Obituary of Betty Layton Willingham

Mrs. Betty Layton Willingham, 87, of Pell City, Alabama, departed this life on Monday, June 19, 2023. Betty’s life was based in Christ Jesus and she was a member of Cropwell Baptist Church where she served as President of the Mary Lou Langham Friendship Class, and OMEGA Secretary/Treasurer for many years. She retired from South Central Bell after 40 years in the Bell Telephone System. Additionally, she served a valuable leadership role in the Telephone Pioneers of America, which was the world’s largest industrial service organization. She chaired numerous Alabama state committees throughout the years, as well as served as President of a large Birmingham Council that received the Alabama State Company President’s Award for the year. Additionally, she served as President of the Gadsden Life Member Club for four years. Lastly, she was elevated to President of the Alabama Chapter. In this position, she interfaced with international leaders as millions of hours, and dollars were spent each in “answering the call of those in need” across America and Canada. Betty had a special heart for all of mankind facing special challenges in life, especially abused and abandoned children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Edward and Murlia Manning Layton; brother, Nolan Layton; and sisters, Mary Ruth Layton, Geraldine Layton Kendrick, and Hazel Layton Morgan. She is survived by her spouse, Jerry Daniel Willingham; daughters, Stephanie Renee Whitten (Gary) and Kimberly Dawn Osvath (Ken); grandchildren, Nicole Brooke Whitten, Matthew Layton Whitten (Courtney), Hayden Joshua Whitten, Nolan Daniel Osvath (Hannah), and Cale Braden Osvath; great-grandchildren, Mary Margaret Whitten, Scarlett Renee Whitten, Silas Jaxon Whitten, and Julian Karter Luperico; and by several special nieces, a nephew, and a host of special friends. The family will receive friends at Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Randy Kendrick and Debbie Kitchens, will be held at 3:30 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City, followed by interment at St. Clair Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Oak Ranch, P.O. Box 507, Springville, Alabama 35146. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.