Nina Jeanne' (Damron) Westbrook

Nina Jeanne’ Damron Westbrook, of Athens, GA, passed away on October 19, 2023, the day before her 92nd birthday. Jeanne’ was born in Watkinsville, GA, the daughter of Welton Cleveland Damron and Jessie Ioney Parker. She was a lifelong resident of Athens. Jeanne’ graduated from Athens High School in 1948 and married her husband of sixty-nine years, Harry Winston “Wink” Westbrook, in 1954. They had two sons, Winston Westbrook, Jr., and Clay Morris Westbrook.

Jeanne’s love for her family and desire to help others in need shaped her every action, always willing to lend a hand, help solve a problem, provide a shoulder to cry upon, or just listen. At home with a houseful of boys, these things almost never happened! But she remained close with sister Mary, cousins Gail and Patricia, aunts Gaynell and Susie, and many friends from Athens High and her career in banking, all but a precious few of whom pre-deceased her.

Jeanne’ was precise in her words and thinking, often using this skill to find humor in virtually any situation. She had a unique talent for never taking anything at face value. These traits were sharpened to a razor’s edge at home with a houseful of boys and most assuredly advanced her career in banking.

Jeanne’ was a “career woman” and “working mom” long before these terms became commonplace. In 1948, at age 17, the First National Bank of Athens hired her as a secretary. She worked there for 46 years until her retirement from Trust Company Bank in 1994. She was promoted many times, and in 1980 she had the distinction of being the only woman promoted to First Vice President in the bank’s 118-year history. She also held leadership roles with the Athens Chamber of Commerce, the Athens-Clarke Development Authority, and many charitable organizations.

In retirement, Jeanne’ loved spending time with Wink at their home in Highlands, NC, enjoying the cool Appalachian weather and, together with her sister-in-law Helen and many friends, keeping the local boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops profitable.

She is survived by her sister Mary Hamby, her two sons, daughters-in-law Dianne and Elizabeth, three grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and 16 nieces and nephews and their families. The family is grateful for the work of Gentiva Hospice in support of Jeanne’ and are especially grateful to Margie Glenn, Sandra Washington, and Traci Johnson for their love and care for Jeanne’ in her life’s closing months.

Jeanne’ will be laid to rest in Oconee Hills Cemetery in Athens, GA. The family will have visitation from 11am-12pm on Tuesday, October 24, at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East, with burial immediately following. Donations on behalf of Jeanne’ to the Athens-Clarke Police Foundation, 3035 Lexington Road, Athens 30605 are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com