Bettie Jean Gatling

Bettie Jean Gatling was born February 1, 1927 in Filbert, West Virginia. She lived to see her 95th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Bettie or "Jean" as family lovingly called her, was a twin. She was the fourth child of fourteen children born to the late Harry Sr. and Mary Alice Geter. She grew up in a loving family in a coal mining town where diverse groups of people lived and worked together with pride taking care of their families. Bettie was an active member in her childhood church, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Filbert, West Virginia. She sang in the choir and was baptized at eleven years old. She attended primary schools and Gary District High School in Filbert.

On April 2, 1949, Bettie married Melvin R Gatling. They bought property to build a home and raised their family in Plainfield, New Jersey. Bettie was a homemaker and retired from the YMCA. She was a devoted wife and mother, and sacrificial servant of God. Bettie opened her door to anyone in need and gave with her heart and soul.

Bettie was an avid reader who also enjoyed gardening, playing horseshoes, traveling, going to church and having social teas with her friends. She enjoyed visiting her family and volunteering in the community. She was a great storyteller. She loved her family dearly and looked forward to the family reunions. Her siblings called her 'glamour girl" because of the care that she took in her appearance including the wearing of white gloves. Bettie was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Edison, New Jersey.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Melvin; sisters, Evelyn, Bernice, Gladys, and Larna; brothers, Harry Jr, Bobby, Donald, and Fonda. Bettie is survived by her son, Melvin "Ikey"; daughter Sandra: granddaughters India (Edward) and Nicole; great granddaughters, Evie and Elsie; sisters, Dorothy (her twin), Clotile, Arlette, Geraldine; brother Bernard; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Online guest book at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com .