Betty Jean Bennett

On August 31, 2026, heaven welcomed Betty Jean Bennett home as she peacefully entered her eternal rest with her daughters beside her. Born May 28, 1934, on Backus Mountain to the late James David and Florence Goddard, Betty grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of West Virginia and the strength of a large, loving family. She now rejoins her devoted husband of 54½ years, Corporal. Hubert “Red” Bennett U.S. Army veteran, along with her sisters Bertha Shifflet, Evelyn Cummings, Ethel Lively, Irene Ward, Lucille Bunch, and Pauline Morris, and her brothers Harold Goddard, Bob Goddard, Steve Goddard, and infant James David Jr., and two precious angel grandchildren.

Betty lived a life marked by faith, joy, and unwavering love. Her hands were rarely still—tending gardens, canning harvests, pruning roses, or holding the faces of the family she adored. But above all, her heart was anchored in Jesus. Her life reflected the truth of Ephesians 2:10, walking faithfully in every good work God prepared for her.

Motherhood was her first and most cherished ministry. She poured herself into raising her daughters—and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren—to know and love the Savior she served so beautifully. Her influence reached far beyond her home. To generations of children, teenagers, and young adults, Sis. Betty was a joyful Sunday School teacher, children’s church leader, choir leader, encourager, and safe place. Her laughter filled classrooms, her songs lifted hearts, and her kindness shaped lives.

She served with humility and purpose: teaching, singing, visiting homes, serving on the ladies’ auxiliary, preparing meals, and extending Christ’s love to anyone in need. Her legacy is woven into the lives she touched and the faith she lived with such sincerity.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Anita Wooten and husband Rev. Louis Wooten, Jeanie Campbell and husband Michael Campbell; her grandchildren, Courtney Campbell, Andrea Wooten Thompson (John), Stacie Wooten McEwan (Hunter), Shelly Wooten Smith (Joshua), and Alexandrea Wooten (Chris Rizo); and her great-grandchildren, Brooke Pudder Sedrak (Staff Sergeant Sameh Sedrak, U.S. Army), Staff Sergeant Marvin Ray Pudder II (Samantha), U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, McKinley Smith, McKenna Smith, Baby Boy Smith, expected soon, Bennett McEwan, Finnley McEwan, Rowan McEwan, Louis McEwan, and Luka Rizo. She is also lovingly remembered by her special grandchildren, David Kramer, Jasmine McCoy, Lacey McCoy, Jordan McCoy, and Izzy McCoy.

She is also survived by her loving sister Patty Ritter, beloved sisters in law Evy Goddard and Goldie Goddard, a special nephew and niece, Rev. Rick and Irene Barker, and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and her cherished church families at Beckwith Apostolic and the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, Pastor Rick and Sis. Stephanie Dickens.

Her legacy of faith, laughter, and love will continue to bloom in every life she touched.

With Heartfelt Gratitude:

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who surrounded them with love, care, and support during this time. There are too many to name, but the family offers special thanks to Pastor Luke and Family Worship Center; the staff at Pine Lodge, who truly loved and cared deeply for their Miss Betty; the WV Tech family, who not only provided meals but also supported the family with kindness and generosity; and the staff of Hospice of Southern West Virginia, Bowers House, who stayed by the family’s side during Betty’s final days and were truly angels of peace.

A visitation will be held at 12PM on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, WV. A funeral service will follow at 1PM, officiated by Rev. Louis Wooten. She will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens following the service.

Blue Ridge Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.