Lura (Bird) Bainbridge Brothers

After dedicating her life to helping others find the home of their dreams, Lura Bainbridge found her perfect home when she went to heaven on Thursday May 2nd 2013. She was a pioneer and inspiration for women in business, especially for her ability to balance a thriving career with a wonderful marriage and absolute devotion to her son and two grandchildren. She leaves behind an inspiring and lasting legacy and a circle of friends whose lives are better for knowing her. A fiercely disciplined and tireless worker, she always said, “The harder I work, the luckier I get. It’s really about keeping on keeping on.”

Lura was the daughter of Robert C. and Annie (McNabb) Bird, Jr. of Greeneville, TN. She spent much of her youth on the Isle of Pines, Cuba, where her father owned a fishing resort. She attended Graham Eckes School in Palm Beach, FL before graduating from University School in Nashville.

Survival was a guiding instinct in her life, and she entered real estate because she was a single mother who needed a steady income. Sales was the only place she knew where women could make a good living at that time. “I had no training to do what I do,” she said. “Really it was like being thrown out in the jungle with no weapons. You learn to swing from the trees.” She was a quick learner.

Before entering the real estate business, Lura worked at Clement Recording Studio and Monument Records. She worked with Dobson & Johnson for six years and then formed her own company, Lura Bainbridge Real Estate, in 1985. She was a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Tennessee Association of Realtors and the Country Music Association. She quickly became an iconic figure in Nashville business.

A Life member of the Million Dollar Sales Club, she was known as the real estate agent to the stars, working with artists including Kenny Rogers, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, John Fogerty, Tanya Tucker, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, J.D. Souther, Rosanne Cash, and Rodney Crowell. She was among the first real estate agents to recognize the land value of Music Row and at one point was involved in virtually all of the deals there. She loved music, but she loved the artists who made it even more. Known for her ability to close a deal, she negotiated some of the biggest property sales in Middle Tennessee, but many of her favorite memories were working with first-time homebuyers, whom she guided with motherly love and patience. She loved to play matchmaker, whether it was for a buyer and the right home, two business leaders with similar interests or two single people looking for love. For Lura, it was about helping others, not just making the deal.

Even more impressive than her list of career achievements was her ability to maintain a purity of heart, always believing the best in people and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. She never had a negative thought about anyone; indeed, it wouldn’t have occurred to her to do so. She was the embodiment of simple elegance, eschewing excess and instead cherishing a few treasured things. Her life was a quest for beauty—in flowers, fashion, property and people. Her favorite moments were traveling with her husband to Italy, walking on the beach in Miami, kayaking, reading a good book and entertaining a few friends in her home. Despite living a big life, she knew that the simple things matter the most -- the love of a good man and sharing fond times with family and friends -- so she spent the last decade of her life pursuing as many of those moments as possible. Her grace, elegance, humility, sweetness, dignity, and loving kindness were complemented by her intelligence, discernment, courage, perseverance, and strength of character. Her love of God and Jesus was paramount in her life and her faith was a beacon light for a multitude of people.

Survived by her husband, Judge Thomas W. Brothers, son, Thomas Bainbridge, her two adored granddaughters, Peyton and Grace, sisters, Annie (Bird) Cansler, Linda (Bird) Laughter, and Catherine Bird. Preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother Bobby.

Honorary pallbearers are Jean Ann and Mike McNally and the Music Row Bible study group, Dane Bryant, Colonel Silas Purvis, Rose Drake, Rick Sanjek, Sandy and Tom White, Harris Gilbert, Beverly Keel, Dr. John Brothers, Martha Woods.

The family will hold a memorial service celebrating Lura’s life on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Belmont Church, 68 Music Square East. Visitation at 1:00 and service to follow at 2:00.

Contributions may be made to Caleb Company, Word of Faith Christian Center, Sarah Cannon Fund, the Nashville Union Rescue Mission, or the charity of your choice.