Obituaries: Week of February 1, 2026, In Loving Memory

Obituaries: Week of February 1, 2026, In Loving Memory

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:

(Smokey Barn News)

*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.

Virgina K. Stewart

January 7, 1937 – January 21, 2026

Virginia K. Stewart, born January 7, 1937, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 89. She lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and a deep love for her family and home.

Known to most simply as Kathy, she was born and raised in Willis, VA to James T. Sowers and Beulah V. Sowers. After graduating from her small-town high school, she devoted her professional life to nursing. She trained at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Roanoke, VA, and went on to serve as a nursery and labor-and-delivery nurse — work that perfectly matched her gentle spirit and steady presence. She was passionate about her career as an RN and served many years in the nursery at Nashville Memorial Hospital in Madison, TN before finishing her career at Skyline Medical Center after Nashville Memorial closed.

Kathy married Thomas Stewart after nursing school. Thomas was a career military man, and together they embraced a life of travel across Europe and the United States as he served in various posts. After Thomas retired, they made their home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Following his passing in 1996, Kathy moved to Hendersonville, where she continued to build a warm and welcoming home filled with beauty, care, and her own special touch. She had a wonderful gift for decorating, and her home was always impeccably arranged—inviting, comforting, and deeply “hers.” She was known for her incredible energy, her love of life, her caring heart, and the thoughtful advice she shared so generously. To many, she was more than a friend—she was a trusted confidant, a steady source of wisdom, and a second “mother” to her children’s friends who were always welcomed in her home.

Kathy leaves behind her loving sons, Christopher A. Stewart, from Indianapolis IN and Timothy F. Stewart from Orlando FL, and her three cherished grandchildren, Noah Stewart, Micah Stewart, and Dayln Stewart, who brought immense joy to her life.

A brief family viewing will be held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, on February 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Afterwards, she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN.

Kathy will be remembered for her strength and “spunky” attitude, her gentle heart, and the love she shared so freely. She will be profoundly missed, but the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring joy and comfort to all who knew her.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home

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Patsy Nixon

February 14, 1938 — January 24, 2026

Goodlettsville, TN

Patsy Nixon, age 87, a lifelong resident of Goodlettsville, TN, passed away on January 24, 2026, at NCH Sumner in Gallatin, TN. Born on February 14, 1938, in Nashville, TN, Patsy lived a fulfilling life marked by her devotion to her family. Patsy reunited in heaven with her loving husband Karl Nixon. She is also preceded in death by her parents Fred and Margaret Wheeler and her sister Peggy Alley. She is survived by her daughter Gayle (Mark) Writesman, grandson Cole (Ragan) Writesman, and soon to be great granddaughter Sutton. She is also survived by her brother Tommy (Donna) Wheeler, sister Vickie (Mark) Slate, as well as many nieces and nephews. Although she is gone, her memory will forever reside within them.

Education was important to Patsy; she was a proud graduate of Goodlettsville High School, where she was also a member of the basketball team. Her involvement in high school basketball fostered a lifelong passion for athletics. She was a fan of collegiate sports, particularly the Vanderbilt Commodores, where she was a men’s basketball season ticket holder for a number of years.

Her remarkable career began at Bell South Phone Company, which later became known as AT&T, where she dedicated nearly 40 years of her life to working as a sales manager for commercial accounts. Throughout her tenure, she became known not only for her exceptional skills but also for the warmth and sincerity she brought to her interactions with colleagues and clients alike.

The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers for donations be made to Alive Hospice of Nashville. Dontations can be made online at https://www.alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/ or checks mailed to 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203, with your check, please note the donor name(s), and who the gift is in memory/honor of.

As we gather to honor her memory, a Memorial Gathering will take place on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 127 N Main St, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.

Pamela Green, age 73, of Madison, TN passed away on January 27th, 2026, at TriStar Skyline. She was born in Ottumwa, IA to the late Max and Twylla Huffman on January 2nd, 1953. Pam is also preceded in death by her loving husband Jerry Green and her sister Jacqueline Huffman. She is survived by her son Daniel Wilk, grandson Joseph Dench, nieces and nephews John O’Hara, Michael O’Hara, Crystal Chateau, Nanci Sanders, and Robert Walsh, as well as her great niece Jasper Sanders who held a special place in her heart. Although she is gone her memory will forever reside within those who cherished her most.

