James Fredrick “Freddy” Summers
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
James Fredrick “Freddy” Summers age 46 of Smithville passed away Thursday March 6, 2025, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER. He was born August 23, 1978, to his parents the late James David Summers and Regina Cantrell Summers Bates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stillborn niece, Olivia Grace Taylor. Freddy was a Christian, member of The Foundry in Alabama, and Forklift Operator for Topre America in Alabama. He is survived by son Devin (Alex) Summers of Cookeville; step-mother, Monica Summers of Murfreesboro; sister, Cindy (Ken) Taylor of Smithville; brother, Travis (Ashley) Summers of Murfreesboro; 3 nieces, Shauna (Marques) Turner of Murfreesboro, Abbi (Kelby) Melton of McMinnville and Kenlee Taylor of Smithville; nephew, Oliver Summers of Murfreesboro; great-nephew, Jaidyn Turner of Murfreesboro; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and special friends also survive. Funeral services will be 3:30PM Monday March 10, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Justin Cantrell and Travis Summers officiating and interment to follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 11:AM until the time of the service at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Summers family.
Judith Champion
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
Judith Champion age 76 of Smithville, passed away Wednesday March 6, 2025, at her residence. She was born July 22, 1948, in Norfolk, Virginia to her parents the late Alvin and Kathrine Virginia Mansfield Privott. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Thomas, Alvin and Henry Privott. Ms. Champion was a Baptist and a Homemaker. Judy is survived by husband, William Champion of Smithville; children, Tammy Lynn Coker of FL., and Kimberly Kaye Champion of Smithville; grandchildren, Jason Christopher Coker of FL., Lauren Emily Newman of FL, and Thomas Christopher Lex of VA.; siblings, Katherine Watson of IN., Mary Snere of IL, Richard Privott of VA., and William Privott of NC.; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be 4 PM Sunday March 9, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday 2 PM until the time of the service at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Organization in memory of Mrs. Judy. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Champion family.
Polly Marie Gambrell-Wilkins
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
Polly Marie Gambrell-Wilkins age 80, passed away peacefully Thursday March 6, 2025, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. She was born in Cookeville, TN July 2, 1944, to her parents the late, Arvil and Noralee Herron Gambrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Wilkins; sons, Frankie Wilkins and Eugene Wilkins; grandsons, BJ (Bryan Jesse) and Steven Lack; 2 great-grandchildren Jordan and Kaydence Goines; and her siblings. Ms. Polly was a member of Taylor’s Providence Freewill Baptist Church. After retiring from Redcap Industries in 2002, “Granny” Polly devoted her life to being the backbone of her loving family. She was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand to those who knew and loved her. She was always willing to stop what she was doing and pray for those in need. As a pillar of the community, she was there to ensure that she showed families support in their hours of need; always willing to cook a meal or deliver a dish during times of bereavement or times of celebration. Polly was also known for her famous banana pudding! She gathered her strength to raise her children even when times were tough. Going through the obstacles that gave her strength allowed her to share that strength to help raise and care for other children as well as her grandchildren. Her most famous sayings were, “God is in control and take one day at a time.” She is survived by her daughters Luann Wilkins, Lisa (Richard) Lack, and Donna Landers; son, Matthew (Jennifer) WIlkins; grandchildren, Joey (Rachel) Sheets, Brittney (Bruce) Young, Whittney (Randy) Goines, Camdyn and Coltyn Wilkins and several great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11:AM Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Sam Davis officiating and interment to follow in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 4 PM till 7 PM and on Wednesday 9:AM the time of the service at 11:AM. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to a Charity of your choice in memory of Ms. Polly. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Wilkins family.