Service

Saturday, November 15, 2025

11:00 AM

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

Rev. Anthony Phillips, Pastor

Visitation

Friday, November 14, 2025

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

Burial

Crestview Memorial Cemetery

Bettye James was born in Kilgore, Texas, March 12, 1946, to Jessie Thompson and Katherine Waldon. Her family were members of the El Bethel Baptist Church in Overton, Texas, and it was there that she accepted Christ, as the Lord and Savior of her life.

Bettye moved to Wichita Falls in 1958. After relocating to Wichita Falls, Texas, she joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where she became active in many church activities. Before moving, Bettye attended C.B. Dansby Elementary in Kilgore. Once settled in Wichita Falls, she continued her education at Holland Middle School and later at The Booker T. Washington High School. Bettye was a proud member of The Booker T. Washington Senior Class of 1964. During her time at The Booker T. Washington High School, she was a member of the American Red Cross Club. During high school, she was recognized for her intelligence and natural leadership, Bettye made the Honor Roll every year. She attended Midwestern State University in 1991 and Vernon Regional Junior College in 2011.

Bettye worked for Pittsburgh Paint and Glass (PPG) and later retired from General Motors after 31 years of dedicated service. She was once active in the Women’s Progressive Club; where, on multiple occasions, she served as the Dean of Debutantes. After retiring, Bettye continued her lifelong commitment to helping others by volunteering at the Central Boys and Girls Club, and reading tutor at Kate Burgess Elementary and Kirby Middle School within the Wichita Falls Independent School District. She also found great joy in supporting youth as a Boy Scout Den Mother for Troop 146 during Kory’s time in Boy Scout.

She later united with New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she faithfully served the Lord in many capacities. Bettye was an active member in the church and found joy in participating in the Women’s Mission, Women’s Choir, Adult Sunday School Class and Bible Study. She served as both a longtime president and treasurer of the Women’s Mission. She worked with Meals on Wheels and was a proud member of the Silver Foxes Ministry.

Ever the servant leader, Bettye served proudly and enthusiastically as the Director and Coordinator of New Jerusalem’s Food Distribution Ministry. In this role, she worked closely with the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank to coordinate food pickups and supervised the registration and distribution of food to those in need.

Bettye worked tirelessly to support all the ministries of the church, whether she was serving out front or working quietly behind the scenes. Her devotion, generosity, and steadfast faith touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the New Jerusalem Baptist Church family.

In her spare time, Bettye enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking, spending time with her family, and tending to her vegetable garden, which were all the things that brought her joy and peace.

Bettye was an affectionate and loving caregiver to her mother, Katherine Waldon, for several years, making sure that her mom, who was in her 90s, continued to be active in church, social events and family activities, until her mother’s passing on December 28, 2021.

Bettye raised her three beloved sons with unconditional love, faith, and guidance. She traveled with them to numerous sport activities at Hirschi High School. She cherished the close bond she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, supporting them with endless encouragement and affection. She never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Bettye loved to laugh, to share stories, and to spend time mentoring and uplifting her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Her warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit touched all who had the blessing of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Waldon; father, Jessie Thompson and her brothers: Angus, Lester, Frankie and Charles.

Left to cherish her legacy and memory are her sons: Ernest James Jr.(Tina); Rodney James (Christine), and Kory Pratt (Nikaiya); brothers: Jessie Thompson Jr., Mac A. Thompson (Juanita), Harold Ray Hall, Casey Gildon and Gary Campbell ; sisters, Dorothy Sanford, Erma Taylor, Lavern Craddock, Carolyn Ates, Donna Howard (Antony), Shirley Thompson, Ennette Henry (Albert), Francis Campbell and Joy Gildon; grandchildren, Tenika James, Tiffany James, Tianna James, Terri James, Zachary James, Aaron James, Morgan James, Claudia James, Christian James; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.