Residents 1990 – 1999
The West End Home For Ladies at Vanderbilt Place
Marion Foster Anderson
April 27, 1905 – In December 1996
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 11, 1985
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia, Tennessee
Biography
Miss Anderson graduated from Hay Long High School in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee in 1923 after being voted Class Poet. Miss Anderson was a retired secretary for Metro Public Schools and a member of Westminister Presbyterian Church.
Mildred C. Gatlin Anderson
January 18, 1908 – June 23, 1995
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents: James Edward Gatlin and Margaret Kirkpatrick Gatlin
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies April 25, 1987
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mount Hope Cemetery in Franklin, Tennessee
Biography
Mrs. Anderson was employed in the Accounting Department of Neuhoff Packing Company in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a member of Natchez Trace Church of Christ.
Ann Canfield Arnett
July 3, 1907 – January 14, 1994
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents: Jackson B. Canfield and Katherine Duff Canfield
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 22, 1985
Resided in The west End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Siblings: George N. Canfield
Children: Robert C. Arnett of Bloomington, Indiana
Biography
Mrs. Arnett was one of three siblings, having one sister who died of diphtheria at the age of four and one brother. She was employed by Nashville Electric Service as a secretary for over thirty years. Mrs. Arnett served as the Toy Lady at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and volunteered over 4000 hours. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and had attended Christ Church for over forty years at the time of her admission to The West End Home For Ladies.
Virginia Christine Atkins
May 14, 1914 – January 14, 1988
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth:
Parents: Fred Lee Atkins and Josephine Elnora Fly Atkins
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 30, 1986
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Springfield, Tennessee
Biography
Miss Atkins had one brother. Most of her working life was spent with the L&N and CSX Railroads.
Miss Atkins was a member of Woodmont Baptist Church.
Miss Atkins favorite interest was “good” music. She spent many hours daily just listening. Miss Atkins also had a talent for having bedside talks with West End Home For Ladies Health Care Center patients, where she was always a good listener with a sense of humor.
Maggie Joe Bishop
March 4, 1900 – November 15, 1995
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Lebanon, Tennessee
Parents: Joseph Lawson Bishop and Eudora Bell Bishop
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home October 15, 1971
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later at The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Cousins: Mrs. T.O. Majors and Mrs. Watson Gregg, both of Lebanon, Tennessee
Biography
Miss Bishop was employed as an Art Teacher at the Calvert Studio for thirty-nine years. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
After Miss Bishop’s admission to The Old Woman’s Home, she took great interest in the flower garden and worked with The Old Woman’s Home Board Members and Duncan Callicott of Cheekwood to plan the garden.
Pauline Ragsdale Bolling
March 30, 1904 – January 23, 1994
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee
Parents: William Rarrison Ragsdale and Fannie Miller Ragsdale
Spouse: P. Allen Bolling
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies July 19, 1984
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mount Olivet Cemetery
Family References
Children: Mary Jane Bolling Ward of Brentwood, Tennessee
Biography
Mrs. Bolling was employed as a bookkeeper and also as a substitute teacher. She was a member of the West End Methodist Church. Mrs. Bolling’s husband passed away on December 26, 1946.
Harriet Virginia Harper Bond
January 28, 1907 – August, 1994
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Ridgetop, Tennessee
Parents: George W. Harper and Susie Edna Woodruff Harper
Spouse: Judge Eugene W. Bond
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies March 19, 1987
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Siblings: Hoyt P. Harper of Scottsville, Kentucky
Children: James H. Bond of Nashville, Tennessee
Biography
Judge and Mrs. Bond had two children, one son and one daughter. Judge Bond passed away on June 16, 1954. Mrs. Bond became a member of Hillwood Presbyterian Church in 1981. She was employed as the Business Manager for an Ophthalmologist’s office.
Mrs. Bond withdrew from The West End Home For Ladies in December 1992.
Ruby Alberta Bowles
November 28, 1901 – July 2, 1990
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home January 12, 1976
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Dixon Springs Cemetery in Dixon Springs, Tennessee
Family References
Siblings: Mary Bowles Bransford, also a resident of The Old Woman’s Home
Cousin: Frances Stratton Corum, also a resident of The Old Woman’s Home
Biography
Miss Bowles was one of three siblings, having one brother and one sister. Miss Bowles was employed by Carthage Power Company as a secretary.
