William Michael Faulkner, age 58 of Murfreesboro died Monday December 15,
2025. He was a native Rutherford County and was preceded in death by nephews,
Brian Jacobs, and Taylor Arnold.
Mr. Faulkner had worked for Bridgestone Tire Company in La Vergne and was a
devoted son, brother, and uncle .
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Ann Faulkner; sisters; Cathy Underwood and
husband Thomas, Michelle Faulkner and Bruce Dolberry, Heather Bowman and
husband Jason; nieces and nephews, Erica Earle and husband Trey, Tommy
Underwood III, and wife Kristen, Aaron Scott Campbell, Jacob Bowman and wife
Katlyn, Savannah Burns and husband Patrick, Great nieces and nephews Khloe,
Aurora, Grayson, Riley, Blakeleigh, Dawson, James Cordell, Nataleigh, Wrenley.
Visitation will be Sunday December 21 st 12 Noon until 2:00 PM at Woodfin
Memorial Chapel. Funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM at Woodfin Memorial
Chapel. Burial will follow in Thyatria Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jaco
Bowman, Aaron Campbell, Jason Bowman, Johnny Davis, Tommy Rinehart,
Tommy Underwood III. www.woodfinchapel.com

Ella "Dolly" Katherine Tittsworth Jolly passed away December 10, 2025 at the age of 94. Born
September 18, 1931 in Shelbyville, TN, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Jack Jolly;
parents John B. and Ella Catherine Tittsworth, her sisters Ione Hitt, Ruth Eakin, Lucille Stephenson,
Elizabeth Dennis, Anne Smith, and her brothers Fred, John, Curtiss, George (Bud), and Ralph Tittsworth.
She was raised in Shelbyville, educated in the public school system, and graduated from Central High
School in 1949. Mrs. Jolly attended Middle Tennessee State College and graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree and also a Master of Education Degree, graduating Cum Laude.
She began her career in education in Shelbyville at the same elementary school that she had attended as a
child. After teaching there for three years she moved to Miami, Florida where she taught for two years in
the Miami-Dade School System.
Returning to Tennessee, she taught at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary (where she met her husband Jack)
before being transferred to Bellwood when it first opened as a new elementary school. From there she
began supervising the Title One Reading Program in the Murfreesboro City School System. After a move
to Tullahoma, Tennessee with her family, she began teaching at Robert E. Lee Elementary before taking a
year off to return to college to further her education.
Returning to Murfreesboro in 1972, she began teaching as a third grade teacher at the Homer Pittard
Campus School, and remaining there until her retirement in 1993. After retirement she she enjoyed
traveling with her husband, and accompanying him on his many baseball scouting trips throughout the
state.
In her pastime she enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, and traveling...having in her past traveled to the
countries of Cuba, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. In
1954 she and two of her sisters went by automobile on a complete tour of the western U.S. states. She
developed a love of football and had season tickets to the Tennessee Titans for many years.
She was a member of the Retired Teachers of Rutherford County, in which she was an active member for
many years, as well as a loyal member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church.
While being born as Ella Katherine, she was always known to everyone as Dolly. The reason for this is
that when she was a little baby she slept in a dresser drawer, and her brother Ralph always said she looked
like a little Dolly. The name stuck.
She is survived by her daughter Susie Jolly Fusting (Larry), son John P. Jolly, grandchildren Gracie Arms
(Travis), Jackson Fusting, and great grandchildren Hunter Arms, and Ruby Kate Arms.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you be like Dolly and give out as much love, joy, and happiness, as
you can, be good to others, have a kind hearted soul, and help the less fortunate.
Visitation will be Sunday December 21 st 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Celebration
of life service will follow at 3:00 PM with Dr. Jim Clardy officiating. www.woodfinchapel.com

Rhonda Lynn Petty Allen was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on December 12, 2025. The beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away at her home in Smyrna, Tennessee after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Rutherford County, Rhonda was revered as a faithful Christian, leader of integrity, and tireless public servant whose charisma, grace, and tough-minded pragmatism strengthened the community she treasured for generations to come.

Born September 30, 1965, in LaVergne, Tennessee, Rhonda is the daughter of the late Larry W. Petty of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Linda A. Bass also of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Rhonda is deeply loved by her husband, Mike Allen, sons Alex (Addie May) and Layne, and granddaughter, Gracelynn Mae Allen, of Smyrna, Tennessee. She is cherished by sisters, Cindy Petty Spann (Lee), Deb Petty Hickerson (Kevin), and Amanda Petty Gammel (Jesse) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is dearly remembered by sister-in-law, Beth Allen Lewis (Marc), and brother-in-law, Mark Allen (Ann), of Smyrna, Tennessee. She is held precious by nieces and nephews, Laura Savannah Jastre, Jay Foster, Hunter Foster (Maggie), Nate Lewis, Sara Lewis, Savannah Grace Wiggins, Abby Grace Gammel, Henry Gammel, and Amelia Gammel.

