Gentry-Smith Funeral Home

06/15/2026

06/14/2026

Some phrases/actions make understanding death more difficult for children. Here are a few of the top things you should avoid when talking to your child:

1) Euphemisms: Saying phrases like, "Grandma is sleeping" or "He is in a better place," are not only vague but can also be unsettling for children. In some cases, using these phrases have made children afraid to fall asleep because "What if I don't wake back up?" Though euphemisms often bring comfort or soften the blow of death for adults, death may still be a new concept for your child. Think about how the phrase could be taken more literally.

2) Hiding Emotions: As said last week, children know more than we give them credit for, and they are perceptive. They pick up on the tension caused by hiding your emotions. If death is already a new and unfamiliar territory for them, hiding your emotions increases their confusion in the situation. Also, even in your efforts to protect your child, your emotional suppression will also pull some of your warmth and affection away from them. When learning, children will often mirror reactions, which can lead to disconnect.

3)Changing Routine: Children thrive on routines and structure. As much as you possibly can, maintain this for them throughout the grieving process. You will also probably find comfort in having some semblance of normalcy to keep yourself grounded.

06/14/2026

An uncomfortable and difficult conversation every parent eventually has to have is explaining death to a child. It can be difficult to know where to even begin preparing for this conversation. Here are a few tips, and we will get into more details this month.

Check Your Emotions: How are you feeling? While it is completely okay to be upset in front of your child, if you are having intense feelings of grief or feel overly anxious about the conversation, it might be best to delay it for a short time period.

Use Clear, Concrete Language: Children understand more than we give them credit for, and they are curious. "Death," "died," and "dead" are not foul language − they are part of life.

Keep It Age-Appropriate: Different ages understand different levels of thought, and children have different temperaments and maturity levels. You know your child best, so we will aim to give a general understanding based on age later this week.

Prepare for Questions...Or Not: Some children are going to ask you LOTS of questions, while others may hold out and ponder what you've said a while before ever asking. Give them space and time, but be sure you're available when the questions come.

06/13/2026

Doris Jernigan

Doris Jernigan, born April 13, 1945, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on June 12, 2026. Doris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She shared 31 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, William Jernigan. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and cherished memories. She is survived by her husband, William Jernigan; her daughter, Patricia Ferguson, and son-in-law, Keith Ferguson; and her eight grandchildren, who...

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06/12/2026

View Linda L Davenport's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/12/2026

Linda L Davenport

Linda L. Davenport, 79, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on June 10, 2026. She was born in Hill City, Georgia on August 9, 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents Hannibal Norrell and Eva Norrell, also by her four brothers, Charles Norrell, James Norrell, Ronnie Norrell, and David Norrell. She is survived by her husband, Melvin Davenport of Woodbury, daughters, Michele (Andre White) George of Murfreesboro and Shelly (Kyle) Anderson of Woodbury, grandchildren, Makenzie (Brooklyn Vest) George, Kyla...

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06/03/2026

Marcus "Mark" J. Vanzant

Marcus J. “Mark” Vanzant, 88, Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on June 1, 2026. He was born June 4, 1937, in St. Augustine, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Moody Vanzant and Lucy Kirby Vanzant, a son, John Dwight Vanzant, also by a sister, Dorothy Marshall and the matriarch of their family, Lucy “Weebe” Browning. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Vanzant of Woodbury, children, Debbie (Mike) Vaughn Woodbury, TN, Maryann (Jimmy) Hobbs of Palmeto, FL, Stephen...

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06/01/2026

Rebecca Christine Mallory

Rebecca Christine Mallory, 55, of Bradyville Tennessee passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1970, in Panorama City, California. She was preceded in death by her father Fredrick Rogers. She has survived by her husband, Robert, Mallory, sons, Michael Kriegler, Anthony (Melissa) Jones, and Brandon (Yesenia) Mallory, mother, Sharon Nickels, a brother, Christopher (Erin) Rogers, and her grandchildren. Growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, she was awash in a sea of...

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