Brentwood, TN, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Brentwood community is in mourning as it remembers several beloved residents who recently passed away. These individuals, known for their significant contributions to their families and communities, left behind enduring legacies of service, education, and dedication. Tributes reflect on their lives and the impact they made within Brentwood, highlighting their roles in education, healthcare, and community service.
Brentwood, TN – The community of Brentwood is grieving the loss of several cherished residents who recently passed away. These distinguished individuals contributed significantly to their families and neighborhoods, leaving behind lasting legacies.
Marsha Rogers Henson
Marsha Rogers Henson, aged 75, died in Ridgeland, Mississippi on August 31, 2025. Born on January 30, 1950, in Cartersville, Georgia, she was the daughter of Frances Reece and Robert Lee Rogers. Marsha spent her formative years in Royston, Georgia, where she grew up with a close-knit family, including her two sisters and a brother. An education enthusiast, she attended Franklin County High School and later graduated from Georgia Southern University, where she met her future husband, Jerome ‘Jet’ Henson III. They married on June 21, 1975, in Royston Baptist Church.
After relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, Marsha dedicated herself to her family and her career as an elementary school teacher. She raised two children, Matthew Ryan and Jessica Louise, providing a warm and loving home. Marsha was also known for her hospitality, taking joy in cooking and entertaining family and friends, particularly during trips to Center Hill Lake. As a proud Phi Mu alumna, she valued community service and was actively involved with the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children.
Marsha is survived by her children, four grandchildren, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jet and her brother Robert Rogers. A visitation will take place at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville on September 19, 2025, with family suggesting memorial contributions to Woodmont Christian Church or Summer House Beau Ridge Memory Care Facility.
William Boyette Thetford
William Boyette Thetford, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on September 6, 2025, shortly after celebrating his birthday. Born on September 1, 1935, in Kenton, Tennessee, Bill pursued an education at the University of Tennessee Dental School and served as a captain in the Air Force Dental Corps. His orthodontics practice spanned 46 years, during which he held leadership roles in various dental organizations, including the Nashville Dental Association and the Tennessee Southern Association of Orthodontics.
Beyond his dental career, Bill was deeply involved in community activities, serving as president of the Green Hills Civitan Club and Green Hills Rotary. He contributed to Lipscomb University’s Development Council and was an active member of several Churches of Christ. A devoted sports fan, he enjoyed cheering for the UT Vols and had various hobbies, including fishing and tennis. Bill is survived by two sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family requests donations to the Interfaith Dental Clinic in his memory.
Terry Edmondson Primm
Terry Edmondson Primm, aged 74, passed away on July 29, 2025, in Franklin, Tennessee. The son of William ‘Bill’ Hayden Primm, Jr. and Opal Johnson Primm, Terry graduated from Franklin High School in 1969 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He enjoyed a fruitful career in sales, focusing on optometry and pharmaceuticals.
Terry was passionate about music and could often be found playing the guitar. He also loved golfing, dove hunting, and shopping. He is survived by his wife Linda Hill Primm, children from previous relationships, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Franklin Community of Faith Church on August 2, 2025.
Evelyn Smith Springer
Evelyn Smith Springer of Brentwood passed away on May 31, 2025, following a prolonged battle with dementia. Preceded in death by her parents and brother, she is survived by her husband Randy ‘Rand’ J. Springer and several nieces and nephews. A distinguished graduate of the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, the University of Tennessee at Nashville, and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, she dedicated over three decades of service to Baptist Hospital, where she became the Senior Vice President of Nursing. Evelyn was honored as Nashville’s Business Woman of the Year in 1984 and continued to serve her community post-retirement by volunteering with the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina.
A visitation will be held at Woodfin Funeral Chapel on June 6, 2025, followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery. Evelyn cherished traveling and boating, leaving behind a legacy of service and care for others.
Douglas Ewell Orr
Douglas Ewell Orr, aged 75, passed away on May 17, 2025. He was born on August 1, 1949, in Maury County, Tennessee. Douglas dedicated 20 years to BellSouth before founding his own medical courier service, Orr Couriers. Known for his warmth, friendliness, and culinary skills, Douglas enjoyed moments spent at his condo in Panama City Beach, Florida. He is survived by his children, grandkids, and great-grandkids, along with his brothers. Douglas was preceded in death by his brother Bill Orr. Memorial donations are requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Conclusion
The recent losses have left a profound impact on the Brentwood community, which celebrates the lives of these distinguished individuals whose legacies will endure through their loved ones and community relationships.
FAQ
- Who is Marsha Rogers Henson?
Marsha Rogers Henson was a 75-year-old resident who passed away on August 31, 2025. She was an elementary school teacher and a devoted mother. - What contributions did William Boyette Thetford make?
Bill Thetford was a well-respected orthodontist for 46 years, and he served as a leader in various dental organizations and community clubs. - When and where will Marsha Henson’s visitation be held?
Her visitation is set for September 19, 2025, at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, TN. - What were Evelyn Smith Springer’s achievements?
Evelyn was a notable nurse and was honored as Nashville’s Business Woman of the Year in 1984.
Summary of Key Features
| Individual | Age at Passing | Date of Passing | Major Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsha Rogers Henson | 75 | August 31, 2025 | Elementary school teacher, community service advocate |
| William Boyette Thetford | 90 | September 6, 2025 | Orthodontist, community leader |
| Terry Edmondson Primm | 74 | July 29, 2025 | Sales professional, musician |
| Evelyn Smith Springer | Not listed | May 31, 2025 | Senior VP of Nursing, community volunteer |
| Douglas Ewell Orr | 75 | May 17, 2025 | Medical courier service founder |
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: William Thetford
- Williamson Memorial: Terry Primm
- Woodfin Chapel: Evelyn Smith Springer
- Tennessee Funerals: Douglas Orr
- Harpeth Hills: Donald Whitley
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google News: Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary
Author: HERE Nashville
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