Elizabeth (Betty) Denning Everett, age 81, of Dickson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Taylor Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
A proud native of Old Hickory, Tennessee, Betty graduated from DuPont High School in 1961 and earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee Tech in 1965. During her time at Tech, she served as President of the women’s student organization, was a dorm counselor, and participated in the President’s Roundtable—contributing to the university’s renaming.
Betty devoted the early part of her career to teaching, working in both public and private elementary schools for 15 years. In October 1982, she experienced sudden and complete hearing loss. Undeterred, she returned to school and, in 1985, earned a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling/Psychology from Tennessee State University with a 4.0 GPA.
From 1987 to 2001, she served as Director of Educational Services at the Oasis Center, where she helped guide and support countless young people. A passionate advocate and gifted speaker, Betty served as a spokesperson for the United Way for 14 years in Davidson and Williamson counties. She was honored with the first ACE Award for her outstanding service as a person with a disability.
Betty was a trailblazer in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. She served on the board of the League for the Deaf and became its first deaf President. Under her leadership, the League raised $1.5 million, and a conference room was named in her honor. Betty was also the first person in the Southeast to receive a hearing dog—*Smurf*, who was the first hearing dog trained in Canine Companions’ Southeast Region Hearing Dog Training Program.
She went on to serve as President of the Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and was an active member of the Nashville Mayor’s Council for Disabilities. In 1991, she was nominated for the Mary Kathryn Strobel Award for her commitment to service. Her achievements were further recognized when she was named DuPont High School Alumni of the Year and featured in *I Love Life* by Jerry Dahmon.
Betty is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jake Everett and Shaw Everett of Burns, TN, and Lauren (Vincent) Finneran of Dickson, TN; her daughter-in-law, Cathy Everett Poole (Robert) of Burns, TN; her great-grandson, Keaton Poole; nephews, Billy Ferguson and Mark Denning; nieces, Carol Ferguson, Michele Denning, Nicholson, Dawn Denning Duryea, Natalie Denning Kinney, and Jeannie Denning Weiland; her dear friend, Jennifer Brown; and her loyal four-legged companion, Ruby.
She was preceded in death by her son, James R. (Trey) Everett, III; her parents, Thomas E. and Regina B. Denning; her sister, Nancy D. Ferguson; and her brothers, Thomas E. Denning and C.R. (Reg) Denning.
Betty’s life was defined by resilience, compassion, and a deep dedication to helping others. Her voice, spirit, and legacy will continue to resonate in the lives she touched and the communities she so passionately served.