Rhonda began her public education at John Coleman Elementary and completed it at Smyrna High School, where the seeds of her enduring passion for education and leadership were planted. Her work ethic and intelligence were evident early on through a recurring Honor Roll status, Beta Club membership, and a 1983 Harry Kellogg Jr. Scholarship recipient. Rhonda’s leadership made a difference in her school as a member of the Gold Dust and Bulldog Bark staff and the Student Council.

Rhonda was deeply committed to and engaged in the lives of those near and dear to her heart. It was in high school that she met the love of her life, James Michael Allen. Mike and Rhonda were married on August 16, 1986, at the Smyrna First Baptist Church. They raised two beautiful sons, James Alexander Petty Allen and Michael Layne Petty Allen. Well-known for hosting frequent, large family gatherings, Rhonda served as the heart of the family and hosted its events lavishly. Mike and Rhonda were faithful and active members of the Hope Fellowship Church.

Their successful partnership grew a flourishing family business, Allen’s Air Care, and out of its abundance they reinvested generously in the community. The 2024 dedication of the Allen Field House at Smyrna Middle School bears witness to countless contributions of time, money, and resources given throughout Rutherford County, which includes the Junior Pro Football League.

Rhonda developed an executive level skillset through her professional roles throughout the healthcare industry in marketing and managed care. She was recognized on multiple occasions by company presidents for superior job performance at Rehability Corporation and outstanding leadership at Theraphysics. As a local realtor for ten years, she earned performance awards at Prudential Rowland, including Volunteer of the Year. Rhonda was known as a creative problem-solver, skilled negotiator, and outstanding communicator. She further excelled as a keen strategist in practical jokes.

The remarkable competence and skills she built in the corporate world served her well in local government roles. Moreover, it was in this arena that she realized her dream of becoming a true public servant. Walking in the footsteps of her father, a union representative, and inspired by the lessons of her civics teacher, Rhonda reflected, “Early on I fell in love with government run by and for the people.”

Rhonda was appointed to the Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission and served for 17 years. During her tenure she became Chair of the Budget and Search Committees and collaborated on key projects like the Rutherford County 20-year Comprehensive Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan. Rhonda was elected to the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners for District 11 and served three terms across a span of twelve years, becoming a vital part of the county’s legislative body. During her tenure, she served on the Budget, Risk Management and Ethics Committees. As Chair of the Health and Education Committee, she oversaw the funding for operation of 50 schools and 6,000 employees. Her devout, stable leadership and actionable collaboration built six new schools and opened several major additions to existing schools. Rhonda’s success in strengthening education was very personal to her and will remain one of her most impactful and finest legacies. “You can get anywhere in life you want to go,” she would tell local school children, “sitting in that chair.”

As a Commissioner, Rhonda could always be counted on to do the right thing, regardless of the beliefs or actions of others. She was well-respected by everyone and known for her extensive preparation, pertinent questions, and pragmatic solution-orientation. Her compassion and strong moral compass also manifested in a variety of local endeavors, like the Smyrna Downtown Revitalization Project, Thurman Francis Arts Academy PTO Presidency, Motlow College Foundation Board of Trustees, and United Way of South-Central Tennessee.

Rhonda’s charismatic presence was infectious. Her playful optimism, wicked sense of humor, and fun-loving spirit could light up a room. She intentionally championed the lives of each person blessed to be in her circle of influence. She strove to be courteous, kind, and decent. Her Christian faith was authentic and foundational to her life. Rhonda exuded a peace-filled happiness while sharing her faith, delighting to bear witness through personal story and spiritual guidance. The brilliant, dynamic light of her life will inspire and guide future generations to love their neighbor. Rhonda Lynn Petty Allen was one in a million.

Services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Life Point Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a Memorial Service following at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way, Nashville Rescue Mission, or the charity of your choice.

An online guestbook for the Allen family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com

Donna Jean Bracy, age 76 of Murfreesboro died December 16, 2025. She was a
native of Old Hickory, and was preceded in death by her parents, James Kilian, and
Irma Jean Lovell Kilian.
Mrs. Bracy was a devoted member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and had worked for the Life and Casualty Insurance Company of Tennessee. She
also volunteered, kept the nursery at church, worked at the MTSU Phillips
Bookstore, and was a housewife.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Bill Bracy. Children: Patrick
Bracy and wife Heather, Jennifer Miller and husband Ryan, Nathan Bracy and wife
Brandie; Step-Daughter: Michelle Howard and husband Rob; Grandchildren:
Harrison Bracy, Laura Rose Bracy, Reese Miller, Rylee Miller, Addison Bracy,
Cope Bracy, Mac Bracy, Andrew Howard, Justin Howard, Allison Howard; Great-
grandchild: Georgia Howard. Sister: Joyce Medana; Brother: Mike Kilian.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Cumberland Presbyterian
Church or Green House Ministries.
Visitation will be Friday December 19th 3:00-6:00 PM at First Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Funeral service will be Saturday December 20th 1:00 PM at
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Chris Warren will officiate. Burial will
follow in Evergreen Cemetery. www.woodfinchapel.com

