Betty Banton

Betty Banton

Betty Joyce Morris Banton, 84, of Cape Girardeau — formerly of Louisville and Hopkinsville, Kentucky — passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born March 9, 1940, in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in Pembroke, Kentucky.

She graduated from Pembroke High School and Murray State University, and obtained her master’s degree from the University of Louisville.

Betty began her career as an English teacher in St. Louis and Hopkinsville. Her most passionate endeavor was founding and running the successful estate sale business Miss Vickie’s Que’s Estate Sales, which became a beloved service for the Louisville community.

Betty was a faithful member of Christ Church Cathedral during her years in Louisville and at Grace Episcopal Church in Hopkinsville. She was known for her unbreakable spirit and determination. She was dedicated to the communities she was a part of, always striving to make a positive impact. Betty left an indelible mark on everyone she met and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

She is survived by her children, Jacwyn (Jack) Lackey of Hopkinsville and Danna (Shawn) Parker of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren, Sarah Lackey, Joe (Zena) Lackey, Lindsay Parker and Lily Parker; and brother, Henry Bates “Butch” (Brenda) Payne Jr., who will always cherish the moments shared with her.

Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Darla Congdon; her beloved grandson, Matthew Parker; her mother, Dorothy Beard Payne; stepfather, Henry Bates Payne; and father, Jack D. Morris.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Grace Episcopal Church in Hopkinsville, and funeral will follow at 3 p.m. at the church. A committal service will follow the funeral at Rosedale Cemetery in Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, 421 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY 40202 or Grace Episcopal Church, 216 E. 6th St., Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

Hughart, Beard & Giles Funeral Home in Hopkinsville is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Newbridge Retirement Community staff and the Missouri Baptist Hospital medical team in St. Louis for their compassionate care during her final days.