Nanette "Nan" Beth Elrod

Nan was born to C.D. (Doug) & Mary Jane Elrod in Cleveland, Tennessee on February 12, 1957. She graduated from Bradley Central High School and was a loyal basketball manager and supporter of the Bradley Bearettes. She learned the inner workings of score keeping and shot charts from the legendary Bearette Coach Jim Smiddy. Nan realized she did not possess the talent to play basketball, but was determined to be a part of the game she loved.

Nan was a loving daughter and sister who enjoyed her family times immensely. She loved going to ball games with her dad and they would travel far and near for high school, college, and professional ball games. Her dad instilled a great love for the Tennessee Volunteers and for her beloved Atlanta Braves that endured until her death.

Nan graduated from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a master’s degree in public relations. While at the University of Tennessee she worked in the Tennessee Lady Vols Sports information department. Those who knew Nan knew her blood ran deep Tennessee Vol orange.

She served as the Sports Information Director for the Women’s Athletics at the University of Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. She worked for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association where she was the director of the elite basketball camps for WBCA and the coordinator of the WBCA High School All American game. She also, served as the program director for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and served for several years on the Board of Directors for the Hall of Fame as well.

Nan was privileged to serve for ten years as the official score keeper at the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. She also, served for several years as the official score keeper for the Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball Team. Serving up until last year when her failing health prevented her from continuing her passion of supporting the Lady Vols from the scorer’s table. She continued to follow every game and would let you know how the Lady Vols were doing.

Nan was a preschool worker at Waterville Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee where she impacted several toddlers through the years. She would drive home every weekend to attend church with her family and served faithfully until both parents passed. After her parents passed, Nan found comfort in her church family at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. She began attending the North Campus and got acquainted with Pastor Tim and Jenny Miller. Little did she realize when she became acquainted with Jenny that she would find her best friend and mentor in life. Nan would encourage people to come to her church so they could experience the meaningful worship and preaching that was life-changing for her.

Nan Elrod was preceded in death by her parents C.D. (Doug) Elrod and Mary Jane Elrod.

She is survived by her brother Charlie and sister-in-law, Carla Elrod of Wake Village, Texas; nephew, Joshua Elrod of Tulsa, Oklahoma and numerous extended family members.

Family and friends will meet at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7180 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312, Friday, March 4, 2022 for a 2:30pm Graveside Service officiated by Pastor Tim Miller. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to Sevier Heights Baptist Church, 3140 Maloney Rd. Knoxville, TN 37920 or to the Interfaith Health Clinic, 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. The family invites friends to share fond memories and sign the online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com.