Funeral Services for Shelbyville resident, Lila Elaine Reed Cartwright, will be conducted Friday, February 16, at 2 p.m., at Hillcrest Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Rasnick officiating. Family will receive friends Thursday from 4 -7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Cartwright, 97, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her children on February 12, 2024.
Born Lila Elaine Reed November 12, 1926 in Bedford County to the late Harvey Reed and Aubrey Kate Young Reed, Lila was one of three daughters. Miss Reed, a 1945 graduate of Shelbyville Central High School, was a member of the National Honor Society. A graduate of the Nashville School of Cosmetology, Lila worked sixty-five years in her beauty shop and enjoyed a loyal and vibrant customer base.
A devoted Christian since age sixteen, Lila was a member of Raus Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church of Shelbyville where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. Lila cared deeply for her family and friends and her life was an example of faith and service to others. Her smile and talent in the kitchen warmed the hearts of all who entered her home. Despite her busy work schedule, she always managed to cook traditional meals to perfection and always had a fresh pie or cake ready to serve.
Mrs. Cartwright is survived by her devoted children, Karen Smotherman and Kenny Cartwright, both of Shelbyville, and Dr. Kathy Philyaw (Robby) of Signal Mountain. Also surviving are beloved grandsons, Jamie Petty (Margaret) of Shelbyville, Ben Philyaw (Shelby) of South Pittsburg, Jonathan Smotherman (Ellie) of Shelbyville, Jared Smotherman of Shelbyville, Ash Cartwright of Shelbyville and granddaughter, Katie Philyaw (Rielly) of Birmingham. Mrs. Cartwright is blessed to be survived by two great-grandsons, Woody Petty and Eli Petty, a host of nephews, and many friends and neighbors.
In addition to her parents, Lila was predeceased by her husband of sixty-two years, Benjamin Franklin Cartwright; sisters, Doris Nichols and Bobbie Jo Stubblefield; and beloved son-in-law Woody Petty.
Pallbearers are to include Jamie Petty, Ben Philyaw, Jonathan Smotherman, Ash Cartwright, Jared Smotherman and Rielly Grayson. Interment, following services, will be in the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
