Bettye Joyce Peevy

Bettye Joyce Peevy was born to James Monroe Peevy and Luthene Palmer Peevy on May 21, 1948, the youngest of six children of their union. She attended Louisiana Parish Public Schools and grew up an avid reader, always seeking to learn more about things that interested her through books. Her desire to help others led her to Houston Community College, where she studied nursing and became a licensed vocational nurse in 1968, with a career that would span 50 years.

Outside of her career, Bettye found joy in championing the interests of her children, Gerald and Jena, with weekends always filled with activities and events. Additionally, she took great pride in her home’s landscaping, doing most of the work herself. She was always finding new ways to improve her home through elaborate projects, earning her the nickname “Do-It-Yourself Queen.”. And, she absolutely loved her church home, Smyrna Baptist Church, where she started under the leadership of founding pastor, Dr. Larry W. Jackson, Sr., and continuing under the leadership of Dr. Terrance J. O’Neil. She served faithfully through the end of her life for nearly 40 years, leading the pastor’s aide for a time, always enjoying women’s ministry activities and forming loving bonds with fellow members who became dear friends.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, God called Bettye to eternal rest with Him. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, James Eldridge Peevy and Ernest Peevy, and sisters, Daisy Peevy McGhee and Gwendolyn Lowery. She leaves to cherish her memory, sister, Theola Peevy Sanders; her children, Gerald C. Peevy (Carla) and daughter, Jena M.P. Shaw (Alren); grandchildren, LeQuisha Peevy, Dayne Pardue, Christopher Hammons, Phillip Peevy and Karsyn Peevy; as well as 24 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.