A woman of profound faith and a devoted follower of Christ, Pamela found solace and strength in all things Christ. She cherished attending services at First Baptist Hendersonville particularly during the holidays, where she enjoyed worshiping alongside her son. Pamela’s nurturing spirit touched the lives of many, as she was known for her caring demeanor and her ability to provide support and tough love when needed. Her heart of gold shone through in all her interactions, making her a cherished friend and confidante to those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Pamela was fighter, a woman who was outspoken and who passionately shared her opinions about injustices in the world. Her commitment to advocacy was matched by her love for animals, particularly dogs, which brought her endless joy and companionship.

Above all, Pamela took pride in her family, a defining aspect of her life that she regarded as her proudest accomplishment. She was not only a loving mother but also a fierce protector of her loved ones, demonstrating the strength and resilience of her character.

Pamela Green’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew her, and her spirit of activism and love will continue to inspire future generations. She is deeply missed yet fondly remembered by those she held dear.

Cole & Garrett Funeral Home are the oversee the arrangements of Pamela Green, located at 127 N. Main Street, Goodlettsville, TN 37072. Phone: (615) 859 – 5231. Online condolences may be expressed online at coleandgarrett.com under the obituaries section. At this time, there are no services to be scheduled at this time.

Billy Ray Jackson, age 80, of Cedar Hill, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 3rd at 1pm in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Bro. Ronnie Green, officiating. Burial will follow in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Brad Woody, Clint Woody, Ty Jackson, Clay Woody, Ricky Hall, and Donnie Bowen serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 4-7pm on Monday, February 2nd and again from 11am until time of service on February 3rd at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Jo Byrns High School Athletics or the Centerpoint Baptist Church Faith Builders.

Mr. Jackson was born December 19, 1945, in Barren Plains, to the late Joe Elbert Jackson and the late Reba Lee Estep Jackson. He was a graduate of Springfield High School’s class of 1963. He was a man of great strength and a strong work ethic. He began a career as an Iron Worker and was a member of the Iron Workers Union Local 492 for twenty years, working alongside his father and brother, Tommy. He left iron work and started Jackson Concrete & Construction with his son, Billy Joe, until he retired.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Abbiegail Jackson; daughter, Sheila (Troy) Woody; son, Billy Joe (Celeste) Jackson; 4 grandchildren, Brad (Melissa) Woody, Clint (Heather) Woody, Ty (Ellen) Jackson and Abbie (Wyatt) Green; 8 great grandchildren, Kailey, Clay, Paisley, Presley, Palmer, Patton, Hunter and Ollie; and 1 great great-granddaughter, Brooklynn; he is also survived by one brother, Tommy (Judy) Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Billy enjoyed working in his yard, building projects, and cheering on the grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their activities, they were his pride and joy. He loved good conversation and always had a story to tell. He loved to travel, visiting 49 of the 50 states. He accepted Christ as a young boy and was a member of Centerpoint Baptist Church. He was deeply devoted to his family, and his love, wisdom, and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

Carol Sue Ford, age 79, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at her home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm Saturday, February 7th, at the Rock Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Randy Harmon and Bro. Kent Evetts officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Brett Crafton, Dallas Crafton, Tyler Crafton, Michael Kibler, Christopher Kibler and Ryan McClintock serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 12-2pm Saturday, February 7th, at the church.

Mrs. Ford was born February 8, 1946, in Detroit, MI, to the late Ed Ramsey and the late Willie Margaret Jackman Ramsey. She was the office manager of her husbands sheet metal fabrication business and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. Mrs. Ford served on the hospitality committee for many years and looked forward to yearly themed vacation bible school events where she decorated and served refreshments. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and always had enough for a small army. Mrs. Ford was a fan of Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson and Randy Travis. She enjoyed watching Family Feud nightly and was always ready to watch a good western with her husband of 62 years. She adored her children and grandchildren and was excited to watch them play many sports including baseball, volleyball, basketball and ice hockey. She herself, played on the church league softball team. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother (Nanny), great grandmother and dear friend. She was loved dearly and will be missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ford was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Sue Ford; and brothers, James Ramsey and David McCullough.

