Obituaries

Joyce Mullinax

March 22, 2021

Joyce Hibdon Mullinax passed away during her sleep on March 19, 2021 at home. Joyce was born in DeKalb County on October 14, 1936 to Jimmie and Hazel Cantrell Hibdon.

Joyce was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and served as the home demonstration agent in Rutherford County for several years. She then taught in the DeKalb County School system for many years before serving as the DeKalb County System Food Service Director. After retiring from the school system, she developed and operated Richland Retirement Home in Smithville.

She was a remarkable woman who touched numerous lives as a teacher, friend, neighbor, caregiver, and mother to many. It was her wish to stay at home even as her health was declining. She was cared for by many generous and caring people, for which she was thankful to you all, especially Stephanie Tiner, and Sissy Pyles.

Joyce is survived by her son, Greg Mullinax, of Tokyo, Japan. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Jerry Hibdon and Freddy Hibdon. She is survived by her brother, John Hibdon (Vickie) and her sister, Nina Moss (James) and sisters-in-law Wendy Hibdon and Susan Hibdon. Joyce was an aunt to thirteen nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Joyce was also “Granny Joyce” to her special family Barbara and Doug Ervin, their children, Hayden (Katie) Ervin and Lindsy Shae (Ryan) Winfree and children Charlee and Rylee Winfree.

Joyce was a special and giving friend to many and always enjoyed running into her former students, even when, sometimes, she didn’t recognize them right away! Joyce was an excellent Southern style cook who enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends, always happy to share a recipe or cooking tip. She also never shied away from issues with managing rental properties for which Terry Hicks was a dependable helper and problem solver for many years.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to either the Justin Potter Library, 101 S. 1st Street, Smithville, TN 37166, or the Banks Cumberland Presbyterian Church (mail to Violet Carr, 2807 Blue Springs Road, Smithville, TN 37166), for which she has been a member of for most of her life.

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




Freda Kay Duggin Johnson

March 20, 2021

Freda Kay Duggin Johnson age 68 of Liberty, died Friday, March 19, 2021 at her home. Born May 2, 1952 in Cannon County, she was the daughter of the late Allie Mae White Mears and Hoyte S. Duggin. Freda was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Wayne Johnson in 2019; a brother, Bob Duggin and sisters, Geraldine Campbell, Wanda Campbell and Denise Dodd. She retired from the Norvell Co. and worked as a DeKalb Co. school bus aide. Freda was a member of the Covenant Baptist Church in Smithville. She is survived by her sons, Darrell Johnson (Inga) and Anthony Johnson of Liberty, Donnie Johnson (Ronda) of Smithville, and Derek Johnson (Kim Cantrell) of Liberty; grandchildren, Kaitlyn King (Buster), Kimberly Johnson, Justin and Eli Johnson, Andrew Johnson; step-grandchildren, Alex Hale (Phillip), Keshia Hale (Thomas), Gabby Robinson (Kyle), Noah Byford, Maegan Harris, Peyton Harris, Carlie Sullivan; several great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; sister, Ann Ferrell; special cousins, Paul and Jean Neal and many other cousins and friends. Funeral services 2 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2021 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with John Bell, Bobby Thomason, Wilson Williams and Leonard Herman officiating. Visitation 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. till service time Monday. Pallbearers, Darrell, Anthony, Donnie and Derek Johnson, Justin Eli, and Andrew Johnson. Honorary pallbearers, Peyton Harris and Noah Byford. Interment at Salem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements




Judith Kay James

March 19, 2021

Judith Kay James passed away peacefully on February 26th at her home with her family at her side.

Born December 12, 1950 in St Louis, Missouri to the late Robert and Geraldine Jostrand, Judy is survived by her daughter, Shawnda James Caulfield, her son-in-law, Daniel Caulfield Jr, and her beloved granddaughter, Ava Caulfield. Ms. Judy, as she was known by most, was the owner/operator of James Dance Center in Central Florida for 35 years. After embarking on a successful performing career of her own, it was when she opened her studio that she was able to combine her two great loves; dance and working with children. She guided numerous generations of children through their youth by providing them with a safe place to grow both artistically and emotionally in a nurturing environment that became like a second home to the dancers. Many of her students went on to successful performing careers with major dance companies, touring shows, and overseas companies, and just as many others thrive in fields as diverse as the medical, publishing and teaching worlds to name just a few.

Ms. Judy was beyond proud of all of her students and kept in touch with many of them even after retiring and moving to middle Tennessee 10 years ago. Upon her move to Smithville, Judy immediately became involved in her local community and volunteered her time for numerous causes close to her heart. She was passionate about her teaching for Community Bible Study in Cookeville and for the homeless outreach and food pantry her church, Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian, organized. In addition to all of this, Judy was always unfailingly available to her family, often picking up and flying wherever her daughter was working to watch her granddaughter with whom she developed an incredible bond. Judy was the embodiment of selflessness and compassion and lived her life supporting and loving her family, her dancers, her friends, and anyone who needed it to the absolute utmost of her ability. Her legacy will live on through those family and friends and all those whose lives she impacted in so many ways.

