Norma D. Witherington

Norma Dooley Witherington passed away peacefully January 28th, 2026 in Nashville, TN after a brief illness at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents Otis L and Frances Emma Dooley (Lowe)and former spouse Aubrey M Witherington, Jr. She is survived by her sons Aubrey M Witherington, III (Susan), Andrew Witherington, grandson Aubrey M Witherington, IV (Jessica), and her family of close friends Norma Butler, Marilyn Teichman, and Dawn Alcorn.

Norma was born and raised in Aransas Pass, TX, near Corpus Christi. However, for most of her life, her home was in Tennessee- first in Memphis and for the more than half of her remaining life in Nashville. Everyone who has met and known Norma is naturally drawn to her radiant smile and beautiful Southern charm. A charm and smile that would brighten up every room she enters. This would serve her well in life and how Norma would interact with the world. Many have acknowledged that Norma truly knew no strangers.

After high school, she would later graduate from Draughon’s Business College, acquiring valuable administrative assistance skills. She worked for C.I.D at Camp Polk, LA (now Fort Polk) , Binswanger Glass, Nabisco, Urban Observatory (Metro Nashville), Vanderbilt and Life Insurance Company North America (LINA) amongst other employers over her career. Norma retired from Cigna as Executive Secretary for the Senior Vice President of Group Sales.

One of Norma’s favorite activities was spending time traveling to many different places with her family and friends. Over the years she’s had the opportunity to visit many sights and landmarks across America. One highlight of her life was to travel to France and experience her dream of visiting Paris. Her most favorite and frequent trips were to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountain National Park. She also had a passion and appreciation for fine arts, music, oil painting, birding, gardening and decorating.

Norma enjoyed a long and full life in many different roles beginning as a military wife, deacon’s wife active in her church communities, as a mother raising her sons and for a time, would care for her grandson. As a devoted friend, Norma loved and treasured her friendships over her long lifespan, many of which she treated as family. And as a neighbor, this was also true for her neighbors with whom she had had the good fortune on her block to have for over 50 years. She has firmly earned the role of being the family matriarch whose inner strength and unconditional love in both joyful and difficult times will continue to inspire and nurture her family for as long as those who keep her in their memory.

The visitation and funeral service for Norma Witherington will take place at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens and Funeral Home (9090 Highway 100, Nashville, 37221) on Saturday, February 14. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a service of remembrance at 1:30 p.m. and burial at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.