Elder Betty Jean Channels

Elder Betty Jean Channels was born on August 14, 1936, in Lexington, Kentucky. On Saturday, March 11, 2023, the LORD called His servant home to eternal rest at the age of 86. Elder Channels was the daughter of the late James Huston Fields and Addie Mae Fields. At an early age, Betty confessed her love for Christ and was baptized at Lexington’s Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. Years later, she became a member of East Second Street Christian Church, under the pastorate of Reverend Oliver B. Garner. Elder Channels loved the Lord and her church where she devotedly worshiped for over sixty years. On July 18, 2010, Elder Betty Channels was ordained at ESSCC by Reverend Dr. Donald K. Gillett. At ESSCC, Elder Channels faithfully served in a number of ministries, including the Pastor’s Aid Committee, as an Official Board Member, Choir Member, Women’s Ministries, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School. One of her greatest joys was helping to coordinate, prepare, and serve meals for the Lilies of the Valley Feeding Ministry. As a part of the Church Beautification Ministry, Elder Channels designed pulpit and sanctuary arrangements & decor, commemorating seasons and special occasions, as well as adding her gardener’s touch in the beautification of the church grounds. She found fulfillment in a career as a nationally certified Surgical Technician that began at Central Baptist Hospital, now known as Baptist Health. Throughout her years there, she gained recognition for being an extraordinarily skilled and accomplished Surgical Tech. At Baptist Health, she was recognized for her cool and calm demeanor and ability to work effectively in urgent situations. Betty loved what she did and, from the simplest to the most complicated surgeries, found it all to be humbly gratifying. Throughout her career and beyond, countless stories have been shared by doctors, nurses, and co-workers alike about her excellence, and about how she taught many of them along the way. Her name and fame at Baptist Health continues to be legendary. After her initial retirement, she returned to work for two years at Shriner's Hospital, Lexington, KY. Elder Channels loved traveling with her husband, Bob and sometimes her sister, "Tootie." Whether it was a trip to Europe, or enjoying the Chesapeake Bay, sunny Florida, or Southern California, she enjoyed it all. She also loved being outdoors, mowing her lawn or tending her bountiful gardens. Until his passing in September ’22, Elder Channels enjoyed the companionship and love of her pet Schnauzer, Foster. Our mother, affectionately known by family and friends as “Aunt Betty,” was a loving and devoted wife and mother, a woman of faith, strength, and determination! She taught us to keep God first in our lives, to be strong and resilient in life’s challenges, fairness, and to stick together as family. Mama was a friend to many, often sharing her faith, love, wisdom, food and resources. She was creative and loved to cook, and credited her mother and paternal grandmother for inspiring her love for cooking. She was known for her cream pies with perfect homemade crust, jam cakes, fried apple pies, and delicious chow chow. Many people enjoyed the gifts of her cooking on occasions and during the holidays, especially her beloved Bracktown neighborhood, where she resided for nearly 60 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Channels, Jr., eldest son, Roy Lee Fields, and two sisters, Anna L. Williams and Virginia B. Watkins. Elder Betty Jean Fields-Channels loved her family and extended family, often saying, “I love my family; family is sacred to me.” She leaves to cherish her memory six children, Cheryl (Robert) McCullum, Tallahassee, FL, Robert Channels, III, (Lexington), Toni Channels (San Diego, CA), Nancy (Gerald) Bell, Hampton, VA, Dana Channels and Mark Channels; a step-daughter, Kay (Richard) Edmonds (Lexington); seven cherished grandchildren, Richelle Gentry-Flemons (Champaign, IL), Daneka (Victor) Crump, Denia Channels (Lexington), Camille Bell (Alexandria, VA), Adrian Bell (Newport News, VA), Tameka Reed (TN), and Tamara Fields (Dorchester, MA); nine precious great-grandchildren, Kamron and Maiyah (Champaign, IL), Armin, Shylin, Troy, Sidney and Carter all of Lexington, and Shemar (Dorchester, MA). A half-brother & sister, James (Gina) Banther and Janet Banther (KY); cherished aunt and uncle, Bessie Newsome, and Harvey Cloyd; a devoted and special friend, Patricia Nuttle (Lexington, KY), and a host of beloved nieces and nephews, special cousins, family and friends.

Elder Betty Jean Channels

August 14, 1936 - March 11, 2023

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Elder Betty Jean Channels

August 14, 1936 - March 11, 2023

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information