Betty Bunch Forsythe

Betty Bunch Forsythe, a lifelong Nashvillian who never met a challenge bigger than her desire to overcome it, passed away peacefully May 28, 2014 of natural causes. The third of three daughters of Dr. Ray C. Bunch and Elyza Alderson Russell Bunch, she was born Nov. 9, 1928 at Nashville Protestant Hospital. When there was no immediate sign of life, she was wrapped in a towel and the name “Betty” was hastily scribbled on birthing papers by a nurse. A few minutes later, she exercised her voice for the first time and let it be known she intended to be around a while.

Betty, who was to have been named Marlene in normal circumstances, joined her other sisters Martine and Marcelle, in routinely doing “doctor’s daughters’ duties” with their beloved father as he saw patients near the family’s East Nashville home. Although a graduate of Ward-Belmont and Peabody, she was more proud of her diploma from Isaac Litton high school.

After a brief stint teaching in Nashville schools, her innate talent for cooking and entertaining led her to Nashville Electric Service in 1958 as a part-time employee. In 1960, she became a full time employee as a home economist. In addition to hosting a local television show, “Kitchen Corner,” she spoke at high schools across Davidson County and taught thousands of young people how to cook and entertain with “clean, safe and reliable electricity.”

In 1981, Betty became the first female manager at NES in her role as public and employee information manager and later as communications manager. She was appointed as an assistant to the general manager in 1990, the position from which she retired in 1993. Despite her managerial chores, she always made time in her 35 years with the utility to help younger employees or those facing personal challenges. It is believed she co-signed more car loans in the history of the NES credit union than any other person, her big heart unable to say no to a request for help. She was humbled by her role as the first female to chair the ESCU board. She also found time to help create the still-in-demand Nashville Cookbook. In 1982, she was one of six Nashville women to receive the National Women’s Executive Award.

Betty had many joys in life: travelling around the world, entertaining and collecting decorative pieces. Her biggest loves though, were her daughter, Debby Dale Mason, and her late son, Perry Dale III. Betty and Debby explored the world together on numerous vacations and she was a routine fixture at the family businesses - the Cannery and Tisket Tasket Baskets – that Perry was part of. She was also very proud of her grandson Perry Dale IV.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sister Marcelle and her son. Surviving relatives include her daughter, Debby Dale Mason; her grandson, Perry Dale IV; her beloved sister Martine Bunch McKee in Atlanta and other beloved members of her family here in Nashville and in Virginia and Georgia. She is also survived by special friends –Donna and Perry Dale, Jr., Mary Ann Moore, Woody and Dagny Stuart McMillin, friends at NES/ESCU and friends and staff at Park Manor including Walter Wilson and Roy Dye.

Those wishing to remember Betty may make a contribution to the organization of their choice or to Nashville Public Television (161 Rains Avenue, Nashville TN 37203) or the Nashville Rescue Mission (639 Lafayette Street, Nashville TN 37203). Or just simply take a moment to tell a friend or family member about her. There was no one else quite like her.

There will be visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, June 4 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Marshall Donnnelly Combs. A private burial will follow at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee.