GREENVILLE — It is with deep and heavy sadness that we share the death of Bettye Irene McPherson Webb, 82, of Greenville who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 17, 2023. “Blessed be God—he heard me praying. He proved he’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with him. Now I’m jumping for joy, shouting and singing my thanks to him.” Psalms 28:7 MSG
She was preceded in death by her husband Bobby “Peto” Ray Webb her partner in life and love for 59-years; grandson Nicholas Jordan Colburn; her parents Kermit and Ruby McPherson; her brothers AJ McPherson, Earl McPherson and Virgil McPherson.
Bettye was born in Greenville where she thrived in life. She graduated from Greenville High School; married her high school sweetheart; after 20-plus years she retired from Supervalu; she was a member of the Eastern Star; a girl scout leader; enjoyed outings with The Red Hat Ladies; she fellowshipped and served at First Baptist Church for 60+ years. As one of the girls at Classic Lady, she enjoyed laughter, dressing people, the clothes (closet full) and especially developing relationships with young and old alike. She loved helping people and sharing her gifts and talents that she called her hobbies with others.
Bettye had many hobbies. She loved reading, gardening, sewing, scrapbooking, crocheting, and back in the day she loved playing chauffer to her five daughters. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Nativity sets are her passion as can be seen every day of the year in her home and come Thanksgiving they can be seen in her front yard and at First Baptist Church.
What she held closest to her heart and cherished most in life was her family. Ask her about them and her smile would light up a room. Her heart continued to grow and flourish each time a new arrival blessed the family.
Bettye leaves behind a large family (41 and another on the way) that was woven and stitched together like a quilt, one-piece at a time, every stitch sewn with love, passion, strength, kindness, laughter, joy, humility, tears, and faith. She could write book on raising up girls. She was proud of her five daughters. Trisha (Tim) Colburn of Paducah, Lanie (Barry) Gardner of Greenville, Mary (Robert) Brown of Greenville, Donna (Tim) Smiley of Madisonville and Gena (Dan) Earl of Huntington, West Virgina.
Bettye had a lot of names, wife, mother, Grandmom and Grandmommy. She loved them all including the grandchildren Bradley (Emily) Gardner, Matthew (Jessica) Colburn, Terri Todde (Wes) Logan, Marcus (Morgan) Brown, Macy (James) Stern, Emiley (Dakota) Skeen, Jake Smiley (fiancé Savannah Pierce), Chandler Ratcliff and Ava Ratcliff. Nothing excited her more than when the greats began arriving, Addie Skeen, Jude Gardner, Mary-Kate Colburn, Layla Gardner, Elin Logan, Baylor Logan, Olivia Colburn, Poppy Logan, Sloane Skeen, Andi Brown, Webb Brown, Margot Stearn, Audry Earl, Avery Earl and coming next year baby girl Colburn.
Bettye also leaves behind two cherished sisters Joretta Rivers and Delma Kamuf and two sisters-in-law Vondel McPherson and Jane McPherson.
Mom is at peace. The memories of a child’s hand in hers. Life does not come with a book it comes with a mom. We thank God for the gift of her life and the blessing of the time she poured into all of us.
A time of gathering and visiting with family and friends will be held Saturday, December 23 in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church in Greenville from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The funeral and celebration of life will begin at 1:00 p.m. also in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church. Burial will be at Carter Creek Cemetery next to her husband, Peto, along with her parents and other family members. The homecoming begins.
Gary’s Funeral Home is caring for the arrangement. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.garysfuneralhome.net.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory, honor and love for Bettye Webb to the Mission Ministries at First Baptist Church.
