Betty Alford Irby

12/20/1931 to 3/5/2024

Betty Alford Irby was born in River Rest, Florida to Burrell and Louise Bishop Alford. She was a graduate of Ocala High School, in Ocala, Florida, and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee. While a student at Vanderbilt, she met her husband Robert Shelby Irby at the Baptist Student Union and they were married for 67 years. They shared a love for log houses and and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Betty loved to travel with friends and toured the world many times. She enjoyed playing bridge, garden clubs, her antique study group, and she was a long time member of Belmont Heights Baptist Church.

Betty adored all cats, no matter how tattered or unloveable, including a wild bobcat named Murray. She was preceded in death by hundreds of cats, most of whom greeted her in heaven. Her husband did not share this love for cats, but his concerns were not honored. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Nashville Humane Association, for cats only.

Betty is survived by her beloved sister Ann Hunt, daughter Anne (Ron) Neyland, grandson Andrew (Sydnee) Neyland, and granddaughter Amanda Neyland. Son John (Susan) Irby, grandson Joe (Ashton) Irby, and great grandson J.W. Irby.

Many thanks to the cast of thousands at GLRC who allowed the Irbys to live independently. Blessings to the 10th floor of Centennial Medical Center, Alyssa, Kayla from Spring, Sarah Grace, Haya, Alex, and the team.

Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home,

660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, will host the visitation with family at 9:30 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The funeral services will begin at 11:30 am and burial immediately following.