Bettye Anderson
February 26, 1935 — May 29, 2019
Bettye Sue "Bebe" Finch Anderson
Born in Martin, TN on February 26, 1935
Departed on May 29, 2019 and resided in Gallatin, TN
Visitation: Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation Center Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm to 8:00pmSaturday June 1, 2019 11:00am to 1:30pmFuneral: First Baptist Church Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pmBettye Sue "Bebe" Finch Anderson, 84, went to be with her Father in Heaven on May 29, 2019. Bettye was born February 26, 1935 in Martin, TN. She was the only child of her loving and incredibly devoted parents, Thelma L. Killebrew and Leonard Houston Finch.
The Finches moved to Gallatin TN in 1949 where Bettye attended Gallatin High School, graduating in 1953 and making many lifelong relationships, including the "Lunch Bunch" of up to twenty friends and classmates who still meet monthly. She was an active in Glee Club, plays, yearbook and cheerleading. She was proud alumna who was very active in organizing class reunions. Many of her memorabilia from her high school years is on display at Gallatin High School.
Bettye and her late husband, Bill E. Anderson, met in 1951 when he traveled from Knoxville to Gallatin to perform at First Baptist Church Gallatin. After he sang, "The Love of God", Bettye complimented him on his beautiful voice. Bill decided to stop by her house before returning to Knoxville. She was not at home, but he took the opportunity to meet with her parents, get her phone number and mailing address. Once back in Knoxville, Bill told his mother "I met the girl that I'm going to marry." After 3 years, many flowers, letters, and phone conversations, they married on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1954.
The Christian faith was the center of their lives. Some of her best memories in those early years of marriage were during Bill's work as a minister of music and soloist when they traveled to England while Bill recorded an album with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. After returning to Gallatin, Bettye remained a member of First Baptist Church Gallatin for 70 years. She taught Sunday School for 50 years, sang as a member of the choir, worked with the children's choir, and taught Vacation Bible School.
Bettye and Bill remained happily married until his passing on December 1, 2014, just 30 days shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Bettye and Bill delighted in their four children, nine grandchildren (who affectionately called them "Bebe" and "Bop"), and eight great- grandchildren.
Bettye is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Houston and Thelma Killebrew Finch; her husband, Bill E. Anderson. She is survived by her daughter, Betsy Anderson Canter (Steve); sons, Bryan Anderson (Jennifer), William Finch Anderson (Lee Ann); Benjamin Houston Anderson (Paige); grandchildren, Amy Canter Bennett (Jason), L. Ashley Canter Shelton (Trey), Allison Canter Baxter (Josh), Bradley Finch Anderson, Thomas Houston Anderson (Leah), William Finch Anderson, Jr., Lance Houston Anderson (Victoria), Rachel Tanen Anderson, Benjamin Houston Anderson II; and great-grandchildren, Parker Bennett, Hayes Bennett, Nora Bennett, Sophia Bennett, Ruby Bennett, Breyanna Anderson, Kalyn Anderson, and Taylor Harlin.
Visitation will be held at Alexander Funeral Home & Center on Friday, May 31st from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm., and Saturday, June 1st, from 11:00 am to 1:30pm. Following visitation on Saturday, the funeral service will be held at 2 pm at First Baptist Church in Gallatin after a processional from the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Sumner Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Bryan Anderson, Billy Anderson, Ben Anderson, Brad Anderson, Thomas Anderson, Will Anderson, and Houston Anderson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Bettye Finch Sunday School class, members of the First Baptist Gallatin choir, and the Gallatin High School graduating class of 1953.
Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center will be in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com
13 Comments Tom Neal May 30, 2019 at 9:14 pm
It was a pleasure to know this fine Christian lady for some 65 years.Always vivacious amd with a big smile and on many occasions would give me an update on
fellow GHS classmates. She made it a habit to keep up with fellow Baptist and GHS graduates.I looked forward to our visits for the last several months at HHC.
It was difficult to update her on someone she did not already know about. A genuine caring person.
I cherish our wonderful memories that we have shared through the years. Betty is now singing in the heavenly choir with Bill and Joe. I am so sorry that I can not attend the service because of my health problems. My prayers and love are with your family.
Much love,
Betty Warwick
I cherish the memories through the years that we have shared. Betty is singing in the heavenly choir with Bill and Joe. I am sorry that I can not attend the services because of my health problems. My prayers and love are with the family.
Much love,
Betty Warwick
Mrs. Bettye Sue Finch Anderson was a blessed and dedicated daughter, daughter-in-law, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also blessed of the Lord to serve in her community. Always willing to go an extra mile to do her best, Mrs. Anderson kept her smiles and hopes. I believe the Lord used her to inspire us of His unfailing care for us. We will not forget her influence.
Allen Coker May 31, 2019 at 2:37 amWonderful Lady was married to a Wonderful Man, was a Honor and Pleasure know them
david franklin June 2, 2019 at 5:39 amI’m sorry to hear about your mother, I wish I could have made it down to the viewing but circumstances would not allow it. I was very fond of your mom and dad. Our families were very close when we were growing up. I hope you and your family will have comfort in the passing days.Please pass this along with your brothers and sisters.Thank you very much.Sincerly David Franklin
Ruth Wright May 31, 2019 at 4:12 am
Bettye was a wonderful Friend I will always remember. She and Bill were very special to us. May the Lord give you much strength and courage at this time.
She will be missed by all of us. Much Prayers and Love, Ruth Wright
The first time I saw Mrs. Anderson, I was in high school, working for my grandfather on a house in her neighborhood. She was flying around the yard on her riding mower. She was a spunky lady, and a servant of the Lord. I pray her family will be comforted in their loss of their Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, knowing that they will see her again.
Melinda May 31, 2019 at 4:38 amMrs. Anderson was a sweet sweet lady. I met her when i was working for NHC Place Sumner. So we got to know her pretty well there. Always enjoyed going to her room and hearing another story from her. She will be missed but she is now with our one and only father. May he bring peace to her family at this time.
Tammy Davis May 31, 2019 at 11:07 am
My condolences for your loss. I can't take away the pain of which you feel but, Isaiah 40:26 in part-reads that you will find comfort in knowing that your dear one is safe in the memory of Jehovah God, who will remember every detail about your love one and bring them back again in the "resurrection hope". (Acts 24:15)
I hope this brings a little comfort for your family and friends.
Remembering Betty this morning and praying for her family. She will live on in all the beautiful memories you have. God bless.
David and Connie King
Jon and Geretta Weidner May 31, 2019 at 9:55 pmBettye was always such a fine, friendly, kind person, a true ‘Southern Lady”. I will miss seeing her and talking with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Anne Mosteller Stewart June 1, 2019 at 1:51 pmBettye Anderson was a wonderful Christian lady. Dhe was a prayer warrior for my mom and dad on the mission field. She also prayed for my family through the years. I will miss her, but know she is in a woderful place with her Lord. I will see her one day. Thank you Andersons for sharing her with us all.
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