Obituaries
February 21, 2025
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.
Brenda Sue Cook
February 20, 2025
Brenda Sue Cook age 77 of Watertown, died Wednesday evening @ Summit Medical Center in Hermitage. Born May 8, 1947 in Smithville, she was the daughter of the late Bernice and Clara Young Bain and was preceded in death by sisters, Dean Carroll, Judy Williamson, Margie Barrett and Jodi Martin. Brenda’s husband of 61 years, Joe Cook also preceded her in death on Jan. 20, 2025.
She was a member of Upper Helton Baptist Church and retired from Hartman Luggage.
Brenda is survived by her children, Greg (Jody) Cook of Watertown, Tanya (Terry) Mullinax of Leesburg, FL and Thomas (Lea) Cook of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Allison Argo, Amy Cook, Eli and Evan Cook; sister, Peggy (Jay) McClain of Smithville; brothers, Austin Bain and James (Marie) Bain both of Smithville; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Arms officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. till service time on Saturday. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery in Liberty, TN. HUNTER FUNERAL HOME 615-237-9318
Amelia “Amy” Jarman Bain
February 19, 2025
Amelia “Amy” Jarman Bain age 58, formerly of Alexandria, died Monday morning, Feb. 17, 2025 at Franklin Wellness and Rehabilitation in Franklin, TN. Born May 7, 1966 in Charleston, SC, she was the daughter of the late Amos Jarman and Mary Jackie Fordham Jarman and was preceded in death by an infant son, Jesse William Cannon and her father-in-law, Junior Bain of Watertown.
Amy was a 1984 graduate of Dekalb Co. High School and received an Associate Degree from the Tennessee Vocational School in Murfreesboro. She was a former Child Support Enforcement Officer for the State of Mississippi.
She is survived by her husband, Brent Bain of Smyrna; daughter, Brandi Myers of Murfreesboro and granddaughter, Addi Grace Meyers; son, Caleb Cannon of Smyrna; stepsons, Michael (Jessie) Bain and Daniel (Mandy) Bain; step grandchildren, Iris, Wilder and Samson; her brother, Matt (Kim) Jarman of Warrior, AL; mother-in-law, Elsie Bain of Watertown; brother-in-law, Wendell (Pam) Bain; sisters-in-law, Amy (Stuart) Maynard and Lacee (Josh) Martin.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home with visitation from 8 a.m. till service time on Friday. Interment will follow at Hunter Memorial Park. HUNTER FUNERAL HOME Watertown, TN 615-237-9318
Joey Lewis Derting
February 19, 2025
60-year-old Joey Lewis Derting of Liberty died Sunday at Saint Thomas Hospital West in Nashville. He was a DeKalb County native, a farmer, and he attended the Cave Springs Baptist Church. He was born August 29,1964 in DeKalb County, TN. to his parents, Jack Lewis Derting and Helen Marie Robinson who preceded him in death. His Grandparents, Jessie and Katy Robinson and Hairm and Minnie Derting and his sister Peggy Jane Derting are also deceased. When Joey was younger he was a hard worker, He loved cars and his family very much. Joey is survived by his sisters, Elaine Derting, Barbara (Ricky) Vickers and Laura Derting all of Liberty. He is also survived by many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends. The funeral will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Bro. David Dodd will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anderson Funeral Home to assist with the funeral expenses.
Roxie Caldwell
February 19, 2025
Roxie Caldwell, age 88 of Smithville, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Webb House in Smithville. She was a homemaker and a member of the Smithville First Assembly of God.
She was born on February 12, 1937 in Smithville. She was preceded in death by her grandparents that raised her; George and Bertie Reeder, the love of her life, husband; Bruce Caldwell and 3 sisters; Georgie Parsley, Nina Phillips and Henri Reeder.
Visitation with the Caldwell family will be on Friday from 10:30 am until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Bro. Donnie Kelly will be officiating and burial will follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery.
Survivors include her daughter; Lesa Hale of Smithville, 3 grandsons; Zackary (Destin) Hale of Mississippi, Devin Hale of Murfreesboro and Quentin (Myrie) Hale of Smithville and 2 great-grandchildren; Roman Hale and Bonnie Hale.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Candy Lea Hale
February 17, 2025
Candy Lea Hale age 54 of Smithville, passed away Saturday night, February 15, 2025, at St. Thomas Midtown. She was born October 24, 1970, to her parents, Carolyn Elmore Wilkey Davis and the late Eugene Wilkey. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by 2 sons, Anthony Hale and David Hall; stepson, Keith Hale; 2 sisters, Penny (Leroy) Hale and Connie Brownfield; brother, Phillip (Clara Mae) Wilkey; sister-in-law, Cynthia Hale and brother-in-law, Lonnie Pack. Candy was a Baptist and a factory worker. She is survived by sons, Rickey Hall, II, Jonathan Hall and Terry (Christina) Hale all of Smithville; adopted son, Larry Stump of Smithville; 9 grandchildren, Eppey, Leaunna, Beth, Cain, Alexander, Aiden, Sophia, Emmitt and Abigail; husband, John Hale of Smithville, mother, Carolyn Davis of Smithville; siblings, Ginger Anderson, Roy Wilkey and Ellen (Charlie) Hale all of Smithville; sister-in-law, Betty Pack of Smithville; brothers-in-law, Tom Hale and Steve (Linda) Hale of Smithville; special nephew, Naziah Martinez and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1 PM Friday, February 21, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Joe Wilkey and Eugene Lawson officiating and burial will follow in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday 3 PM until 7 PM and Friday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hale family.