Willa Dene Smith Mashburn passed away on February 26, 2024 in her home of more than 60 years with her husband and children by her side.
Dene was born on November 12, 1933, in Pea Ridge, TN to Clarence and Beatrice Smith.
Dene was preceded in death by her parents, infant sons David and Jonathan Mashburn, infant great-grandson Chase Crawford, and one brother Dwight Smith.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Charles Lyndon Mashburn, Sr. Three children; Charles “Chuck” Mashburn Jr. (Geri), Greg Mashburn (Vickie), and Dena Mashburn. Three grandchildren; Shelby Crawford (Matt), Riley Mashburn, and Tanner Mashburn (Shelby). Five great grandchildren; Copeland and Willa Crawford, Benjamin and Boston Mashburn, Stetson Wilson. Two sisters, three brothers and many nieces and nephews.
Dene graduated from Loretta High School in 1952 then moved to Nashville where she went to work at National Life and Accident Insurance. In 1957, while pregnant with their first child, her husband was inducted into the army and sent to Korea. Dene left her job and moved back to Lawrence County to be close to family while Charles was away. In 1959 he returned and was stationed in El Paso, TX; Dene and Chuck went with him.
The family moved back to Nashville later that year. Until 1981 Dene was a stay-at-home mom because they felt that was the most important job she could have. When her youngest was in high school she returned to the work force at the Baptist Sunday School Board then the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
As members of Woodbine Baptist Church, she was involved in groups and activities which allowed her to have a positive impact on so many. She taught Sunday School, GA’s and Acteen’s and worked with the WMU group. She also had an impact outside of church as “class mom” at her children’s schools, volunteering at Westside Hospital, and organizing the annual neighborhood March of Dimes collection campaign.
As her family grew, Dene’s grandchildren were involved in many sports and always knew Grandmother would be there to cheer them on, no matter the weather.
Dene and Charles eventually moved their church membership to Brentwood Baptist where they continued to be involved in organizations and mission activities including creating the community garden at the church and many trips to Gulfport and Pearlington, MS to help rebuild houses after Hurricane Katrina.
Dene loved being a mom and raised her children to know not only that they were loved but how to love others. Dene was blessed to have the opportunity to be a grandmother and great grandmother where she became known as “the baby whisperer” because of her ability to immediately calm an upset child.
Dene lived her life always showing faith, love, respect, and kindness. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort in knowing she is in heaven with her Lord. We are certain that on February 26th at 9:40 pm she heard, well done my good and faithful servant.
Visitation and funeral services will be at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home (660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204) on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with the service following at 1:00 pm. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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