Mrs. Betty Lou Christian, age 85, of Vernon, AL, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at her residence.

Mrs. Christian was born June 26, 1936, in Walker County, AL, to the late Sidney J. and Virgie L. Smith.  She was a beloved wife and mother who dedicated her life to taking care of her family.  She babysat all of her grandbabies, and loved every minute of it.  Her family loved her cornbread, and most of them have learned how to cook it just like her.  Mrs. Christian was a member of the First Baptist Church in Vernon, where she taught Sunday School for all ages of children, and later kept the nursery until she was no longer able to.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Christian was also preceded in death by her husband, Austin Christian; her sister, Kathryn O. Cooper; and two brothers, Ray Smith and Harold L. Smith.

Funeral services will be Sunday, July 11, at 3:00 PM, at the First Baptist Church in Vernon, with Bro. Scott Stokes and Bro. Phillip Slone officiating.  Burial will follow at Vernon City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Sunday, 2:00-3:00 PM, at the church prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Alex Christian, Matt Christian, Chase Christian, Eric Phillips, Ricky Phillips, and Buddy Glover.

Survivors include one son, Wayne (Deborah) Christian, of Vernon, AL; one daughter, Kathy (Gary) Turman, of Vernon, AL; one brother, Kenneth (Jeanette) Smith, of Columbus, MS; four grandchildren, Alex (Nicole) Christian, Matt (Summer) Christian, Chase (Courtney) Christian, all of Vernon, AL, and Jessica P. Turman, of Memphis, TN; and six great-grandchildren, Aleigh Brooke, Slate, Cooper, Elliott, Ryder, and Madison.