Mrs. Gladys Binkley Nelson Arnold's Obituary
Gladys Binkley Nelson Arnold, age 102, of Nashville, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 22, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Gladys was born on November 19, 1916 in her home on Fatherland Street in Nashville, to the late Joseph Henry Binkley and Bessie Mae Edison.
She was a member of the first graduating class of East Nashville High School. Gladys was a member of the Hotel Greeters Association in the 1930’s and 1940’s and worked as a stenographer for all the downtown hotels in Nashville.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s she and her first husband, Ben Nelson, lived in Knoxville, TN, with their two daughters, Brenda and Susie. When her daughters were young, Mrs. Nelson became a widow. She became a secretary for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville working for the graduate school to provide for her two daughters. In the late 1960’s, Mrs. Nelson moved her 2 daughters back to Nashville where she was an administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Business for the University of Tennessee Nashville until her retirement in the 1980’s.
After being widowed for 20 years, she met a gentleman who was also a retired widower named Marcus D. Arnold of Nashville. They spent 10 happy years together before his death.
Gladys was an active member of the Donelson 50 Forward Center where she loved to play cards. She was very involved with her family, who were very important to her.
At 102, she was honored by the Greater Green Hills Centenarian Club where councilman Jeff Syracuse read a proclamation from Mayor Briley and also received a proclamation from Governor Haslem.
Her mind stayed sharp until her final days. She entertained and educated many with her stories of the changes she witnessed over the years in Nashville. She was a walking history book.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Mary Evelyn Binkley McKee; first husband Benjamin Nelson; second husband Marcus D. Arnold.
She is survived by her daughters Susie Robinson of Hendersonville, TN, and Brenda (Alvin) Nelson McBroom of Prosperity, SC; step-daughters Norma Nelson DePriest Belew of Huntsville, AL and Sandra Arnold Mullins of Nashville; grandchildren Ben (Amanda) McBroom of Chapin, SC, Becky (Matt) McBroom Steurrys of Prosperity, SC, Mary (Kevin) McBroom Davis of Prosperity, SC, Lisa (Scot) McBroom Jones of Chapin, SC, Matt (Shauna) Robinson of Gallatin, TN, Kyle (Natalie) Robinson of Gallatin, TN, Jake (Nina) Robinson of Goodlettsville,TN, Anna (Matt) Robinson Lee of Hendersonville, TN, Kim DePriest Tuzzio of Thompson Station, TN, Stephanie (Ronnie) DePriest Robbins of Huntsville, AL, and Nikki (Terrand) Mullins Tole of Nashville; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; a devoted nephew Robert J. McKee of Hendersonville, TN; her precious dog, Millie; caregivers Barbara Hill, Brenda Judd, Jana Jaudon Moore (and her daughters Melody and Carmen), Karen Cowell, Gail Tongue and Patty Hughes.
The family would like to thank Avalon Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Gladys. They would also like to thank Pastor Judi Hoffman for her many visits and the kindness of the members of the East End United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 30, from 1 PM until 5 PM at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville. Another visitation will be Sunday, March 31, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 PM with Pastor Judi Hoffman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East End United Methodist Church 1212 Holly Street, Nashville, TN 37206 or the Donelson 50 Forward Center 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216.
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