A service celebrating her life will be held March 21, 2021 at 2pm at Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 201 S. College St. Smithville, TN 37166. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Compassion International, two charities whose mission of helping children in need she wholeheartedly supported.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.




Bobby Lewis “Stub” Martin

March 18, 2021

Bobby Lewis “Stub” Martin, 79, of Smithville, TN passed away November 30, 2020 at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN surrounded by his wife and children.

Bobby was born September 29, 1941 to the late Malcolm and Elizabeth Martin. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by a daughter Ginger Kay Martin, brother Thomas Martin, and sister Mackie Ann Emmert.

Bobby leaves behind his wife of 54 years Thelma Bates Martin, son Christopher Lewis Martin, granddaughter Kaylee Elizabeth Martin all of Smithville, and daughter Misty Rose and Larry Bulawsky of St. Louis, Missouri.

Stub was a long-time resident of DeKalb County. Over the course of his lifetime, he was a member of the United States Army, co-owner of DeKalb Auto Parts, an avid reader, outdoorsman, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and husband and a true pleasure to be around with a unique and memorable sense of humor.

Memorial services for Bobby Lewis “Stub” Martin will be held Saturday, March 27th at the Smithville Church of Christ. Visitation with the family will begin at 1 PM with a short service starting at 3 PM. During the service, friends and family will recount tales of his life-long adventures and the many great moments of his life.
Due to Covid-19, In consideration of other attendees, please wear a mask and follow the Church social distancing policies.

The family asks that donations be made to the Justin Potter Library or the Smithville Church of Christ Day School in lieu of flowers.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.




Russell Leon Parton

March 18, 2021

Russell Leon Parton, age 70, of McMinnville passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his son, Kevin Parton & his fiancee, Kelly Simpson; Brother, Grady Parton & his wife, Alice; Nephews, Ted Parton & Douglas Parton; Niece, Hallie Quick; Father, “Pa” Ray Davenport; Life Partner, Lynda Evans; Stepdaughter, Nicki Evans; Grandchildren, Newby, Jonah, Ian, Lindsay, & Chaley; and Great Grandchildren, Chasity, Allyann, & Ellie.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Ferrell Davenport; Father, “Bud” Parton; and a Stepson, Joey Evans.

Mr. Parton was a longtime resident of the Blues Hill Community and was a veteran of the Army. He was a retired employer of General Electric in Murfreesboro & more recently retired as a groundskeeper of Faulkner Cemetery. He loved mid-50s Ford cars, yard sales, flea markets, junkyards, & “all you can eat” buffets.

Funeral Service will be 11 AM Thursday, March 25, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Wood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Wednesday, March 24, 2021 & 9 to 11 AM Thursday, March 25, 2021.




Loyd Walker

March 17, 2021

Loyd Walker, age 82 of Sparta was promoted to his heavenly home on March 16, 2021 at his residence. His battle with medical issues in recent years was a reflection of his courage and grace as he faced life’s challenges with a continual smile and sense of humor. He was a member of the Steven’s Street Baptist Church in Cookeville for years.

Loyd was born May 26, 1938 in Smithville, TN. He spent 30+ years working for Frito Lay and in that capacity served many local stores in Sparta and surrounding counties. In his free time, you could find Loyd working in his yard or riding his John Deere mower. He has even been lovingly accused of washing and polishing the rocks in his yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Haston and Lena Walker and son, Jerry Walker.

Loyd is survived by:

Wife- Linda Walker of Sparta, TN

Daughter- Sherry Walker of Yuma, AZ

Granddaughter- Brittany Walker Howell (David) of White House, TN

Great-Granddaughters- Maddux and Raegan Howell of White House, TN

Daughter-in-Law- Carlena Walker of Cookeville, TN

Nephew- Corey Austin of Cookeville, TN

Special Family Friend- Mary Bailey of Sparta, TN

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home in Sparta with Doug Benningfield officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until time of the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers to serve are Robert McCormick, Robert Officer, Randy Hollaway, Jerry Choate, Joe Chappell, and Mike Vaughn

Honorary Pallbearers to serve are John David Wilson, Tommy Denton, and Charles Spakes

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Lighthouse Christian Camp in Smithville, TN or to your favorite charity.

The family would also like to extend a special Thank You to Caris Hospice.

DUE TO COVID-19, MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN INSIDE OAK LAWN FUNERAL HOME DURING ALL TIMES. THANK YOU.




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