Lois R. Cartwright

McMinnville resident and Warren County native Lois R. Cartwright, age 96, was born September 7, 1927 and passed this life on January 24, 2024 surrounded by her family at NHC Healthcare of McMinnville following an extended illness.           

Co-founder of John L Cartwright Nursery and a member of Irving College Baptist Church, she was the daughter of the late Omer Osroe and Lavisa Stotts Reynolds. She was married to John L Cartwright on August 2, 1946 who preceded her in death on November 12, 1996. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by step-mother, Willie Lee Reynolds; brother, James Reynolds; infant daughter, Joyce Elaine; grandson, Eli Brown and half-sisters, Rose, Barbara and June.

Mrs. Cartwright is survived by son, Jeff Cartwright (Kim) of McMinnville; daughters, Ann Melton (Wade) and Jackie Brown (Pat), both of McMinnville and Sherry Cartwright and fiancé, Curt Schumacher of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Leticia Johnson Smartt, Tonya Brown Scott (Phillip), Joshua Melton (Peggy), Matthew Brown (Camille), Caitlin Cartwright Keith (Dylan) and Layton Cartwright (Kenzie); great-grandchildren, Caroline Scott, Brit Brown Driver (Blake), Andrew Scott, Jonie Ann Smartt, Dallis Melton, Eliza Brown, Ella Keith, Redmon Brown, Laurel Brown, Emersyn Keith and Everly Keith; great-great grandchildren, River Driver and Will Smartt; her beloved 4 legged companion, Tiny; half-sister, Trudy Reynolds Rook; so many special friends and caregivers and all the amazing staff at NHC, Adoration Home Health and Gentiva Hospice. 

Lois loved her family, (she loved mostly her dog Tiny but sometimes her family) cooking, gardening, birds, gospel music, classic country music and travel. She was always dressed to a “T” and was famous for her homemade chocolate pies.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024 in High’s Chapel with Ronald Powell officiating. Burial will follow at Smyrna Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at High’s.  

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.