Susan Seawell Brandau
March 21, 1912 – Unknown
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee
Parents: A.G. Brandau and Roberta Seawell Brandau
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies November 14, 1988
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Siblings: Seawell Brandau
Biography
Miss Brandau was a staff writer for The Tennessean. She was a member of Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church.
Miss Brandau withdrew from The West End Home For Ladies in April 1992.
Mary Bowles Bransford
June 13, 1904 – May 28, 1990
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home January 12, 1976
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Dixon Springs Cemetery in Dixon Springs, Tennessee
Family References
Sibling: Ruby Alberta Bowles, also a resident of The Old Woman’s Home
Cousin: Frances Stratton Corum, also a resident of The Old Woman’s Home
Biography
Mrs. Bransford was one of three siblings, having one brother and one sister. Mrs. Bransford was employed in a children’s dress shop.
Mrs. Bransford was very independent and prided herself on being able “to pay her own way”. She wrote a very nice letter of support and encouragement to Mrs. Claire Weinberger, one of the Matrons of The Old Woman’s Home.
Katherine H. Lambert Carter
December 21, 1910 – Unknown
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies February 15, 1985
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Biography
Mrs. Carter had one sister. Her son was killed in a plane crash returning home from Korea in 1955.
She withdrew from The West End Home For Ladies on April 19, 1988.
Mary Elizabeth Cayce
January 23, 1909 – January 16, 1998
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee
Parents: James A. Cayce
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies April 6, 1984
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2811 West End Avenue, later at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee
Family References
Niece: Mrs. William P. Ortale
Biography
Miss Cayce’s father was the first Chairman of Nashville Housing Authority and founder of The Nashville Commercial Club, now known as The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. The James A. Cayce housing development in East Nashville was named for him.
Miss Cayce was educated at Miss Annie Allison’s Preparatory School and was a graduate of Ward-Belmont School and Junior College and of George Peabody College for Teachers. She taught physical education at Ward-Belmont School for fifteen years beginning in 1930 and served on the Advisory Board of the school for many years. She was a camper and counselor at Camp Cohechee, the Ward-Belmont camp in Maine. In 1945, she became Vice-President of B.H. Stief Jewelry Company. She later became President and then Owner. She retired in 1970.
Miss Cayce was a devoted civic leader. She served for several decades on the Old Woman’s Home Board of Directors beginning in 1970 and on The Old Woman’s Home Auxiliary. She was a founder of Harpeth Hall School and served on their original Board of Trustrees, as well as on Ensworth School’s first Board of Directors. A room at Harpeth Hall is dedicated to her. Miss Cayce served on the Board of The United Giver’s Fund, The Red Cross, and Duncanwood Day Care Center. She was a Past President of The Family and Children’s Service and The James K. Polk Memorial Assiciation. Miss Cayce was the first person ever elected President of The Junior League (1944-1946) while holding down a full-time job. During her presidency, The League had it’s first nighttime membership meeting and the Paper Sale raised over $100,000 for the first time. She was also a member of The Ladies Hermitage Association, The Centennial Club, and The Belle Meade Country Club. She served The Red Cross for thirty-five consecutive years and in 1950 received the Award of Merit from the American National Red Cross. She volunteered for The Protestant Orphanage Foundation by serviing as a committee member. Miss Cayce was a member of the Advisory Board of The YWCA. She was a member of Westminister Presbyterian Church.
Following an accident, Miss Cayce was admitted to The Old Woman’s Home with her longtime friend and companion, Miss Lillian Harley.
Quotes from Miss Cayce
What kept her motivated: “Nashville is my home. My parents were volunteers. I have a feeling of obligation and pride in this community. There are so many worthwhile projects to work on.” “I am fundamentally interested in people. At Ward-Belmont, the jewelry store and the Junior League, I got to know people, young and old.”
Most of all she enjoyed her volunteer life: “That’s why I’ve done it, and I give credit to the Junior League for training me to do it.”
