Bette Jean Carter
November 26, 1928- March 27, 2024
On March 27, 2024, Bette Jean Carter entered the pearly gates of heaven to meet the Lord of her life and all the family and friends who have gone before her. Bette's family was with her praying and singing the hymns of the church that she so loved.
Bette was born on November 26, 1928 to Reverend Ernest M. Berry and Carrie Edith (Harr) Berry. She graduated from Bridgeport Ohio High School with honors in the class of 1946, being a member of the National Honor Society. Following graduation she worked in the office of Cooey Bentz Furniture Company and later in the business office of C. H. Grist Drug Company of Wheeling, West Virginia. In her teenage years she studied piano and organ, serving as organist for her church in Bridgeport, Ohio and later two churches in Indiana.
Bette married Robert (Bob) Carter on August 26, 1950 and moved to Anderson, Indiana until Bob finished college and seminary at Anderson University. During college years they attended Park Place Church of God, where they both were active in teaching children in the church school.
Bette was active in several women's groups: Anderson University Women, Kappa Delta Pi, an honorary society in Education, Companero Couples Club, Anderson Heritage Home Economics of Purdue University, and a number of Women's Missionary Groups. Bette loved art. She painted many oil paintings, but her love for handmade cards topped her list, making birthday cards and Christmas cards for everyone at church and clubs she belonged to. She knitted and crocheted but art was her first love.
Bette graduated from Ball State University in 1973 and later graduated magna cum laude from Ball State Graduate School, receiving her license to teach in Indiana public schools, which she did for several years. She also worked as Executive Secretary and Office Manager for Dr. Dale W. Oldham, Executive Speaker of the International Radio Broadcast for the Church of God. Following Dr. Oldham's retirement , Bette was employed as an executive secretary at Guide Lamp Division of General Motors until she retired in 1998. During her years at General Motors, they sponsored her to go into the local high schools for 15 years to teach goal setting to young people as they prepared to go out into the work field.
She taught church school for more than 50 years, enjoying the contact with young people as they prepared themselves for a life of service. She and her husband, Bob, served in church services at local nursing homes for eleven years. Although they had calls to minister in churches in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, they felt led to stay in Indiana serving Middletown Church of God for more than 50 years. Their service in God's work was a priority all of their lives from teenage years until they were no longer physically able to serve.
Bob and Bette were blessed with two daughters, Jyll Renee Humble of Anderson and Johanna Lynne (Jan) Cook of Daleville; grandchildren, Brodie Clinton (Krista) Cook, Zachary David Cook, Ajah (Chris) Williams and Savanah (Joey) Ryder of Niles, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Lily, Anastasia, Kannon, Ryder, and Rhiannon; and a great-great-grandchild, Carson Dile.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, and son-in-law, Jeff; and sister, Joan Greenlee of Bridgeport, Ohio.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, officiated by Dr. Jerry Grubbs. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held two hours before the funeral at the funeral home.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com