organizations, and later enrolling her in the Tennessee School for the Blind. Though Heidi cannot speak many words, one she could always say was “Momma.”

Gail’s heart also extended well beyond the local community. She had sponsored countless children through World Vision and donated tirelessly to numerous charities.

Always humble, Gail never failed to put others first. Even in her final days, she continued to care for her daughter, Annette, who faced medical challenges of her own. She never sought recognition for her kindness, illustrating that actions speak louder than words. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Smithville, and all those whose lives were touched by her motherly love over the years.

Gail is survived by her sister, Kay Ballinger; her four children, Amanda Webb (Keith), Annette Greek (Harry), Alan Webb (Lori), and Heidi Webb; her grandchildren, Joseph Greek (Erin and their daughter Madeline), Kathryn Blair, Anna Rachel Blair, William Blair, Anderson Webb (Vivian), Martha Hooper (Justin), Emily Newell (Jared), and Thomas Webb; and several great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank her special caregiver Jimmie Kirby, Dr. Steven Cooper, his staff, and Adoration Home Health for the care and services they provided.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, at First United Methodist Church of Smithville. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by a service at 3:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Town Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to First United Methodist Church of Smithville.

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

Wilma J Staley age 89 of Smithville passed away Monday night March 3, 2025, at N H C Healthcare of Smithville. She was born January 7,1936 to her parents the late Luther and Hauttie Roxanne Bond Ferrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Staley; 2 daughters, Janice Cade and Kathy Olds; grandson, Jamie Higdon; 4 sisters, Helen, Ruby, Shirley, Jodie; friend like a brother, Jimmy Bryson. Ms. Wilma was a member of Buckner’s Chapel Church and was a Homemaker. She is survived by son, Tim (Debbie) Staley of Dowelltown; grandchildren, Kesha (Chase) Bradford, Kiley Staley, Chynna Cade, Brittany Cade, Mindy (Mark) Versluis, Tish Burns, Joni Cade, Brandon Cade; great-grandchildren, Ivy Bradford, Ridge Bradford, Jamison Bustamante, Dylan Burns, Jade Sanders (Isaac), Hannah Durrance. Funeral services will be held Thursday March 6, 2025, at 11:00AM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating with interment to follow in Bonham Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday March 5, 2025, at 3:00PM till 7:00PM and on Thursday March 6, 2025, at 9:00AM until the time of the service at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bonham Cemetery Fund in memory of Ms. Wilma. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Staley family.

Patricia Ann Braswell age 80 of Smithville, passed away Sunday March 2, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville. She was born March 13, 1944, to her parents the late Louis Wynton and Jane Yarbough Cherry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Carter Braswell. Ms. Braswell was a member of First Methodist Church, and a member of The Eastern Star. She worked as a Lab Tech, Headstart and was a Homemaker. She is survived by 3 children: Cherry Braswell of McMinnville, Blair (Kim) Braswell of Murfreesboro, Bo (Allison) Braswell of Memphis; 11 grandchildren: Marli Rigsby, Sera (Alex) Walker, Nico Reyes (Ashlyn), Abbi (Jacob) Raper, Cruz Reyes, Carter, Garrott, and Jane-Clare Braswell, Emily (Arrion) Matthews, Tiffany (Andrew) Bradley, Brook Breece; 9 great grandchildren; brother: Wink (Reina) Cherry of FL; 3 nephews; sister-in-law: Vanissa (Gordon) Murphy of Smithville. A Memorial Service will be held 1 PM Thursday March 13, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Hill officiating and burial of cremains to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Thursday March 13, 2025, 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. The family would like to say a special “Thank You” to the Webb House, Gentiva, Adoration Home Health, Ascension St. Thomas Hospital and NHC Healthcare for the love and kindness shown to Ms. Braswell during her sickness. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or DeKalb Animal Coalition in memory of Ms. Patricia. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Braswell family.

Richard Jennings, age 85 passed away peacefully Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home. He served 37 years in law enforcement beginning with the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Dept and ending his career with the Smithville Police Dept where he served as an investigator, training officer, asst chief and ultimately chief for 16 years. During his tenure as a police officer he was awarded several commendations which included officer of the year in the 13th judicial district. He solved several local murder cases, child abuse cases, many drug cases among other serious crimes during his years of dedicated police work for his community. After his law enforcement service ended, he served as a warrant commissioner. He loved his career serving his community. He graduated from Castle Heights Military School in Lebanon. He attended TTU and MTSU. He was a veteran who served in the Army National Guard as a military policeman. He also owned several small businesses in his lifetime from a gas station to a market to Smithville Marina which he built in the 1960s. He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Nina and Sam Jennings and father, Alfred Elsie. He is survived by his wife June Jennings of Smithville; his daughter, Kaitlin Jennings (David Guy) of Sparta; daughter Jennifer (Jeremy) Womack of McMinnville; daughter Becky (Clint) Staggs of Sparta; five grandchildren Shayla, Ryder, Ethan, Addy, and Bane; sister Jan (Guy) Martin from Valdosta, Ga.; nephews Brad & Tyler Martin of Ga. Funeral Service will be held 4 PM Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Dekalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Donnie Kelly officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday 11AM until the time of the service at 4 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Jennings family.

Lawrence Daniel Poole, age 68 of Smithville, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Ascension St. Thomas in Rutherford county. He was medically retired from the U.S. Navy and had his bachelor of science degree in computers. He enjoyed playing video games and working with computers.

He was born on October 11, 1956 in Miami, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; Patrick and Marian Frost Poole.

The family has honored Mr. Poole’s wishes to be cremated. No visitation or service will be held.

He is survived by his daughter; Sara (Ben) Fultz of Smithville, 3 grandchildren; Nick Fultz and Alyson Fultz both of Smithville and Jared Fultz of North Carolina, 2 brothers; David (Nelda) Poole of Louisiana and Doug Poole of Florida, 2 sisters; Georgia (Brad) Maas of Florida and Elizabeth Alves of Louisiana.

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

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 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 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.