Betty Cowsert

Mrs. Betty Janice Richardson Cowsert, age 79, of Alabaster, Alabama died Saturday, May 13, 2023, at South Haven Nursing Home in Hoover, Alabama.

She was the wife of Lane Cowsert and was born in Burlison, TN to Warner Leon and Gladys (Lavelle) Richardson.  She graduated with an Associates Degree from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.   She raised three sons in Lauderdale County, TN and worked at American Greeting Card Company as well as serving as the first woman on the Lauderdale County School Board of Education.  After moving to Missouri, she was an Administration Assistant to the Academic Vice President at Missouri Western State College and later worked in the graduate office of Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.

She is survived by her husband Lane of 42 years; her children, Reid Dunavant, Todd Dunavant, Chris (Heidi) Dunavant, Lisa Hopkins and Trent (Nicole) Cowsert; three sisters, Nancy (Curry) Taylor, Ruthane (Lyn) Harber and Marsha Ballinger; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She and Lane retired in 2007 to Plantersville, MS and in 2014 relocated to Alabaster, Alabama.  She was an avid gardener and loved to travel especially to state parks and any place where there were beautiful plants.  She was always active in any church were they lived, she was particularly involved with the Jolley Elders of First Baptist Church in Nettleton, MS and with the seniors group at Community Baptist Church in Maylene, Alabama.  She and Lane tended to the plants at both churches.  

Mrs. Cowsert was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Warner Glen Richardson; her twin sister, Barbara Sadja. 

Funeral service will be Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at Murphy Funeral Home in Martin, TN with Rev. James C. "Bo" Brown.  Burial will follow in East Side Cemetery in Martin.  Visitation will be Wednesday beginning at 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00.

The family wishes to express their utmost gratitude to the caring staff of Affinity Hospice and South Haven Nursing Home for the loving care of Betty during her last days.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.