Betty Jean Criner Floyd, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, after a long illness. She was 80 years old.
Born on August 26, 1944, in Ripley, Tennessee, Betty spent most of her life in her beloved hometown. She graduated from Ripley High School and Memphis State University, later earning a master’s degree. Her priorities were always her faith and family. Despite the challenges of raising a family and caring for her husband, Ronnie Floyd, during his long illness, Betty’s determination and hard work were unwavering. She dedicated her career to serving others, first with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and later as an elementary school teacher in Arp & Brighton. Her commitment to her work reflected her caring and compassionate spirit, which was rooted in her deep Christian faith. Betty touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family, friends, and community.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Nolan and Margie Criner (née Williams), and her husband, Ronnie Floyd, and sister Stella Keltner. She is survived by her children: Randy and Dana Floyd, Steve and Melanie Floyd, and Rhonda (Floyd) and Jamie Menees and her sister Linda Eubanks; her cherished grandchildren Madison (Floyd) Zhang and her husband Frank Zhang, Taylor Floyd, Logan Menees, Michael Korszlowski Jr, Kyle Floyd; three great-grandchildren, Kirby Zhang, Marley Zhang, and Sawyer Floyd. Her extended family includes nieces and nephews Clay Keltner, Sharon (Keltner) Arthur, Lisa (Naifeh) Chumley, and Stacey (Naifeh) Bell. “Ms. Betty’s” struggle has been easier and more comfortable with the help of her round-the-clock care givers, thank you!
For Betty, faith and family were the most important parts of her life. She worked tirelessly to support and nurture her loved ones, offering her time, love, and unwavering encouragement.
A memorial service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Garner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to Parkinson’s Foundation – www.parkinson.org.
