Bettye Commer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bettye Taylor Commer passed away on Dec. 3, 2020, in Memphis at the age of 94 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Bettye was born in Lakeland, Florida, on April 25, 1926, where she was raised. On April 28, 1946, she married Bennett Collins Commer. They met in Lakeland where he was training as a P51 fighter pilot prior to serving on Iwo Jima. In 1948, they moved to New Madrid, Missouri, and became lifelong residents. Bettye was active in both the community and the New Madrid United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday School teacher and a Girl Scout leader, as well as an employee of the Bank of New Madrid for many years.

“Maw-Maw” adored her grandchildren and always loved spending time with them. When they visited, they knew the cookie jar in the kitchen would be full!  But as all who knew her can attest, her favorite hobby was playing bridge. She was truly passionate about her Tuesday afternoon bridge club, as well as several other bridge clubs, and enjoyed every minute she spent with her many wonderful friends.

Left to cherish their memories of Bettye are daughters Linda Offerdahl and Marsha Rainey; grandchildren Joseph Moschera, Angela Moschera, Kyle Unzicker, Collins Rainey, Austin Rainey, and Nelson Rainey; great-grandsons James Rainey, Bennett Rainey, and Aiden Rainey; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennett, in 2006; parents, Blanche and John Taylor; and three siblings from Florida, Edna Johns, Peggy Seger, and Frank Taylor.

Funeral services were Dec. 7, 2020, at New Madrid United Methodist Church.

Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery with Richards Funeral Home of New Madrid in charge of arrangements.

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The family has requested donations to the New Madrid United Methodist Church.