LOUISE BETTS

CHARLESTON -- Louise Betts, 88, of Charleston died Thursday, Jan. 16. 1997, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

She was born Nov. 24, 1908, in Macon, Miss., to Grover and Emma Thomas.

On April 14, 1925, she married Elijah Betts, who died March 26, 1972.

She had lived in Missouri since 1923 and was a member of Opportunity Church of God in Christ in Charleston.

Survivors include four sons, Felix Betts of Detroit, Gary Betts of Indianapolis and Charles and Steve Betts, both of Charleston; nine daughters, Jennie Townsend of Kankakee, Ill., Delores Salmon, LaBirdia Moore and Betty Burns, all of St. Louis, Darcus Spence, Deborah Turner, Rochelle McVay, Ruth Simpson and Laura Betts, all of Charleston; five sisters, Vera Jones of Miner, Mildred Morris and Alice Dixon, both of Charleston, Marjorie Leatherwood of Detroit and Shirley Smith of Chicago; a niece whom she raised, Alberta Cox of Charleston; 35 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation is Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sparks Funeral Home in Charleston. Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Opportunity Church of God in Christ, with Elder Steve Betts officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.