Bettye grew up on a farm chopping cotton and milking cows. She graduated from Peabody High School in Trenton, TN. She moved to Memphis and attended Draughon Business College. In 1952, she married William Darrell Criswell and raised three children. She worked at Macon Road Church of Christ Daycare and Harding Academy.
She was a longtime faithful member of Great Oaks Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her husband William Darrell Criswell, her parents, Robert and Lonnie Lewis, her siblings Carolyn Temple, Robert Lewis.
Bettye is survived by her beloved children; Darrell Wayne Criswell, Terry Criswell Holland, and Jennifer Criswell Bernard, two granddaughters; Lainey Steele (Brian)and Amber Beaver (Nick), and six precious great grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled on December 11, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Great Oaks Church of Christ, 3355 Brunswick Rd, Memphis, TN 38133. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:15 PM at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial can be sent to Great Oaks Church of Christ, 3355 Brunswick Rd, Memphis, TN 38133
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Criswell family.
