Elsie Fannie Betts

Mrs. Elsie Fannie McGill Betts, known to her loved ones as Elsie, peacefully passed away on July 7, 2023, at the age of 93 in Buena Park, California surrounded by family. She was born on February 27, 1930 in Henson, Missouri. She was the only child of the late Sally Fannie McGill and Raymond McGill. She was raised by her grandmother, the late Fannie Gillespie, when her mother passed away during childbirth.

Elsie lived a long and fulfilling life. She was a caring and compassionate individual who touched the lives of many with her generous spirit. She was known for her kind and loving nature, always ready to care for and nurse family, friends and neighbors back to health throughout her years in the Charleston community. Her sassy and funny personality brought joy and laughter to everyone around her.

Elsie was a faithful Christian. She would get up early every morning to read and study the Bible. She was a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church where she served on the Motherboard a few years prior to her move to California in 2013. She worked in the food service industry for many years. She retired as a food service worker at Charleston High School, dedicating her time and skills to serving countless students throughout her years of service.

Elsie indulged in various hobbies that brought her immense joy. She had a passion for shopping, (shoes, purses and jewelry) cooking, traveling and loved a good garage sale. She was always ready to go. She found solace in listening to R&B music ("The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. King was her favorite), dancing and watching movies. However, above all, Elsie cherished spending quality time with her family vacationing to California every year prior to settling there with two of her daughters, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

Elsie leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth. She is survived by her children, Ronnie (Celestine) Gordon, Sr. of Collinsville, IL, Floyd (Janie) McGill of Fort Wayne, IN, Luther Betts, Jr. and Altheria Betts of Bloomington, IL, Cynthia Betts-Moore of Kansas City, MO, Maxine and Justine Betts of Buena Park, CA, as well as her 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Elsie was preceded in death by husbands, Luther Betts, Sr. and G.C. Sawyer, daughters, Betty Ann Brewer and Calestine Betts, son, Dean Anthony Betts, son-in-law, Eddie Jerome Moore, granddaughters, Anna Maria Brewer and Kimberly Jones, great-granddaughter, Adria Brewer, great-grandson, Mikiel Anderson, parents, Sally Fannie McGill and Raymond McGill, and grandmother, Fannie Gillespie.

Elsie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Missouri. Funeral services will begin Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Matthews Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Floyd Wade officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with the Williams Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.