In Loving Memory: Obituaries June 13-19, 2022

ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)

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Obituary for Helen Caitlyn Suggs

Helen Caitlyn Suggs, loving daughter and best friend to so many, passed on from this world on June 11, 2022, at 31 years old. Caitlyn was born on September 2, 1990 and was raised in Greenbrier, Tennessee. If you were around her, you were laughing, because she was always making life fun and entertaining. Caitlyn loved art, drawing, and music, and had an impressive Pokemon collection. She was at home in nature, and especially loved vacationing with family and friends in Jekyll Island, GA. She was always up for any and every outdoor adventure, and had recently moved to the beautiful mountains of Knoxville, TN, very excited to work at Dollywood and begin art school there this summer. She enjoyed thrifting, collecting things, and had a great love for animals. She will be remembered for her bright, eccentric, and kind personality, which made those around her feel loved and accepted.

Caitlyn was preceded in death by her sister Kelly Harris, favorite pup Oly, and grandparents, William and Helen Suggs of Seabring, FL, and Owen and Helen Null, of Hermitage, TN. She is survived by her parents David and Molly Suggs, brother Josh Suggs, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and furbaby Fig.

A gathering of family and friends for Caitlyn will be held Monday, June 20, 2022 from ten o’clock in the morning until one o’clock in the afternoon at Mount Olivet Funeral Home, followed by, A Celebration of Life Service beginning at one o’clock in the afternoon. Interment to follow in the Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mountolivet.com for the Caitlyn Suggs family.

Obituary for Elizabeth “Beth” Smith Howell

Elizabeth “Beth” Smith Howell, 84, of Hendersonville, passed from this life on Wednesday June 15, 2022, at Hendersonville Medical Center.

A private family graveside service will be conducted in the St. Michael’s Cemetery with Father Anthony Lopez as celebrant. Her family will serve as pallbearers.

Ms. Howell was born July 21, 1937, in Lyons, OH to the late Leland and Mildred Howell Smith. She was a homemaker and a communicant of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Ms. Howell loved cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Ms. Howell is survived by her children: Richard Howell and wife Jackie of Hendersonville, Betsy Howell Traughber of Springfield, Billy Howell and wife Sherry of Springfield, Benny Howell and wife Connie of Nashville, and Jimmy Howell of Hendersonville, by her brother: Bill Smith of Florida, by her sister: Susan Francouer of Sand Creek, Michigan, and by her 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ms. Howell’s memory.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172

Obituary for Rhea Garrett Shrum

Rhea Garrett Shrum, 72, of Greenbrier, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at his home.

To honor his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held at this time.

Mr. Shrum was born December 5, 1949, in Hartsville to the late Robert and Mary Elizabeth Stafford Shrum. He served in the U.S. Army, was a retired truck driver, and enjoyed both hunting and fishing.

Mr. Shrum is survived by his former wife and best friend: Diana Arrington of Longview, TX, by his son: Tommy and Deana Shrum of Smyrna, by his daughter: Charlotte Farrell of Longview, TX, by his brother: Gene Allen Shrum of Hendersonville, by his sister: Margaret Scantland of Florida, by his 2 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and a host of nieces and nephews, and by his extended family: Betty Thompson and Tommy and Barbara Brewer.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172

Obituary for Earlene Wilson Jernigan Estes

Earlene Wilson Jernigan Estes, 72, of the Martin’s Chapel community in Springfield, passed from this life on Monday June 13, 2022, at her home.

Funeral services were conducted Friday June 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Bob Hargrove and Reverend Peter van Eys officiating. Interment followed in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in White House with Timothy Jernigan, Jr., Jake Jernigan, Logan Jernigan, Landon Jernigan, Ethan Morton, Dylan Morton, Connor “Willie” Read, Aidan Lapolla, Jason Follis, Daniel Smith, and Benjamin Jernigan serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were her nephews and her poker-playing friends. The family received friends on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 12 noon until service time at the funeral home.

