Betty Nina Brodes

Betty B. Brodes, 96, of Cleveland, TN passed away on April 13, 2026, at a local health care facility.

Betty grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She graduated from Preston High School in 1947. She graduated from the University of Maryland, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, with a B.A. in English in 1951. She worked for the U.S. State Department after graduation, and married Donald Brodes. Betty later earned a master's degree in library science. She worked as a librarian in a private school in Fairfax, VA, and then worked for the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, VA, where she retired as Chief of Small Purchases and Business Development Specialist. Following retirement, Donald and Betty moved to New Bern, North Carolina, where they were active in the Greenbriar community. They moved to Cleveland, TN in 2010 to be close to family.

Betty and Donald both enjoyed fishing. They kept a boat at Point Lookout, MD on Chesapeake Bay for many years. When they moved to New Bern, they kept a boat at Harker's Island, NC. Their grandsons enjoyed many outings to fish and enjoy the beach at Cape Lookout.

Betty was a wonderful cook and enjoyed hosting dinner parties for friends. She loved to shop, travel, and read. She collected antique glassware. She enjoyed walking for exercise and kept up a walking routine throughout her life. She was a loving, caring wife, mother, and grandmother.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, A.J. and May Bradley, her brother, Joe Bradley, and her husband of 71 years, Donald Brodes. She is survived by her children, Nina (Jerry) Barrow of Cleveland TN, and David (Donna) Brodes of Lynnwood WA; five grandsons, and three great-grandsons.

Interment will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. In honor of our mother's wishes, there will not be a funeral service.

The family want to thank the staff at Legacy Village and Hearth Hospice for their wonderful care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the charity of your choice.