Obituaries

Phillip Branch

November 21, 2024

Phillip Branch, age 66, of Smithville, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Born in North Folk, Virginia on December 1, 1957, Phillip was the son of the late Luther Edward Branch and Vera Gayle Wilson. Phillip was a self-employed carpenter.
He is survived by his loving wife, Esperanza Branch of Smithville, and his children: Elizabeth (Michael) Bailey of Lake Linden, Michigan, Kristy Collier of Smithville, and Melissa (Trey) Clede of Groveton, TX. He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Gayle Wilson, his sisters Gay Mounsey and Holly Branch, and his brothers Mike Branch, Luther Branch, and David Branch, along with several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes, the family has chosen direct cremation to honor Phillip’s memory.

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




Sharon Thomas

November 21, 2024

Sharon Thomas age 65 passed away Monday November 18, 2024, at her residence in Smithville. She was born October 14, 1959 to her mother, Lois Moore Sellers and her father, the late Shirley Reeves Ramsey. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie “Gabby” Thomas and son, Patrick Thomas. Sharon was of the Baptist Faith and was a nursery worker. She is survived by 2 sons, Corey Thomas and Brandon Thomas both of Smithville; grandchildren, Hayden Thomas, Adrian Thomas (Tesa Hall), Emma Thomas, and Katie Bouldin; great grandson, Jackson Thomas; mother and stepfather, Lois (J D) Sellers; siblings, Dennis Ramsey, Gina (John) Loran, Tania Sewell; several nieces and nephews also survive. The family has honored Ms. Sharon’s request to be cremated, and no services are planned at this time. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Thomas family.




Jo Dean Redmon

November 20, 2024

Jo Dean Redmon, age 94, of Smithville, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at her residence. She was a member of Snow Hill Baptist and attended Smithville First Baptist Church. Jo Dean was an employee of the DeKalb County School System as a cafeteria worker and was known for her hard work, often holding two jobs, including at the shirt factory.

Jo Dean was passionate about her faith, family, and animals, especially her dogs. She was an exceptional cook, expressing her love through the meals she prepared for family and friends, particularly during holidays and family reunions. In her younger years, she cultivated a large garden to share its bounty with others.

She is survived by her son, Larry (Gayle) Redmon of Smithville; grandchildren, Lori Chew of Smithville and John (Monica) Redmon of Mt. Juliet; great-grandchildren, Ashli (Carson) Black of Johnson City, Anna Chew (Jake Templin) of Smithville, John Colton Redmon, and Addie Redmon both of Mt. Juliet; bonus great-grandchildren, Drew Dickens and Bryce Dickens both of Mt. Juliet; sister, Billie Joyce Webster of Smithville; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Smithson of Smithville.

Jo Dean was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Elsie Bennett White; husband, Loyd Redmon; son, Randall Redmon; sisters, Jewell Tate and Lavelle Anderson; brother, TJ White; sisters-in-law, Lois Randall and Nevelene Reeder; brothers-in-law, Garlon Redmon, Jack Redmon, Nelson Redmon, and Mack Redmon.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 22 at 1pm, with visitation on Thursday from 4-7pm and on Friday from 11am until the time of service at 1pm. Dr. Chad Ramsey will officiate, and burial will follow in Wharton Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DeKalb Humane Society or Smithville First Baptist Church Legacy Fund.

Her family extends their gratitude to all her caregivers, especially her sister Joyce, and everyone at NHC, Adoration Health, and Genitive Hospice.

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




Edith Nell Taylor Redmon

November 17, 2024

Edith Nell Taylor Redmon received her heavenly wings on November 15, 2024. She was 98 and surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing.

She was born on September 29, 1926, to the Luther and Willie Ethel Taylor in Smithville, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Reba Dell Begin and beloved husband of 47 years, Charles Foster Redmon.

She was a 1944 graduate of Dekalb County High School. In 1945 she married Foster Redmon. After moving to Detroit, Michigan in 1945, her husband and children moved back to the Keltonburg community in 1971 where her husband worked as a farmer. While raising her children, she would eventually decide to work at Kingston Timers and would later retire after 20 years of dedicated service. She attended Mount View Baptist Church, Jacobs Pillar, and Keltonburg Methodist churches throughout the last fifty plus years.

Edith was a selfless woman who cared deeply for those around here. Affectionately known as Mom, Granny or Great-Granny by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she cherished her family and enjoyed spending quality time with them, whether she was cooking or sharing tales and memories of years past. She was a close friend to many, in the Keltonburg, Belk and Jefferson communities and beyond. Whether she was known as Mom, Granny, Great Granny, Aunt Eddy, Ms. Edith, or simply Edith; she was loved by all those who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Debbie (Dennis) Washer of Smithville and Chuck (Lynda) Redmon of Dalton, GA; grandchildren John (Karey) Washer of Smithville, Christopher (Stephanie) Redmon of Lake Mary, Florida, Nicholas Redmon of Dalton, Georgia, and Michael Redmon of Taipei, Taiwan; great-grandchildren Caitlin Washer, Carter Benson, Gabriella Washer, Brianna Washer, Kinsley Washer, and Baylei Benson; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins throughout the states of Tennessee and Michigan.

Funeral services will be held 11:AM Monday, November 18, 2024, at Dekalb Funeral Chapel in Smithville, TN, Brother David Hill will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday 1PM until 5 PM and on Monday 9:AM until the service time at 11:AM. Burial will be at Jefferson Cemetery.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Redmon family.




Roy Gayle Mathis

November 17, 2024

Roy Gayle Mathis age 66 of Murfreesboro, passed away Thursday November 14, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro. He was born April 10, 1958 to his parents, the late Floyd and Nancy Bain Mathis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Freddy Tidwell, Bobby Mathis, Landon Mathis, Larry Mathis, Julus Lee Mathis, Timothy Mathis, Lanny Mathis; sisters, Margie Gunter, Helen Fults and Patricia Mathis; sister-in-law, Pamela Mathis. He worked for DeKalb County, City of Smithville, was a brick layer and a mechanic. He attended the Open Word Tabernacle. Mr. Mathis is survived by his baby, Wanda Underwood of Murfreesboro and her children and grandchildren, whom he loved as his own; siblings, Jimmy Mathis of Murfreesboro, James (Marie) Tidwell of Smithville, George (Debbie) Mathis of Shelbyville, Mikey Mathis of Murfreesboro, Janice Barrett of Tullahoma and Rosetta (Floyd) Brown of Murfreesboro; brother-in-law, Jimmy Barrett; several nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Due to the expected colder weather, the Service will be at 1PM Thursday, November 21, 2024 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Darren Kinzer officiating and burial to follow at Center Hill Cemetery.  Family and friends will meet at the funeral home for the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Mathis family.




Jessica Mollinet

November 15, 2024

We are announcing the death of our beloved daughter, Jessica Mollinet. She was born December 18, 1982, and passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. She loved life more than life itself. She loved her family, friends and pets more than can be measured. She was a proud veteran who loved her country and served in the US Coast Guard. The family would like to Thank a very special person who cared for her 24/7. Nick, you never wavered in the face of Jessica’s problems. You were by her side with love until the end and you will always be a member of our family. In addition, Thanks to the staff of St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro who care for her during her fight for life. She is survived by her mother, father, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be conducted 6 PM Thursday, November 21, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Military Honors and burial will take place 1 PM Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on McCrory Lane in Nashville. Visitation will be Thursday 1 PM until the time of the service at 6 PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Mollinet Family.




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