Ms. Earlene was born November 13, 1949, in Springfield to the late Ewing and Louise Harper Wilson. She was a member of Martins Chapel United Methodist Church and was a retired supervisor from Tyson Foods in Goodlettsville. Ms. Earlene loved playing cards, going to Larry’s for breakfast, was an avid fan of Springfield High School football and really enjoyed cooking food for the referees before each home game. Ms. Earlene was a wonderful cook, and her family and friends were always welcome at her table. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was able to play a game of cards with her family and friends the Saturday night before her homegoing. Everyone that knew her loved her and Ms. Earlene was truly everyone’s “Granny Early”.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband: Jerry Wayne Jernigan, by her grandson: Dalton Tramell, and by her siblings: John Wilson, Wesley Wilson, Aline Smith, and Mary Edna Scott. Ms. Earlene is survived by her husband, Bill Estes, whom she would be married to for 22 years this coming September, by her children: Timothy W. Jernigan and wife Glenda of White House, Jerri L. Rose and husband David of Springfield, and Samantha Read and husband Chris of Springfield, by her stepdaughters: Tammy Follis of Cross Plains and Sandy Lapolla of Pennsylvania, by her brothers: Randy Wilson and wife Brenda, and Jeff Wilson all of Springfield, by her sisters: Maxine Wooden of Joelton, Pat Hix, Annie B. Hayes, and Beverly Langford all of Springfield, and by her 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchildren.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172

Lynda Drake, age 78 of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Monday, June 13, 2022 at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville.

Per her wishes, her remains were cremated and a private service was held.

Mrs. Lynda was born August 13, 1943 in Greenbrier to the late Matthew and Minnie Dimple Gragg Jackson. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Greenbrier. She was a cosmetologist and past owner of Springfield Beauty College and Duff and Drake Beauty College. She was also at one time owned Country Kitchen Restaurant in Greenbrier and last worked as the secretary for Searcy Real Estate. She was a member of the 1961 Class of Springfield High School. She loved to travel, watch horse racing, and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Lew and Billy Drake, and a sister, Vickie Riddle.

She is survived by her husband, who she would have been married to 61 years on June 17th, Bill Drake of Greenbrier; brother, Shawn Jackson of White House; sister, Beverly Garrison of Gallatin daughter-in-law, Melissa Drake of Cottontown; grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Walden and B.J. Drake; great grandchildren, C.J. Walden, Katie Walden, and Leigha “LeeLee” Walden; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Drake Searcy and Sandra Stokes, both of Greenbrier.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172

Obituary for Nelson Randolph “Randy” Short

Age 63 of Goodlettsville passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022 at The Residence of Alive Hospice. He was born July 17, 1958 in Nashville, TN to Nelson “Hayes” and Delois Jones Short. Randy loved and served the White House community for many years. He served as Fire Chief for the Volunteer Fire Department, a deputy for the Robertson County Sheriff’s Department and served as an EMT for the Sumner County Ambulance Service. He began his career in funeral service as an apprentice for Barber Funeral Home. He worked for many years at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and served as manager for Phillips Robinson Funeral Home in Hendersonville. He retired as manager of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House in 2019, after becoming disabled. He loved serving families and funeral service was his life. Randy enjoyed thrift store shopping and collecting antiques.

He is preceded in death by his father, Nelson “Hayes” Short. He is survived by his spouse and best friend, Brian Shreeve, Goodlettsville, TN; mother, Delois Short, Cottontown, TN; brothers, Andy (Donna) Short, Cottontown, TN and Billy (Elisa) Short, Clarksville, TN; sister, Tammy (Kenny) Allen, Portland, TN; several aunts; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 2pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, with Pastor Jay Voorhees officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with Trey Allen, Cody Allen, Micah Lashley and Nolen Lanius serving as pallbearers. Members of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 21, 2022 4-8PM and Wednesday, June 22, 2022 10AM-2PM at the funeral home.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188

Willie “Modene” Gibson, age 92 of Ashland City, Tennessee, died Friday, June 17, 2022 at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

There will be a private family burial in Blue Springs Cemetery. There will be no visitation prior to the burial.

Mrs. Gibson was born on July 26, 1929 in Ashland City, Tennessee to the late Allen & Lula Mai Binkley Mayo. She was a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Kay Threet; grandson, Adam Binkley; and numerous brothers & sisters.

Survivors include her son, Jerry C. (Sherrie) Binkley; sister, Floy Perry; grandchildren, John Robert (Lisa) Taylor & Kristy Anne (Geoff) Rooney; 6 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Center at Ashland City, 104 Ruth Drive, Ashland City, Tennessee 37015.

