Keary Dryden

Born in Memphis, Tennessee on April 14, 1952

Departed on April 8, 2017

Visitation: Christ Presbyterian ChurchSaturday April 15, 2017 11:00am to 1:00pmCelebration of Life Service: Christ Presbyterian ChurchSaturday April 15, 2017 1:00pm

Keary Palmer Dryden, 64, of Brentwood, TN, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 8, 2017. She was born on April 14, 1952 in Memphis, TN to the late Gilbert Watson Palmer, Jr. and Kate Johnson Palmer.

Keary graduated in 1970 from Central High School in Memphis, TN. She completed her undergraduate degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University in 1974. She completed her master's degree in nursing in 1979 from University of Alabama Birmingham.

Keary worked for a season as an RN, however, her true calling was teaching. She was a clinical nursing instructor at Belmont University for 20 years. She was a member of the Honorary Nursing Society, Sigma Theta Tau International. She will live on in the hearts of the students she has touched with her dedicated, humble service to each and every one of them.

Keary was a devoted mother, loving wife, passionate teacher and caring nurse. She was guided by her love and unwavering faith in God, and was a member at Christ Presbyterian Church. Keary shared her special gifts through numerous mission trips to Cambodia, service to many nonprofits in Nashville and was instrumental in the formation of the church's ministry to college students.

Keary also served as a nurse at Camp Country Lad in Monterey, TN for 20 years. She cherished the time she spent there with her sons, nephews, and campers.

Keary is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Alec Dryden, her two sons Samuel Alston Dryden (Megan) and Alec Palmer Dryden, her three brothers Gilbert W. Palmer III (Kitty), Thomas S. Palmer (Margo), and Alston J. Palmer (Carita).

Funeral service will be Saturday, April 15, 2017, 1:00 pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2323 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville, TN 37215. Visitation at the church will begin at 11:00 am. A brief graveside service will immediately follow the funeral service at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to:

Christ Presbyterian Church, 2323 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville, TN 37215 The Keary P. Dryden Memorial Medical Missions Endowment; Belmont University, Office of Development, Fidelity Hall 105; 1900 Belmont Blvd.; Nashville, TN 37212 Freedom's Promise, P.O. Box 58996 Nashville, TN 37205