Betty "BJ" Jean Rhodes

Betty J. (B.J.) Rhodes of Franklin, TN passed away peacefully at her home in Franklin, TN.

Born and only child of Carl and Mary Johnson of Hickman Co. Kentucky, on June 30, 1935, she was schooled in the Hickman Co. system graduating as valedictorian of both eighth grade and high school.

As a teen she was affiliated with polio, almost fatally paralyzed, except for breathing, she was treated at Kosar Cripple Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. The doctors there doubted she would ever walk again but by virtue of a type A personality, she proved them wrong.

She received a full scholarship to University of Kentucky; however, she declined their opportunity and married her childhood sweetheart, Bobby Jean Rhodes in 1953. They had two children Melody Barr today a nurse in Florida, & B.L. Rhodes, who works for the state legislature in Nashville.

BJ was an accomplished pianist. She taught piano to many students near her Hickman County home for many years.

In the early 70s, she entered the University of Tennessee Martin in the nursing program. Upon graduating she was employed in a variety of positions beginning with Obioa Co. General Hospital in Union City going from staff nurse, to charge nurse, to head nurse and nursing supervisor.

While in Union City, she was active in the TN Nursing Associates serving as President of the district.

Subsequent positions lead her to Franklin, Tennessee & to St. Thomas Hospital for a role as house supervisor then she was employed by the State of Tennessee Department of Corrections first at the Old Tennessee State Prison “The Wall” then she helped open the new Lois Berry correctional facility during her 25 years with the department. She was assistant director of nursing director of nursing assistant, healthcare, administrator, and healthcare administrator until she retired as deputy director of health and mental health. 

She is survived by daughter, Melody Barr of Florida; son, BL Rhodes (Miranda) of Lavergne, Tennessee; grandson, Jeremy Pinkston of Reel Foot Lake, Tennessee and Alfred Rhodes of Lavergne, Tennessee; adopted daughter, Victoria Steadman; and granddaughter Ann Steadman of Nashville, Tennessee.

She was a member of First Franklin Methodist Church.

She was an alumni of Franklin Police Citizens Academy, and the Williamson County Sheriff's Citizen Academy.

A funeral service will be held at 3PM Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5:00PM-7:00PM Friday, February 28, 2025 and two hours prior to the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in BJ's Memory to Wounded Warrior Project or The Shriners.