Betty Jean Pittman Williams, 86, passed into the glory of eternal life on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Baptist East, Memphis, Tennessee, after a courageous battle against COVID-19. Born October 7, 1934, in Brownsville, Tennessee to the late Macon and Thelma (nee Carlton) Pittman. The family soon moved to Memphis, where she grew up, graduating from Tech High in 1952. Her senior quote: “I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds it, so therefore I face it unafraid.” And this is exactly how she lived her life. Betty was many things to many people: a ready smile for a stranger, a hunter of a good deal, a champion talker, and a stronghold of love, comfort, and courage to her family. She was her family’s matriarch in every sense. She nurtured & guided three generations of her family and was, in many ways, responsible for their growth and success. Fueled by her love for her family and her multitude of friends from all the seasons of her life, you could always count on her to be the one to keep in touch, whether through a thoughtful phone call, card or letter, celebrating every life event right along with you. She was a quintessential steel magnolia who enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and being with her family and friends. She often remarked that she would use her last dollar to put gas in her car so she could go and let God take care of the rest. Her family and friends will always fondly cherish the memories of family trips and vacations, especially to her beloved East Tennessee, Branson, Missouri, and the Florida coastline. Her energy was boundless. Even in her golden years, she never slowed down. She used to say that she started working at age 14 and never intended to stop. She always understood the value of a hard day’s work and instilled this in all of her children. Later in life, she established and ran the Williams Insurance Agency and for more than thirty years provided world class service to her customers up until her health recently failed. She was an active member of the Brownsville First United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and even helping to establish and run a Grief Share program after the death of her husband. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving her local chapter Haywood 356 and the State of Tennessee Grand Chapter faithfully for over thirty years. She served on many other local boards, organizations, and charities. Her selfless generosity and commitment to all the communities she served are an example to follow. Beloved and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Betty was truly one of a kind. She will be greatly missed and always remembered by all those lucky enough to have known and loved her. She is preceded in death by two husbands: Jere H. Williams & Jerry Hilycord, three sons: Ricky Blackburn, Hal Williams, & Michael Williams, one granddaughter: Rickie Lyn Blackburn, and one brother: Larry Pittman. She is survived by two sons: Scottie Williams & Donny Williams, both of Brownsville and a niece and honorary daughter: Phyllis Killen (Mark), also of Brownsville, nine grandchildren: Layne Marr (Gil), Rheanne Williams, Leigh Elcan (Mitch), Brittany Williams, Bradley Williams (Lynnsey), Christopher Williams, Kelsey Hmielewski (Michael), & Haven Williams, three great-grandchildren: Dylan Clark, Maegan Clark, and Charlotte Williams. She also leaves an especially close nephew and niece: Cory Killen (Michelle) and Kristin Ledford (Holden) and their children: Addison Killen, Piper Ledford, Tate Ledford, & Macon Killen as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. A visitation will commence Sunday, September 12, 2021, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 117 East Franklin St, Brownsville. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow at 1:30 PM with graveside services afterward at Marlow Cemetery, Fruitvale, Crockett County, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brownsville First United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.
