Betty Caroline Burton, age 89, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee, passed away on August 10, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born on April 30, 1937, in Nashville, the daughter of the late James Spencer Deaton and Ella Elizabeth McElroy.

Betty devoted much of her life to caring for others through her career as a registered nurse with Vanderbilt Medical Center. Caring for people came naturally to her, but the greatest joy of her life was always her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty had a love for antiques and finding furniture, and her family knew that bringing something home often meant a room might soon be rearranged, sometimes even the kids' bedrooms. She loved riding Tennessee Walking Horses and enjoyed traveling, with wonderful memories of trips to places such as Australia and Japan, although she was perfectly content spending time in the Smokey Mountains of Gatlinburg. She was also an amazing cook, and many of her family's favorite memories were made gathered around food she prepared with love.

Christmas held an especially special place in Betty's heart. She loved having her grandchildren help decorate the Christmas tree and hang the family stockings, followed by hot chocolate and plenty of laughter and slumber parties. These simple traditions became treasured memories that her family will carry with them for years to come.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Dearing Burton, and her parents.

She is survived by her children, Greg (Sherri) Burton, Terry (Venta) Burton, and Janet (Fred) Nicotera; grandchildren, Ally Nicotera, Cassie Nicotera, Lee (Shannon) Burton, Jesse (Willow) Burton, Jessica (Ryan) Pendergrass, and Emily (Dane) Quinn; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Conner; and sisters, Fay Edison, Sandra (John) Lawrence, and Cindy (David) Stricklin. She also leaves behind many other family members and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

A Private Celebration of Life Service with Preacher Johnny Trail officiating. Burial will follow in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Spencer Stricklin, Heath Stricklin, Jay Lawrence, Jayson Lawrence, Lee Burton, and Ryan Pendergrass serving as pallbearers.

Betty will be remembered for a life spent caring for others, her love of family, the traditions she created, and the many memories made with her family and friends. Her family will deeply miss her, but the love she poured into them will continue through the generations she treasured so dearly.