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Bettye was a pillar of wisdom and sweetness, and the memories of her warm embrace and gentle encouragement will remain with them always.

Bettye Sue Shelton (Kendrick) was born on May 2, 1947, and departed this life on August 7, 2026, leaving a legacy built on faith, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Throughout her seventy-nine years, Bettye’s presence was a source of light and warmth to all who were fortunate to know her. She grew up surrounded by love, attending Attucks High School and graduating with the Class of 1965—a foundation from which she would go on to pursue higher learning with distinction. Bettye earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Hopkinsville College of the Bible, a reflection of her commitment to spiritual and personal growth.

Bettye dedicated her professional life to the service of others as an Occupational Therapist at Western State Hospital, from which she retired after a career marked by kindness, patience, and empathy. The countless lives she touched through her work are a testament to her gentle spirit and nurturing heart.

Her devotion, however, was most evident in her home and church. As a cherished member of Virginia Street Baptist Church, Bettye wore many hats: she was a choir member with a signature song of “Let God Abide” as her voice uplifted many, a deaconess and church mother offering guidance and care, and a committed participant in the Home Bound program. As President of Circle #3, Bettye gave of her time and wisdom selflessly, ever striving to foster connection and spiritual well-being within her congregation and District.

At home, Bettye was a master of many crafts—her expertise in culinary skills was lovingly passed down to her sons. She found joy in cooking and baking, creating meals that nourished both body and soul. Her creativity extended to crafting, sewing, and designing heartfelt greeting cards that brightened days near and far. An enthusiastic traveler and social media presence, she cherished adventure and connection, while attending District Functions allowed her to maintain close ties within her community of faith.

Nothing brought Bettye greater joy than her family. She shared a deep and enduring partnership with her beloved husband, Enoise Shelton. She nurtured and cherished her sons, Pastor Marvin E. (Paulnetta) Barner, Jr. and Erick T. Barner, with abiding love and instilled in them the values she held dear. Her siblings—Pastor Bruce D. (Virginia) Kendrick, sister, Brenda (Paul) Kendrick Lewis, and brother, Danny (Brenda) Kendrick—leaned on her steady support and love throughout their lives.

To her grandchildren—Ericka Barner, Joshua Barner, Israel Barner, Brian Miller, Kaitlynn Barner, and Khyla Barner—Bettye was a pillar of wisdom and sweetness, and the memories of her warm embrace and gentle encouragement will remain with them always. Though her late great-grandchild Maliyah Miller is now reunited with her in peace, the love they shared endures beyond earthly bounds.

Bettye’s passing was preceded by her beloved mother, Emma Kendrick Thomas, father, Alonzo T. Kendrick, and brother, Billy Kendrick. The bonds of this family, both living and departed, remain strong and unbroken through her enduring love.

The family invites friends and loved ones to gather in memory and celebration of Bettye’s remarkable life. Visitation will be held at Virginia Street Baptist Church, 209 South Virginia Street, Hopkinsville, KY, on August 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The funeral service will follow on August 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM, also at Virginia Street Baptist Church. Bettye will be laid to rest at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, 5817 Fort Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville, KY, on August 21, 2026.

Bettye Sue Shelton’s legacy of love, faith, and service will forever inspire all who were graced by her kindness. Her memory will live on in every heart she touched, and the lessons she imparted will continue to shape her family and community for generations to come.