Bettye M. Howles

Memphis - Bettye Miles Howles, 89, passed away on August 12, 2024, at her home in Cordova, TN. Born on September 24, 1934, in Cotton Plant, AR, Bettye was the beloved daughter of G. W. Miles and Carlvena Sapp.

Bettye grew up in Memphis, TN, where she graduated from East High School and furthered her education at Memphis State University. On June 29, 1953, she married the love of her life, Joe Warde Howles Sr. Together they built a loving family and shared many joyous years until Joe's passing in 2007.

Bettye devoted many years of service to the IRS where she was a leader in her department and made many close friends. Beyond her professional life, she was a devoted member of Bellevue Baptist Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she loved volunteering around the church and attending bible studies regularly. She also took trips to Jerusalem and Israel with friends from church to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Bettye brought light into any room she entered and she seemed to be happiest when she could do something to make someone else happy. Bettye was unshakably positive and excited - she could find a way to make almost any situation seem like it would be okay and turn a frown into a smile in no time.

Bettye was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Warde Howles Sr., and her son, Joe Warde Howles Jr. (Scottie). She is survived by her sister, Gayle Palmer of Bowling Green, FL, her grandson, Wade Howles (Janet) of Lincoln, NE, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Jackson Howles and Hunter Howles.

To honor Bettye's memory, a funeral service will be held on August 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery with visitation starting at 1:00 PM. Family and friends are welcome to join in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman who touched so many hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bettye's name to Bellevue Baptist Church or the Memphis Zoo, to honor her love of pandas.