Obituary of Nettie Drucilla Bratton-Newsom

Nettie Drucilla Bratton-Newsom known as “Dru”, “Momma” and “Gran Gran” was born in Springfield, Tennessee on August 28, 1945, to the late John E. Taylor and Pecola Bratton. Dru was educated in the Robertson County school system and graduated from Bransford High School in 1963. After moving to Nashville, Dru continued her education at Nashville School of Business where she received her Associates Degree in Business. Later she was joined in holy matrimony to James Frank Newsom. Dru accepted her calling to Christ at an early age. She learned and developed her Christian foundational and spiritual values through her involvement in religious programs and services. While in Business School, Dru provided clerical work for various pastors who were also instrumental in her spiritual knowledge and growth. She joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend Levi A. Britt. There she immediately joined the beautification committee and Senior Usher Board. Years later, Dru united with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jimmy Greer, Sr. There she continued her love for meeting and greeting people by uniting with their Usher Board. Dru started employment at Vanderbilt University in 1966 and continued to work in different departments until her health failed. As a result of her unique skills, she was one of Vanderbilt Medical Center’s First Annual Hidden Figures Honorees. Dru loved shopping, plants and spending time with family and friends. As well as being a mother to her three children, she was a mother to many. Adored and loved by all. Praying to God in Heaven, He came back for his angel on February 7, 2023. Drucilla was proceeded in death by her husband, James Frank Newsom and brother, Lawrence Bracken. Leave to cherish her memoires are her three devoted children, Darren Bratton, Tangela Bratton and Jeffrey (Angela) Bratton; grandchildren, Christopher Frierson, Lovard (Tiara)Horton, and Shatoria Bratton, JaLiyah Bratton, Dajuan Bratton, and Zania Bratton; great grandchildren, Peyton Harris, LayDen Horton, LayLah Horton, and Lohgan Horton. Devoted sister, Antonia D. McClain; and devoted nephew, Michael McClain; devoted friend Bill (Davie) Jamison; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her Vanderbilt family. 

Please keep the Bratton family in your thoughts and prayers.