Jean Nunley Dennison

Jean Nunley Dennison, 99, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1927, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Alvin Nunley and Ada Eaker Nunley. She grew up in Anderson, Indiana, and moved to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb College, where her life's greatest chapters would unfold. It was in Nashville that she met her husband of 53 years, Marshall Dennison Jr., reared her family, and made her home.

Jean was a woman of remarkable talents and unwavering faith. A gifted artist, she was also the author of five books on family history, traveling widely to research original source documents for her genealogical work. She was an accomplished seamstress, a longtime member of Green Hills Garden Club, and an unparalleled gracious hostess. She volunteered tirelessly, planning monthly birthday celebrations for residents at a local nursing home for many years.

A devoted student of Scripture, Jean read her Bible every day and took copious notes on what she studied. She was a longtime supporter of Lipscomb University and a faithful member of Hillsboro Church of Christ.

Jean possessed a quick wit, a positive attitude, and a kind heart. At 99 years of age, she was still working daily crossword and Sudoku puzzles, attending tai chi classes, reading the morning paper, texting family and friends, and keeping up with news and church activities on her iPhone. An avid reader, she was always engaged with a book checked out from the library on her phone.

When reflecting on Jean's life, Philippians 4:8 and the hymn "Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me" come to mind. Truth was her guide; she turned lovely thoughts into lovely actions, and any task she undertook was carried out with excellence. She chose to see the beauty in life and in people, and she reflected that beauty in her service to others—through her lovely artwork, exquisite sewing, elegant floral arrangements, uplifting conversations, and positive presence at every family occasion. She didn't withdraw from the world and its troubles but chose to convey beauty as a counter to life's unpleasantness, whether she was literally painting a lovely scene or providing just the perfect uplifting and encouraging comment to reenergize one's perspective.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Ada Nunley; her sister, Verna (Aude) McKee; her brothers, Alvin (Della) Nunley Jr. and Louis (Mary Ann) Nunley; and her beloved husband, Marshall Dennison Jr.

She is survived by her children, Jane (Marty) Kittrell and John (Kaye) Dennison; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Doug) Williams, Jessi (Ryan) Seaton, Katie (Bryce) Kindred, and Lilly Dennison; and great-grandchildren, Caroline and Ben Williams, Ella and Jack Seaton, and Holland and Mallory Kindred.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to the staff at Blakeford Burton Court and Alive Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillsboro Church of Christ, 5800 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, or Nashville Inner City Ministry, 1000 Apex Street, Nashville, TN 37206.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, on May 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location at 11:30 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, US, on May 9, 2026, following the service.