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.