Armena Abernathy, 91, of Red Bank, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2013.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., she came south 67 years ago. She was a graduate of Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing, UTC with a BS in Social Work and Tennessee State University with a master's in Adult Education.
She was an active member of Tennessee Nurses Association, District 4 and served as a president of the organization. She also attended many nursing conventions as a delegate. Mrs. Abernathy organized the second chapter of Nurses House in the United States which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping registered nurses in need. She was head nurse in the Emergency Room at Memorial Hospital when it first opened and worked there 17 years. She also has worked at Erlanger, Tennessee State Prison, Human Services as Nurse/Social Worker. She taught Red Cross classes, served as camp nurse for Girl Scouts and was a Domestic Violence Hotline volunteer for many years.
She was preceded in death by her son, Armen Abernathy; grandson, Kenneth B. Abernathy; sister, Araxy Cook; brothers: Barkev Palouian, Haig Palouian and Masis Palouian.
Survivors include her daughter, Marcia Abernathy of Red Bank; daughter-in-law, Pamela Abernathy of Red Bank and granddaughter, Dr. Stephanie Caudill of Manassas, Va.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, in Chattanooga Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Nurses House, The Veronica M. Discoll Center for Nursing, 2113 Weston Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084 or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace, 423 877-3524. Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.