Betty Lou (Freeman) Ivy

Funeral services for Betty Lou (Freeman) Ivy, 82, of Huntington will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Highway Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington with Brother Lamar Denby officiating. Interment will follow in Ivy Cemetery.

Betty was born September 11, 1941 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Winnie (Nerren) and Charles Anderson Freeman, and died Monday, July 22, 2024 at her residence.

After marrying Rex in 1959, she moved to Huntington where she lived in the same home for the rest of her life. She loved and nurtured everyone (even foundling animals), showing a mother’s love to all living things. She raised two children, always showing them intense love, devotion, and compassion. She helped care for two grandsons, and her in-laws.  Even with all of her health struggles, she was quick to tell everyone how blessed she was and how grateful she was for each and every day. Betty loved her Savior, her family, her home, her neighbors, all children, cooking, and her flower garden. For two years, Betty was a participant in an Alzheimer’s Trailblazer study. She hoped to contribute to making life better for others. As such, each month she went to the Nantz Alzheimer’s Clinic, where she was poked, prodded, medicated, and scanned. She worked hard to excel at everything she touched. Betty retired from Howard’s where she managed the Photography, Jewelry, and Electronics departments for 15 years. She was a member of Highway Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Venita and Michael Zavidny of Houston; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Monica Ivy of Huntington; grandsons, Clint Ivy and Brad Ivy; step granddaughter, Lyndsey (Seth) Smithhart; great-granddaughters, Charli, Libbi, and Teddi Smithhart; brother-in-law, Richard (Angie) Ivy of Huntington; sisters, Doris Christie of Allen and Johnnye Burchfield of Pasadena; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Winnie Freeman; husband, Rex Bradford Ivy; parents-in-law, Dan and Banks Ivy; brother-in-law, Merritt (Barbara) Ivy; brother, Charles (Loretta) Freeman; brother-in-law, Preston Christie; and niece, Gina Tullos.

Special thanks to Affinity Hospice and her caregivers: Kelly Young, Kelly Havard, Sandra Moody, Ashley Smith, and Tiffany Suggs.

Pallbearers will be Steve Ivy, Michael Zavidny, Delton Smith, David Palmer, David Ivy, Brad Ivy, and Seth Smithhart.

Honorary pallbearers will be Clint Ivy, Ted Ivy, Richard Ivy, Mike Ivy and Burl Ivy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 212 S. Main Street, Huntington, Texas 75949.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.