Jennie Mae Clark
March 3, 1910 – January 16, 1998
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse: George F. Clark
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies January 19, 1988
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Biography
Mrs. Clark had one brother. Mrs. Clark was employed in a book store in Memphis and later in the United Methodist Board of Evangelism.
She was a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Clark was remembered by The West End Home Ladies for her dynamic personality and her caring for others.
Sallie Louise Cockrill
May 2, 1905 – December 25, 1997
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth:
Parents: John Granville Cockrill and Ada Collins Cockrill
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 18, 1985
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Donated her body to Vanderbilt Medical Center Anatomical Donation Program
Biography
Miss Cockrill had one sister. Before retirement, Miss Cockrill was employed by Vanderbilt Medical Center as a telephone operator and was kept busy in her free time caring for relatives.
She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and attended services at Belmont Methodist Church where she was a member of Shriver Sunday School Class.
Miss Cockrill enjoyed knitting.
Clara Virginia Collins
September 26, 1907 – July 15, 1999
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Marshall County, Tennessee
Parents: Tilden Lafayette Collins and Laura Endsley Collins
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 25, 1985
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Siblings: Hardison Collins of Nashville, Tennessee, Robert Lee Collins of Winchester, Tennessee, and L.T. Collins
Stepmother: Ruth Haislip Holly Collins
Niece: Kay Handly
Biography
Miss Collins was the oldest of four siblings. Their mother passed away nine days after the birth of her fourth child and the baby died three months later. Eight-year-old Virginia suddenly became the lady of the house and did her very best to meet the family’s needs for the next three years. In 1917, her father married Mrs. Ruth Haislip Holly, a widow with two children, and she became a true mother to the children asking them to call her Mammy. Before agreeing to marry Mr. Collins, she exacted a promise from him that he would take the children to church every Sunday. He did his best to fulfill this promise, but the children wanted to go with Mammy to her church. Their parents agreed and they joined her Methodist Church. Mr. Collins died in 1920 and Ruth was unable to run the farm. She sold it and kept the children’s money until each reached the age of eighteen.
Miss Virginia used her share of the proceeds of the sale of the farm to earn a business degree. She was employed by the Nashville Electric Company for thirty-five years as a cashier. She made a home for Mammy and herself and loved and cared for her until Mammy’s death in 1958.
Miss Collins was a member of Tulip Street Methodist Church for many years, but later transferred her membership to Belmont Methodist Church. She enjoyed working with children.
Excerpts from letters written by Miss Collins to her niece, between May 27, 1986 and November 23, 1987
“I wouldn’t take anything for having the feeling of security here for the rest of my life. I could not want for anything more.”
“I’m sure you’re ready for a big Thanksgiving Holiday. I know you are going to have so much fun. I have been invited out for dinner, but I have decided I had rather have my Thanksgiving dinner here, we always have such a nice day here.”
“We really had a big party on the 4th of July. You have never seen so many good and beautiful munchies as we enjoyed, and everything was decorated so beautiful. Then a delicious lunch; I was so full I just had to come to my apartment and go to bed. That night we had a get-together on our floor to look at t.v. and eat popcorn. We have a twenty-five inch t.v. on every floor. I’m so happy to be able to live in such a great place the rest of my life with everything that I would ever need. Such loving people in the kitchen and infirmary and maids keeping everything so polished all the time.”
Charity Stagg Comingore
July 5, 1900 – February 13, 1995
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Louisville, Kentucky
Parents: Leonard Comingore and Etta Brewer Comingore
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home August 27, 1980
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later at The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Woodlawn Memorial Park
Biography
Miss Comingore joined the staff at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky in 1948 and was employed as a secretary in the President’s office for twenty years. Miss Charity was honored with an Honorary Alumni Award from this institution. While in Berea, she was active in a number of organizations, including a group called The County Dancer’s at Berea. Upon retirement in 1966, Miss Charity traveled abroad for ten weeks visiting England and Switzerland. After her return she moved to Nashville, Tennessee. She was employed on a part-time basis in the Alumni office of Peabody College. Miss Comingore was a longtime member of the Downtown Presbyterian Church.
