JT Brown
by: Dwayne PageMar 06, 2025
JT Brown, 60, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Loudon, Tennessee. He was born on October 21, 1964, in Nashville, Tennessee.
JT graduated from DeKalb County High School in Smithville, Tennessee, in 1983 and went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University until an accident altered the course of his life. Despite the challenges he faced following his traumatic brain injury, JT remained a beacon of resilience and positivity.
For the first 23 years of his life, JT was known for his charismatic personality. He never met a stranger and had an infectious ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His charm and good looks opened many doors for him, but it was his warmth and genuine nature that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. In the years following his accident, though physically limited in mobility and speech, JT’s spirit remained unshaken. His signature thumbs up became a symbol of his enduring optimism and was his way of reassuring others that he was always okay, no matter the circumstances.
Faith played a central role in JT’s life. He was saved and baptized in his youth and held steadfast to his belief in Jesus Christ throughout his life. He was a longtime member of Auburntown Church of Christ in Auburntown, Tennessee, and also attended New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as well as Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. His unwavering faith provided him with strength and hope through every stage of his journey.
JT had a deep love for all things related to the University of Tennessee and found joy in simple pleasures despite the challenges he faced. At Rivergrove, where he spent much of his later years, he became known as the thumb-wrestling champion-a testament to both his playful spirit and determination to engage with those around him. His kindness and gratitude were qualities that never wavered; they defined him just as much as his resilience did.
JT is survived by his sister Carlene Judkins and her husband Steve, Loudon, TN, one daughter Savannah Whitefield, and two granddaughters Alexia and Addi Whitefiled, Smithville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Doris Hawkins Brown.
JT’s life was one of perseverance, faith, and an enduring ability to bring joy to those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. JT will be cremated and no funeral services are planned.
Patricia Ann Braswell
by: Dwayne PageMar 06, 2025
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
by: Dwayne PageMar 02, 2025
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.