Betty Jean Day, age 89, of Whites Creek, Tennessee, went to be with her Heavenly Father on September 15, 2026. Betty was born on April 6, 1937 to Robert & Novella Smith. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell Eugene Day and her daughter, Terry Chambers Day.

Betty married the love of her life, Russell Eugene Day, on May 8, 1953. The young couple eloped to Rossville, Georgia, beginning a marriage and life together that would span more than 67 years. They raised their family in Nashville before later making their home in Whites Creek, Tennessee, where they enjoyed their retirement years together.

Family was at the very center of Betty’s life. She was the glue that brought everyone together, especially during holidays and family gatherings, creating traditions that her family hopes to continue for generations to come. She devoted herself to taking care of her home and family, making sure everyone had what they needed. She loved cooking for the people she loved and was especially known for her banana pudding. Her grandchildren always looked forward to her macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes, which were cherished family favorites.

Betty spent most of her life thinking about everyone else before herself. She was always looking for a way to do something good for someone and never expected anything in return. She had a generous and thoughtful spirit and often found simple ways to make people feel loved and remembered—a small gift, a bag of candy, or something she had picked up because it made her think of someone. She might even quietly slip a family member some money if she thought they needed it, without making a big deal about it.

She worked hard for many years at Genesco Shoe Company to help raise and support her family. There were years when she walked to work to save money, she was abundantly resourceful and knew how to make a little go a long way. She could get by and be happy on very little, finding satisfaction in a good bargain rather than needing much for herself.

Betty was also known for being honest and straightforward. She said what she believed and told things the way she saw them. You always knew where you stood with her. Yet her honesty was accompanied by compassion, and she was willing to help anyone who needed it. She loved her church and was an active part of her church family, attending faithfully each week. Her faith and her love for others were important parts of the life she lived.

Some of the most treasured memories of Betty were the simple, everyday moments. She loved sitting on Russell’s, Chrystal’s, or her own deck with a cup of coffee, watching the wildlife in the yard and feeding the animals. She loved sitting outside with family around and talking about anything and everything. On the weekend, she would treat herself to the beauty salon and do her shopping for the week. She loved a good meal or a simple trip to Sonic for a hot fudge sundae. 

When Betty was younger, she enjoyed laying out in the sun and having those carefree moments. As the years passed, it was the familiar things and the people she loved that brought her happiness.

She loved, respected, and supported her husband and his desire to fish. When Betty loved someone, she supported them and cared about the things that made them happy.

After Russell’s passing in 2020, Betty continued to be surrounded and cared for by the family she had spent a lifetime loving. During her later years, she remained close to those she loved, sharing everyday moments, stories, laughter, and memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her son, Russell C. Day; daughter, Sharron D. Cart; grandchildren, Chrystal Chambers, Rebecca Sura, Brian Day, Lee Chambers, Benjamin Chambers, Jeremy Cart; great-grandchildren, Austin Sura, Annabella Sura, Sebastian Cienfuegos, Amberleigh Cienfuegos, Haley Chambers, Kayliauna Day, Brian Day Jr., Abigail Cart; great-great-grandchildren, Emerson Johnson, Asher Johnson, Paisley Day.

More than anything, Betty will be remembered for the way she spent her life caring for others. From the time she got out of bed in the morning until she went to sleep at night, she was thinking about the needs of others, often putting herself last. She was hardworking, honest, giving, resourceful, devoted, and deeply loving. Her greatest gift was the love she gave to her family and to the people around her. She made people feel welcome, remembered, and cared for. She leaves behind not only the memories of a life well lived, but also the traditions she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely. Although she will be deeply missed, her family will carry her love, her stories, her traditions, and her memory with them always. Betty will continue to live on in the simple things she loved, in the kindness she showed others, and in the hearts of the generations who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Friday, September 25th, 2026 from twelve o’clock noon at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home until the time of the graveside service at two o’clock in the afternoon at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in the Garden of Gethsemane, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Russell. Brother Mike Shelton will officiate.

Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Crematin Center, 9090 Tennessee Highway 100 in Nashville.