Obituary for local historian Elizabeth “Bettie” Cook

Elizabeth “Bettie” Clayton Cook, age 74 of Murfreesboro, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Alive Hospice, Murfreesboro.  She was a native of Murfreesboro and a descendant of Rutherford County and Murfreesboro’s earliest settlers. She was a daughter of the late James K. Clayton, Sr. and Frances Gerhardt Clayton. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded by her husband, Curtis Cook; sister, Laura Keeble Clayton; brother, Judge James K. Clayton, Jr. and his wife, Betty Cooper Clayton, and a nephew, James K. Clayton, III.

Survivors include a daughter, Renee Cook Mc-Elheney and husband Billy, and granddaughter, Krystal Hughes and husband Thomas, all of Mid-lothian, TX; grandson, Christapher McElheney of Dallas, TX; great-granddaughter, Elliott; niece, Maredith Metier and husband Tom of Bell Buckle; great nephew, Cooper Clayton Metier; nephews, Warren and Mark Sanders and their father, Dave Sanders; sister in law, Lynn Stevenson Clayton; and a host of other loving family, friends, and co workers.

Mrs. Cook was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, a 1962 graduate of Central High School, and attended MTSU. She retired in 2003 as a Park Ranger from the Stones River National Battlefield after thirty two years of service. In addition to being an integral part 

of the many educational programs at the battlefield, she was a member of Murfreesboro Charity Circle and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of memorial services beginning at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Following the services, the family will receive friends at the Clayton Family Home, 525 E. College St., Murfreesboro.

The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers including Libby and Rosie. Memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Cook to the Stones River National Battlefield and First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Memorial Chapel and an online guest book is available at www.woodfinchapel.com

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