Betty May Woodley Kitchens

Family will be receiving friends on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 1 until 2 p.m., at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. Service will follow at 2 p.m., in the Kilgore-Green Chapel, with burial at Boldo Memory Gardens.

She graced this world alongside her twin sister, Jetty Gay Woodley Lawson, on July 22, 1942, much to her mother Irene Woodley’s astonishment when the Dr. revealed there was another blessing along the way. Betty was deeply rooted in love for her family and faith in the Lord, nurtured in an era where God and family were paramount. Growing up among 6 brothers, 6 sisters, and a multitude of aunts and uncles steeped in church involvement. She cherished recounting tales of her childhood weaving magical and humorous stories that captivated us. As her children and grandchildren grew her storytelling magic endured, creating cherished memories for generations. Her unwavering dedication to family exemplified her character, a loyal sister, devoted mother, adoring grandmother, and caring aunt. Throughout nearly 3 decades in the school system, Betty worked tirelessly to provide a stable home and a bright future for her children. Even in retirement, she poured her heart into caring for and showering love upon her beloved grandbabies, leaving an indelible mark of love and devotion on all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Elmer Kitchens; parents, Jim Woodley and Irene O’Rear Woodley; siblings, Doc Woodley (Ara), Frank Woodley (Daphne), Felt Woodley (Marie), Robert Woodley (Lillian), Freelon Woodley, William “Bill” Woodley, Ilene Hill, Doris Talley (Hoyt), Dorothy Evans (Henry), Faye Naramore.

She is survived by her children, Shawn Kitchens (Laura) and Nakia Wakefield (Blaine); grandchildren, Brenna Wakefield, Makenzie Kitchens, Bella Wakefield, and Briley Wakefield; sisters-in-law, Betty Woodley and Gail Norris; and a host of dearly beloved, nieces, nephews and friends.