She is survived by her husband, Henry Joseph Ford, Sr.; son, Henry Joseph “Junior” (Cheryl) Ford, Jr.; daughters, Sherry (Michael) Kibler, Melanie (Brett) Crafton and Melissa Ford; 8 grandchildren, Amy Jo (Ryan) McClintock, Christopher Kibler, Hope Kibler, Mackenzie Kibler, Brittany (Jeromi) Critikos, Dallas Crafton, Tyler Crafton and Madison Crafton; 3 great grandchildren, Tatum McClintock, Kellen McClintock and Dominic Critikos; a half-brother, Roger McCullough; and 2 half-sisters, Billie Holloway and Elaine (Roy) Hagar.Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

Betty Jo Chance, age 85 of Springfield, TN passed away Friday, January 30th, 2026 at NorthCrest Medical Center. Funeral Services will be conducted Friday, February 6th at Calvary Baptist Church, 2806 Hwy 41 S, Greenbrier, TN with Pastor Gary Dillard officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12pm until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Springfield, TN with Daryl Greenfield, Ralph Robertson, Mark Chance, T.J. Chance, Scott Dillard and Ricky Layfield serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Gary Wayne Dillard.

She was born August 27, 1940 in Adairville, KY to the late Thomas Lee and Lula Robertson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bell Chance; daughter and son-in-law Amanda and David Morris; siblings, Thomas Edward Robertson, Johnny W. Robertson, Billy Ray Robertson, Marie Hooten, Lula Mae Hightower, Elsie Lee Hudnell and Peggy Weatherford.

She loved her family very much as well as her dog Daisy Mae and she enjoyed shopping. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and had worked as an Assembly Worker at Genesco Shoe Company.

She is survived by sons, Michael Wayne (Lisa) Chance, Robert Mark Chance; daughters, Melinda (Gary) Dillard and Lisa Marie (Randy) Rowland; 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Calvary Baptist Church, 2806 Hwy 41 S, Greenbrier, TN 37073. Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com

Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Hwy 41 S, Greenbrier, TN 370973 is in charge of arrangements

Donald Wayne Palmore “Donnie”, age 63, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o’clock am, Wednesday, February 4th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Bro. Randy Hester and Pastor Dennis Kirk officiating.

Burial will follow in the Palmore Family Cemetery in Cedar Hill with his sons and grandsons, and Wesley Palmore, John Dowlen, and Joseph Ziegler serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 3rd, from 4:00-8:00PM, and again on Wednesday beginning at 10:00AM until the hour of service at 11:00AM.

Donnie was born on July 31, 1962, in Springfield, Tennessee, to the late James “Tug” & Margie Palmore. He was the owner/operator of Donnie Palmore Logging and attended Tennessee Ridge Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie “Red” Palmore; and his grandson, Seth Palmore.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gaye Palmore; sons, Bo (Janet) Palmore and Caleb Palmore; daughter, Joy (Frank) Nicholson; brother, Tim (Tammy) Palmore; grandchildren, Joshua (fiancé K.K. Brown) Palmore, Joseph Palmore, Brittany Palmore, Noah Nicholson, Jocelyn Nicholson, and Isabella Nicholson; and grandchildren by heart, John, Michelle, Rosa, and Jonathon.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear brother Edward Donald Crotzer (Dyno) on January 29, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

He was born to Edward Glen Crotzer (Joe), and Louise Henley Crotzer on July 24, 1939, in Old Hickory, Tennessee. Three years later the family moved to Henrietta, Tennessee to a farm where he was a pillar of strength and helped the family as he grew up. He attended Bethel Elementary School and then Central High School in Ashland City, graduating in 1957. He served in the 101st Airborne Infantry from April 1963 to May 1964 with a Hardship Honorable Discharge to again help with harvesting crops when the family needed him. Later he worked for the Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tennessee until he was forced to take early retirement due to health issues. He was an avid sports fan of the Vanderbilt Commodores and Tennessee Titans. Dyno had a passion for fast cars and drag racing, mostly at Union Hill Raceway. He had many friends, a heart of gold and was always helping family and “buddies”.

He is survived by his son Michael Crotzer, two brothers Charles Crotzer, Richard Crotzer (wife, Rhonda, daughter Averi) and two sisters Linda Dilley and Nancy Hughes (husband Tom, son Tom Jr, daughter Lori). He is also survived by his longtime companion, Tonnie Trotter and her two daughters Terri Smith (husband Kenny, daughter Kayla) and Chelsa Collins (husband Scotty, son Charlie and daughter Amelia). He is predeceased in death by another sister, Joyce Baker (1993) and Tonnie’s son Gary “Bubba” Oliver (2021).

A memorial service will be held at 5 o’clock pm, Thursday, February 5th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Bro. Randy Riggs officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 3:00PM until the hour of service at 5:00PM.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com

With deep love, we announce the passing of Nancy June Leighton, 76, on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 4:01 p.m.

Nancy was a believer in God and had been baptized. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now healed of her earthly ailments and has walked freely through the gates of Heaven.

