Lillian Elizabeth "Bettye" Wyatt

LILLIAN “Bettye” GANONG SANDERS Wyatt, 88, was called up to heaven on Mothers' Day, May 11, 2014. She was residing at Foxbridge Assisted Living Home, where she had been living for seven years. In the days prior to her death she was surrounded by her own family, her Foxbridge family, and Hospice. Mrs. Wyatt was a native of Memphis, born to the late Lewis M. and Nelle Ganong and also preceded in death by a half-sister, Mary Emma Hubbard. She met her "soul-mate", Dennie Sanders, on the dance floor and married him at the age of 16. They were married for 54 years when he passed away in her arms, again on the dance floor. Besides dancing, their other passion was traveling. She was blessed again with her second husband, Stanley Wyatt, to whom she was married for nine years, before he passed away. All three of them were alumni of Humes High School. She and Stanley helped to plan several class reunions during their time together. She is survived by her only child, Judye Trout and her husband, Tommy of Arlington, TN; stepson, Jeff Wyatt and his wife, Anita and daughter, Kimberly Germantown; her two granddaughters and their husbands, Melanie and Mark Anderson of Arlington and Michelle and Keith Morris of Collierville; a great-grandson, Austin, and two great-granddaughters, Shaye and Mia. Her family will always have such wonderful memories of her generosity and love. They often vacationed together, had family game nights, and just enjoyed being together as a loving family. Among her other hobbies she was an incredible seamstress, making nearly all of her two granddaughters' clothes in their teen years. This she always said was her "labor of love". Mrs. Wyatt retired from the Memphis City School system where she served as school secretary, a job she dearly loved. She was also an officer of the TN School Secretaries Association. In earlier times, she had been a Brownie Girl Scout leader, president of the PTA in two different Memphis schools, and vice-president of the state PTA. She was an officer of the Northeast Memphis Civic Club and the Humes High Boosters Club. She taught Sunday School, training union, and served as superintendent of the Junior Department at Seventh St. Baptist Church. After retirement, she and Dennie became regional representatives to TN, AR, KY for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, traveling to the three states leading seminars and setting up study and prayer groups. Mrs. Wyatt is remembered and well-loved by those of three generations, always thought to be a perfect example of a true lady. She was always ready and willing to lend a hand when needed, accompanied with a smile and encouraging word. Her family will miss her greatly. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Family Funeral Care at 4925 Summer Ave. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Road at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Foxbridge Assisted Living Home, Crossroads Hospice Care, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at familyfuneralmemphis.com Family Funeral Care (901)761-8000