Elizabeth "Bettye" Grupe

Elizabeth (“Bettye”) Little Grupe, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Lillian, Alabama on Monday, October 2, 2023. Born Elizabeth Marie Little on October 27, 1931, in Jefferson County, AL, she was the second child of Benjamin and Viola Little. Growing up, she lived on a farm around Jackson, MS, which she wanted to get away from. She did all kinds of stuff from modeling on TV, playing bridge, teaching kindergarten to going back to school around the age of 45 to become a dental hygienist. She ended up moving back to Jackson and working at the dental school, as manager for the 5th floor labs where the students learned basic techniques. She always loved reading books and finally bought a “Book Rack” store - which she just loved - and she made it prosper. When she retired, they moved to Lillian and Bettye became acquainted with bridge again and joined a club. Bettye was preceded in death by her son, James Dean Gaylor (Anna) and her brother, Horace Little of Brandon, MS. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Harold Grupe of Lillian, AL and two daughters: Cheri Gaylor Orth (Fred) of Lillian, AL and Toni Gaylor Seales (Lyn) of Birmingham, AL; a brother, George Little of Houston, TX, and a sister, Ann Law of Ocean Springs, MS. Three grandchildren: Duane Heath (Melissa) of Dothan, AL, Angie Heath Woodall (Scott) of Scottsboro, AL, Jamie Gaylor (Kimberly) of Birmingham, AL and six great-grandchildren: Adrian Woodall (Ashley) of Scottsboro, AL, Megan Woodall who is a student at Auburn University in Alabama, and the four Heath sisters of Dothan, AL: Addie, Emmie, Andie, Evie; and lots of nieces and nephews. Bettye was cremated in accordance with her wishes and a private memorial will be held by the family at a later date. If you wish to make a donation in her name, her 2 favorite charities were St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities Alabama.