Kathleen Hoover

Mrs. Kathleen Hoover, 81, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025. She was born in Hartsville, Tennessee on Wednesday, August 9, 1944. Preceding her in death were her parents, Lee A. and Willie Johnson; and brothers, Leroy Johnson, Wayne Johnson, and Bobby Johnson.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Joe Hoover of Woodbury; son, Larry Wayne (Deann) Hoover of Readyville; granddaughter, Anna Grace (Jordon) Brown; and great grandson, Carter Brown.

“Love God and love people” could have easily summarized Kathleen’s life. Raised in Smith County out in the countryside of Carthage, she grew up knowing the most important thing in life is your soul. Her vibrant personality was a gift from God that gave her the gift of gab to help her in her Kingdom work. After graduating from high school, Kathleen set out to be a shining light wherever she went.

She worked a myriad of jobs over the years, including at the Shirt Factory, Valley Deli out on highway 70, and the TN Department of Revenue. However, two jobs really stuck out in Kathleen’s life. The first was working for the Highway Department in Nashville. Her time there as a secretary caused her to strike up a conversation with a fellow co-worker named Joe Hoover. A trip with paperwork turned into a first date and then a lifetime of love when they were wed on February 10, 1968. In 1970, the couple elected to move to Cannon County and made their home out on Porterfield Road.

The second job that stood out for Kathleen was being a mother. When God blessed her and Joe with Larry, she was smitten and stayed home to be a full-time mom. They made many memories going on trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and just taking in the joys of mundane life, and of course, there was plenty of talking. Once Larry was grown, Kathleen returned to work, but tragedy struck the family just 3 years after Joe’s retirement in 2006.

Kathleen became disabled in 2009 and suffered from several health problems. Rather than focusing on her obstacles, she focused on her assets. None of her health problems could keep her from talking and shining her light. Her family rallied around her, and they all received encouragement and support from their church family at New Hope Church of Christ.

In 2011, Joe and Kathleen sold their house on Porterfield and moved to Pin Oak Drive in Woodbury. Kathleen continued to show her heart through her kindness, laughter, and love. She excelled at seeing people for who they were on the inside, and she loved on people through her words. “Love God and love people” described her ambitions to a tee, or if you want to use terminology that Kathleen would have appreciated, you could say “BINGO.”

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 11 am – 3 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Ralph Richardson will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Short Mountain Bible Camp.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story