Kitty Rice Binkley

Following her graduation from Central High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1959, she attended Cumberland University where she majored in Business. After college, Kitty enjoyed a fulfilling career for many years as an Executive Assistant in a variety of fields.  She began her career at AVCO; but a few years later, when her children reached school age, she decided to take her career in a different direction and began working for the Metro Nashville Public School System, along with serving in leadership of the PTA.  Following this, she was given the opportunity to serve the Chairman of the Board of Suntrust Bank and thoroughly enjoyed her years there.  When she left the bank, she went to work for the Kenneth Jones Company, after which she retired. All of her employers considered her a dependable, loyal and invaluable asset.

It was while at AVCO in 1964, she met her future husband, Roy Binkley, and they were married for 56 years.  Together, they had 3 children, and she spent a lifetime being a selfless and devoted wife and mother to her family. She was also one of the best grandmothers on the planet, and she took great pride and pleasure in spoiling them.  However, not only did she show love to the children in her family, she had a love for all children, and that was a big part of who she was.  She won over most little ones with ice cream, a toy, or a good book and infectious kindness.  She made nurturing children look so easy.  

As the true matriarch and heartbeat of her family, her loss is deeply felt and her role is irreplaceable.  The memories and traditions will never be forgotten, and the family was blessed to have had many created by her. Always busy, you'd be hard-pressed to ever see her sitting down, because she was usually doing something to serve her family.  She loved having traditions, and one of the favorites was her decades of Sunday dinners. At these meals, the presence of family was expected, but if you happen to be a friend lucky enough to come by and hit dinner at the right time, you would get a good meal and great hospitality by Miss Kitty.  

Some words used to describe her by those that knew her well have been fun, trustworthy, active, friendly, practical, honest, devoted and servant, all of which capture the essence of who she was.  She embraced life with a light-hearted and generous spirit.  As was her personality, she preferred being behind the scenes supporting others and drawing no attention to herself. Whether it be her family or those she worked with, she had a gift for serving and bringing out the best in everyone she helped.  

Kitty was a great woman, and she embodied Proverbs 31:28 -29:  "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."  Kitty's legacy will live on through her loving family and the many lives she touched throughout her well-lived life and career in the Nashville community.