Betty Westerman

Westerman, Betty Willodean Ethridge, Age 79 of Nashville, TN passed away August 31, 2010. The oldest of five children, Willodean grew up as a farm girl in Humphreys County, Tennessee. With a family legacy of pastors and educators, her parents strongly instilled in her the value of a good education and service to others. At age 15, Willodean's youngest sibling contracted spinal meningitis, leaving her mentally disabled and needing continual home care. This led Willodean to have a strong interest in medicine. From these beginnings, she entered Saint Thomas School of Nursing in Nashville, graduating in 1952, and began an exceptional 54-year career as a Registered Nurse. After graduation from Saint Thomas, Willodean married Lynn Westerman. Their early years involved Lynn completing his military duties and college education while Willodean pursued her nursing career and caring for their two children. Upon Lynn's graduation, they settled in Nashville to raise their family. Even with a busy career, Willodean was first and foremost a loving wife and mother. For her children, there was never any doubt of her absolute love for them, exemplified by her unshakable devotion and attention to them. School, scouts, sports, music, dance, church... steadfast Mom was always there. Through her strong example and loving will, she instilled in her children a passion for living, a commitment to family and God, and a fearless sense of what is just and right. Willodean worked at numerous area medical facilities, most notably as head nurse in medical, surgical & obstetric units. However, she was always drawn to caring for the most needy among us - children with special needs - and provided faithful care for severely disabled homebound children the last years of her career. She loved her young patients and their families and remained close with them following her retirement. Willodean gave much of herself with true compassion and tenderness to countless souls. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. She loved with her whole heart and was a true friend, always ready to hear the latest. She loved to laugh, and never hesitated to share tears of joy and tears of sadness. Her deep love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was immense and her pride and joy in them knew no bounds. She was a wonderfully caring and loving example of how a woman can have a successful career and still wear the badge of "World's Best Mom". Most of all, for her family and friends, she left a deep and profound gift of what is most important to leave this world – a legacy of integrity, love, and forgiveness. She is preceded in death by her father, William L. Ethridge and mother, Martha Frances Betty Ethridge; neice, Starla Ethridge. She is survived by her children, Steven Lynn Westerman Elizabeth, and Lori Westerman Brooks Christopher; grandchildren, Scott Westerman Amy, Stephanie Brooks, Shannon Brooks; great-grandchildren, Luke Westerman, Caroline Westerman; brothers and sisters, William L. Ethridge Jr. Elizabeth, Chloe Ann Taylor Bill, Ernest Ethridge Betty, Carol Jean Ethridge; numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home with The Reverend Stewart Gordon officiating. Burial will follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 2:00pm – 8:00pm Friday at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN, 37221, 615-646-9292.