OBITUARY

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She was always warm, compassionate, and, as some described her, a "good soul" who cared passionately about others.

A precious life came to a close early Sunday morning on October 25, 2026, when Mother Betty Lou Wright Nash was called to her heavenly home. She was born on July 12, 1932, to Val and Lucinda Wright of Malvern, Arkansas. She grew up in a loving Christian home and was inspired by her parents and her grandparents, the late Rev. and Mrs. A.D. Rowan, who founded and pastored the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Arkansas. At age nine, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized in the Baptist Church of Malvern, Arkansas.

She loved her eight siblings, enjoyed competing in roller skating contests, and received a band scholarship to Arkansas AM and N, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she proudly played the tuba. She graduated from Malvern High School and later earned a bachelor's degree from Arkansas AM and N. Always striving for the best, she also earned a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

In 1954, Betty Lou and the Late Dr. McKinley Nash, Sr. were united in holy matrimony, a union that lasted 45 years until McKinley (Mac) passed in 1999. From this union, they had 4 children: Rev. Rena V. Nash, JD, MA, MDIV; Nina Nash, MD; the late McKinley Nash, Jr. (Mitchell Stewart), a business owner; and Eric Anthony Nash, MD. She was proud of her family, whom she loved dearly, her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others, as well as her church and community. She was the true definition of a "matriarch," leading her family with grace, class, and poise, and earning the love and respect of her family, the church, and the community.

As a respected educator, she was loved by students in the school systems of Louisiana, Illinois, and California, where she taught history and social studies. She provided cutting-edge, exceptional learning opportunities for her students, not only through academics but also by sharing her extensive travels around the world. She traveled throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia, inspiring and making a worldwide impact on those she touched.

She always had a strong desire to serve God and humanity. She was an active member of several women's fellowship groups and enjoyed guiding, counseling, and generously sharing with others. She was always warm, compassionate, and, as some described her, a "good soul" who cared passionately about others. Her grandchildren, family, and friends remember her profound love for them. She also enjoyed good times with family, including occasionally having Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars. Fondly, she was often known as "Aunt Betty" not only by family members but also by others who considered themselves part of the village of love she embodied.

She made her transition peacefully with family by her side. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and dear friends who will miss her deeply.