Betty Sue King

Betty Sue King A TRAVELER Born in 1943 into a military family, Sue became a globally-minded, student of the world at an early age. She lived in Germany, Japan, and the Panama Canal Zone all before the age of 10. While eventually putting down roots in Nashville, TN, she never lost her wanderlust. She continued to trek across 20 countries over the course of her life. Her world travels often shaping her curriculum as an elementary school teacher. A TEACHER Sue identified her talent and passion for elementary education early in life. Even as a student teacher in 1965 she knew, “This is such a privileged profession—to work closely with these small human beings and their many needs.” She was a gifted educator who nurtured both the creative and academic potential of her students and imparted a genuine joy for learning. Her enthusiasm for science in particular was contagious, her lessons immersive and transportive. She built a compendium of science curricula in her 40+ years as an educator and shared her exceptional lessons with multiple generations of young students, her children, and her grandchildren. A WIFE, MOTHER, AND GIGI Sue met her one true love Paul in 1981, who she affectionately referred to as her “boyfriend” even after 41 years of marriage. Their dedication to one another was unwavering and their love triumphed above all the tribulations life offered. Sue was a dedicated mother and step-mother to three daughters, one step-daughter and two step-sons. She never hesitated to serve as a sounding board, confidante, and source of unrelenting support in times of distress to her children. She consistently rallied for her children and expressed her pride in their accomplishments. She was known as “Gigi” and absolutely cherished by her many grandchildren. OTHER INTERESTS She was an avid gardener. She loved the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe and the glass art of Dale Chihuly. She was a collector of small treasures from her travels. She was a skilled scrapbooker and storyteller. She loved turquoise and mother-of-pearl. Her sense of style was unique and inimitable. Her laugh was infectious. PARTING Sue lived with joy until her final days. Even through an indomitable battle with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, she continued to touch and enrich the lives of those around her. Her departure has left all who loved her heavy with grief, but we are better for having known her. May her memory continue to comfort and inspire us all to live our most authentic, adventurous, and passionate lives. Thank you Sue for all that you did in your time on Earth. You will forever be missed. A private family celebration of life will be held this summer. Arrangements are in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We Proudly remain locally owned and operated.