Betty Joyce Morris Banton, age 84, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, formerly of Louisville and Hopkinsville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on August 20th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Betty was born on March 9, 1940, in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in Pembroke, Kentucky. She graduated from Pembroke High School, Murray State University, and obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Louisville.
Betty began her career as an English teacher in St. Louis and Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Her most passionate endeavor was founding and running the successful estate sale business, “Miss Vickie’s Que’s Estate Sales,” which became a beloved service for the Louisville community.
Betty was a faithful member of Christ Church Cathedral during her years in Louisville, KY, and at Grace Episcopal Church in Hopkinsville, KY. She was known for her unbreakable spirit and determination. She was dedicated to the communities she was a part of, always striving to make a positive impact. Betty left an indelible mark on everyone she met and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
She is survived by her children, Jacwyn (Jack) Lackey of Hopkinsville, KY, and Danna (Shawn) Parker of Cape Girardeau, MO; her grandchildren, Sarah Lackey, Joe (Zena) Lackey, Lindsay Parker, and Lily Parker; and her brother Henry Bates “Butch” (Brenda) Payne, Jr., who will always cherish the moments shared with her. She was preceded in death by her sister, Darla Congdon; her beloved grandson, Matthew Parker; her mother, Dorothy Beard Payne; stepfather, Henry Bates Payne; and father, Jack D. Morris.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Visitation will also be held at the church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A committal service will follow the funeral at Rosedale Cemetery in Pembroke, Kentucky.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, 421 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY 40202, or Grace Episcopal Church, 216 E. 6th St., Hopkinsville, KY 42240.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Newbridge Retirement Community staff and the Missouri Baptist Hospital medical team in St. Louis for their compassionate care during her final days.