After moving to The Old Woman’s Home, Miss Charity hosted daily tea parties in her room, often inviting friends to attend. She made it a truly special occasion by setting a linen-covered table with pretty teatime accessories such as small silver forks and spoons for lemon slices and sugar cubes, as well as a beautiful antique tea cozy she received as a gift as a young woman. Miss Comingore was partial to afternoon teas for several reasons: “It doesn’t interfere with a luncheon, or dinner engagement or a favorite TV program. Since many women my age don’t like to get out at night, it is a nice way to entertain.”
While living at The Old Woman’s Home, Miss Charity wrote a cookbook about afternoon tea entitled “Tea With Charity“. The book covered the history and variety of tea and included subjects such as : How to Make and Serve Tea, and Afternoon Tea With Very Young Friends. It included many recipes for tea-time delicacies including her favorite recipe for Scotch Shortbread. The cover features a pencil sketch of the author pouring tea. She maintained her interest in the Berea, Kentucky area for her entire life and all proceeds from her book were donated to Save the Children’s Appalachian Program in Berea. A copy of her book is kept in the office of The West End Home Foundation.
Quotes from Miss Charity
About her idea of publishing a cookbook: “It just grew like Topsy!”
Miss Charity said that she used to be embarrassed about her name. “But now, I’m learning to spread it in all kinds of places.”
She was proud of her age: “I don’t mind mentioning it for two reasons. I’m so thankful to be on my feet and it’s good for people to know that you don’t have to give up when you reach sixty-five.”
Frances Stratton Corum
February 2, 1919 – Unknown
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies August 25, 1993
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Cousins: Mary Bransford and Ruby Bowles, both Residents of The West End Home For Ladies
Biography
Mrs. Corum had one sister.
Prior to her admission to The West End Home For Ladies, Mrs. Corum was friends with Marion Elizabeth Cole Moore (Bettye), who was also a resident of The Home. Mrs. Corum withdrew from The West End Home For Ladies in May 1995.
Virginia Williams Harris
November 7- Unknown
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies March 13, 1998
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Biography
Mrs. Harris withdrew from The West End Home For Ladies on July 30, 1999.
Marion Eleanor Jordan Hix
April 8, 1904 – March 7, 1991
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents: Lelia C. Jordan
Spouse: Harry Russell Hix
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies September 1, 1981
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2811 West End Avenue, later at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mount Olivet Cemetery
Family References
Sibling: Ewing C. Jordan of Hendersonville, Tennessee
Biography
Mr. and Mrs. Hix were married on April 11, 1946 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Mrs. Hix was a retired bookkeeper.
Ruth T. Holliday
August 20, 1894 – April 6, 1991
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse: Roy M. Holliday
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home August 28, 1975
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue
Burial Site: Mount Olivet Cemetery
Imelda Hughes
June 26, 1904 – March 6, 1995
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Lancaster County, England
Parents: John Peter Hughes and Ellen Garritty Hughes
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home August 27, 1968
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Calvary Cemetery
Family Reference
Sibling: Catherine Grandpierre of Armandale, Virginia
Biography
Miss Hughes’ father was a laborer in a cotton mill. Miss Hughes was a communicant of the Catholic Church and attended Mass at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. She received her United States Certificate of Naturalization on November 22, 1945. Miss Hughes was employed as a nanny for the J.C. Bradford family and remained close to the family until her death.
Carrye Ruffin Jackson
December 27, 1909 – June 1997
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Lebanon, Tennessee
Parents: Ben Batts Ruffin and Emma Doss Ruffin
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies February 28, 1991
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Biography
Mrs. Jackson had one brother. A graduate of Springfield City Schools, Mrs. Jackson was employed by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Gertrude E. Hodges Jones
September 5, 1905 – Unknown
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Berrien County, Georgia
Parents: King H. Hodges and Mattie A. Wiggins Hodges
Spouse: Robert C. Jones
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies December 15, 1983
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee
Family References
Children: Ruby A. Buttrey of Fairview, Tennessee
Biography
Mrs. Jones was a member of Park Avenue Baptist Church. She withdrew from The West End Home For Ladies on June 6, 1990.
