Laura Lena Rhody, age 97, of Smithville passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2019.  She was born on September 2, 1922 to her parents the late J.W. Robinson and Shellie Cooper Robinson. 

Lena was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. Throughout her life she set the example of ‘give more than you take’.  She had a full life including teaching school, working with Head Start, working with the TN Department of Human Services and working at the ASCS Farm Service Agency.  She was an excellent seamstress and an avid high school band supporter. Lena was a member of the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church in Smithville. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Austin Rhody, a daughter Linda Rhody Henson, two brothers, Truitt Robinson and Stephen Edward Robinson, two sisters Melodia Mathis and Jessie Lee Vanatta, seven brothers-in-law, Buford Vanatta, Walter Carter, Elzie McBride, Earnest Mathis, Bob Rhody, Woodrow Rhody, Sheal Allen Rhody and 4 sisters-in-law Mary Rhody Snow, Eva Hill, Nonnie Cantrell and Jennie Cantrell.

She is survived by son Austin and wife Nancy Rhody of Rockwood; son Jim and wife Betty Rhody of Sevierville; son Randy and wife Annette Rhody of Smithville; grandson Kevin and wife Lori Rhody of Kingston; grandson Justin and Cindy Rhody of Rockwood,; grandson Kirk Henson of Knoxville; granddaughter Regina Brantley and husband Chris of Rockwood; granddaughter Shelley and husband Marc Daley of Pittsburg, PA; granddaughter Meghan and husband Adam Keck of Knoxville; and granddaughter Sarena and husband Lawrence Montgomery of Knoxville.  Lena is also survived by five great grandchildren Josh, Demi, Malory, Sydney and Knox and five great-great grandchildren Aubree, Taylor, Emberly, Alaric and Easton; a brother, Robert and Roberta Robinson of Liberty; sisters, Bertha McBride and Lavelle and Willie Turner. Sister-in-law, Margie Robinson and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Funeral service was held Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers were Jim Arnett, David Turner, Joe Carter, Charles Robinson, Jerry Paul Vanatta, Mitch Robinson, Phil Robinson and Mike Williams.   

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Smithville Review