Bettye Elmore
Bettye Carden Elmore, well-known theatre personality, died on Monday, April 27, 2009 from cancer. She was 77.
Mrs. Elmore was a native of Chattanooga. She was formerly employed by Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company and was a private secretary for the American Thread Company. Later, she became a partner, then owner, of the Backstage Playhouse Dinner Theatre.
Mrs. Elmore overcame her natural shyness through acting. She had the leading role in her first play at the Chattanooga Little Theatre (now Theatre Center). It was the "Best Play" of the year and she won the Audience Award for the "Best Actress."
After that, she starred in many other roles in drama, comedies, mysteries and musicals, including a one woman show, "The Belle of Amhurst."
At the Backstage Playhouse, she directed over 90 shows and produced over 100. She also produced several shows for Brainerd Presbyterian Church.
She was the past president of the Chattanooga Jaycettes, the Barger P.T.A., the Brainerd Junior High P.T.A. and was Secretary and Historian of the Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement. She was elected "Stylemaker of the Year."
Mrs. Elmore led exercise classes throughout the city, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, taped television commercials, and volunteered to broadcast Public Service Announcements on W.T.C.I. TV.
Mrs. Elmore was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Wayne and Thelma Carden and brothers, Jack Blassingame, Steven Lynn Carden and Wayne Carden Jr.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Robert A. Elmore (Bob), and by her daughter and son-in-law, Candice and Jeff Kisiah of Charlotte, N.C., and daughter Cindy Elmore of Chattanooga, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel with Rev. Bill Mills of Trinity Presbyterian, Rev. Ronald Ragon former pastor of Brainerd Presbyterian and Rev. Jeff Kisiah, associate pastor of Haven Community Church, Charlotte, N.C. Honorary pallbearers will be the actors of the Backstage Theatre. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.
Please share your thoughts and memories at Mem.com.
Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37412.
Bettye Elmore