Nettie Angeline Batey, 69, of Woodbury departed this life on Monday, December 4, 2023. She was born on January 14, 1954 in Flint, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Batey and Gladys Lyons Batey, son, Christopher Batey, sisters, Theresa Batey Bean and Martha Batey, and special aunt and uncle, James and Katherine Batey.
She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Julian (Tarra) Johnson, daughter, Lynika “Nika” (Josh) Bennett, grandchildren, Donovan Batey, Brianna Johnson, Lea Johnson, Kemanie Henderson, Sienna Bennett, L. J. Watters, and Christiona Batey, special devoted nieces and nephews, Jason Batey, Page Verge, Kenya Verge, and Tisa Batey, and a host of other relatives and friends.
There were a few things you found out quickly about Nettie. One was, she was all about family. Her devotion and love for her family knew no bounds. After the passing of her parents, she quickly adopted her uncle James and aunt Katherine as her bonus parents. As they both got older and needed more help, she was right there to lend a hand. There was always an extra special dose of love and care for her sisters and all her nieces and nephews. She wasn’t about to leave out her children or grandchildren either. Spending time with them topped the list of favorite things to do. The family lovingly dubbed her Nana and Mama Nettie. They all knew she was the glue that held things together if you needed to know you were loved and cherished.
The second thing was she was independent and could do anything she set her mind to do. If you needed to know what was on her mind you usually didn’t have to ask, she would speak her piece. A beautiful smile and sharp sense of humor would melt the ice and warm the hearts of people around her. She was a natural born caregiver. She always wanted to take care of others and her family was first on that list. Countless veterans were also blessed by her service as a nurse’s aide at the VA Medical Center for nearly four decades.
Another thing you found; home was where her heart was. Not one to travel, her comfort zone centered closer to home. She was at her happiest cooking for her family. That meant, frying her signature chicken, cooking a steak with some potato wedges, or whipping up some knockout desserts like chocolate cake and pecan pie. When she wasn’t taking care of family you could find her sitting back drinking a Pepsi, glued to the tv for some of her favorite episodes of Law and Order or the Forensic Files.
Most importantly, you knew she loved the Lord. Her servant heart shown through in the love and devotion she gave to those around her. Her faith and trust were firmly placed in her Lord and Savior. She worshiped with family at the Full Gospel Assembly and Dillon Street Baptist. She leaned heavily on God during the last several years as she faced health challenges, the loss of her son, and other close family members. They can be comforted knowing she has a new heavenly home with loved ones waiting to greet her until they are all called home.
Visitation will be held at Hillside Fellowship Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 12-2 pm. Funeral services to follow at 2 pm. Following the funeral service, she will be cremated and laid to rest with her parents. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.