Bettye Curry Abernathy

Bettye Jean Curry Abernathy passed away peacefully on All Saint’s Day, November 1, 2017. Born in Pulaski, TN on October 8, 1927, she was the only child of Guy Floyd and Ela Burt Curry. She attended Mary Washington College in Virginia and graduated from George Peabody College for Teachers. She is predeceased by her parents and her husband, John Matthews Abernathy, Jr.

She was a devoted educator for most of her adult life. After marrying John in August, 1949, she began by teaching one year in a public elementary school near Sewanee while John completed his war-delayed degree. She remembered, from that time, barely being able to hear herself talk over the chorus of growls from the little tummies of her impoverished mountain pupils. In response, she got up an hour earlier each day and baked corn muffins that would help see her children through until lunchtime. It was during that year that she recognized the vital importance of a sound educational beginning for young children and realized that she possessed a deep passion for affording that start to eager little minds. She would later teach in Nashville public schools before joining the staff of St. George’s Kindergarten in 1961. She became Director a few years later, and in that capacity, she fulfilled her passion for 30 years, touching the lives of several generations of Nashville families. The joy she found in her association with young children was ever-present and she is remembered for the positive early influence she had on their lives as well as for the wise counsel and support she offered to their parents. Under her leadership, the program became accredited by the NAEYC and grew to become one of the largest and most highly regarded Episcopal preschools in the country. Bettye also served on the boards of the Tennessee Education Association for Children Under Six and the Southeastern Education Association for Children Under Six. In addition, she taught Algebra at Harpeth Hall School in the afternoons for fifteen years, inspiring many girls to continue their studies in mathematics.

Bettye was involved for many years with children’s theater, serving as President of The Board of Directors of the Nashville Children’s Theatre and was involved in associations supporting children’s theater in the Southeast region. She was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, and after retirement from the kindergarten, she served a term on its vestry. Other board memberships included the Alumni Board of Peabody College, St. Luke’s Community House and the James K. Polk Home. She enjoyed many years of membership in the Centennial Club and the Sunnyside Garden Club and always relished a good game of bridge with her friends.

She is survived by her children, John Matthews Abernathy III (Mia) and Bettye Abernathy Bagot (Mike); her grandchildren, John Matthews Abernathy IV (Kate), Thomas Laws Abernathy, Sarah Bagot Gould (Kris) and Michael Hardy Bagot III (Victoria); and five great-children.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland for their kind and attentive care over the past eight years. Also, dear thanks to her primary care physician, Dr. Richard Meyer

Visitation with the family will be at St. George’s Episcopal Church on Saturday November 4th at 9:00 am with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski the following day Sunday November 5tn at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. George’s Kindergarten (4715 Harding Road 37205) or the charity of one’s choice.