Madeline Elizabeth "Betty" Coe Cruzen

1922 - 2021

Madeline Elizabeth "Betty" Coe Cruzen

Willow Park, TX - Madeline Elizabeth "Betty" Coe Cruzen died peacefully on March 30, 2021 in Willow Park, Texas. To her friends, she was "Betty"; to her children, she was "Mama"; and to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was "Coe Coe". She recently celebrated her 99th birthday, having been born on January 29, 1922 in Centralia, IL to Madeline Buettner Coe and Livy Marion Coe. A graduate of Centralia Township High School, she attended UT Martin, graduated from Union University in Jackson, TN and received a master's degree from SIU-Carbondale, IL. Following graduation, she taught at high schools in Illlinois and is still remembered fondly by her students from Flora, IL who have reached out to her often over the years.

Betty married Warren Boles Cruzen in 1950 and lived in Memphis, TN until 2017, when she moved to live near her daughter and family in the Fort Worth, TX area. Betty and Warren had two children: Betty Coe Cruzen Manuel and Philip Warren Cruzen. She was a longtime devoted member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, serving on the Altar Guild, Flower Guild, All Saints' Guild, Daughters of the King and coached girls' basketball and softball teams.

Radiating love to all and a shining example of kindness, love, and leadership, she was active in numerous organizations: Chickasaw Country Club, Duration Club/DurArts, English Speaking Union, Josephine Circle, King's Daughters and Sons (Harmony Circle and Life Member), Martha's Manor (Co-Founder), Memphis Jaycettes, the Mystic Society of the Memphi, Nineteenth Century Club, St. Mary's Episcopal School (Council of Advisors), various Garden Clubs, Symphony League, University of Mississippi Alumni Association (Life Member), Woman's Exchange of Memphis, Wonders Exhibition Series Docent, the Woodlands Board, and Zeta Tau Alpha. Selfless in her commitment to others, she was recognized by the Chickasaw Bluff Chapter of DAR with the Excellence in Community Service Award and was honored with the ZTA Alumnae Certificate of Merit.

Betty was ageless, young at heart and had boundless energy. She never met a stranger and was blessed with friends of all ages. Delighting in doing for others, she was always the life of the party, enjoyed Ole Miss football and tailgates with her family, entertaining at home, and her daily walks with beloved Boston Terriers (Cappie, Mandy and Ole Missy Elizabeth). She saw the beauty in nature and found joy in every flower, leaf, rock, or creature.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Madeline and Livy M. Coe; her husband, Warren B. Cruzen; her son, Philip Warren Cruzen; and her two brothers, Livy M. Coe, Jr. and I. Lester Coe. She lives on in her surviving family: her daughter, Betty Coe Cruzen Manuel (David); daughter-in-law, Kathleen Baker Cruzen; grandchildren Philip W. Cruzen, Jr. (Whitney); Edward David Manuel (Haddy), Stephen Baker Cruzen (Vickie), Robert Paul Manuel (Beth Ann), and Julia Cruzen Scales (Mark); great grandchildren Louise Manuel, Baker Cruzen, Katie Cruzen, Gloria Manuel, Elizabeth Scales, Layne Cruzen, Flynt Manuel and Beasley Scales. Her legacy is one of being present in all our lives, filling our worlds with renewing energy, and gracing us with her infinite love. We will never forget her sense of humor, especially her 'Coe Coe-isms'. We are all better because she was in our lives.

The family is so grateful to her loving caregivers in Memphis and Texas and her many friends who have shown their love for her over the years.

Betty will be interred under the direction of Canale Funeral Directors at a small family graveside service at St. John's Cemetery in Memphis, TN on Saturday, April 10. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be offered to: Church of the Holy Communion (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=106552), King's Daughters and Sons Home (https://www.kdsbartlett.com/giving), or Zeta Tau Alpha (1036 S. Rangeline Rd. Carmel, IN 46032 or https://give.zetataualpha.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx/C40DA395#c). You may also choose to remember her by sending stories and remembrances to any one of her family members.