Betty Lawrence

Waynesville, Betty Kathel Ratliff Lawrence, age 90, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Smoky Mountain Health & Rehabilitation Center.

A native of Arkansas, she was a daughter of Garland Ratliff and Fannie Mae Franklin Ratliff.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Joe Lawrence, who died in 2002; a sister; three brothers; and one dear great-granddaughter, Jessica.

Betty had the opportunity to live in six different states and enjoyed establishing roots in Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Illinois.  She was most proud of her work as a certified funeral director and loved helping others.  The families she cared for will long remember the kindness and empathy shown to them by Betty.  This longtime member of Hazelwood Baptist Church was a master quilter and extreme dog lover, having loved and raised many dogs throughout her life.

Betty is survived by her beloved sister, Avo Webb of Jonesboro, Arkansas; daughter, Revah Anzaldua; three sons, Chasel Lawrence (Patti Brady), Tim Lawrence (Lisa), and Joe Lawrence (Amy); twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

A graveside inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Hope Cemetery in Imboden, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Suite B, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Lawrence has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.