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146

Obituary for Maurice Paschall Frey Jr

Maurice Paschall Frey Jr., age 91, of Springfield, formerly of Goodlettsville, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022 at his sons home in Springfield.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm Monday, June 20, 2022 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Greenbrier with Deacon Joann Morris officiating. Burial will follow in the Bellwood Cemetery in Adams with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 10am until the time of the service at 2pm on Monday at the funeral home.

Mr. Frey was born July 9, 1930 in Nashville, TN to the late Maurice Paschall and Annie Raney Frey Sr. He was a US Army veteran and had been a carpenter most of his life.

Mr. Frey is survived by his son, Maurice “Paschall” (Renee) Frey III; 3 grandchildren, Amber Franklin, Annie Garrie and Maurice P “PJ” Frey IV; 7 great grandchildren, Kailey, Teagan, Kaden, Ronin, Kensley, Remii and Aerie; brother, William (Billie) Frey; and a sister, Anita Settle.

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Highway 41S, Greenbrier, TN 37073

Obituary for Carl Wesley Brad Hester

Age 41 of Portland passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Gallatin. He was born February 2, 1981 to Anthony Rex & Liane Mary Baldwin Hester in San Antonio, Texas.

He was employed as a sheet metal worker for HSK in Gallatin. Carl loved spending time with his son. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hiking and listening to heavy metal music.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Melvin Hester. He is survived by his father, Tony Hester, Scottsville, KY; mother Liane Hester, North Liberty, IN; son, Ethan Anthony Hester, Portland, TN; brother, Justin (Shannon) Hester, Cottontown, TN; sister. Kristy Hester, North Liberty, IN\; paternal grandmother, Gaynell Hester, Mount Washington, KY; maternal grandparents; Malcolm & Jillian Baldwin, Machynleth, UK.

There are no services or visitation planned at this time. A memorial service is being planned for a later date and this obituary will be updated with that information.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188

Obituary for John Marshall Kemper

John Marshall Kemper, age 64, of Springfield, TN passed away Sunday, June 12, 2022 at his residence.

Funeral services were conducted at 1pm Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Springfield with Bro. Randy Riggs officiating. Graveside services were conducted at 3pm Wednesday in the Mullins Family Cemetery on Roy Pearson Road.

The family received friends from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Kemper was born May 2, 1958 in Madison, TN to the late Earl Marshall and Lucy Walker Kemper.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kemper was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Paul Kemper Sr.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph Daniel (Airica) Kemper and Ethan Allen Kemper; step-son, Brandon Keith (Marisol) Jones; 5 grandchildren, Nathaniel Taylor, Faith Kemper, Joseph Sapp, Brandon Jones II and Belen Jones; ex-wife, Connie Kemper; brother, Howard Wayne Kemper; and sisters, Linda Smotherman and Beverly Knight.

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St. Springfield, TN 37172

Obituary for Bobby Gentry, Sr.

Bobby Wayne Gentry, Sr., age 88 of Springfield, Tennessee, died Monday, June 6, 2022 at his home.

Funeral services were conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 12:00PM on Friday, June 10th, with Bro. Robert Hand officiating. Burial followed in EverRest of Cheatham with Charlie Mayes, Hunter Stuart, William Stuart, Bobby Ray Phillips, Steven Neel, and Bryson Wencel serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Sam Childs, David Skidmore, Billy Chester, and the C & M Dept. of NES.

The family received friends at the funeral home on Thursday, June 9th from 4:00PM until 8:00PM and again on Friday from 10:00AM until the hour of service at 12:00PM.

Mr. Gentry was born on January 26, 1934 in Vanleer, Tennessee to the late Walter Atlee & Stella Waynick Gentry. He was retired after 40 years from NES. He loved to work and especially loved farming. He was a member of Martins Chapel United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Glenda Olean Cobb.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Phyllis Spencer Gentry; son, Bobby Wayne Gentry, Jr.; daughters, Joyce Laster and Teresa Phillips; stepsons, Allen (Lee Ann) Spencer and Darrell (Angel) Spencer; stepdaughter, Felissa (Duffy) Spencer Daugherty; brother, Lloyd Ray Gentry; sisters, Betty Ruth Wilson and Linda Sue Morgan; grandchildren, Jason Gentry, Lacie Gentry, Ashtynn Barrett, Michelle Lane, Shannon Gorrell, Cherrie Laster, Christie Fransos, Bobby Ray Phillips, Kim Wencel, and Brandy Phillips; 30 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren; and beloved pets, Prissy & Big Dog.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Nashville Humane Society, 213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37209

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146

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