Betty Jean Whitley Hudson

Betty Jean Whitley Hudson, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and devoted servant of God was welcomed into heaven on July 6, 2026. Betty Jean was born March 30, 1938 to Claudy and Ruby Whitley. She was the 4th of 7 children. Her father and mother and 3 of the children preceded her in death (William, Edith and Joyce) and she is survived by 3 of her other siblings (JC, Hubert and Sammy).

Betty Jean married Edgar on Christmas Day 1955 and they remained happily married for nearly 69 years until his death in 2024. She worked most of her career in the textile industry and the last third for Piedmont Healthcare where she retired at the age of 75. She worked so long because she enjoyed the camaraderie of her colleagues. She was an active member of Yadkin Baptist Church where she attended many Wednesdays and almost every Sunday and sang in the choir.

She loved being around family and friends. FaceTime and phone calls with them truly brightened up her days especially after Edgar’s death. She also enjoyed gardening where bright colors from the beautiful flowers she planted highlighted the landscape of her home. Lots of juicy tomatoes that she grew were a staple that she enjoyed on sandwiches and sharing with family, neighbors and friends. She had so much fun playing cards and board games where she was quite competitive and displayed her sharp wit and prowess. Few things brought her more joy than laughter.

She is also preceded in death by her son, Jody.

Betty Jean is survived by her other 2 sons, Eddie (Neena) and Ricky (Jeremy); six grandchildren, Mitch (Mandy), Mindy (Tanner), Megan (Matt), Maisie (Joe), Luke (Keylee) and Rudy; six great grandchildren, Aria, Asher, Ava Jean, Hudson, Marlee and Palmer; as well as her niece Robin (Marty) who she thought of as the daughter she never had.

The family thanks the Emergency and ICU staff at Catawba Valley Medical Center especially Olivia Benton who provided such wonderful care during her final days.

The family will receive friends at Yadkin Baptist Church on Monday, July 13 2026 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Phillip Crider officiating. Burial will be held at Iredell Memorial Park.

Donations may be made in Betty Jean’s memory to Yadkin Baptist Church online at https://yadkinbc.org/give or by mail to 2980 Wilkesboro Highway, Statesville, NC 28625. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Hudson.