Betty Silvey

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Bettye Moredock Silvey, age 90, departed this life for her Heavenly home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Hearthside Senior Living of Collierville, TN. She was born in Sparta, TN on January 7, 1936, daughter of the late Jewel & Perry Donald Moredock.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Ancil Silvey, and sibling, Pauline, Sue, Jenny and Don.

She is survived by her son: Nathan Silvey and wife, Karla; daughter: Nancy Vaughan and husband, Mike; grandchildren: Anna and Caleb; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Bettye was a graduate of Tennessee Technological University, where she played the trumpet in the band. She also served as a Residential Assistant, where she met her lifelong best friend, Mary Ann Schechter. Upon graduation, Bettye became the first female juvenile probation officer in the State of Tennessee. One of Bettye’s greatest passions in life was golfing with her beloved husband. Upon retirement, she and Ancil continued to enjoy golf while serving as volunteers at Henry Horton State Park. Bettye led a life grounded in strong Christian faith. She met and married the love of her life at First Baptist Church in Clinton, TN. She and Ancil would later move to Oak Ridge to raise their two children and became a part of the Central Baptist Church family.

In later years, Bettye and Ancil moved to Fayetteville, TN, where they became members of both First Baptist Church and later Fayetteville ARP Church. They truly loved being part of both church choirs and singing in Handels Messiah Christmas program.

Bettye faithfully served her community in many ways throughout her life. One of the most notable roles she held was serving as Chairman of the Board of Education in Oak Ridge. She also served as Director of the Office on Aging in Anderson County, as well as Director of the Family Resource Center in Lincoln County. In addition to these roles, she was a loving and devoted mother to Nathan and Nancy, often volunteering at church and school activities.

Upon retirement, Bettye dedicated much of her time and attention to the restoration of Joseph Greer’s gravesite while serving as Regent of the King’s Mountain Messenger Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Any free moments outside of her volunteer efforts were spent visiting with her grandchildren and attending the many activities in which they were involved.

Bettye was truly a people person, having never met a stranger in her life. She loved getting to know everyone she encountered and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A special thank you is extended to the staff of Hearthside Senior Living of Collierville for their loving care and compassion.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” — Corinthians 5:8.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Algood Cemetery in Algood, TN. Visitation with the family will be Friday evening, May 29th, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bettye Moredock Silvey.