Obituary of Betty Josephine Kennedy Nash

Betty Josephine K. Nash, “Betty Jo” “BJ”, died 10 January 2016 in Bedford. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. Betty Jo was born 24 October 1935 in Bedford, Virginia. She was the daughter of James A. and Katie M. Kennedy. Betty Jo attended Bedford High School, where she was a cheerleader for the football team. After graduating from Bedford High School in 1954, Betty Jo completed an Associates Degree in Business Management at Phillips Business College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Thereafter, she began work at Bedford Memorial Hospital in the bookkeeping department. Betty Jo began working in the office of Piedmont Label in 1968, where she proudly worked for 32 years until her retirement. Retirement was not enough to keep Betty Jo busy. She returned to the workforce in the cafeteria of Big Island Elementary School and later, as a caregiver for the Bedford Department of Social Services until 2007. While dedicated to her multiple careers, Betty Jo also made time to travel, with one highlight being her dream trip to see the rodeo at Frontier Days in Wyoming with her favorite cowboy, Bernie. Betty Jo was a dedicated and active member of the Lynchburg Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, Lodge 321. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Kathleen Johnson Kennedy, Frances K. Chappelle, Eleanor K. Manning, Jane K. Waid, and her nephews: Stephen Chappelle, Mack H. Waid, and James R. Taylor. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 55 years, Bernard A. Nash, “Bernie,” of Bedford, daughter Mary Beth Nash (Sarah) of Roanoke, and son, Benjamin A. Nash of Lynchburg. She is also survived by her two grandsons, Kaleb and Randall; her sisters Mildred K. Taylor, Ann Marie Dickens, her brother, James Kennedy, several nieces and nephews, and a host of devoted friends. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the many caregivers who provided compassionate care to Betty Jo over the last several years, particularly the staff at Bedford Adult Day Care Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Bedford Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Big Island and Bedford Lifesaving Crews. The family will receive visitors at Updike Funeral Home in Bedford on 12 January 2016 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral service will be conducted at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Bedford on 13 January 2016 at 11 am. Reverend Mark Wilkerson will officiate. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.