Josephine (Jo) Durrett Doubleday died on November 6, 2022, surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years Bennett (Ben) Bell Doubleday, Jr., her daughter Margaret Hicks Doubleday of Falls Church, VA, and her granddaughter Margaret Allison Doubleday of Odenton, MD.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah (Sally) Elizabeth Doubleday and her parents, Eulah Hicks Durrett and Joseph Walker Durrett.
Born in Chattanooga on May 28, 1926, Jo moved to Nashville with her parents at age 9. She attended Hillsboro High School, then transferred to Ward Belmont when her father noticed that she enjoyed socializing more than studying.
She graduated from Ward Belmont in 1944, and was proud of her scars from her field hockey days. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1948, with a degree in psychology. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta women’s fraternity. At Vanderbilt she met her life-long love, Ben, they married in 1952.
She taught 2nd grade and then continued to tutor 3rd grade children in reading in the Metro Public schools for many years. She worked in public relations for The Mathews Company during the creation of Metro Center, One Nashville Place, and other major downtown projects.
She was a friend to many in need: making phone calls, writing notes, and cards – often appearing at the doors of neighbors and friends with soup, boiled custard, and sweets made from her trove of recipes.
Jo was known for her style, her confidence and the perpetual twinkle in her eye. She loved flowers and was called upon by friends, her church, and her many charities to provide arrangements for every occasion. She loved her walks in Warner Park with her walking buddies and for years walked 6 miles a day, often playing a set of tennis afterward.
Jo attended West End United Methodist church for over 87 years where she participated in many committees and was known for her coordination of weddings. She was active in the Garden Club of Nashville, the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee and was famous for her floral designs.
Organizations included in her many volunteer and civic activities were the Junior League of Nashville (sustaining member), Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, the Palm Sunday Paper Sale, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, and the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees as the Ward Belmont representative.
The funeral service will be held at West End United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 18. A visitation will be held in Reed Hall at West End United Methodist Church at 10:00 AM.
A celebration of Jo’s life will be held following the service at Belle Meade Country Club, 815 Belle Meade Boulevard from 12:30 to 2:30 PM.
A private interment for the family will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, Harpeth Hall School, 3801 Hobbs Rd. Nashville TN, 37215, or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Doubleday family.
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 Durrett Doubleday passed away on November 6, 2022, surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers.){kind=link}