Ms. Betty Ray Green

Betty Ray Green was born August 15, 1934, in Ringgold, Louisiana to Howard and Australia Johnson Sr., who preceded her in death. Betty was born the third oldest of six children. Her siblings Jimmie Johnson, Howard Johnson Jr., Mattie Johnson, Bobbie Locke, and Judy Brockman preceded her in death. Through God’s divine intervention, in early 2023, Betty met her beloved sister Bobbie Allen (Frank Allen) of Los Angles, California. This blossomed into such a beautiful relationship, and they spoke on the phone weekly. Betty is survived by one sister, Bobbie Allen. The Johnson family moved to Kansas City, Kansas when Betty was in elementary school. She attended and graduated from Sumner High School in 1952. Betty married Harry James Green who worked as a presser for Jo-Bee’s Cleaning Village. Her husband Harry James Green and three grandsons; Jessie Graves III, Christopher Graves and Nicholas Graves preceded her in death. Betty started her work career as a cook with Our Lady and St. Rose Catholic School. Her love for children was shown through the healthy and delicious meals she provided. Betty continued her career at St. Mary-St. Anthony Church working for Father Reverend Raymond Davern. She then worked for Christ The King Church where she retired. Betty could not sit still and started working as a Foster Grandparent for Banneker Elementary School and Delight Ahead Child Care. Betty accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior early age and held steadfast to her decision. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of late Rev. L.C. Rice, late Rev. R.C. Higgs, Rev. Meredith Sullivan, Rev. Darrell Heard, Rev. Nathan Jones, and currently Pastor CJ Gooden. While under such powerful stewardship Betty served as President of the Bethel Baptist Usher Board and was a long-standing member of the Bethel Baptist Mother Board. Betty served as Chair of the Pastor Anniversary Committee for 30 plus years. She truly enjoyed serving as a cook in the Bethel kitchen. Due to her passion, dedication and hard work, the Bethel Baptist Church Kitchen was dedicated to Betty July 2024. Betty loved the Lord, her family, her church, and the Kansas City Royals in that order. To know her was to love her. She was a cheerful giver and gave unconditionally to her family, friends, and church. Her love for the community was shown as she started the weekly Mt. Carmel Bible Study. This was an opportunity she took to invite community members, leaders, ministers and deacons to speak. As an advocate of Wyandotte County, she provided this safe space for the community to come listen, learn and pray. And of course, Betty would provide a delicious meal or snack during bible study. Betty was known for throwing birthday parties, giving gifts and tokens of love to her friends, and family. She was also known for cooking some of the best food and desserts in Kansas City, KS. Betty was invited to seat in the Buck O’Neil seat at the Kansas City Royals Stadium for her 80th birthday in 2014. Betty leaves to cherish her memory sons, Jessie Graves Jr. (Levon); and Michael Green; daughter, Wanda Womack (Johnnie); Grandchildren, Twanna Green; Tanika Green; Tony Graves; and Jervon Graves; great-grandchildren, Jerome Key Jr.; Jayla Chance; Maurkeyce Hunter Jr.; and Malaysia Hunter; sister, Bobbie Allen (Frank); special cousin, Jessie Franklin; godson, Sherman Richardson (Yolanda); bonus granddaughters, Shanaya ; and Janiya Burns; special friends, Beverly Baylis; Shirly Davis; Peggy Harris; Louise Jones; Dr. Kathryn Ridley; Arlice Woodberry; Patricia Jones; Betty “Nana” Graham; Elizabeth Cotton; Victoria Berry; Deborah Thompson; Joann Sauls; Gwendolyn James; and Mary Howard; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; church and community friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Bethel Baptist Church. Interment: Highland Park Cemetery. Visitation 9-10:00 A.M. at Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Ms. Betty Ray Green

August 15, 1934 - June 26, 2024