When John Howard Woodvine, born 1949-10-28, died on at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, his family and friends were reminded of a life that spanned the heartland of America. The 74‑year‑old Mt Juliet resident—originally from Perry, Iowa—left behind two sisters, a host of nieces and nephews, and a collection of memories that stretch from the Midwest farms to the rolling hills of central Tennessee.
Life and Family Background
John was the middle child of Keith Woodvine and Ursula (Pittman) Woodvine. Growing up in Perry, he learned the value of hard work early on, helping on his parents' farm while attending the local high school. After graduating in 1967, he briefly worked as a mechanic before moving to Tennessee in the early 1970s, where he settled in the Mt Juliet area.
He married his college sweetheart, Margaret—though the marriage ended in divorce in the 1990s—leaving him with a close‑knit circle of siblings: Sharon Miller of Boone, Iowa, and Debbie (Jim) Stephens of Johnston, Iowa. Both sisters traveled often to see John, especially during holidays, keeping the family bond strong despite the miles between them.
John’s brother, James Woodvine, predeceased him in 2018, a loss John described as "the hardest chapter" of his later years. The siblings’ shared memories of their parents’ gentle humor still surface at family gatherings, reminding everyone how deeply rooted the Woodvine lineage is in both Iowa and Tennessee.
Final Days and Hospice Care
In early 2024, John’s health began to decline due to complications from chronic heart disease. After a series of hospital visits in Nashville, his family chose Alive Hospice for end‑of‑life care, praising its compassionate staff and tranquil setting.
"The hospice team treated him like family," said his niece, Laura Stephens, during a recent conversation. "They made sure he was comfortable, and they gave us space to say goodbye in our own way." The hospice’s nurse manager, Carla Jensen, recalled John’s sense of humor even in his final weeks: "He’d crack jokes about the weather in Iowa, and we’d all laugh. It lifted the room’s spirit."
John’s passing was peaceful; he left this world surrounded by his sister Debbie, her husband Jim, and a handful of close relatives who had traveled from both Tennessee and Iowa to be at his side.
Funeral Arrangements and Services
The funeral home handling the arrangements is Twigg Funeral Home, a family‑owned service with locations in Panora, Iowa and Guthrie Center, Iowa. The Panora branch, located at 219 E. Main Street, will coordinate the graveside service slated for at 10:00 a.m.
That service is being marked as an graveside ceremonyWest Linn Cemetery, near Linden, Iowa. Family, friends, and former coworkers from both states have been invited to celebrate John’s life with stories, music, and a moment of silence at the burial site.
In a statement released by Twigg Funeral Home, the family expressed gratitude to the staff at Alive Hospice and to the community members who sent flowers, cards, and virtual tributes. "John’s humility and kindness touched many," the release read. "We are humbled by the outpouring of love and support."
- Deceased: John Howard Woodvine, 74
- Date of death: September 16, 2024
- Location of death: Alive Hospice, Nashville, TN
- Service date: September 28, 2024, 10 a.m.
- Burial site: West Linn Cemetery, near Linden, IA
Community Response and Reflections
Neighbors in Mt Juliet recall John as a quiet helper who would often lend a tool or a listening ear. "He’d sit on his porch, wave at the kids riding their bikes, and always had a story about his Iowa roots," said longtime neighbor Carlos Ramirez.
Back in Perry, local residents remembered his annual visits during the county fair, where he’d showcase hand‑crafted wooden toys—a skill he learned from his father. The fair’s organizer, Marlene Kline, noted, "John’s booth was always the one that drew the most smiles. He reminded us that the simple things—like a wooden spinning top—still matter."
Online, the obituary posted on Twigg Funeral Home’s website generated dozens of comments, many from former coworkers at a local Nashville auto shop where John spent two decades as a service manager. One former employee, Derek Hall, wrote, "John taught me more about integrity than any textbook. He’ll be missed on the shop floor and in our hearts."
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Family Continuity
While John’s passing leaves a tangible void, his legacy lives on through the family projects he championed. His sister Sharon plans to donate a portion of the family’s heirloom farm equipment to the Iowa Historical Society, ensuring that future generations can see the tools that shaped the Woodvine story.
Debbie and Jim Stephens have already begun compiling a photo album of John’s life, soliciting pictures from relatives across both states. They hope the collection will serve as a “memory quilt,” stitching together moments from Iowa fields, Tennessee sunsets, and everything in between.
In the words of his niece, Laura, "John taught us that roots can stretch far, but they always pull you back home. We’ll carry that lesson forward, wherever life takes us."
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the graveside service take place?
The graveside ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at West Linn Cemetery near Linden, Iowa. The event will be coordinated by Twigg Funeral Home’s Panora location.
Which funeral home is handling the arrangements?
Twigg Funeral Home, with offices in Panora and Guthrie Center, Iowa, is overseeing the funeral services. The Panora branch (219 E. Main St., Panora, IA 50216) is the primary contact for the graveside service.
What is known about John Howard Woodvine’s early life?
John was born on October 28, 1949, in Perry, Iowa, to parents Keith and Ursula (Pittman) Woodvine. He grew up on a family farm, graduated high school in 1967, and later moved to Tennessee where he spent most of his adult life.
Who are the surviving family members?
John is survived by his two sisters, Sharon Miller of Boone, Iowa, and Debbie (Jim) Stephens of Johnston, Iowa, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended relatives on both sides of the family.
What role did Alive Hospice play in John’s final days?
Alive Hospice in Nashville provided palliative care that focused on comfort and dignity. Staff members highlighted John’s good humor and the compassionate environment that helped his family say goodbye.
