Bettye A. Southwood-Gilliat

GILLIAT (Southwood), Bettye A., age 85, of Vandalia, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Grandview Hospital.  Bettye was born December 10, 1935 in Jackson, Kentucky, daughter of the late Sam and Fairlena Smith.  Bettye was a retired employee of General Motors and was a member of the Vandalia Baptist Temple.  Following her retirement, Bettye was thrilled to be able to enjoy her true passions, shopping and doll collecting.  She even opened her own doll shop to share her passion with others.

Preceded in death by her parents, one son, Eddie Dale “Sonny” Southwood, 3 siblings, Rielda Neace, Marylin Turner and Emory Smith, Bettye is survived by her loving husband, Gene Gilliat of  Vandalia; daughters, Vonda Southwood of Vandalia and Teresa Pearson of Beavercreek; grandchildren, Michael Schindler and Shonda Glovkia (Thad); sister, Mina Mae Patrick of Lost Creek, KY, along with her best friend, Sudie Cruze who was like a daughter and Daniel Taylor, who was like a son to her; along with numerous extended family and wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the Vandalia Baptist Temple, 724 Helke Rd., Vandalia with Rev. Rick Washburn officiating.  Interment will follow at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery.   The family will be receiving friends at the Vandalia Baptist Temple on Thursday from 11:00 am until time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church in Bettye’s memory.    Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.