Sue Bomar Bartlett is at peace. Known as “Sissy” by her loved ones, Sue passed away on May 22, 2023 at the age of 88, in her home surrounded by her family, friends, and loyal dog, Maverick. Sue was born on September 11, 1934 to Wrenne Thweatte Bomar and Francis Myrtle Petty Bomar. She is preceded in death by her parents as well as her siblings, Samuel Wrenne “Bud” Bomar and Katherine Bomar Hall.
The youngest of three children by a decade, Sue grew up in Brentwood, Tennessee, where her parents built a house in 1925 (the same plot of land where she lived until almost 100 years later). A social butterfly from a young age, Sue attended Robertson Academy and Peabody Demonstration School, where she was a cheerleader and in student government. She went on to attend Abilene Christian University in Texas.
In 1957, Sue married Henry Allan “Al” Bartlett, who predeceased her in 1990. They met at a mutual friend’s wedding, where Sue dazzled Al with her witty conversation and fabulous sense of fashion. After their wedding, Sue graduated from George Peabody College with a B.A. degree. During that time, Sue and Al became parents to two sons: John Logan Bartlett and Steven Bomar Bartlett. In 1962, the family moved to Kelly Road. Sissy enjoyed being outdoors, playing tennis and soaking up the sun. Sue and Al were known to host incredible parties, and also enjoyed traveling. Sue was also involved in numerous charitable organizations, most notably serving as President of the Women’s Drug Auxiliary. And Sue was instrumental in helping Al win election to Nashville’s first Metro Council as a councilman representing the 32nd district.
In 1978, Sue went to work as a Tennessee Juvenile Probation Officer, and later worked as a Metro Probation Officer. Her strong work ethic and bold, take-charge attitude served her well in these roles. When she retired in 1999, Sue’s colleagues gifted her a mini schnauzer dog who Sissy named Abigail. Thus Sue’s love of her dog companions was rekindled. After her retirement, Sue became a Stephen Minister at First Presbyterian Church, undergoing intense training which enabled her to be a counselor
to those navigating the difficulties of life. As compassionate as she was, Sue also had a wicked sense of humor. And she was an avid college football fan, loyally wearing orange every weekend in the Fall to cheer on her University of Tennessee Volunteers.
In her later years, Sue grew to love her neighbors on Heatherwood Drive as family. In fact, in honor of her 86th birthday, Sue requested an ice cream truck for the entire neighborhood to enjoy in lieu of a gift for herself! But above all, Sue’s favorite activity was being a doting grandmother to five. The magnitude of her love for her grandchildren is evident by the number of photo magnets on her fridge, displaying many happy memories from graduations, weddings and vacations. She loved nothing more than having her family come visit and sit around her dining room table, enjoying Taco Bell, Mountain Dew, and homemade chess pie.
Sue is survived by her two sons, John Bartlett (Heather), and Steve Bartlett (Mary Lee) as well as grandchildren: John Logan Bartlett, Jr. (Tori); Shelby Alice Bartlett; Ansley Bartlett Page (Tyler); William Allan Bartlett (Emily); and Wrenne Bartlett Brammer (Hunter). Sue was also blessed by a host of loving family members and friends who visited her often, including Wrenne (“Kit”) and Inez Bomar and Cheryl Bartlett. And the family is deeply appreciative of the genuine care and love given to Sissy over the last two years by her nurse and good friend, Athena Springer, and end of life care from Alive Hospice.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Cheek House at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday May
30, 2023 from 10:00 am till noon followed by a private graveside burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Sue’s honor to First Presbyterian Church (4815 Franklin Road, Nashville 37220) or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Bartlett family.
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