Betty Barnett

Betty Barnett, a longtime resident of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away on May 8, 2025, at age 77. She was born on April 22, 1948, in Crossville and lived there until age 10, when her family moved to Orlando, Florida. She graduated from Boone High School in Orlando and later returned to Crossville, where she spent the rest of her life.

Betty worked for the Cumberland County Finance Department for 49 years. She was known for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic.

She loved sunshine, gardening, and being by the lake. Betty had a deep love for music and was proud to help her daughter, Mandy Barnett, land her first record deal at Universal Records when she was just 12 years old — something Betty made happen through pure determination and belief in her child’s talent.

Betty was a private person but a good friend to many. She was a loving and supportive mother, and her quiet strength meant a lot to those close to her.

In addition to her daughter Mandy, Betty is survived by her sister Linda Smith and brother-in-law Kendall Smith; her niece Kimberly Smith Stephens and husband James Stephens; her sister-in-law Mary Sue Tollett; her nieces Lisa Tollett Milligan and Lori Tollett Parker; her great-niece Zoe Paige Smith; and her former husband Dan Barnett. She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Carlene Tollett; her brother Michael Tollett; and her nephew Brian Smith.

Betty will be missed deeply by her family and friends.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alive Hospice Nashville and Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety

Arrangements are in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209. (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.