Bettye Lewis "BJ" Norwood

Bettye Lewis “BJ” Norwood, age 94 of Athens, AL, formerly of Paris, died Saturday May 4, 2024, at Renaissance Care Home in Durham, N.C.

Bettye was born September 13, 1929, in Roseville, MI to the late Percy Hoten Lewis and the late Mabel Markham Lewis.

Although born in Roseville, MI, Paris was the home where she was raised, excelled in, and received an honorary award in Recitation at Grove High School and where she married and had children.

She attended business college in Memphis before meeting her husband Ted and residing in various towns throughout the Tennessee Valley. Knoxville was their home for many years, where she was employed as a Secretary in the Chemistry Department at the University of TN. She and Ted subsequently moved to Athens, AL and enjoyed many years living closer to their son Alan and his family. Her faith family at Athens First Methodist Church further enriched her life while in Athens. BJ joined her daughter Janet in Durham, NC in 2020 to reside at Renaissance Care Home where she was dearly loved and where she brought joy to all with her keen wit, humor and bright smile. 

Bettye was an accomplished homemaker and seamstress, what she called a “domestic engineer”, who beautifully sewed many of her own clothes. She was known for and was often complimented on her fashionable style, which was evident in her clothing and interior surroundings. Bettye approached life actively and with curiosity. She loved to learn and see new things and amassed a large souvenir pin collection from her travels. Her strong and lively spirit will be missed by all who knew her.    

She was married on June 9, 1951, to William Edwin “Ted” Norwood and he preceded her in death on February 21, 2004.

Bettye is survived by her daughter, Janet Reed of Durham NC; her daughter-in-law, Wanda Norwood of Madison, AL; five grandchildren, David (Lori) Norwood, Crystal Norwood, Carolyn (Michael Nilo) Norwood, Austin Reed, and Daniel (Ruth) Norwood; and one great granddaughter, Rowan Nilo.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by one son, Alan Norwood; one sister, Dorothy Lewis Culver; and one niece, Marsha Hubbard.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11:30 am at Maplewood Cemetery in Paris with Carman Pariseau officiating.

Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Paris, TN.