Anita Parker Kelley
December 10, 1909 – March 23, 1998
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Meridian, Mississippi
Parents: James William Parker and Mary Shaw Parker
Spouse: Reverend Calvert L. Kelley
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 1, 1984
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Woodlawn Memorial Park
Family References
Children: Jerry Calvert Kelley
Nephew: R. Parker Graham
Biography
Mrs. Kelley’s family moved to Nashville, Tennessee when she was a child and she was educated in Nashville Public Schools. Her husband served as a United Methodist Church minister and they spent most of their married life in West Virginia before returning to Nashville. Reverend Kelley passed away on March 5, 1969. Mrs. Kelley was employed by the United Methodist Boards and Scarritt College. She was a member of Belmont United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Kelley was the first new resident in The West End Home For Ladies at Vanderbilt Place.
Memories of Our Ladies
The Ladies of The West End Home For Ladies remembered Mrs. Kelley’s deep love for and loyalty to her Church, her home, and many long-time friends.
Lucille Baugh Massey
October 21, 1904 – December 3, 1992
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home July 22, 1976
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Woodlawn Memorial Park
Biography
Mrs. Massey had one brother. She was employed as a postal worker at Vanderbilt University.
Edith Free Miller
May 11, 1907 – August 26, 1997
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse: Ralph F. Miller
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies July 15, 1991
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: West Lawn Cemetery in Monroe, Georgia
Family References
Children: Edith Cemele Miller Richardson, member of the Auxiliary of The West End Home For Ladies
Grandchildren: Eric Richardson of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Kevin Richardson of Knoxville, Tennessee, and David Richardson of Nashville, Tennessee
Great-Grandchildren: Rebecca Richardson, Leah Richardson, and Matthew Richardson
Family Memories
Mrs. Miller’s mother was a widow who raised five children by herself while managing a small-town hotel. The youngest of five siblings, Mrs. Miller “might have been a little spoiled” by her mother, siblings, and boarders. Not just her youth, but her physical beauty made her attractive. At every stage of her life, she was regarded by those who knew her as attractive. She was also a lady, strong on manners as well as morals. Mrs. Miller was a person of great faith, she loved God and His Church.
Biography
Mrs. Miller resided in Monroe, Georgia for fifty-two years prior to her admission to The West End Home for Ladies. She enjoyed quilting and in her last years at her home in Monroe, Georgia made quilts for her daughter and son-in-law, Woody Richardson, as well as for each of her three grandsons. Mrs. Miller cared for her oldest grandson, Eric, while her daughter, Cemele was working as a teacher. Mrs. Miller would call Eric “my sugar, my sugar”. Eric began calling his grandmother sugar and so did the rest of the family. Her nickname stuck and she was known as “Sugar” to the family from then on. Mrs. Miller loved baseball and watched her Braves religiously. Mrs. Miller was a member of First Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia. After her admission to The West End Home For Ladies, she was unable to attend services so she regularly watched Bill Sherman’s television broadcast from Woodmont Baptist Church.
Her friends in Monroe, Georgia spoke with Mrs. Miller’s family after her death and said that when Mrs. Miller would call them long distance, that she always mentioned how happy she was in The West End Home For Ladies.
Frances Amanda Brown Morrissey
February 10, 1904 – April 5, 1991
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home May 18, 1974
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue
Burial Site:
Lucille Bruce Mullendore
September 23, 1903 – November 30, 1993
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Huntsville, Alabama
Parents: Charles L. Bruce and Cora Mason Bruce
Spouse: Frank H. Mullendore
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home January 1, 1979
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Woodlawn Memorial Park
Family References
Siblings: Vernon L. Bruce, Charles L. Bruce and Dora S. Bruce all of Nashville, Tennessee
Biography
Mr. Mullendore passed away in April 1974. Mrs. Mullendore retired from the State of Tennessee in 1969. After retirement, she began taking art classes at the Senior Citizen’s Center and said: “After a few lessons, I was hooked on it.” Mrs. Mullendore’s first painting was an oil landscape, but she was slightly allergic to the oil paint and chose to paint with watercolors instead. She had a “gallery” in the hall closest to her room at The Old Woman’s Home and also displayed paintings in the foyer. Mrs. Mullendore painted in an empty front room of The Old Woman’s Home on a table instead of an easel. Her preferred art objects were “birds and flowers, flowers, flowers”. She was always interested in Nashville’s Union Station and after studying a photo in the Sunday paper, Mrs. Mullendore did a pen and ink drawing of the Station and included Mercury atop the structure even though it fell off in 1952. The framing class at the Senior Citizen’s Center asked for permission to make prints of her drawings and sell them. All proceeds from the sale of the first batch of drawings went to the Center. A second batch sold for $5 unframed or $12.50 framed and the proceeds were split between the Center and Mrs. Mullendore. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.
