Betty Lou French Huffaker was born on March 29, 1930 in Elbert, West Virginia. She was the 7th of 12 children born to Thomas and Docie French. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Tannersville, Virginia. This would remain her home until after her marriage, on August 7, 1950 to Jacob Jay Huffaker (Jake). They were married for 64 years until Jake’s death in June of 2015. Betty and Jake had two daughters, Vickie (November 1952) and Deborah (November 1955).
After their wedding, Jake and Betty moved to Kodak, Tennessee. In 1952, Betty became an Army wife, when Jake was inducted into service for the Korean War. She lived with his family with her 5-day old daughter, Vickie, until his return from Korea in the spring of 1954. The couple made their move to South Knoxville, Tennessee shortly afterward. Their second daughter, Deborah, was born in November 1955.
Betty started her work career in 1957 at the Standard Knitting Mill in Knoxville. She remained employed there until the closing of the mill was announced in 1987. She returned to school, where she earned her CNA license and began her job at Hillcrest South Nursing Home. She worked there until her retirement in 1992. She was loved by her patients and staff. She often remarked that if she had known how rewarding the work would be she would have made it her life's career. She was still in contact with former staff members until her death. After Jake's death in June 2015, Betty continued to live by herself at her home in South Knoxville.
Betty was active in her church home, the Knoxville Baptist Tabernacle. She was a member there for 68 years. She taught the 8-year olds Sunday school for 16 yrs.
Betty loved her family. She always took opportunities to be close to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially when she had the opportunity to have them with her at home. Betty was known for her famous banana pudding. She was always asked to provide a big bowl for church functions and also for the annual family reunions held in her home town of Tannersville, Virginia.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Jake Huffaker, grandson Justin Earle, great granddaughter Olivia Newsome, her parents Thomas and Docie French, her sisters Ida Mae Taylor (and husband Ike), Pauline Minton (and husband Jack), her brothers Billy French, George French (and wife Irene), Kyle French (and wife Elizabeth), Maynard French (and wife Evelyn) and Eugene French, and brothers-in-law David Allison and Archie Orr.
She is survived by her daughters Vickie Walter (and husband Alan) of Ringgold, Georgia and daughter Deborah Stretcher (and husband Robert) of Huntsville, Texas, her grandchildren Rachel Newsome (and husband Caleb), Deborah Elizabeth Walter, Joshua Earle (and wife Megan), and Adam Stretcher. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Claire and Isaac Newsome, and McKenzie, Skylar, Peyton and Jacob Earle, her sisters Mabel Orr, Kathleen Allison, Sue (and husband Henry) Kinder and sister-in-law, Ruby French, brother Harold French (and wife Sally). Also numerous nieces and nephews, and her best friend, Terri Ray.
A visitation for Betty will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, with a funeral service to follow. Officiating will be Pastor Tony Greene of Knoxville Baptist Tabernacle. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Berry Highland South, 9010 SIMPSON RD, KNOXVILLE, TN 37920.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Huffaker family.
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