Bettye Jean Bennett Nolan of Farmerville, LA, was born March 2, 1939, and passed from this life on January 16, 2023, after a sudden decline in her health. Bettye was 84 years old. 

Bettye attended Farmerville High School where she was homecoming queen her senior year and was voted “Most Beautiful”.  

After high school, Bettye married her high school sweetheart, Emmett Earl Nolan, in 1957. They went on to have two children, Angela Jean Nomey and Matthew Bennett Nolan. 

Bettye was administrator of the Union Parish Health Unit where she retired after 33 years of service in 1998. 

Bettye was predeceased by her husband, Emmett Nolan, her daughter, Angie Nolan Nomey, her parents, J.D. and Vera Bennett, her sister, JoAnn Bennett Smith, and niece Toni Pearson Grier. Bettye was known for being passionate about her family, friends, and faith. She attended church throughout the COVID epidemic, and is quoted saying “Lord knows, we need our churches.” She is also remembered for her famous homemade cheesecakes that she often brought to church events. Bettye especially enjoyed spending time at her “beautiful little house on the lake”. 

Bettye is survived by her son, Matthew Bennett Nolan (wife Tricia), and two special nieces Terri Pearson Gregory and Tammi Pearson Anderson. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Audrey, Olive, and Rosemary Nolan; April Dambois Audirsch (husband Jason) and Dustin Dambois. Bettye had two great-grandchildren, Trinity Audirsch and Harlan Dambois.  

A celebration of life will be held at Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Bernice, LA, on Friday, January 19, 2024. Visitation is noon until 2:00 pm with the service beginning at 2:00. Bro. Tony Walton and Bro. Robbie Lawson will be officiating. Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Farmerville, LA, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 132 Mount Tabor Church Road, Bernice, LA, 71222 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Bettye’s family would like to thank the Arbor Rose Assisted Living staff for their excellent care and attention for Bettye over the past few months. Many thanks also to Laurie Johnson who faithfully took Bettye church each week. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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