Betty Denton

Betty Jo Denton, 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of September 20, 2022. She joined her beloved husband, E.P., who preceded her in death. Betty was born to Chester and Esse McCrary on December 9, 1931, in Russellville, AL, and grew up in Haleyville, AL. She met E.P. while in Haleyville, and they were married shortly after and spent 62 wonderful years together. They settled in Hoover and were longtime members of Hunter Street Baptist Church. Betty loved people, and she especially loved feeding them. No one was ever hungry around “Mama Betty.” She was a loving person with a generous heart. Her family will cherish memories of Thanksgiving feasts. Holidays were always attended by family and friends, and often included people with nowhere to go. Her grandsons often brought international friends from college so they could experience a real southern Thanksgiving meal. So much food! So much fellowship! So much love! “Mama Betty” truly had a servant's heart. She gave her time and energy to her family. Her first daughter-in-law, Cheryl, struggled with chronic illness and Betty helped her son and daughter-in-law daily with many tasks. She made sure the family had anything they needed and lots of love. But perhaps Betty and E.P.'s greatest achievement was that all their children and grandchildren have accepted Christ, and will one day reunite with them in heaven. Betty is survived by her two children: Ed Denton (Becky; first wife Cheryl, deceased) and Carol Barefield (Bobby, deceased). Betty loved her daughter-in-laws and her son-in-law like they were her own, and had a special love for Becky, who helped her frequently the last year of her life. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Peyton Denton (Melanie), Drew Denton (Rebekah), and Rachael Barefield. She was blessed to meet her six great grandchildren before her passing: Caleb, Hannah, Gracie, Emily, David, and John. Other survivors include her nephew Jimmy McCrary (JoAnn), whom she spoke with nearly every day. She will be greatly missed by all that loved her and received her outstretched hands of help. Betty was fiercely loyal and feisty to the end. We will miss you, Mom. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover at 2:00 p.m.