Obituary for Betty Green Kenney

Betty Green Kenney, affectionately known by many as "Betty Boo and lovingly called "Mama Betty," peacefully departed this life on March 13, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on July 5, 1935, in Kilgore, Texas, to the late Oscar Green and Jessie Bell. Betty was born and raised in the small community of Tin Cup in Kilgore, where she developed a strong faith, warmth, and resilience that would define the rest of her life.

Betty attended and graduated from C.B. Dansby Colored School in Kilgore, Texas. She devoted much of her life to caring for others, working as a nurse's aide at Roy H. Laird Hospital. Her compassion extended far beyond her profession, as she later continued her service through multiple home health agencies, faithfully tending to those in need throughout her community.

A woman of remarkable strength and perseverance, Betty was also a breast and colon cancer survivor. Through these battles, she demonstrated unwavering faith and courage through life's challenges. Her testimony was a source of inspiration to all who knew her.

In her early years, Betty married Augusta Anderson Morgan, and from that union she welcomed a daughter and a son. Later, she married Floyd Zell Kenney, and together three children were born and they built a life centered around love, faith and family.

Betty's life was rooted deeply in her faith. She attended Macedonia Baptist Church and Kilgore Baptist Church before helping establish New Birth Fellowship Church, where she remained a devoted and active member. She was also a proud member of the Women's Joy Circle. Betty often opened her home to host prayer gatherings, creating a place of worship, encouragement, and spiritual growth for many.

Those who knew Betty will remember her vibrant personality and joyful spirit. She was known for her deep commitment to caring for family and friends. Betty had a special way of bringing people together—whether through prayer, laughter, or one of her famous dance moves. In her later years, she even embraced social media, delighting family and friends with her lively presence and joyful energy. More importantly, Betty opened her home as a refuge to those in need—serving children and adults alike with love, guidance and care. To many, she became more than a helping hand; she became "Mama Betty," a source of comfort, wisdom and unconditional love.

Above all, Betty cherished family. She poured her life into nurturing and guiding generations, leaving behind a powerful legacy of love, faith, and strength. She is survived by her children Nelda Morgan of Kilgore, Texas; Shelia Kelly (husband, Louis) of Longview, Texas; Steven Kenney (wife, Lynn) of Liberty City, Texas; and special son, Harold Johnson of Kilgore, Texas. She also leaves to cherish her memory 19 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, along with a host of extended relatives and dear friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Floyd Zell Kenney, her son Kenneth Morgan; her daughter Linda "Pokie" Kenney; her granddaughter La'Shekia Kenney; and her siblings Hazel Green, Jean Green, Mickey Green, Joe Green, Plutey Green and Mary McCullough.

Betty lived a life of faith, resilience, service, and unconditional love. Her legacy will continue to shine through the many lives she touched and the generations she helped raise.

Betty Green Kenney will forever be remembered for her loving heart, joyful spirit, strong faith, and the laughter she brought into every room.

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