Bettye Jo Gerow

Bettye Jo (Cayce) Gerow passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. She was 93-years-old, born in Birmingham, Ala., on March 4, 1923. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William C. Gerow; her precious daughter, Christina Tucker Land; parents, James R. and Irene (Murphy) Cayce; two sisters, Katherine (Marion) Davis and Sue (Paul) Steinmann; son-in-law, Hubert Grant; and brother-in-law, Bob (Betty) Gerow, of Indianapolis, Ind. She was a 1940 graduate of Central High School and later the Edmondson School of Business. She was a life member of First Christian Church of Chattanooga, was a charter member of the Key Class and served over many years as Supt. of the Jr. Dept, Co-Head of Special Events, Deacon and Board Member. All three of her girls were married in this church. Some becoming life members themselves. With her husband, Bill, owned and operated Valley Optical Wholesale Supply Co., Inc. for 44 years. She was always active in golf, playing bridge, owned and loved many cats and was engaged in volunteer work at the Community Kitchen and as a Pink Lady at Memorial Hospital. Survivors include her daughter, Pamela and Byron Cole; daughter, Marsha L. Grant; and son-in-law, Tom Land. Blessed with grandchildren, Claire Cole, Lesley Cole Morgan, Alex Cole, Cayce Grant Smith, David Grant, Matthew Tucker and Lauren Tucker Zell and respective spouses. She lived to love and hold 12 great-grandchildren. Nieces surviving are Drue Shook, Kim Shomaker, Susan Stewart and Becky Perry; nephews Ron, David and Jim Gerow. The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service at 1 p.m., all at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. Committal service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, at Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church on McCallie Ave or Hospice of Chattanooga. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.