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On Friday, January 5, 2024, Jeanette Anderson Nave, loving wife and mother of two children, passed away at the age of 94.
Jeanette was born in 1929 in Ashland, Ky., to Tom and Ressie Grindstaff Anderson. When she was very young, her family moved back to Elizabethton where her grandparents had a small farm. Jeanette loved the animals but said, “I never got the hang of how to milk a cow!”
Jeanette was a 1948 graduate of Elizabethton High School. Although she had no musical training, she played the E Flat Alto Horn in the award-winning Betsy Band. When asked to describe her playing, she replied, “When the big horn up front went ‘toot’, I went ‘toot, toot!’” These were some of the many happy days of her life.
After high school, she met Kenneth Nave and they married on December 31, 1948. They built their house in the Hunter community where they raised their son and daughter.
Having a love for math, Jeanette attended Steed College where she studied bookkeeping. She worked as the office manager and bookkeeper at Watson Brothers Sheet Metal and Roofing Company. While keeping the books, she frequently commented that “the only math I don’t like is subtraction because that means the money is going out!” As you can tell, Jeanette had a wonderful sense of humor.
Jeanette also loved nature and enjoyed picnicking at the TVA boat ramp on the Wilbur Reservoir. Every picnic, without fail, she would admire the surroundings and remark, “My eyes can’t take in all the beauty” or “We live in a wonderful country.” Her words challenge us, each day, to notice and appreciate all the beauty around us.
Later in life, Jeanette made her home at Sycamore Springs Senior Living in Elizabethton. She was beloved by staff and as one stated aptly, “If you are ever feeling a little down, stop by and see Jeanette. She is sure to give you a compliment or say something witty to cheer you up.” Jeanette’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and playfulness are how so many will remember her.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, and son, Dennis.
She is survived by her daughter, Tonia; daughter-in-law, Joan; nieces, Sheryl and Faye; nephew, Eugene; grandson, Justin; granddaughter, Kathy; three great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.
The family wishes to thank the Sycamore Springs Senior Living staff, especially the nurses and caregivers, for the kindness and compassion shown to Jeanette during her residence. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to Dr. Shankle and her nurses, Ashley and Jennifer, for the excellent medical care they provided. Also, a special thank you to Jeanette’s former nurse and good friend, Lukeus Isbanioly.
In keeping with Jeanette’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. For those who would like to honor her memory, please consider donating to your local food bank. Jeanette was always concerned about those facing hunger. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Jeanette Anderson Nave. Office Phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Line Information (423) 543-4917.