Bettye Bush Lewis

With full hearts and deep reverence, we honor the extraordinary life of Bettye Lewis—a woman of unwavering faith, fierce intelligence, loving strength, and radiant grace—who transitioned on August 15, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on June 7, 1938, Bettye was the beloved daughter of Rev. Mr. Samuel and Lillie Bush. As the daughter of a Baptist preacher, Bettye was raised in a home built on spiritual grounding and strong moral values. From an early age, faith played a central role in her life, guiding her every step and shaping the woman she would become. She was a childhood member of Fairfield Baptist Church in Statham, Georgia, where the seeds of her spiritual foundation were planted and nurtured. As an adolescent, Bettye attended and graduated from Gordon High School, where she stood out academically in her small class. With sharp intellect and natural confidence, she charted a path of excellence that would carry her through every chapter of her life. After graduation, she moved to Atlanta to continue pursuing her dreams. She enrolled at the historic Apex Beauty School on Auburn Avenue—a vibrant hub of Black ambition and community pride. There she met her best friend for life, Sylvia Butler. Their bond was immediate and lasting, a sisterhood rooted in laughter, loyalty, respect and love. It was Sylvia who introduced Bettye to the man who would become her lifelong partner, John Henry Lewis Jr. The two shared a deep and enduring love that blossomed into a 52-year marriage, filled with partnership, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion, until John’s passing in 2018. After a short stint in the beauty industry, Bettye pursued a career in civil engineering after attending technical school. Upon her graduation and passing her exam, Bettye became a Civil Drafter for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GADOT), where she worked with precision, pride, and passion. She also served as Secretary of the GA DOT Engineers Association, advocating for her peers with the same dedication and integrity she brought to every aspect of her life. In the early 2000s, Bettye joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where she faithfully served for over 15 years on the Mother’s Board, eventually rising to the role of President. She led with wisdom, warmth, and spiritual strength, mentoring younger women, supporting her church family, and living as a shining example of God’s love in action. Her commitment to the church was not a role—it was a calling. She served as a faithful member of the Mt Zion Family until her passing. Bettye’s personality was as unforgettable as her presence—funny, sarcastic, smart, stern when needed, and always real. A true diva princess, she had a sharp tongue and a soft heart. She spoke the truth in love, and you always knew where you stood with her. Her perfectionism wasn’t about appearances—it was about pride in doing things right, with integrity and care. Though she claimed to dislike cooking, Bettye was nothing short of a culinary legend—her homemade cakes were especially treasured, often requested, and always remembered. She was a proud baseball enthusiast with a brilliant memory and encyclopedic knowledge of the Negro Leagues, able to discuss players, stats, and history with clarity and passion. Bettye is preceded in death by her devoted husband, John H. Lewis Jr., her parents, Rev.and Mrs. Samuel and Lillie Bush; her sister Zelma Bush, brothers Alfred and Samuel Bush. Bettye leaves a behind a lasting legacy of love, truth, and strength. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Danielle Lewis Jones of Decatur, GA; loving stepdaughters, Tere (Stanley) Williams of Lithonia, GA, and Latonya Bernadette Lewis of Beaufort, SC; cherished sisters, Ms. Annie Russell of Middletown, OH, Mrs. Louise Sims of Statham, GA, and Udanza Paulette Bush; dedicated niece and caretaker, Mrs. Debbie (Carlo) Neason; adopted son and nephew, Dr. Vincent Harris; best friends, Mr. and Mrs. Josh and Sylvia Butler; close friends, Mrs. Shirlene Taylor and Mrs. Dorothy Blackwell; adopted children in love, Clyde and Cynthia Cunningham; grandchildren, Clyde (Drew), Courtney, and Christian Cunningham; and numerous extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and a church community that will always cherish her presence and wisdom. To know Bettye was to experience honesty, loyalty, and fierce love. Her life was a testimony to faith in action,and her memory will remain a blessing to all who were lucky enough to be loved by her. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest now in God’s eternal peace.

Tributes

Bettye Bush Lewis

June 7, 1938 - August 15, 2025