Judy Kathleen Cantrell, age 81, of McMinnville passed away Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital. 

The daughter of the late Zollie Edgar and Mamie Viola Adcock Cantrell, Judy was the baby of six brothers and three sisters.  She would always make sure to let everyone know "she was the baby.”  Of course, her siblings spoiled her and treated her like a queen. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Cantrell; brothers and sisters, Gentry Edward Cantrell, Virgil Seborn (Louise) Cantrell, Ernest Clifton (Lillian) Cantrell, John Thomas (Ruth) Cantrell, Jackie Virginia (Homer) Gay, Glynn Aaron (Ruthie) Cantrell, Barbara Lois (JE) Gay; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dean and Lee Cantrell; brother-in-law, Brownie Tittsworth; sisters-in-law, Jane Cantrell, Regina Summers and Darlene Davis. 

She fell in love with Ronnie Cantrell before graduating from DeKalb County High School.  She learned hairdressing from the "Hallie's Alley Beauty School."  She opened Judy's Beauty Shop and Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in the 1970's in Smithville.  She and Ronnie opened Cantrell's Marine Boat Shop in McMinnville.  Every boater would tell you that "Ms. Judy was the boss of Ronnie and Rob."  She was able to pull/pick parts on any boat motor and usually could discover the problem from just a description or before the boys even looked at the problem.  Judy enjoyed all her family and loved all the little ones.  She could draw anything, write poetry and make flower decorations and crafts.  She was a Girl Scout leader to Vivian and always believed she would be "36 years old" forever.  She joined the Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church on August 23, 1970, and enjoyed God's word and those wonderful gospel songs.  Her church family was an important part of her life.  Judy suffered many medical issues including tuberculosis, double breast cancer, blood clots and lastly heart disease.  You would never know she was sick or troubled, as she was always "fine," which she carried on her mother's attitude and disposition.  In retirement, she enjoyed sitting in her swing on the porch taking in God's beauty and nature.  She loved the accomplishments of her grandchildren, family and her many cats. 

Judy is survived by two sons, Robbie Lynn Cantrell and Jeffery Glen (Julie) Cantrell both of McMinnville; grandchildren, Payton Ryan Cantrell, Cynthia Kathleen Cantrell, Lillian Elaine Cantrell, Carter Lee Cantrell and Ella Cantrell; sister, Lillian Tittsworth of Smithville; brother, Zollie Dale Cantrell of Loudon; brothers-in-law, Jerry Lee Cantrell and Phillip (Marilyn) Cantrell both of Smithville; special niece, Vivian (Gary) Johnson; several nieces, nephews, friends, cousins and church family.  

Funeral service was held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church with Eld. Ricky Arnold officiating and burial will followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers included Payton Ryan Cantrell, Ernest Cantrell Jr., Gary Johnson, Christian Atkins, Jon Spears, and Scott Cantrell.

The family asks that donations be made to the Mt. View Primitive Baptist Church in memory of Mrs. Judy. 

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.