Bette Willingham

CHURCHVILLE – Bertha Louise “Bette” (Williams) Bolen Willingham, 96, passed away Monday (April 14, 2025) in English Meadows of Fishersville.

Born March 27, 1929 in Meadville, Pa., she was the daughter of Wesley and Irene Evelyn (Williams) Williams. Bette was a homemaker and busy farm wife, and was owner of The Christian Bookstore in Warrenton prior to retirement. In her early years, she was a member of Morrisville United Methodist Church in Bealeton. Later, along with her second husband, she was an active member of Culpeper Baptist Church. Bette moved to Churchville in 2013, following Alton’s death, and became a member of St. James United Methodist Church.

Bette was preceded in death by her first husband, Newman Earl Bolen; her second husband, Alton Russell Willingham; a son, John Alton Bolen; and a daughter, Barbara Jean Bolen. She is survived by daughter Rebecca “Becky” Corns and husband Mike of Churchville; three grandchildren, Hayley Corns, John Alton “Jack” Corns, and Caroline Morgner (Peter); and two great-grandchildren, June and Atley Morgner.

A private funeral service was held in the chapel of Bear Funeral Home, Churchville, followed by burial in Morrisville United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org).

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.