Nancy was a selfless and kind soul, deeply missed by her family and close friends. A straight-laced lady of unwavering morals, she had a way of making everyone around her feel at peace- truly a rock, with a warm, genuine smile for all. Nancy appreciated the small details and the innocent beauty of the world- calm, slow moments that many overlook.

She had a deep compassion for animals, believing that every one of God’s creatures deserved kindness. She adored her grandchildren and dedicated her life to her daughter, Casey, and her grandchildren, who meant the absolute world to her. A loving role model, she faced her battle with stage IV cancer over recent years with unyielding grit and grace, never once complaining. Her journey ended unexpectedly, but her legacy of love remains.

She is survived by her daughter, Casey Hunter (Blake Hunter), and her three grandchildren, “Wild” Bill, Barrett, and Tate. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Baldwin, and nieces Christy Bartlett and Kim Weaver, who were dear to her. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Walker and Annie Laura Walker, and her brother, Don Walker.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 5th, at 12:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Springfield, Tennessee, with Bob Bell officiating. As she wished, we will have a simple and intimate service, reflecting her deep desire never to burden anyone. It’s a reflection of her very essence- she lived her life in quiet devotion to others.

Nancy will be deeply missed, yet the impression she left on so many lives endures. She had a way of bringing calm and certainty, leaving each of us feeling safe in her presence- and that comforting grace will be remembered for generations to come.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

George William Wilkerson, Sr., age 63, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Northcrest Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later.

Mr. Wilkerson was born October 8, 1962, in Springfield, to the late George Edward Wilkerson and the late Mattie Lee Summers Wilkerson. He had worked at Rawls & Sons Auto Salvage for several years.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his wife, Loray Wilkerson; sister, Lisa Wilkerson; half-brother, Earl Mooneyhan; and half-sisters, Marie Yates and Linda McEwing.

He is survived by his son, George William Wilkerson, Jr.; daughter, Sarah Ann Marie Wilkerson; and a half-brother, Thomas Mooneyhan.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask for memorial donations to be made to Austin & Bell Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

Beverly Kay Potts (Vaughn), age 67, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on December 24, 2025.

Born in Wrigley, Tennessee, Beverly later made her home in White House, Tennessee, where she devoted her life to family, friendship, and caring for others. She was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Gary Potts, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Beverly was a loving mother and grandmother whose greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Gary Potts; her sons, Shannon Potts (Lori) and Jeffrey Potts; her daughter, Terrah McCann; her four cherished grandchildren, Madysen Potts, Mia Potts, Aidan Cottar, and Lincoln McCann; and extended family members, including Mickey and Sharon Thompson (Potts), as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Grover Vaughn; her mother, Olive Thomasson (Estes); her brother, Kevin Huffaker; and her sister, Ardith Mathis.

A dedicated nurse for 29 years, Beverly cared deeply for her patients and was known for her compassion, kindness, and unwavering support.

On February 7, family and friends are invited to gather from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Billy S. Hobbs Building, The Donald Eden Community Room 105D College Street in White House, Tennessee 37188, to celebrate Beverly’s life. A brief reading will be shared at 12:30 p.m. by our beloved cousin, Rev. Michael Wayne Thomasson. |

Following the reading, we will spend time together enjoying food, fellowship, and remembering the many moments that made her so special to us. In keeping with her wishes, we kindly ask that guests refrain from wearing black, as she would have wanted this to be a joyful celebration filled with love and remembrance rather than sorrow.

A private family inurnment will be held at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000

Richard “Rickey” Gregg DeWeese, age 68 of White House, TN passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his home. He was born March 23, 1957 in Franklin, KY to Garvis Rudolph & Anna Belle Gentry DeWeese. He worked as a machine operator at Outokumpu before becoming disabled.

He enjoyed classic rock and roll music, classic cars, drawing and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved being their Pop. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Janet Johnson DeWeese; grandson, Aspen Ragland; brother, Gerry DeWeese. He is survived by his daughter, Megan (Jon) DeWeese; brothers, Brent (Janna) DeWeese and Brian DeWeese, all of Franklin, KY; 2 grandchildren, Aurora Ragland and Violet Zambrano, Franklin, KY; his cat, Simba.

A Celebration of Life Gathering is planned for Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 1pm at the Brickyard Cafe in Franklin, KY. The family is also planning to bury his ashes at Hillcrest cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Austin and Bell to help with cremation expenses. Contributions will gladly be received by calling the funeral home during business hours.

ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com

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