Bettye was born on October 15, 1933 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Josephine Purvis (née Motley) and Eddis Butler.
She graduated from Tupelo High School in 1951 and attended Vanderbilt University School of Nursing prior to marrying the love of her life, Morris C. Sweat, whom she met at a USO show. After Morris completed his tour in the United States Navy, they relocated to his hometown Jacksonville, Florida in 1954 and had remained there since. Bettye kept busy raising 3 children, volunteering with many school and church functions and worked for American Heritage Life Insurance company. She retired at the age of 62, with her last position being manager of the Premium Accounting Department.
Bettye loved the Lord and was very active in her church. While at Mayfair Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible school, was active in the home visitation/shut-in program and was Head of the Trustees.
When Mayfair Baptist Church closed, Bettye moved her membership to Southpointe Baptist church and was active until she became disabled by a chronic lung condition.
Prior to her becoming disabled, she enjoyed traveling and eating out with friends. She was an avid reader and in later years after becoming home bound, found joy in watching game shows, especially Family Feud.
Bettye is preceded in Death by her loving husband Morris C. Sweat; her mother Josephine M. Purvis; and her son Harold (Harry) C. Sweat.
She leaves behind, to carry her memory and legacy, Daughters Linda K. Gerth and son-in-law Glenn Gerth of Olympia Washington; and Suzanne Sweat Abad of Dublin Ga. Grandchildren: Rick Sweat of Jacksonville, FL; Michelle (Gerth) White of Clinton, UT; Matthew Gerth of Fond-du-Lac, WI; and Angelina Abad of Dublin, GA. She is also survived by 7 Great-Grandchildren. She also leaves behind Sister-in-Law Rose Graham of St Augustine, Fl and Nephew Dan Graham of St Augustine FL; Daughter-in-law Stacy Wallace Sweat of Tarpon Springs, FL, and special family friends Andrea Jones of Jacksonville FL.
Bettye was laid to rest at Greenlawn cemetery between her husband Morris, and her mother Josephine on January 22, 2021.
A memorial service will be held February 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
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