Anne Rodgers Whetsell

Anne Rodgers Whetsell, beloved wife and sister, cherished mother, adored grandmother and devoted friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 11 following a brief illness. She was 81.

Born Anne Elizabeth Rodgers on August 1, 1944, she grew up in Searcy, Arkansas, the second child and only daughter of Fern Cowen Rodgers and Dr. Porter Rodgers Sr., who predeceased her along with her treasured aunt, Helen Cowen. She graduated from Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia, in 1964, and the University of Oklahoma in Norman in 1966, with a Bachelor's Degree in speech pathology and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Following her marriage to William O. Whetsell Jr., MD on October 14, 1967, they moved to New York City where Anne continued her studies, earning her Master’s Degree in speech pathology and audiology from Columbia University while her husband pursued residencies in clinical neurology and neuropathology at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and the New York Neurological Institute.

Shortly after arriving in Nashville in 1983, Anne was hired as Director of Development for the EAR Foundation where she was co-founder of the annual Hot Air Balloon Classic fundraiser. In addition to her professional endeavors, she was also a highly respected community activist, arts patron and volunteer who was involved in a number of local non-profit institutions, having served on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair of Traveler’s Rest (1991–1996); Co-Chair of the Swan Ball at Cheekwood (1996); Advisory Committee and Board Member at Cheekwood (1997, 1999); member of the Board of Directors of WPLN (1998–2003); and Board Member of Friends of Nashville Opera (2018–2026). She also served as President of the Parents’ Association at The Harpeth Hall School from 1995 until 1996, Board President and Board member of Curry-Ingram Academy from 1997 until 2004 and was a longtime active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

She took great delight in joining two close friends in co-owning and operating a successful antiques business called Amici from 1997 until 2007. In her spare time, Anne enjoyed reading, writing, needlepoint, playing golf and bridge, but most of all, spending time with her friends and family.

Known for her beauty, grace and kind and gentle manner, Anne lived a blessed and fulfilled life. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, her brother and sister-in-law Dr. and Mrs. Porter Rodgers Jr. of Little Rock, Arkansas, two children William O. Whetsell III "Tripp" of New York and Helen Fern Elizabeth (Gabe) Whetsell Coltea "Holly" of Big Sky, Montana and her grandchildren: Elizabeth "Libby" Coltea, Catherine "Cacie" Coltea and Anne "Annie" Coltea who were the apples of her eye and lovingly called her “Big Annie.” She also leaves behind three nieces, nine great nieces and nephews and many friends who will also always cherish her memory.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 20, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 AM Memorial Service from 11:30 to 12:30 PM and a private family inurnment following.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church, The Nashville Opera, the Centennial Club of Nashville or the charity of your choice.