TUSSEY, Bettie Wootten. Born October 2, 1945, Bettie Wootten Tussey passed away in January of 2017. She was the daughter of Garnett E. Wootten and Virginia Leake Wootten of Richmond. She graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in business administration and economics in 1975. She worked in the Richmond area as a real estate agent with Napier Realtors ERA for over 35 years. She was a dedicated VCU supporter, and spent her remaining time helping to support disaster relief efforts across the globe as well as traveling with friends and family.
She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Garnett E. Wootten Jr.; and survived by her sister, Lynda Wootten Hudson; her Uncle Morris F. Leake and wife, LaVerne; her niece, Susan Grady and husband, Chris; nephew, Dabney Scott Hudson and wife, Lindsey; niece, Katie Sudlow and husband, Mark; nephew, Tripp Wootten and wife, Julie; niece, Molly Wootten; as well as other extended family.
A visitation is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, January 23, at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, Va. Visitation will be followed by a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bettie's life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Richmond Humane Society, the VCU Alumni Association or Humanity Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel.
January 23, 2017
Christine Gerulat`
Bettie was a gift to all of us who knew and loved her. Like that present we treasure forever, she will remain a part of our memories Her love of life, people, kitties, real estate, politics, a good joke, a drink or two - and a tear shed when necessary - these were all a part of the total Bettie Tussey we were so lucky to have in our lives. I raise a glass high in a toast to your life. You will be sooooo missed! Hugs Chrissy Gerulat
January 23, 2017
Christine Thompson
Bettie, your life was filled with helping others, both locally and around the world. Your selfless service to others is your legacy. We miss you already.
January 23, 2017
Chuck Martin
Bettie, it is so hard to realize that you have gone. You were so respected by so many in our community and your friends worldwide. Your unmatched honesty and integrity were so needed during the turbulent times we live in. The generosity of your spirit will live in the everyday lives of people who needed your support to speak up to injustice and encourage volunteering. You left a heavy mark for other to live up to. You were taken far too soon.
Chuck Martin
January 23, 2017
John Whaley
Fond memories of Bettie from a Caribbean cruise in 2009 wouldn't have been half the fun without Bettie organising us and cajoling us along with wit, humour and kindness. Very sorry to learn of her passing l may of only met her once but have never forgotten her. Condolences to all her family and friends.
January 22, 2017
Sally Mullikin
The Richmond activists, or "sister warriors" as we call ourselves will leave an empty chair for Bettie beside us at our next meeting. Bettie did so much without fanfare and always from the heart. We all will truly miss her.
January 22, 2017
Rich Napier
Bettie, I can't believe you are gone. You will be missed by all the people you have touched over the years. I'll surely miss your quick wit and the occasional lip you would give me when things didn't go your way. You were one of a kind and I'm glad we were able to work, travel and have "FUN" together. I know one thing, God has put you in charge of Heaven's Travel Agency. Miss you.
January 22, 2017
Dear Linda and family,
My condolences to you all. My family knew your family in old Montrose Heights neighborhood and my sister Carol was Bettie Sue's babysitter. Reading guest book entries about her life has been so interesting. With love, Joan Cunningham Gorsuch
Jamestown, CA
January 22, 2017
Luke Renner
Poring back over my interactions with Bettie over the years, I am struck by her consistency. Her love for Haiti was profound, not only in word, but in deed. Bettie was a doer. A tireless connector. An asker of questions. She sought clarity. She wanted Truth. Truth for the world. Truth for others. Truth for herself. Bettie understood that getting the job done right was a person's highest calling and that falling short of your best was not an option. She never did anything halfway. She must have been a phenomenal realtor, especially as it related to the advocacy of her clients.
I met scores of people in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. The overwhelming majority meant well and even did some good but most were gone after the dust settled. Bettie cared about Haiti until her last breath and went on to include so many more people and places around the world. She was a person who absolutely added to the goodness of life; that is why her passing is nothing but subtraction to those who are left behind.
There is a hole where Bettie was. A hole that only Bettie could fill.
And so it shall remain.
Rest in peace, Bettie.
Your friend,
Luke Renner (@FiresideInt)
January 19, 2017
Carol Fitzgerald
I met Bettie through my son, Greg. One year when we both were on the Outer Banks, she came by for dinner and we had a wonderful time. Loved following her on Facebook and admired her caring attitude and generous spirit. She truly was there for people. She will be so very missed.
