Obituary of Bettye Mae Garner

Bettye Mae Sales Garner was born February 16, 1931, in Toney, Alabama and transitioned from this life on March 5, 2023. She was the third of ten children born to the late Herman and Jannie Mae Mitchell Sales.

She was educated In the Madison County public schools of Toney, Alabama. She accepted Christ at an early age at Beaver Dam Primitive Baptist Church. While in Alabama she met her husband Robert L. Garner who preceded her in death. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and to this union five children were born. 

Bettye moved with her husband to Nashville, TN and soon joined Pilgrim Emanuel Baptist Church under the leadership ofthe late Rev. John L. Campbell. During her servanthood at Pilgrim Emanuel, she was a faithful member of the Willing Workers Auxiliary serving as President for many years. 

After establishing her foundation in Nashville, she was employed at Kusan Manufacturing Company where she retired after many years of dedicated service.

“Miss Bettye” as she was affectionally called was a true servant of the Lord and obedient to her calling serving through her God given gifts of culinary and hospitality. She hosted many barbecues and Halloween parties for her children and their friends. She hosted elaborated Christmas parties for her family and friends. 

All were welcome to her Sunday afternoon dinner and fellowship. She prepared her dinners and deserts with love. She was known for her caramel cake, homemade ice cream and homemade wine. 

She loved to travel with the Chantel ladies which was a traveling group of friends. She was full of joy and laughter and never met a stranger. All who knew her loved her.

“Miss Bettye” loved her family, church, and friends. Her warm, kindhearted, generous spirit will be missed.

Preceded in death by son, Clifford Wayne Garner her siblings, Robert, Ellen, Ben, Jerry, George, Dave, Bobbie, and Don.

To cherish her memories are her devoted children, Joyce Rayford, Harold (Jewell) Garner, Sr., Carolyn (Eric) Qualls and Kathy Garner. Grandchildren, Harold (Nikki), Garner, Jr., Erain Garner, Rashad (Aysha) Rayford, Jennifer Garner, Bria Burks, Howard Slaughter, III, Christopher Garner, Jarisse Lawrence; nine great-grandchildren; sibling, Ophelia Moore; sisters-in-law, Marion Sales, Jenny V. Garner, Dorothy Garner, Lillian Hampton; brother-in-law, Tony Enaibe. Bonus children, Robert (Linda) Garner. Devoted caregiver Larhonda Woodard, god-children, Rev. James (Marlene) Fitzpatrick, Rhonda Owens, Dr. Debra Tillery, Sheryl Dixon, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, members of Tabernacle of Glory, and members of the Temple Church.

Please keep the Garner family in your thoughts and prayers.