Bettye Jean Paul Hanner

Bettye Jean Paul Hanner, affectionately known to many as Granny and Mia, was born on February 13, 1938, in Goodpine, Louisiana. She crossed into eternal life peacefully at her home in Possum Point, Louisiana, on May 25, 2025, departing this world to be with her Lord and Savior just as she had wished, surrounded by her loving family.

Her remarkable life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family and community. A proud 1955 graduate of Jena High School, she embarked on her professional journey as the secretary for the Lasalle Parish Police Jury. Her career was characterized by dedicated service in various capacities, including serving as a supervisor of the production line at Belden Corporation and later taking on the role of secretary for Lasalle Parish JTPA for over five years. Beyond her professional achievements, Bettye devoted her adult life to several of the local political and social events in the Parish and community. She held the esteemed position of Chairman at VFW Post 5002 and was actively involved in ensuring participation through local voting processes for over 40 years. Her dedication to civic duty was so profound that she once missed a family wedding while fulfilling her obligations as the commissioner in charge of the voting precinct.

Bettye was a woman of steadfast faith; her relationship with Jesus Christ was foundational to her very being. To know her was to witness an extraordinary blend of strength and tenderness. She embodied the spirit of an eloquent lady, unwaveringly independent yet deeply committed as the matriarch of her family. It was her fierce love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that truly defined her legacy. Her home stood as a welcoming haven, a shelter of warmth where her family gathered, found peace, and created lifelong memories. She was a simple woman who stored up her treasures not on this earth but in her heavenly values.

Her character was marked by a rarity; she was a straight shooter, a woman whose honesty and directness endeared her to those around her. She held a unique ability to make friends effortlessly, believing in the goodness of people, often seeing them in the light of their potential. Her influence extended far beyond family ties, inspiring all who knew her to embrace love and faith without condition.

Among her proudest accomplishments were the rich traditions she nurtured within her family. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, those who knew her shooting skills know that she didn't miss often; she was a dead eye when it came to that, and beating her fishing was rare; but maybe if you were one of her babies, somehow, she made you feel like you had caught all of the fish. She was an avid quilter and crocheter whose lovingly sewn pieces became cherished heirlooms for those fortunate enough to receive them. She excelled in the kitchen, particularly her skill in crafting one-of-a-kind biscuits and world famous fudge, delights she passed down through generations, ensuring that her family would always remember her with fondness through flavor and warmth. The lessons Bettye imparted were invaluable, equipping her family with wisdom more precious than diamonds or gold—the enduring values of love, care, and the irreplaceable bonds of family.

Bettye is survived by her beloved children, Vicki Davis-Shelton, Sheldon Hanner, and Denise Meredith (Chris); her siblings, Willie Matt "Bullet" Paul and Patsye Faye Paul Connor (Jesse); her cherished grandchildren, Jimbo Davis, Ariel Norris (Jeremy), Kristin Meredith, Will Stringer (Jenna), Jed Meredith (Kendra), Jon Meredith (Britney), Ceth Hanner, Eli Hanner (Megan), and Chelby Breland (Chad); and her adoring great-grandchildren—fifteen in total, with another on the way-and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She rejoins her deceased loved ones, including her parents, Earl Lucious Paul and Della Yule Paul; her husband, Cecil Victor Hanner; her sister, Wanda Paul Walker; and her granddaughters, Madison Shelton and Shiloh Meredith. Bettye's passing leaves an immense void in the hearts of those she loved, yet her spirit and the legacy she forged will continue to inspire generations to come.

Pallbearers are Jon Meredith, Jim Davis, Ceth Hanner, Eli Hanner, Will Stringer, and Red Halterman. Honorary Pallbearers are Willie Matt “Bullet” Paul, Jesse Connor, Chad Breland, Colton Meredith, Connor Meredith, Jesup Hanner, Kim Poole, Bradley Eubanks, Steve Norris, Michael Tradewell, and Ricky Nugent.

Bettye Jean Hanner's life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and friendship. As we reflect on her journey and the many lives she touched, we celebrate not only her departure but also the indelible mark she has left upon this world—a living embodiment of love and unwavering resolve that will endure as a beacon for all who follow in her footsteps.

A service to celebrate her life will take place on Thursday, May 29th at Whitehall UPC; the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to the 12:00 p.m. hour of service, with burial to follow at the Nebo community cemetery.