Bettye Cheatam

Bettye Darlene Cheatam, 81, of Lockerbie Drive, died at 7:37 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at Columbus Regional Hospital. Bettye was born Jan. 31, 1935, in Montgomery, Alabama, the daughter of Joseph Vernon and Shirlette Ivy Dewar Taylor. She married Richard Cheatam Aug. 23, 1979. He proceeded her in death on September 18, 2001. Bettye was a 1953 graduate of Columbus High School and a graduate of San Joaquin College in 1983 with a degree in business. She retired after 30 plus years of employment with the Civil Service at various locations. Bettye enjoyed staying active and continued working until the time of her passing. Bettye was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARMS). She enjoyed traveling and growing flowers. Bettye loved animals and nature, especially her two cats and enjoyed bird watching. Survivors include her son, Steve L. (Judy) Shutters of Clearwater, Florida; daughter, Jane (Craig) Haza of Columbus; brother, Joseph Vernon Taylor Jr. of Columbus; sisters, Anna Rose Hoskins of Columbus, Corinne (Max) Carr of Seymour and Kay (Sammy) Harrison of Florida; and one grandson, Cody Harbaugh of Columbus. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.