Betty Jean Davis Cody, 72, of Morristown, was given a new body as she went home on March 23, 2020. Betty, known as “Meme” to many, loved well and was well-loved. With breaking hearts, her family was at her bedside to usher her into heaven by singing hymns, reading Scripture, and telling stories of thanksgiving for her well-lived life on earth. Most of all, her family whispered prayers of gratitude for a God who welcomed her to an eternal home, where she was healed from the many physical struggles she experienced over the last four decades of her life on earth. Diagnosed with a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis in her 30s, Betty did not waste any precious time complaining. She pressed on, working, camping, fishing, and giving to others. Meme was an incredible cook, but was perhaps best known for her delicious chicken and dumplings.
Betty deeply loved her ten siblings, who she enjoyed sharing stories, memories, and songs with as they all grew up and had families of their own. Her large extended family of in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, and the many others who found themselves accepted among the Davis crowd, brought her great joy all the days of her life. Whether she was cooking, playing Rook with her family, or spoiling her grandchildren, she loved to laugh! Her grandsons brought her great joy. Whether it was a handful of candy or money for a milkshake, they never left her house empty-handed. She didn’t let her illness stop her from attending her grandsons’ church, school, or sporting events. As the years passed, three more grandchildren entered her life; and she treated them as her own. Simply put, Betty was an authentic, thoughtful, and generous woman who enjoyed life. She spent 53 years married to the love of her life, Mac. They were rarely apart and even worked together at Enka/BASF, where she was employed for 20 years. She was a member of Spires Chapel Baptist Church in Rogersville, where she became a Christian during a revival in October of 1959.
Betty is survived by her husband Mac Cody; Son Stacy Cody and his fiancé Jennifer Cagle of Talbott; Grandsons Noah and Elijah Cody of Mohawk; Daughter-in-love Carla (Eric) Harper of Mohawk; Grandchildren Laura, Benjamin, and Morgan Harper of Mohawk; Sisters: Lucille (Bob) Hipsher of Bean Station; Ruth Ann Haley of Bulls Gap; Judy (Mark) Allen of Morristown; Kay Wheeler of Bulls Gap; and Teresa (Ernest) Davis of Rogersville. Brothers: Ira (Gena) Davis, Michael Davis of Rogersville and Brother-in-law Doug Baker of Rogersville; Special friends: Robert and Betty Kinsler and Sheila Whitt of Morristown and her beloved pet, Taco. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other family members, all of which she loved deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents James and Louise Davis; Grandparents James and Minnie Davis; Arthur and Virginia Miner; Sister Wanda Baker; Brother and sister-in-law Robert and Betty Davis; Infant brother David Davis; Brother-in-law Bobby Wheeler; and niece Donna Hillenbarger all of Rogersville.
A public graveside service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Hamblen Memorial Gardens. Her body will lie in state at Allen Funeral Home from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. before the service for those that wish to attend. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date pending the resolution of the Covid-19 virus.
Allen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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