Bennie Wells Shaw Batson passed away peacefully at her home in Brentwood, Tennessee on June 6, 2017. A memorial visitation with family and friends will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017, at her home, 530 Beech Creek Rd. South, Brentwood, Tennessee. Bennie Wells was born on March 6, 1927, in Tuscumbia, Alabama to Arthur Lawrence Shaw and Bennie Wells Shaw and spent her childhood years there. Upon graduation from Deshler High School in 1945, she attended the University of Alabama where she graduated with a B.A. in teaching and English and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. In 1950, after completing college and working as a fashion model in New York City, Bennie Wells married Dr. Oscar Randolph Batson MD and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. They spent 54 years together until his death in 2004. She was involved in many civic activities throughout her life including her childrens’ school activities, The Vanderbilt Sewing Club, The Centennial Club, and The Windemere Garden Club. Bennie’s greatest joys came from time spent with her family and numerous friends. A day did not pass when she did not reach out to someone to offer comfort to them in times of sorrow, to celebrate the joy of living in times of plenty, or to just check on a friend to make sure they were doing well. She will be remembered by her enthusiasm for life, unyielding positive attitude, and open-arms welcome to her home where you may have entered as a stranger but always left as a friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Bennie Shaw; sister, Barbara Shaw Sneed; and husband, Dr. Randolph Batson MD.
She is survived by her daughters, Bennie Barbara Batson, Nellie Wells Batson, and Alicia Bond Batson; son, Oscar Randolph Batson Jr. “Ran”; son-in-law, Bert Allen Hartman; and grandchildren, Katherine Walker Smith, Mary Ellen Frances Smith, and Alicia Meriwether Smith. In addition, she is survived by many nephews and their families, Shaw Sneed, Joseph Sneed, Frederick Sneed, and Benjamin Sneed, who were very dear to her heart. As much as they will miss her, they all rejoice in celebration of her graduation to eternal life.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Diane Shakur, Ericka Clendening, and Sherry Windrow for their skilled and loving care in her later years. Much appreciation is extended to her precious loyal friends whom she loved so dearly.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, 545 Beech Creek Rd. South, Brentwood, TN 37027, owlshill.org.
