Born in London, Ontario, Canada, on September 7, 1935, to Ameen and Nellie Wakeam, Betty lived a life full of grace, adventure, and love. In October 1958 while attending the Cleveland wedding of a family friend, she met the love of her life, William (Bill) George. Bill knew she was the one and proposed to Betty on that Sunday afternoon. They were married on April 11, 1959, and together they built a beautiful family. Betty and Bill recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary, and it was clear their love was eternal.
She was the proud mother of four children: Lisa, Sherry, Bill (wife Natalie), and Krissy.
Betty was known for her extraordinary talents, from being an incredible cook—especially of treasured Lebanese dishes—to a true style icon whose eye for fashion extended into creating her own line of designer placemats. She was an avid traveler, always ready for her next adventure and the opportunity to meet new people around the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ameen and Nellie Wakeam, and her sisters, Jean and Nancy. She is survived by her loving sister, Charme Elias (George), and her cherished grandchildren: Sydney Burns (Christian), Shelby Swartz (Kyle), and Spencer George (fiancé Cole Bakalar), as well as her great-grandsons, Maverick, Leo, Holden, and Jameson.
The family would like to extend special thanks to her incredible caretakers; Shaniqua, Tameecka, Lashunda, and Darla, whose compassion and care meant so much.
Betty's warmth, style, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Alzheimer's Association.
A visitation for Betty will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Church of the Nativity, 3800 West 119th Street, Leawood, KS 66209. A catholic funeral mass will occur Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM. A committal will follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
