Mrs. Betty Jean Saylor Webster, age 84, of Madison, Indiana entered this life on July 12, 1932 in Hulen, Kentucky. She was the loving daughter of the late John Lewis and Anna Gertrude Rogers Saylor. Love of heritage and family never evaded Betty, who was reared in Corinth, Kentucky. A petite lady in stature but a giant in faith, compassion, wisdom and creativity, Betty often referenced her father, a coal miner, and her mother’s family who owned Rogers Funeral Home there. Little did she know in those young days in Grant County, Kentucky that she would spend the last 47 years of her life creating beautiful floral arrangements for anniversaries, holidays, weddings and funeral memorials. But the lessons learned in that family business and rural Kentucky town stayed with her throughout life. Offer words of encouragement. Listen. Work hard. Give your best. Spread cheer at every opportunity. Rejoice at others’ happiness. Stay loyal to family. And she applied those values to her personal and professional life as well. While most students her age were finishing their sophomore years, Betty graduated from Corinth High School at 16 years of age. Always inquisitive with a brilliant mind, she continued her pursuit of education, first attaining her Bachelor of Science degree at Berea College and later her Master of Arts at the University of Louisville. When death fell her mother early in life, Betty - only 22 years of age - without hesitation took on the responsibility of raising her two baby brothers, Robert Allen and Thomas Dale. Her first and only teaching stint as a home economics instructor spanned 20 years in Trimble County, Kentucky before she shifted careers to become a full-time florist. But that Trimble County stop impacted her heart and changed her life forever. Betty and the love-of-her life JL Webster were united in marriage on October 21, 1962 in Bedford, Kentucky by Rev. Cecil Fisher. And in time one beautiful, precious daughter blessed their home. Their world revolved around Jennifer and that special parental love deepened with each new day. The bond grew even deeper a couple of decades later when baby grandson Matthew, who affectionately called Grandma Betty "Gim," joined the family circle. Before the couple moved to Madison in 1968, she operated Betty's Flower Shop in Bedford. Always wanting to provide the prettiest and best floral arrangements, she advanced her education again, this time, the FTD School of Design. In 1969, the Websters opened Colonial Flower Shop on East Second Street in Madison. Working late hours, weekends and holidays to meet the needs of their clientele, Betty and JL put their hearts and souls into the operation. Regardless of size, every order mattered. That floral remembrance carried triple significance. Thoughtfulness on behalf of the giver. Admiration from the receiver. A trademark of beauty and creativity by the craftsman. And even after the sudden death of her husband on Nov. 24, 1999, Betty never compromised her commitment to excellence and customer service. To Betty, every flower was beautiful. She never favored one variety over another. Some of Betty’s fondest memories and stories focused on the many trips that she and JL took to Europe and Asia. They loved to travel and maintained friendships worldwide. Up to the day she died, she continued to occupy her small office desk, take calls, chat with customers, design arrangements and deliver her precious product. And her iconic shop still carries the same address. A charter member of Faith Alliance Church, Betty loved her church and was totally committed to Jesus Christ. Her faith, even in challenging times, never wavered. In addition to her artistry, Betty will always be remembered for her wit, charm, advice and comfort food. Family and friends never left hungry. Her slow-cooked Southern pot roast, surrounded with potatoes, onions and carrots, pleased every palate. Betty never met a stranger and enjoyed socializing with everyone. Jennifer often teased that her mother somedays enjoyed interaction with customers more than business orders. With Betty, friends and family made the best bouquet. Like her floral masterpieces, the fragrance of her friendship will linger on. Betty died on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at her residence in Madison, Indiana.
Betty will be missed by her loving daughter and best friend, Jennifer Webster Bates of Madison, Indiana; her loving grandson, Matthew Bates and his fiancée, Rachael Sopko of Madison, Indiana; her loving brothers that she raised, Robert Allen Saylor and his wife, Alena of Fort Myers, Florida, Thomas Dale Saylor and his wife, Christine of Fort Myers, Florida; her nephews, J.O. Saylor and his wife, Suzanne of Crittenden, Kentucky, Leo Saylor and his wife, Pam of Crittenden, Kentucky; her sister in law, Bettye Saylor of Crittenden, Kentucky; several cousins, great nieces, great nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father, John Lewis Saylor, her mother, Anna Gertrude Rogers Saylor, her husband, JL Webster, died November 24, 1999; and her brother, Roger Saylor.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 16, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., by Dr. Tom Sterneman at the Faith Alliance Church, 2408 Cherry Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Springdale Cemetery in Madison, Indiana.
(ALL VISITATION IS AT THE CHURCH) Friends may call Sunday from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 12:00 Noon until the time of service at the Faith Alliance Church, 2408 Cherry Drive in Madison, Indiana.
The Staffs of Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Lytle Funeral Homes & Cremation Service and Ransdell Funeral Homes are serving the family. Online condolencesmay be made at www.morgan-nay.com, www.lytlefuneralhomes.com or www.ransdellfuneral.com.
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