Francis Hilda Slayden Owen
September 27, 1898 – July 31, 1994
Marital Status: Separated
Place of Birth: Waverly, Tennessee
Parents: J.H. Slayden and Willie Pickard Slayden
Spouse: W.C. Owen
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home October 27, 1970
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Siblings: Hazel Slayden Diehl and Helen Slayden of Nashville, Tennessee
Children: W.C. Owen, Jr. of Ashland City, Tennessee and Mrs. B.G. Young, Jr. of Jonesboro, Tennessee
Grandchildren: Nettie Jane Langhans, Past President, Auxiliary of The West End Home For Ladies
Great-Grandchildren: Rod Smith and Bret Smith
Biography
Mr. and Mrs. Owen were married on May 9, 1915. She and her husband separated after eighteen years of marriage, during which time they lived with his mother. Mr. Owen passed away in 1960. Mrs. Owen was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and attended services at Belmont Methodist Church. She retired from Nashville Electric Service after 32 years.
Mrs. Owen’s son installed a sink in her room at the West End Avenue Home as the bathrooms were down the hall.
Wynona Covington Rauscher
December 23, 1905 – November 11, 1997
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Cumberland City, Tennessee
Parents: Charles E. Covington and Tina Pierce Covington
Spouse: Eric Rauscher
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies June 24, 1981
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2811 West End Avenue, later at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Donated body to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Anatomical Donation Program
Family References
Siblings: Mrs. S. Duncan Dillon of Erin, Tennessee.
Biography
Mrs. Rauscher taught school until she married her husband, Eric. After her marriage, Mrs. Rauscher enjoyed being a housewife, reading and playing bridge. Mr. Rauscher passed away on April 1, 1965.
Mrs. Rauscher was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.
In the February/March edition of The West End Home For Ladies newsletter, Mrs. Rauscher was remembered by her friends as “always The Lady”. She was greatly missed by the other residents.
Mary Frances Locke Rich
August 13, 1921 – Unknown
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies April 5, 1995
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Biography
Mrs. Rich had one daughter.
Annella Smith Richardson
February 15, 1888 – September 25, 1993
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee
Parents: Dr. W.H. Smith and Annie Duval Smith
Spouse: Samuel B. Richardson
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home August 17, 1968
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mount Olivet Cemetery
Family References
Nephews: Porter R. Smith, Jr. of Nashville, Tennessee, William F. Smith of West Hartford, Connecticut, Robert S. Satterfield, Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nieces: Virginia Satterfield of Decatur, Alabama, Annie Beth Hester of San Antonio, Texas
Great-Nieces: Shirley Hawkins of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Great Nephew: Bill Satterfield of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mrs. Richardson’s father was an elder at Moore Memorial and a founder of the Sunday School at Waverly Place which the next year (1890) developed into Glen Leven Church. Her father died in a fire in his drugstore on Lower Broadway when Mrs. Richardson was a young child.
Mrs. Richardson grew up on Demonbreun Street between 14th and 15th Avenues and attended Tarbox School. She was employed as a teacher at local schools including Ridgetop, near Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Mrs. Richardson became member of Glen Leven Presbyterian Church in 1919 and served in many areas of their Women’s work. She served as Secretary of Home Missions, Secretary of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, and Secretary of Christian Social Service at Glen Leven. In addition she served as Secretary and Historian (1945-1947) of the Women of the Church and represented Glen Leven on the Martha O’Bryan Board and was Chairman of that Board. On September 29, 1964, Mrs. Richardson was the recipient of the Honorary Life Membership in recognition of her many years of service to the church.
Mrs. Richardson received a letter from President Bill Clinton congratulating her on her 105th birthday.
