Betty Carney

Betty Carney Champaign - Betty Lou Carney, 83, of Savoy died in the good care of Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a brief struggle with cancer, on Saturday (Dec. 6, 2025). She was born in Tompkinsville, Ky., in 1942, to Robert and Jewel Sewell, and enjoyed growing up with her sisters in the hills of Kentucky. Moving to the farmlands of Indiana, she attended Clinton Central High School, where she met the man who would be her husband, Larry Carney. They were married in 1962 and shared their life and friendship for 63 years. Betty also went to work within the administration of Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo, Ind. Soon they welcomed their son, Martin Carney. She was vibrant and beloved within her family. After moving to Lincoln, she pursued a career in real estate and mortgage loan management with Olympic Federal. Once she and Larry established roots in the Champaign/Urbana area, she became a mortgage loan officer for Champaign National Bank, now Busey Bank. She enjoyed helping people to make their dream of a home become reality. She was an active person, creating many, many friendships throughout her life. She was a beloved child of God, follower of Christ, and a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Savoy. With her family and friends, she loved to travel, explore new cultures and foods, and continued learning as she enjoyed her life. Her journey now continues on into the beauty of God's new creation. Betty was preceded in death by her father, Robert Sewell; mother, Jewel Riddle; sister Carolyn Daley; and brother-in-law Fred Carnes. She is survived by her husband, Larry Carney; son, the Rev. Dr. Marty Carney; sisters Emma Jean Carnes and Barbara Kendall; nieces and nephews, Christine Bunn (Randy), Brad Carnes (Julie), Steve Daley (Michelle), Gregg Kendall (Amy) and Julie Kendall-Ashburn; and great-nephews, Ronnie Bunn, Spencer Bunn, Chase Carnes, Hunter Carnes (Alona), Zac Daley, Aidan Kendall, Brennan Kendall and Gabriel Kendall (Holly). Visitation will be on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m. A service of Thanksgiving officiated by the Rev. Joe Sanders will be at 1:30 p.m. and following meal at First Baptist Church, 1602 S. Prospect Ave., Savoy. Committal of her ashes will be on April 25 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Ind. We give thanks to God for the gift of Betty Carney's life. With gratitude, we would receive any memorial donations for the First Baptist Church in Savoy. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.