January 19, 2017
Tina Brooks
Dear Bettie, I already miss you on Twitter.
Thank you for making the life a so much nicer place while you were here.
I'll see you when it's my time.
<3
January 19, 2017
Sarah Mayo
I met Bettie when I began working for Napier Realtors, ERA a year ago in February. I found her to be a lady who could turn your sour mood to one of hysterical laughter and joy. She did not apologize for her thoughts/feelings. I loved her pure honesty. I will miss her and am happy to have been a small part of her life.
My condolences to Bettie's family and friends. We will all miss her, but let us remember that she loved life and lived it to the fullest. We should do the same.
January 19, 2017
Jean
Thanks for the occasional dose of reality!!! I think I'll go order a case of pickles just so I can eat one for you!
January 18, 2017
Tondra Dixon
Please accept my condolences. Wishing the family peace and strength during this difficult time.
January 18, 2017
Bryan Packebush
Ms. Tussey became a friend of mine through Facebook and Twitter during some of the Social Media in Emergency Management (SMEM) chats that we would have on Twitter. I will miss her wonderful humor and her nice words. She was always quick with a like and a nice comment which made something as impersonal as Facebook seem like a friendly chat.
I pray that God bless and keep her soul and that he bring peace and comfort to her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
January 18, 2017
Michael Driscoll
The world is a darker place with Bettie's death. She was a true patriot, defender of the weak, voice for the forgotten, a fierce warrior for truth, freedom, and a lover of the sea. I can't even begin to imagine how her wry observations and cutting wit will be missed in the coming days and years, a time when her voice would have cheered me and many others I expect. I'll never forget her gracious organization of a beautiful shipboard wedding reception for us onboard QM2 in 2009. And the framed photo montage she put together of wedding pictures pulled from Shutterfly. It's there in the den. I'll think of her and her kindness every time I pass by. My heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends worldwide.
January 18, 2017
Kim Ocasio
Rest in Peace
January 18, 2017
Jackie White
Dearest Bettie....My Franconia Friend....what a lady who lived life to the full and never afraid to speak out...it is my pleasure to have known you and l will miss you greatly.
Rest in peace dear lady, heaven now has the most wonderful angel.
January 18, 2017
Lee Tran
Dear Bettie, your light will continue to shine in this world from all the many people you helped with your volunteer efforts both here & Internationally. We have lost one of the good ones & you will be dearly missed (you already are).
Sending hugs & prayers to your family & friends. I was so fortunate to have gotten to know you, even from afar, and you have taught me great lessons both personally & professionally.
Rest in peace, you're a beautiful soul who was always appreciated by everyone. May God be With You xox
January 18, 2017
Angela Alaimo
Bettie, last May we sailed back to Bermuda and I sent you a silent word of thanks as we have their public transportation nailed!, all because of you showing us how it's done. You were always so much fun to sail with, and just an all around joy to know. The world will be a little bit darker without you in it, and I wish you a loving bon voyage.xo
January 18, 2017
So sorry to hear of Betties passing. I didn't know she was ill.
I only met her once at the meeting in NY for Cunard fans meeting. I kept in touch through facebook. She came over as a kind principled lady. RIP Bettie.
January 18, 2017
Suzanne Geiger
Thankful for friendship with inspirational, supportive, fiercely humanitarian Bettie. Peace and strength to all saddened by her departure.
January 18, 2017
Penny Atwell-Lullmann
Sometimes life blesses us with a special friend who is fiercely loyal, wickedly funny and just oozing integrity. I was blessed to find such a cherished friendship with you. I'll miss you so much Bettie. Rest in peace dear one.
January 18, 2017
Alex Gradwell-Spencer
Bettie, you were with us since the beginning and always suppprted James and I in the formation and running of cunardcritic. I'm so glad to have known you and I'm going to miss you hugely. Calm seas and following winds as you leave us this world for the next.
January 18, 2017
Alice McGowen
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Bettie was a friend of mine at Humanity Road, she was always ready to help me in anyway she could, and we shared the same Birthday. I will miss her.
January 17, 2017
Bernie Henderson
As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.
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