Murfreesboro Obituaries: Latest Notices & Tributes | Remembering Lives

Constance Davis 14 May 2025

In the quiet corners of our lives, does the echo of loss resonate with a particular poignancy? The obituaries of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Rutherford County reveal a tapestry of lives lived, loves shared, and legacies etched in the hearts of those left behind.

The Murfreesboro Daily News Journal, along with other sources like legacy.com and echovita.com, serves as a portal to remember those who have passed. Each notice, a testament to a life, invites us to reflect on the transient nature of existence and the enduring impact of human connection. From Woodfin Funeral Chapel to the local newspapers, a network of remembrance spans across the community, ensuring that no life, no matter how seemingly ordinary, fades entirely from memory. In this space, we delve into the lives recently concluded, offering glimpses into the individuals who have shaped the landscape of Murfreesboro and its surrounding areas.

Let us begin with the recent passage of Johnnie Duff "Jack" Gambill, Jr., who departed on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the age of 91. A native of Middle Tennessee, Jack was born to Johnnie Gambill, Sr., and Mary Elizabeth Young Gambill. His life, a journey through time, was marked by love, as evidenced by his 58-year marriage to Mary Lynn Wilks Gambill. His life was also marked by the loss of his granddaughter, Mary Colbert.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Johnnie Duff "Jack" Gambill, Jr.
Age at Death	91
Date of Death	Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Location of Death	Murfreesboro, TN
Birth Location	Middle Tennessee
Parents	Johnnie Gambill, Sr., and Mary Elizabeth Young Gambill
Spouse	Mary Lynn Wilks Gambill
Notable Relationships	Granddaughter: Mary Colbert
Reference Website	Echovita.com

On March 19, 2025, Mary Colbert, a resident of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. She was 90 years old. Born in Zion, Illinois, Mary was the daughter of Doyle. Her passing leaves behind memories of her life, a legacy now cherished by her family.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Mary Colbert
Age at Death	90
Date of Death	March 19, 2025
Location of Death	Alive Hospice, Murfreesboro, TN
Birth Location	Zion, Illinois
Parents	Doyle
Reference Website	Legacy.com

Robert Semler, a resident of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, died on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the age of 65, following a battle with cancer. His obituary is a testament to his courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The community remembers Robert with respect.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Robert Semler
Age at Death	65
Date of Death	Friday, July 5, 2024
Location of Death	Murfreesboro, TN
Cause of Death	Courageous battle with cancer
Reference Website	Murfreesboro Post

On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Brooks, 91, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord. Born on Tuesday, September 12, 1933, in Milton, Tennessee, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Thomas and Helen Bratcher Bogle Thomas, and her sons, Shawn Patrick Brown and John (Kathy) Bowen.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Brooks
Age at Death	91
Date of Death	Good Friday, April 18, 2025
Location of Death	Murfreesboro, TN
Date of Birth	Tuesday, September 12, 1933
Birth Location	Milton, Tennessee
Parents	Clyde Thomas and Helen Bratcher Bogle Thomas
Preceded in Death	Sons, Shawn Patrick Brown and John (Kathy) Bowen
Reference Website	Dignity Memorial

Jo Ann Nelson Jones, age 91, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on February 22, 2025, after suffering a stroke. Born on March 20, 1933, in McMinnville, she was the youngest daughter of Edna Louise McGee Nelson. Her life was a journey marked by family, community, and the quiet strength of a woman who lived through changing times.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Jo Ann Nelson Jones
Age at Death	91
Date of Death	February 22, 2025
Location of Death	Murfreesboro, TN
Date of Birth	March 20, 1933
Birth Location	McMinnville
Mother	Edna Louise McGee Nelson
Cause of Death	Stroke
Reference Website	Find a Grave

Gene Fenn Porter, 93, of Arrington, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on April 20, 2025. His long life is a testament to resilience and the quiet dignity of a life well-lived. Gene Fenn Porters legacy will continue to resonate within the community.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Gene Fenn Porter
Age at Death	93
Date of Death	April 20, 2025
Location of Death	Arrington, Tennessee
Reference Website	Imortuary

Brenda Louise Burton, age 84 of Murfreesboro, TN, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 9, 1940, in Murfreesboro, TN, to the late Leonard and Edith Williams Lovvorn, she was also preceded in death by her brother, James Owen Lovvorn. Her life, a tapestry of love and devotion, leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Brenda Louise Burton
Age at Death	84
Date of Death	Saturday, March 15, 2025
Location of Death	Murfreesboro, TN
Date of Birth	July 9, 1940
Parents	Leonard and Edith Williams Lovvorn
Preceded in Death	Brother, James Owen Lovvorn
Reference Website	Tullahoma Today

Cheryl Topinka Jackson, age 72, of Murfreesboro, TN, died. Remembering the lives of those we've lost. These words capture the essence of the purpose behind these obituaries. Theyre more than just notices; they are stories, recollections, and testaments to lives that touched the community. These obituaries offer a glimpse into the lives lived, loves shared, and legacies left behind within Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas, as they appear in the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal and other platforms.

The process of planning ahead for a death is a responsible and thoughtful act. Numerous resources are available for individuals and families who wish to prepare for the future. Funeral homes and related services often provide guidance on pre-need arrangements, allowing individuals to make decisions and alleviate the burden on loved ones during a difficult time. This can encompass choosing service preferences, selecting burial or cremation options, and making financial arrangements. These preparations not only offer peace of mind but also ensure that final wishes are honored with respect and dignity. For those seeking further information, contacting local funeral homes or exploring online resources like those provided by legacy.com is highly recommended.

The Murfreesboro community, through its newspapers, funeral homes, and online platforms, offers a collective space for grief, remembrance, and celebration of life. These obituaries are more than mere announcements of death; they are invitations to connect with the stories of individuals who have shaped the community, reminding us of the value of each life and the importance of cherishing every moment.