Betty J. Kendall, age 83, of Metropolis, IL, passed away at Massac Memorial Hospital on Saturday, June 8, 2024. She was born January 1, 1941, in Joppa, Illinois, the daughter of Ardell Johnson and Dora Lee Rhodes Johnson.
Betty was a hard worker who was known for her sassiness and dedication to her family and the things she enjoyed doing in life. Known as the "matriarch" of the family, she was more of a mother than an aunt to all her nieces. She loved working in her garden, fishing, and cooking. Her generous and giving spirit would not allow her to let anyone go hungry, especially if she had cooked a meal. Dancing kept her active, and family members admit that it was hard to keep up with her when they went shopping. She was not a fan of television; however, she was completely committed to watching the weather channel.
Betty was a faithful member of Broadway Church of Christ in Metropolis, IL. One thing that distinguished her from others is that she never went to church without wearing a hat. She said not wearing a hat made her feel as if she weren't completely ready for the Lord's worship service.
Betty often described herself as a winner, because she claimed that no one could beat her at checkers.
Preceding her in death were her spouse, Alvin Kendall; her parents Ardell Johnson and Dora Lee Rhodes Johnson, and two brothers, Charles Lee Cooper and Paul Johnson.
Left behind to cherish sweet memories are her three daughters, Dora (Felix) Ayala and Sharon Calhoun, both of Metropolis, IL; Lana (Eric) Doss of Homestead FL; one son, Rodger (Susan) Kendall of Paducah; eight grandchildren, Marquitta (Tyrell) Grant, Briana Leffler, Tonya Wells and Howard Morgan, all of Paducah, Justin Phillips and Elantra Doss, both of Wesley Chapel, FL, Corey Ayala of Lakeland, FL and Nykki Doss of Homestead, FL; six great-grandchildren, Elijah Grant, Isaiah Grant, Preston Sprouse, Shantel Sprouse and Brynlee Sprouse, all of Paducah, and Jace Doss of Wesley Chapel, FL; one sister, Martha Brown of O'Fallon, IL; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2024, 12:00 Noon at Broadway Church of Christ in Metropolis with Brother Shelton Gibbs III officiating. Family and friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. Burial will immediately follow at Oak Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Choates, IL.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
Pettus Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of the services.
