Betty Jo Rayburn, 97, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Calvert City Nursing and Rehabilitation after a short illness.
Betty was born in Calvert City, Kentucky on August 2, 1927, to the late Charles Edgar Sewell and Estelle Dees Sewell. As a devoted stay-at-home mom, Betty’s life was a testament to her loving and thoughtful nature. Her days were filled with the joy of raising her children, which she undertook with boundless energy and grace. She was the heart of her family and was actively involved in her children’s school and church activities, always offering a helping hand or a word of encouragement. She was an avid UK basketball fan, and her enthusiasm for the game was infectious. In her spare time, she enjoyed working on her tan, a pastime that brought her immense joy, or going to the bowling alley, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition among friends. Betty’s love for traveling led her to many beautiful beaches, but the sandy beaches of Sanibel Island always held a special place in her heart. She was a 71-year member of Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church in Paducah. Her life was a journey of faith, filled with the love she generously shared with everyone she met.
She is survived by one son, Stephen Rayburn (Jeri Lake) of Benton, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Cherilyn Barrett (Danny), Jamie Lake (Ryan Rittenhouse), Sarah Zabel (Nicholas), Bryan Lake (Bryan Snodgrass), and Hannah Lake Rayburn; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Rayburn; one daughter, Vicki Bloodworth; three brothers, Wayne Sewell, Gene Sewell, and Louis Sewell; one granddaughter, Laura Wadley; and her parents.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to Dee’s Cemetery Fund, c/o Dale Smith, 5086 HWY 62, Calvert City, KY 42029 or Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church, 300 Fountain Avenue, Paducah, KY 42001.
Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr is handling the arrangements.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Services will be held at a later date.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.filbeckandcann.com.