Betty Lou Haywood

McKENZIE — Betty Lou Haywood, 85 of McKenzie, Tennessee, died Sunday, June 27, 2021. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to many. Betty loved to laugh, was smart, fearless, courageous and never gave up despite many health challenges over the years.
Born in McKenzie, Tennessee, she graduated from McKenzie High School in 1953 and was involved in Glee Club, Science Club and Pep Club. She was voted “wittiest” in her class! At age 18, she married her beloved James and started their new life. Together they raised a family, traveled the world and built a successful Amway business. In 1971, Betty graduated from Chicago State University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education and in 1973 received the degree of Master of Science in Education. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. She taught English at Ridgewood Baptist Academy. She was an avid reader, a writer and a published poet. Her devoted faith in the Baptist church was a very important part of her life.
Survived by her son, James Michael and (Ann) Haywood of Homer Glen, IL, son David Haywood of Houston, TX, three loving grandchildren, Michael and (Kelsey) Haywood, Katherine and (Peter) Kaftantzis, Mathew and (Julie) Haywood, six beautiful great-grandchildren, Reed, Remington and Sylvia Haywood, Anastasia and Alexander Kaftantzis and Daphne Haywood, sister Mary and (late Harold) Gunn, brother Robert (Connie) Archer, brother Larry (Joy) Gideon, several nephews and nieces and many friends.
She was preceded in death six months by her beloved husband, James of 65 years, her parents, brother, James (Ann) Alexander, sister, Joanne Green, and sister, Martha (Ted) Birmingham.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home, McKenzie starting at 10:30. Interment to follow at Shiloh Presbyterian Church Cemetery, State Highway 423, McKenzie, Tenn. For obituary visit www.brummittmckenziefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Betty and James Haywood to Ridgewood Baptist Church, 1968 Hillcrest Rd, Joliet, IL 60433.