Betty Nye Lendway

Betty was a life-long learner. After having 8 children, she embarked on a long educational path, returning to night school for her high school diploma – continuing on to receive her bachelors from Kent State University (’69) and her Masters in Social Work from Barry College (’75). She worked and retired from the State of Florida after 30+ years. She worked primarily as a social worker and program planner. She was also a certified behavioral analyst, and after graduating, became a guardian ad litem, advocating for patients and clients.

After retirement, Betty enrolled in the PhD program at FSU and taught undergrad courses at FSU and FAMU. She interrupted her studies to assist in her husband’s passing, ultimately earning her Specialist in Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at the age of 75 – earning the distinction of one of FSU’s oldest degree recipients. Betty loved teaching and mentoring others, as well as quilting, playing piano and the accordion. And she spent countless hours spending time with her family, cooking, canning, and baking bread.

She is predeceased by her latest husband of 26 years, John Bernard Lendway. She is survived by her partner, David Greenberg; sister Doris Maffitt; her children – Walter Farris Brown, III; Jeanette Evelyn Collier; Christian Chelsea Brown; Judith Pamela Garces; twins Cheri Anne Jenkins and Merri Jo Brown; Nancy Jay Nipper; and Otis Heath Brown; as well as over 50 grand, great-grand, great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Culley’s Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida on Thursday, September 18th at 6pm. Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice.