Ms. Betty J. Lewis

Betty Jean (Richardson) Lewis was born on December 13, 1949, in Hollandale, Mississippi, to James Richardson and Mildred (Smith) Eggerson. She was “the eldest child” of her family, a role she embraced with love, responsibility, and fierce devotion. Betty graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana, where she proudly represented her school as Captain of the Panther Majorettes. As the eldest, she faithfully supported, encouraged, and prayed for her siblings, always championing their success in life and love. Her heart for family extended into her role as a mother, grandmother, and aunt—she delighted in celebrating her children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, sharing their accomplishments with pride. A lifelong advocate for education, Betty often declared that she would graduate alongside her grandchildren. She fulfilled that promise at the age of 60, earning a certificate in Fundamentals of Payroll from Ivy Tech. Betty was a woman of creativity, generosity, and faith. A published author of A Precious Commodity with a collection of children’s books awaiting publication, she shared her gift of words just as she shared her gift as a seamstress and maker. She lovingly crafted bridal veils for her daughters and nieces, handmade pillows for her family each Christmas, and many beautiful creations that brought joy to those around her. Her talents also served her church communities. At Bethel AME Church in Bloomington, Indiana, she supported the Mary E. Nichols Missionary Society by making 100 pillows for a fundraiser and hosting tea parties to expose youth to “the beautiful side of life.” After moving to Saginaw, Michigan, she joined her family at Bethel AME Church there, continuing her devotion to serving others. Her life was grounded in her love for God and in the words of Matthew 22:37-39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Betty lived this commandment fully. She loved her parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and everyone she encountered. Betty leaves to cherish her memory and legacy her daughters, Rochelle (Dennis) Laffoon and Teretha (Andre) Coleman; grandchildren, Mark Anthony Brown II, Robert Thomas, Laurence Malik Laffoon, Jalen Rogers, Britanny Laffoon, Jacob Rogers, and Aubrey Xavier Laffoon; siblings, Mary Baylor, Brenda Evans, Gregory Richardson, Karltonn Richardson, and Robin Ifeadi; her sister-cousin, Hattie Mae Rowe; her best friend, Josephine Patterson; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and extended family members whom she dearly loved. Her parting message to all remains simple yet profound: “I love you; take care of yourself.” She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark Anthony Brown; her father, James Richardson; her mother, Mildred Eggerson; and her stepfather, Acie Eggerson. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Covenant Cancer Center, Dr. Nourkeyhani’s office, the Covenant Palliative Care Center, and Covenant Hospice Care for their compassionate service and support to Betty and her loved ones. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathy Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Rochelle Laffoon will officiate.

Ms. Betty J. Lewis

December 13, 1949 - September 19, 2025