Carolyn Jeanette Johnson Cole, age 77, passed away December 13, 2025 at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She was born in Sewanee, TN and was a retired teacher. She was a member of St Mark’s United Methodist Church. Carolyn was active in the Women’s Club as well as other charitable projects. Carolyn touched the lives of many young people through her teaching career and coaching cheerleaders. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister and grandmother.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Neal Johnson and Virginia Almeda Garner Burns; and brother, Randy Allen Byrd. She is survived by her husband, Jay Cole of 58 years; son, Sean Cole; daughter, Terra (Jared) Benton, Misty Shay Cole; brother, Paul Neal Johnson, Jr; grandchildren, Ella Jae Benton, Adley Shay Benton, Sydney Cole, Kinsley Cole; and great-grandchildren, Thomas Henry Whidby and Rhett Carter Whidby.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.

Chapel service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Jennings and Ayers. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM in 11557 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, TN at Mt View Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Please leave online condolences for the family at www.jenningsandayers.com  Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, 820 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN. 37130.  615-893-2422.

Grady "Butch" Travis, age 92, of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025,
with his family by his side. He was a native of Middle Tennessee and was a son of the late Wilmer
Travis and Mary Shipp Travis. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife,
Barbara Travis; brothers, Tony, Barney, Joe, Tim, and Johnny Travis; and a sister, Ruby Lovvorn.

He is survived by his children, Terri Stone, Sheryl Miller, Kay Wells, and Todd Travis; and his devoted
grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Travis; a sister, Flora Mai Gunnells; and a
host of other loving family and friends.

Mr. Travis was a proud veteran of the Korean War. A carpenter by trade, he was known for his skill
and hard work. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loved his family. An
avid outdoorsman, Grady found great joy in nature, particularly when he was fishing or hunting.

Visitation with the Travis family will be Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9:30 until 11:30 am at
Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 12:00 pm at
Roselawn Memorial Gardens with family serving as pallbearers.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of The Pavilion Senior Living in Smyrna
for the excellent care given to Mr. Travis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Butch may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361
Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at https://t2t.org/ and an online guestbook is
available for the Travis family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Loal Jackson Carr, age 74, passed away December 16, 2025 at Ascension St Thomas Rutherford Hospital after battling multiple health problems. He was born in Trinity, AL and has lived in Murfreesboro for the past 3 years. Jack retired from PTL Trucklines.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Loal Dee Carr and Elner Sams Carr; son, Travis Carr; and sister, Brenda Eaton. He is survived by sons, Loal Jackson Carr, Benjamin Hoyte Carr, Christopher Robin Carr; daughter, Emilee Carr Barnes; brother, Kenneth Carr; sister, Dr. Wanda Piercey; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Chapel service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Powers officiating. Burial will follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens at 12:30 pm with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Please leave online condolences for the family at www.jenningsandayers.com  Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, 820 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN. 37130.  615-893-2422.

Ardath Baxter Reese, age 95 of Murfreesboro died Saturday December 13, 2025.
She was a native of the Raven Branch Community in Cocke County, TN. She was
preceded in death by her husband, U. Paul Reese; children, Darrell Baxter Reese
Ulyss Duane Reese, and Vanda Paulette Reese; grandchildren, John Reese Ryan
Reese; parents, Osbourne Baxter, Rachel Hall Baxter.
Mrs. Reese was a member of Westwood Baptist Church. She was a faithful
Christian woman and had been a influenced to so many. Mrs. Reese was a devoted
wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Reese and wife Joy, Norman Reese;
Grandchildren Mat Reese and wife Tracy, Roman D. Reese and wife Jessica,
Rachel Smith and husband Michael, Robin Morrissey and husband Micah, Daniel
Reese and wife Elizabeth, Kelly Fanion and husband Michael; Great-grandchildren,
Oskar, Matthew, Story Ardath, Romy Scout, Austin, Emmett, Margot, Reese,
Nora, Emma, Chole, Holly; daughter-in-law, Lyvonn Reese; granddaughter in law,
Meghan Reese; caregiver, Renee Russell
Graveside service will be Friday December 19 th 1:00 PM at Resthaven Memorial
Gardens. 2642 US-25W #70, Dandridge, TN 37725. Woodfin Memorial Chapel