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Betty peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday morning, December 31, 2023. She is preceded in death by her father, William Franklin Chandler; mother, Sadie King Chandler; brothers, Frank, Morris, Gene, Ray and Rommy; and sisters, Lola, Irene and Lorene.
She is survived by her husband, Frank W. “Sonny” Williamson, Jr.; daughters, Kim (Nancy) and Karen (Dave); son, Wes (Darin); four grandchildren, John, Heather, Kristin and John Louis; and seven great-grandchildren.
Betty Louise Chandler was born on April 11, 1933 in Okeechobee to William and Sadie King Chandler. Betty married Frank W. Williamson Jr., also known as Sonny, on April 20, 1952. They recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Betty was proud to be a fifth generation Floridian.
Betty attended Okeechobee Public School and graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1951. She was a cheerleader for the OHS Football Team (“The Fighting Catfish”), Treasurer of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA), and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Sweetheart.
“Ms. Betty,” as she was affectionately called, was President of the Okeechobee Historical Society for many years. One of her passions was teaching local history to school children. She also enjoyed writing, and authored several books, including “Strolling Down Country Roads: Okeechobee County,” a pictorial history of Okeechobee co-authored with Twila Valentine. She taught second grade Sunday school for 39 years at First Baptist Church of Okeechobee. She also served as Director and leader for the young girls’ church group known as the Girl’s Auxiliary (later called Acteens). She was a leader for a Brownie troop and served as secretary of the Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA).
At a young age she was taught by her parents that even though poor, one must have pride in oneself. Being punctual and trustworthy were two values from her upbringing that defined her throughout her life. Betty and Sonny supported many charities and community efforts. They are proud to have helped support the construction of the Indian River State College Williamson Conference and Education Center in Okeechobee.
Services for Ms. Betty will be at First Baptist Church of Okeechobee with visitation at 1:00 and the service at 2:00 on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to give to one of the organizations close to Betty’s heart: the Historical Society of Okeechobee, Hospice of Okeechobee, Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee, or Dunklin Memorial Camp.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.
