Betty Sue Mitchell Moran

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Sue Mitchell Moran, who departed this life on October 13, 2025, in Houston, Texas, after a valiant and courageous bout with cancer. Born on July 24, 1939, she touched the lives of many through her kindness, wisdom and unwavering spirit. Betty was born in Vanderburg, Webster County, Kentucky, the beloved child of Charles Herman Mitchell and Mayme Louise Owen Mitchell. Growing up, she attended Dixon Elementary and Dixon High School, graduating in 1957; here she developed a lifelong love for learning and adventure.
Betty knew she wanted to be a teacher at an early age. After receiving her bachelor's degree in education from Kentucky Wesleyan College, graduating summa cum laude, she began her teaching career in 1978 with Ohio County Schools at Horse Branch Elementary School. Betty excelled as a teacher and pursued higher education while teaching, ultimately earning the distinguished certificates of Master's and Rank 1 from Western Kentucky University.
She was named Ohio County School's teacher of the year in 2001. She retired in 2004 and continued substitute teaching at Newton Parrish Elementary School in Owensboro, Kentucky until 2014. During this long and storied career, Betty loved all her students, was known to empower them to excel and they reciprocated that respect and love.
Betty Sue Mitchell Moran will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, generous heart, gift of gab and deep commitment to helping others. She leaves behind a legacy of love and integrity that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Betty had an unforgettable smile and laugh that warmed every room she entered.
Betty was a member of Walnut Memorial Baptist Church. She was an avid and knowledgeable sports fan, particularly the Kentucky Wildcats Basketball program, even accompanying them on their charter to the Maui Classic in 2010. Betty loved to shop, travel, most notably to any beach and all Jimmy Buffet music. There was no adventure she wouldn't take with her friends and family.
Betty Sue Mitchell Moran was predeceased by her parents, Charles Herman (1961) and Mayme Louise Owen Mitchell (1969), her sister, Louise Mitchell Hendrix (1979), her brother, Charles Herman Mitchell, Jr. (2011), and her nephew, James Douglas Hibbs (2006).
Betty is survived by her daughter, Michelle Moore (Michael) of Houston, Texas; son, Michael Cole (Kate) of Nashville, Tennessee; sister, Geraldine Rich (late husband Joel C. Rich) of Dixon, Kentucky; niece, Vicky Hibbs Tillman of Dixon, Kentucky; nephew, Jody Rich, II of Evansville, Indiana; numerous other nieces and nephews; close family and friends; and granddog, Baron.
She cherished Christmastime, family gatherings, shared laughter, and created lasting memories.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at James H. Davis Funeral Home in Owensboro, Kentucky. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, visitation will be at Townsend Funeral Home in Dixon, Kentucky from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and a funeral service with be held at 1:00 PM at Townsend Funeral Home officiated by Rev. John Brumfiel. Following, the burial service will be held at Townsend Cemetery in Dixon, Kentucky. All friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty's remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105, honoring Betty's passion for those in need.
Betty Sue Mitchell Moran will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.
Online condolences can be made at www.townsendfuneralhomeinc.com or www.davisfuneralhome.com.