Betty Jean Cooley

Betty Jean Johnson was born to Lallage and Walter Johnson in Centreville, AL the only daughter out of four children. She lived most of her younger years around that area as well, attending school in West Blockton, AL, where she completed her High School diploma, and meeting her soul mate William E. “Bo” Cooley, in Edingstown, AL when he came home with a friend on a break from the Air Force. They were married September 6, 1952 and she followed him to many duty stations before he retired in 1968 and they landed in DeRidder, LA. They had and raised three daughters Diann Latham, Kathy Gregory, and Tina Parker. Betty had many jobs and all of them were helping people, working in hospitals in Alabama and as a Pink Lady at Beauregard Memorial. She was also a lunch lady and fed many hungry mouths at 1st Street School, DeRidder High and KR Hanchey Elementary, but also in her kitchen at home. Betty created a home for her family and filled it with love, everyone was always welcome, up until her very last breath. Betty lost the love of her life in 2005 after spending 53 years married and traveling from one end of the US to the other; they loved a good road trip and made enough memories to fill several lifetimes. Betty loved her family with everything she had, especially her grand and great grandchildren. From the love Betty shared with her husband “Bo” they had seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Betty spent many hours a day on her front porch and side patio just sitting, watching the birds, listening to her wind chimes, and chatting with any and everyone that came by. Her house was always inviting, her door was always open, and she greeted everyone with a smile. Betty was just three months shy of celebrating 90 incredible, joy packed, years of life. She passed peacefully in her home the evening of April 24, 2022. As the Heavens opened up and welcomed her, our hearts broke. Her family rests in knowing that she’s now whole, in the arms of the Lord and her forever love. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 27 from 5-8pm at Ludington Baptist Church.  Funeral service will be Thursday, April 28 at 1pm at Ludington Baptist Church.  Interment will be at Old Cypress Cemetery.  Rev. Bruce Butts will officiate. Betty is survived by two daughters, Diann Latham of Lawley, AL and Tina Cooley Parker & Kevin of Saint Robert, MO; seven grandchildren, Donna Lee & Jamie of Calera, AL, Heather Stewart & Barry Goodin of Pea Ridge, AL, Michael Gregory & Stacy of DeRidder, LA, David Gregory & Kathy of DeRidder, LA, Christina Parker of DeRidder, LA, Brandy Bryant & Rodney of DeRidder, LA and Ryan Parker of DeRidder, LA; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Nancy Johnson of Dogwood, AL. She is preceded in death by her husband, William E. “Bo” Cooley; daughter, Kathy Sue Gregory; son-in-law, John Gregory; infant granddaughter; parents, Walter & Lallage “Little Mama” Johnson; and three brothers, Buddy & Shirley Johnson, Dan Johnson, and Pert Johnson. Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneralhome.com