Elizabeth Josephine, Betty Jo "for short", (Watson) Braden, 79 of Bartlett, TN passed away on March 21, 2016. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of her family and friends carried her through 3 long years battling dementia. Although dementia stole many of her memories, it never touched her faith. In the end, her thoughts were only of the greatness of God.

Funeral services will be held on Good Friday (March 25, 2016) at 10:00 a.m. at Forrest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the same location. The family requests any memorials be made in her memory (Betty Braden) to the Alzheimer''s Foundation of America, call 1-866-232-8484 or visit http://www.alzfdn.org.

Betty was born on November 15, 1936 in Burnsville, Mississippi to Clarence and Estalee Watson. She was known for her ease in conversation and deep sense of compassion for everyone, even total strangers. She inspired us all with her faith through times of great sorrow and worry, leading us with her quick wit and generosity. Throughout her life she maintained a quest for knowledge and attended night classes, while working as the Supervisor of Records at the University of Memphis, a position from which she retired, in 1996.

Betty married Gene Braden, the love of her life on August 29, 1959; she adored him without fail for 57 years. She is survived by Gene and her two daughters, Cynthia Braden and Lori (Robby) Harper, and her two granddaughters, Caitlin (David) Glore and Elizabeth Bower, as well as two brothers, Bill Watson and Ronnie Watson. She was a member of Bartlett United Methodist Church in Bartlett, TN. and was a founding member of Frayser Heights United Methodist Church, where she and Gene raised their young family. She will be mourned deeply by her family and friends.

Forest Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, East
(901) 382-1000