Betty Jane Sweeney West

Betty Jane Sweeney West, 94, was born on a farm in the small community of Clifty, Kentucky, on April 4, 1930. She had no brothers or sisters and made her own joy and adventures. She passed away on December 15, 2024. Betty called Nashville, Tennessee home since 1963 and joined First Baptist Church with her husband that same year.

Betty's celebration of life is Monday, December 23, 2024, in the Chapel at First Baptist Church, Nashville at 11:00 a.m. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Betty met the love of her life, Charles West, when she was 13, and they became high school sweethearts. After graduation, they went their separate ways - for a while.

Charles served in the Navy and Betty played the piano for a gospel quartet in the late 1940s and early 1950s. When Betty reunited with Charles during college, they knew they were meant to be together. They married June 10, 1956, and remained together for over 68 years.

Betty loved music and enjoyed putting her own flair into whatever piece she played on the piano. Betty was active in her church, First Baptist Nashville, for many years. From teaching Sunbeams to conversational English or being a part of the Women's 'Circle' group, she loved people.

Betty is preceded in death by her mother and father, Jesse G. and Bertha Sweeney. She is survived by her husband of over 68 years, Charles Preston West. She is also survived by her two daughters, Deb Higdon (Steve) of Brentwood, TN and Beckie Hopkins (Steve) of New Albany, MS. Betty is survived by her grandchildren Emily Horn (Daniel) of Greenwood, AR, Jonathan Higdon (Sonia) of Nashville, TN, Andrew Hopkins (Kerrie) of New Albany, MS, Benjamin Higdon of Wilmore, KY, and Callison Hopkins of Southaven, MS. Betty is survived by her great-grandchildren Wyatt and Landon Hopkins of New Albany, MS).

Pallbearers: Steve Higdon, son-in-law, Steve Hopkins, son-in-law, Jonathan Higdon, grandson, Andrew Hopkins, grandson, Benjamin Higdon, grandson, Daniel Horn, grandson-in-law.

Honorary Pallbearers: Nephews Gary West (Mountain Brook, AL) and Greg West (Seattle, WA).

Flowers may be sent to Woodlawn Rosch Patton Funeral Home on Thompson Lane in Nashville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations to Williamson Medical Center may be made in Betty's memory.