Betty Sue White

Betty Sue White, left this world on May 31, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on September 20, 1952, in Nashville, Tennessee, Betty filled her life with a vibrant mix of love, laughter, and dedication to her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Rogers and Martha Louise Long and Raymond Long. Betty is survived by her loving husband of over 45 years, Charles Ray White, her four sisters and brother along with her children: Marty, and his wife Shannon White; Shelley, and her husband Timothy Tinnin; and Kimberly, and her husband Matthew Radford. She is survived by her many, and equally adored grandchildren, Morgan White McDougald, Corey White, Zackary Tinnin, Taylor Tinnin, Chloee Tinnin, Autumn Radford, and Brock Radford. As well as her great grandchildren, Jackson White, Savannah Tinnin, and Gunner Tinnin. 

Betty graduated from East Nashville High School in 1970 and continued her education in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating from Belmont University by receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Betty embraced life with strong independence, a trait she instilled in her children. Now known as "Gran" to her grandchildren and others, she leaves behind a rich legacy of love, guidance, and a treasure trove of recipes that will continue to bring her family together. After initial retirement, she continued to work alongside her daughter, Shelley and son-in-law Tim, for the past twenty years to help uplift their local construction business established here in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. With a caring yet resolute spirit, she served as the office personnel manager, bringing her organizational flair and warmth to the workplace as well as her concern of a grandmother to all. 

Family always came first in Betty's life, making it hard to pin down just one favorite memory. She was the heart of her family gatherings, often leading with her delightful cooking. Christmas mornings were particularly memorable when she would serve her well-known biscuits and gravy, a tradition that earned her the affectionate nickname of "gravy-Gran". Her kitchen was always a hub of activity where she would prepare dishes at the request of her family. Betty’s banana nut bread was a signature dish and would often be hand delivered by Gran to those in need or on her heart and mind. Her creative talents also extended into sewing and gardening. She was always willing to hem a dress or alter her grandchildren’s clothing, a skill that began early on in her life and continued by creating her own wedding dress and making her children’s clothing when they were young. Gardening was also a hobby she enjoyed. She cultivated not only her own plants but also helped her daughters raise theirs with her lifelong knowledge and care of nature.

Cherished memories were made during times the family spent on vacations. Trips to Disney, St Thomas and St John, competitive putt-putt, savoring ice cream, playing on the beach and dining out every evening were her favorite. Betty took her vacations seriously, refusing to step into the kitchen as she preferred soaking up the sun in the sand alongside her grand babies, indulging in sweets, taking in the sights and relaxing. She was the matriarch of her family, and all things evolved around her. She was a constant source of support and encouragement to all. She will be missed every day! 

A visitation to honor Betty Sue White will take place on June 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville, TN. This will be followed by a funeral service starting at 12:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville, TN, commencing at 1:00 PM.

A notable woman, it will be hard to forget the life of Betty White - it will remain with her husband, children, grandchildren, and all who knew her kind-heartedness.