Betty Jo Wiggins

Betty, who would have been 87 years old on March 2, died peacefully on February 27, 2018.

Betty was born March 2, 1931, in Memphis, TN. She was the daughter of William B. Williams and Ivy Louise Williams. Betty was married to Floyd Milton Wiggins, who preceded her in death in 1990.

Betty grew up in Memphis and graduated from Messick High School. She remained close to her two best friends from first grade for over 60 years, Julia Mestemacher and Dorothy Daugherty, both deceased.

Betty was a member of Southern Avenue Baptist Church, was which is now Ridgeway.

She enjoyed sharing her faith, having her daily devotional, sending greeting cards weekly to shut-ins, visiting friends in need and folks in nursing homes, and she loved passing out gospel tracks and also leaving one with every tip she gave when eating out. Oh and most of all making people laugh!

Betty’s secret profession while her children were in high school was being a sepia photo colorist, a technique used prior to color photographs. She was trained by her aunt, Margie Kirksey, and went on to be an award-winning artist in this field.

She and her husband acquired the well-known Buntyn Cafe in 1972 after her father, W. B. Williams, passed away. Both she and Milton became beloved Memphians by all who frequented this establishment.

Betty is survived by her children, Teresa Vaughn, Gayle (Larry) Kramer, and Mike (Debbie) Wiggins and by her grandchildren Christy (Eric) McMahon, Dana (Matt) Kinsman, Daniel (Jessica Eves) Vaughn, Michael (Allie) Wiggins, and Christopher (Stephanie) Wiggins. In addition, she also leaves her beloved great grandchildren, Gracie Mae, Hunter, Madi, Eva, and Rocco McMahon; Charlotte and

Caroline Kinsman; and Crosby Wiggins. Betty is preceded in death by her sister Mildred Tull.

The memorial service for Betty will be held at Germantown Historic Church at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 3rd, 2018. Germantown Historic Church is located at 2216 S. Germantown Rd,

Germantown, TN.

There will be no viewing, but guests may arrive early to visit with family. A reception for family and friends at Buntyn Corner Café will follow the service. The café is located at 5050 Poplar Avenue in the iBank building, suite 107. Please enter through Buntyn’s north entrance, the back of the building.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Gideon’s International, Watershed Church (watershedphilly.com), or your ministry of choice.