Betty Jean Gowen

Born on January 12, 1945, in Nelson County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Thomas H. Fitzgerald and Etta M. Fitzgerald. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Russell Freeman Gowen, Sr., and seven siblings: Wilbert, Clyde, Jerry, Pete, Ann, Lorraine, and Roy.

Betty dedicated many years of her life to caring for others as a CNA at Odd Fellows Nursing Home, a role she truly loved. Being a caregiver was not just her profession, but who she was at heart. She selflessly cared for her family, including her siblings, and was always there for those in need. In her free time, Betty enjoyed watching wrestling and westerns, listening to music, and trying her luck with lottery tickets. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her six children, Mary Miller (Jimmy), Jean Wariner, Wanda Ferguson (Jerry “Hollywood” Adkins), Angela Tanner, Johnny Russell Freeman Gowen, Jr., and Tracy Gowen; her two sisters, Bessie Mae Shifflett and Dorothy Burnette; nine grandchildren, Tootie, Amanda, Tiffany, Blake, Michael, Ashley, Cortnie, Angel, and Candice; nineteen great-grandchildren, two special nephews, Troy Cash and Winkey Fitzgerald and, her dog, Bobo.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.