Betty Gwenette Lee

Betty Gwenette Lee, a lifelong resident of Kilgore, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on May 30, 2026. Born on October 15, 1935, Betty lived a full and meaningful life dedicated to her family, community, and passions.

A graduate of Kilgore High School, Betty’s career spanned several fields. Early on she was a telephone operator. After her children were older, she spent 13 years working at Kilgore National Bank and Citizens Bank, where she was known for her dedication and friendly service. Later, she put herself through nursing school at Kilgore College and worked at UT Health Center in Tyler for 25 years. She retired to take on the most important job of entertaining her only grandchild. They went on many adventures together.

Betty was a proud member of the Forest Home Baptist Church, having been baptized there at the age of 12. She liked to say she was born in that church twice – physically as a baby (her parents were members) and spiritually through Christ. Her faith was an important part of her life as she loved her old Sunday School Class and Joymakers and the trips to Branson. Through the years she was a member of the Native Plant Society, Master Gardeners, and the Civic Garden Club, reflecting her deep love for nature. Gardening was one of her favorite hobbies as you could tell by the flowers and plants in her yard. And she was a member of Green Street Senior Citizens. She enjoyed garage sales and spending time at the lake. Betty also loved all her cats, especially Missy, who was a special companion to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Newton Dudley Lee and Eleanor Blunt Huddle, and her brother, Everett Woodrow Lee.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Lee Ann Warren of Kilgore, and her son, Andy Waller of Kilgore. She is also survived by her sisters: Judy Kaitala of Arlington, Texas; Karen Salyer of Kilgore; and Nelwyn Bennett of Broussard, Louisiana. Her granddaughter, Chelsea Warren (Jane Raimondi) of Saginaw, Texas, cherishes her memory as well.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore with Brother Jonathan Latham officiating, followed by burial at Kilgore City Cemetery.

Betty will be deeply missed by all that knew her.