Bettye G. Otey

Mrs. Bettye Stewart Otey was born on April 19, 1934, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Preston Elliott Stewart and Blondel W. Stewart. She was blessed with one brother, Preston E. Stewart, Jr.

Bettye began her educational journey in Greenville, attending Sterling High School before relocating with her family to Nashville, Tennessee. There, she continued her studies at Pearl High School, from which she proudly graduated.

Following high school, Bettye attended Tennessee State University (formerly A&I University), where she earned her Bachelor's Degree. Dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in education, she went on to receive her Master's Degree from George Peabody College for Teachers. She later earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Special Education through Peabody and Vanderbilt University.

A lifelong lover of music, Bettye further enriched her musical talents by attending the Blair School of Music. Her passion for music was reflected in her mastery of several instruments, including the piano, harp, and organ. She also found great joy in singing, which remained one of her treasured passions throughout her life.

Bettye was a proud and devoted lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she cultivated lifelong friendships and contributed faithfully to the organization's mission of service and sisterhood.

She met and fell in love with John H. Otey, Jr., the man who would become her devoted husband and lifelong companion. The two were united in holy matrimony in 1957 and shared a loving partnership that spanned 69 years. Their union was blessed with one son, John H. Otey III, affectionately known as "her baby" from the day he was born until the day she entered eternal rest.

Bettye's life was marked by faith, education, music, service, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of excellence, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Bettye received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and faithfully attended Howard Congregation under the leadership of Pastor Lashonta Walker.

She was preceded in death by her father, Preston Elliott Stewart Sr.; her mother, Blondel W. Stewart; brother, Preston Elliott Stewart Jr.;  nephew, Preston Elliott Stewart III;  niece, Janell Stewart;  daughter-in-law, Shekela M. Otey; and her granddaughter, Jontice C. Otey.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, John H. Otey Jr.;  son, John H. Otey (Dessie);  biological grandson, John H. Otey IV (Alexa-Marie); and a host of in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Affectionately known as "Momma Bettye," she embraced them all with open arms and a loving heart. She also leaves behind a beloved goddaughter, Erin Peters, along with a host of family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

As we reflect on her life today, we know that her 92 years were not lived in vain. Her legacy of faith, love, kindness, and devotion will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.