Betty Jean Owensby Rooks, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Pruitt Health of Blue Ridge. Betty was born on May 12, 1937 in Isabella to the late Arthur Hershel Owensby and Mattie Lou Ella Harris Owensby. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Bates; daughter, Brenda Kay Bowers; siblings, Charles Edward Owensby, Mary Ruth Owensby, Ruby Jewell Owensby, and Mary Louise Owensby.

She is survived by her son, Raymond Bowers of Waltboro, SC; siblings, David Owensby of Zion, IL, Lunnas Goode of Columbia, SC, Dewey Owensby of Isabella, Donna (Jimmy) Melver of El Paso, TX, Bobby Owensby of Isabella, Roger (Loretta) Owensby of Morganton, and Sandi (Andy) Nelver of Lakewood, IL; grandchildren, Chuck Bowers, Wesley Bowers, and Ryan Bowers; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM from the Akins-Cobb of Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Ricky Harris officiating. Interment followed in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shannon Owensby, Jayden Owensby, Carlton Melver, Phillip Owensby, Justin Deal, Ethan Owensby, and Dale Ray. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, January 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinscobb.com. Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.