Bettye Knoerr

Bettye Jean Cole Knoerr, a devoted follower of Christ, cherished matriarch, and lifelong resident of the North Texas area, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, in Mesquite, Texas, at the age of 94.

Born on November 5, 1931, in Forney, Texas, Bettye was the daughter of the late Richard Wood Cole and Goldie Gladys Smith-Cole. She grew up in a loving home, graduating from high school in 1948. A spirited young woman, she loved the vibrant bebop music of the 1940's and even channeled her energy into playing on her high school softball and basketball teams.

On February 1, 1950, Bettye married her love, Billy Henry Knoerr. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around faith and family, and she took immense pride in raising their three sons. As a dedicated mother, she was deeply involved in her boys' lives, famously serving as a den mother for the Boy Scouts. Bettye and Billy shared nearly five decades of devotion until his passing in 1999. Bettye later married Charles Marshall, a long-time friend and widower, to share and comfort each other in their latter years until his death in 2022.

Bettye was a woman of sharp intellect and deep dedication. She spent 32.5 years as a trusted bookkeeper for Texture Services Inc. and the First Baptist Church Mesquite. Her work at the church was an extension of her profound faith, as her relationship with the Lord was the absolute cornerstone of her life.

Those who knew Bettye remember her love for the simple beauties of God's creation. She cherished early mornings spent reading the newspaper, peaceful nature walks, traveling the country, and immersing herself in Bible study. A woman of many talents, Bettye expressed her creativity through drawing, painting, woodworking, and crafts. She loved playing games with her friends and was famous for making the absolute best "Grannie" cheese sandwiches. Above all, Bettye was fiercely devoted to her family; her pride and joy were her three boys and their families.

Bettye was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Henry Knoerr; her husband, Charles Thomas Marshall; her youngest son, Jerry Knoerr; her daughter-in-law, Dollie Knoerr; her brother, Wayne Cole; and her parents.

Her legacy of love, faith, and family lives on through those she leaves behind. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Richard Ray Cole; her sons, Kenneth Michael Knoerr and his wife Mary; David Kyle Knoerr and his wife Wanda; and the late Jerry Wayne Knoerr's wife Tricia. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Keith Knoerr and his wife Stephanie; Charlie Knoerr and his wife, Angela; Kellie Knoerr; and Julie Gober and her husband, Chris; as well as eight precious great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her final years.

A celebration of Bettye's life and faith will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at New Hope Funeral Home, Sunnyvale, TX, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and the service following at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in her birthplace of Forney, TX in a private burial with no graveside service. Her steadfast spirit, gentle heart, and unwavering devotion to the Lord will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.