Orelia Jones Roberts
June 6, 1912 – November 15, 1993
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home April 9, 1991
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Children: Richard A. Roberts of Nashville, Tennessee, and Griff H. Roberts of Jupiter, Florida.
Katherine Perkins Rose (Katye)
August 27, 1908 – January 18, 1998
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth: Martin, Tennessee
Parents: William Robert Perkins and Helen Williams Perkins
Spouse: William Oscar Rose
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies November 4, 1986
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Family References
Nephews: E. Edward Seaton and James W. Perkins
Nieces: Mrs. T.L. Pitts and Mrs. H.M. Castleman
Biography
Mrs. Rose had one brother.
Mrs. Rose was a receptionist for the United Methodist Publishing House. She was a friend of Minnie Pearl, country music artist. After surviving cancer of the larynx, Mrs. Rose became a public speaker to raise cancer awareness. Mrs. Rose stated: “I never tell people to quit smoking. I just be myself. They get the message.” She also said that her cancer was “a blessing in that she has been able to influence many to quit smoking”. Mrs. Rose was a member of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, a charter member of the New Voice Club, a member of Smokeout, The American Red Cross, The Lost Cord Club, and a the International Association for Laryngestomy. She was a finalist for the 1993 Mary Catherine Strobel Award.
Mrs. Rose was a member of St. Paul’s Southern Methodist Church.
The Ladies of The West End Home stated: “We shall never forget her work with cancer related agencies and her ever present smiles under many odds”.
Excerpt of a letter from Mrs. Rose to the Board of Directors of The West End Home dated September 15, 1991
“My five years in The West End Home means more to me than you will ever know. My favorite expression is that this home is the next place to heaven and I mean that sincerely. “
Ruby Hill Shadion
August 21, 1906 – June 6, 1990
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies September 29, 1984
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Lone Oak Cemetery in Lewisburg, Tennessee
Family References
Niece: Mrs. Joe Ed Clark of Nashville, Tennessee
Nephew: William Brusse of Columbia, Tennessee
Biography
Mrs. Shadion was employed as a secretary prior to her retirement. After her admission to The West End Home For Ladies, she continued to work on a part-time basis at Cain Sloan Department Store.
Mary Theresa Shockley
May 31, 1902 – February 12, 1995
Marital Status: Never Married
Place of Birth: Mount Pleasant, Tennessee
Parents: John Hardy Shockley and Isabelle McDowell Shockley
Spouse:
Admitted to The Old Woman’s Home August 21, 1979
Resided in The Old Woman’s Home at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Arlington Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee
Family References
Sibling: Dorothy Shockley
Biography
Miss Shockley’s father was the Fire Chief when Mt. Pleasant got it’s first fire engine. Her mother was made an Honorary Citizen of Mt. Pleasant during a visit to the town at the age of ninety.
Miss Shockley attended Howard High School in Mt. Pleasant and was a member of the school’s first girl’s basketball team. She was a communicant of the Catholic Church.
Oda Riley Stephenson
August 12, 1910 – January 6, 1996
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents: James H. Riley and Caroline Huffman Riley
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies May 15, 1983
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2811 West End Avenue, later in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Family References
Siblings: William Riley, Richard Riley and Robert Riley
Children: Vivian Cook of New Philadelphia, Ohio
Biography
Mrs. Stephenson was a member of Tusculum Hill Baptist Church and was employed by Third National Bank as a Security Clerk.
Annie Myrtle Manley Trotter
April 2, 1905 – February 27, 1993
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse: William Henry Trotter
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies September 1, 1984
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site: Mount Hope Cemetery in Franklin, Tennessee
Family References
Cousins: Margaret Ellis, Barbara Crawford, Louise Hobbs, Mildred Anderson, and Paul Evans
Biography
Mrs. Trotter was a member of Natchez Trace Church of Christ.
Marilyn Chisholm White
October 14, 1924 – Unknown
Marital Status: Married
Place of Birth:
Parents:
Spouse:
Admitted to The West End Home For Ladies October 29, 1997
Resided in The West End Home For Ladies at 2818 Vanderbilt Place
Burial Site:
Biography
Mrs. White was formerly employed in the office of The West End Home For Ladies.
