Nell Funderburk Wiser

Dr. Nell Funderburk Wiser, born August 17, 1930, passed away July 25, 2021. She was predeceased by her daughter, Joan Wiser Van Hooser and her son, Nicholas Van Wiser, and survived by her grandchildren, Jamie Nadeau, Winfred Wolfgram, Lauren Travis, and Brittany Van Hooser, her son-in-law, David Van Hooser, her daughter-in-law Cay Wiser, and her great grandchildren, Arthur, Lily, Eberley, Sonja, Dahlia, Story, and Veda.

Nell was a mother, teacher, explorer, and lifelong learner. She first taught second grade, then enjoyed the process of rearing and teaching her two children, Nick and Joan. After teaching in public and private schools, she became a professor and a college administrator, serving on the faculties of Memphis State University, Murray State University, Western Kentucky University, Georgia State College and University, and Treveca University. She served as president of Georgia Council for the Social Studies and participated in Washington DC with all state presidents in the National Council for the Social Studies. She also served as President of Middle Georgia Phi Delta Kappa during which time she traveled to Germany for a Study Tour of German Education sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa International.

During her career she traveled professionally presenting papers for various organizations, and after retirement she traveled by camping in every state but Hawaii. She has also been an active participant in Osher Lifelong Learning sponsored by Vanderbilt, and has published a book of poetry, Poems From the Shoebox.

Her life was a celebration of knowledge, growth, and learning— and she instilled in family and friends a love for learning no matter their age.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Nell’s name to Nashville Public Radio.