Betty Whitaker

In Loving Memory of Betty Lou Sizemore Whitaker 

 On Sunday, February 23, 1941, Betty Lou Sizemore Whitaker was born in Coxton, Harlan County, Kentucky, to the late Stella Howard Sizemore and Onzie Sizemore. She grew up surrounded by love on Hurts Creek in Leslie County, sharing a lively home with her siblings—Dorothy, Maggie, John Henry, Howard, Carroll, Mildred, Brown, Orville, and Barbara Sue—as well as many dear cousins. These early years were filled with precious memories that she cherished throughout her life. 

As part of a large family, Betty developed a deep love for cooking and baking. She took on the responsibility of preparing breakfast for her siblings, many of whom were either working in the coal mines or attending school. These early lessons in the kitchen would later become one of the ways she showed love to her family and friends. 

Betty attended Leslie County High School, where her enthusiasm and athleticism shone brightly. She was a proud member of the cheerleading squad and was voted 'The Best Athlete' during her senior year—a testament to her spirited nature and determination. 

After graduating from Business College in Knoxville, Tennessee, Betty began her career with the Leslie County Board of Education. Over the years, she took on various roles, including Board Secretary, Finance Clerk, Finance Director, and Food Service Director. Betty was known as a "doer"—if you wanted something done right, you called on Betty. Her dedication to her work was evident in the 38 years she served the Leslie County School System. She not only loved her job but also cherished the relationships she built with her coworkers, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. 

Betty was deeply involved in her community as a member of The Eastern Star, a Kentucky Colonel, and a devoted member of Hyden Baptist Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived as a committed Christian, spreading kindness and love wherever she went. 

Above all, Betty was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she was their loudest cheerleader and most steadfast supporter. Betty had an infectious love for sports, especially football and basketball, and her cheers could be heard above the crowd at any game. Though small in stature, her presence was mighty, and her family knew that if Betty was in their corner, they had a fierce ally. 

Betty will be remembered for her beautiful smile, warm hugs, fighting spirit, and unwavering selflessness. Her delicious desserts, especially her famous carrot cake, brought comfort and joy to many. She left a lasting impression of strength, loyalty, and boundless love in the hearts of all who knew her. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Onzie and Stella Sizemore; her sisters, Dorothy Howard, Maggie Palombi, and Mildred Sizemore; and her brothers, John Henry Sizemore, Howard Sizemore, Carroll Sizemore, and Orville Sizemore. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ikie; her beloved sons, Mike and wife Lesia of Clay City, Ky., Ronnie and wife Brenda of Hyden, Ky., and Keith and wife Angela of Berea, Ky.; her cherished daughter, Rhonda and husband Billy of Corbin, Ky.; her loving and closest sister, Barbara Baldridge of Morehead, Ky., who was also her best friend; and her beloved brother, Brown Sizemore and wife Mary of Hyden, Ky. Betty's legacy continues through her thirteen grandchildren—Felicia, Lindsey, Darious, Dalton, Megan, Kevin, Camron, Isaiah, Darron, Essence, Jaylen, Jarred, and Kandyce—and her eleven great-grandchildren—Aiden, Chloe, Kinley, Patience, Lainey, Jovi-Claire, Walker, Beckham, Cade, Berkley, and Trae. She also leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends, including special neighbors Ruby Mohn, Marlene Howard, and Beulah Verdel. 

Betty was a beacon of love, strength, and devotion. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

The family of Betty Whitaker gives their sincere appreciation to Hospice of the Bluegrass for their genuine concern and care for Betty over the past few months.

The funeral service to commemorate Betty's life will be held at 2p.m. - Friday, September 06, 2024 at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Wolfe and Rev. Billy Joe Lewis officiating.

Interment will follow the services at the Hurricane Cemetery at Hyden, KY with Dalton Sizemore, Kevin Whitaker, Camron Sizemore, Darron Whitaker, Jaylen Whitaker, Jarred Whitaker, Billy Sizemore, Bobby Ray Osborne, Bobby Dean Huff, John Henrey Sizemore, Jeff Sizemore, Craig Sizemore and Darious Whitaker serving as pallbearers. 

The Whitaker family will receive friends and family for visitation from 6p.m. - 9p.m. Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at the Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home chapel.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.