Ida Michelle Trent

Ida Michelle Trent was born October 14th, 1950 to Thelma & Lee Trent, in Middlesboro, KY. She was their 5th child. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings: John, Harry “Pud”, Leland Ann, Bruce and William; cousin (like a brother) Dan Trent; uncle and aunt, Dr. James & Edna Frazier. She was also preceded by her beloved companion, David Bartlett.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Twila (Dante) Wheat and Robert “Brian” Lee West; grandchildren, Dante Christopher Wheat Jr. and Brittney Wheat; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Norah, and Ronin Wheat; siblings Melinda “Lynn” Thompson, Arthur (Godiva) Trent, and Mike Trent; very special niece Michelle (Joe) Todd, cousin (like a brother) James “Junior” Frazier, Jr.; loyal friend for over 40 years Shirley Taylor, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and her dog, Pepper.

Ida accepted Christ at a young age at Virginia Street Baptist Church in Hopkinsville where she sang in the choir and served as a junior usher. She attended Attucks High School through her junior year, but due to integration, graduated from Hopkinsville High School, where she was the school’s first Black basketball queen.

A determined young lady, she did not allow becoming a mom at the age of eighteen, to deter her from following her dream. With the support of her parents, she graduated from Harlan School of Nursing, becoming the second of only 2 Black registered nurses at Middlesboro Hospital, at that time. She also worked a second job at Claiborne County Hospital, in Tazewell, TN. She would eventually move to Seattle, WA where she started working at the V.A. Medical Center. In order to be closer to family, she moved to Louisville which has been her home since 1983. In her nursing career, she worked many different areas: med/surg, ICU, ER, psychiatry, quality management, community health, and ambulatory care. She was a great nurse who took pride in providing her patients the best possible care and took personal interest in them and their families. A life-long learner, she eventually advanced her education and graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with her bachelor’s degree in 2004. She worked for the VAMC for 26 years before retiring. After retirement, Ida remained active in nursing by teaching at ATA College and working part-time at James S. Taylor Memorial Home. In 2018, after 46 years of being a licensed RN, she officially retired her nursing license.

Ida loved helping people, and she was tenacious in doing so. As AFGE union Chief Steward of local 1133, she fought against unfair labor practices and kept a number of her VAMC team members from losing their jobs, earning her the nickname of “Perry-etta Mason”, after the fictional lawyer, Perry Mason of the 1960s. She opened her home to many friends, family members, and co-workers in need of a place to stay. Whether they were moving to Louisville and needed a temporary place to stay, or just needed help to get back on their feet; her door was always open, with the disclaimer, “I’m not a housekeeper!” At her church, Community Hope Baptist, she started and served on the Nurses’ Guild.

She never met a stranger. Wherever she worked or lived, she made friends. She took the time to get to know people, to personally connect, and to greet everyone with a smile. Even, as her health declined she greeted friends, family, and caregivers with a welcoming smile. As her ability to speak weakened, her laugh was still strong and she enjoyed many good laughs watching favorite television shows or movies, and engaging with family and friends.

On the unseasonably warm night of February 28th, 2025 while surrounded by family, Ida peacefully passed away. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, but her smile, her tenacity, and generous spirit will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 4:00pm to 7:00pm, and on Saturday, March 15 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Community Hope Baptist Church, 6416 Vandre Ave, Louisville, KY 40228, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00am.

The family would like to thank the following:

• The nursing, medical, and rehab services staff of Norton Brownsboro Hospital and Norton Hospital.
• The security, office, nursing, rehab services, and dietary staff of Treyton Oak Towers, especially: Karen, Jeanne, Tina, Kim, Tobi, Royce, Tiana, Liddy, Tasha, Mike, Alma, Agatha, Delilah, Sonya, Doodles, Phyllis, Susanne, Valerie, Gwen, Ron, GQ, and Don.
• Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
• Community Hope Baptist Church
• Friends and co-workers who offered words of encouragement, who prayed, who brought food, who visited with Mama/Mom, who asked how they could help.
• Hillerich & Bradsby
• Norton Healthcare Employee Experience & Risk Management departments
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• We are eternally grateful to all of you!