Bette Colter

Bette Eppes Colter, 78, died January 20, 2026, at her home in Memphis, Tennessee. A service in her memory will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Memphis on February 7th, 2026, at 10:00 AM. She is predeceased by her parents William Pike Eppes, Jr. and Clara Darden Smith Eppes. Bette is survived by her husband of 55 years, Chaplain (Major) Harry Edward Colter, United States Army, (Retired), her brother William Pike Eppes, III (Megan Camp), her daughter, Carole Elizabeth Colter (Robert Brimhall), and her son Carlton Edward Colter (Laura). She is also survived by her grandsons Colin Colter-Brimhall, Lionel Colter and Henry Colter, and her granddaughter Tallulah Colter-Brimhall.

Bette attended Lambuth College on a voice scholarship and graduated from the University of Memphis. She appears in the 1969-70 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. In 2000 she received a Master of Science degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Adopted two weeks after birth from the notorious Tennessee Children's Home Society. Bette was fortunately placed in a very loving home. She dedicated her life's work to children and those who teach children. Bette was one of four young women selected nation-wide by her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, to run summer camps for children in the Pilsen area of Chicago in 1969. She taught at Pope Elementary School in North Memphis' Hurt Village and worked nine years for Sunnybrook Children's Home in Ridgeland Mississippi. From 1989 until her retirement in 2010 she traveled to Army and Navy installations all over the world as an educator, director, coordinator, or inspector for Child and Youth Services, Department of the Army and Child and Youth Programs, Department of the Navy.

Bette was also an artist and a lifelong creator. She drew, painted, sewed, created mosaics, and was rarely without a project in progress. Her home was always filled with materials and ideas, and creativity was part of her everyday life. She shared that love of making with her children and grandchildren, inviting them into her projects and encouraging hands-on exploration, from photography excursions to crafts and costumes. Whether she was painting, sewing, or building something entirely new, Bette worked with purpose and took satisfaction in the act of creating something that brought joy to others. Her creative spirit continues through her family, shaping how they approach and appreciate creative works.

Church was important to Bette and throughout life she sang in church choirs, was active in church women's service and study groups, and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

In lieu of flowers and for those wishing to honor Bette, the family suggests a donation to the choir and music program or the church ladies Sherwood support program at St. Luke's United Methodist Church (https://www.stlukesumc.org)