Betty Jean Williamson Bridgewater, 82, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Niles, Michigan.
Betty was born on June 1, 1943 in Tyronza, Arkansas to the late Mr. Kelly and Mrs. Mattie Watkins. She is also a twin to Charlie Ray Watkins.
Betty received Christ at a very young age. Betty has three brothers and four sisters all whom preceded her in death, Charlie Ray Watkins (Twin), L.H. Watkins, James Hospkins, Hattie Mae Hill, Helen Caurthers, Mildred Pittman, and Mayella Watkins.
Betty was the mother of nine children, Delores (Henry) Ward of Niles, Michigan, Odie (Rhonda) Woods of Chicago, Illinois, James (Regina) Woods of South Bend, Indiana, Ananias Woods of South Bend, Indiana, Clint Woods of Chicago, Illinois, Addie Woods of Niles, Michigan, Thomas Woods of Chicago, Illinois, John (Vivian) Williamson of Niles, Michigan, and Jeffery Woods who preceded her in death.
Betty has 35 plus grandchildren; 50 plus great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; two grandsons who preceded her, James Edward Jr. and Ra’Quon D’Angelo Glenn; a host of bonus grandchildren who she considered her own; three special nieces and one special nephew, Alice, Kattie, Lisa, and Jimmy; one special son-in-law, Henry; one special bonus daughter, Lisa Bronson; two special sisters-in-law, Mary and Earlene Williamson, and a host of family and friends.
Special thanks to her son-in-law, Henry, for all your support, kindness, and love for our mother during this time. She loved you as her own, we thank you.
Our mother was a very strong woman. She loved life, her family, and the people that she met along the way. She would always say once you meet someone, they’re not a stranger anymore. We all loved our mother in full heart. Our mother was a happy, understanding, and smart woman. She loved cooking, watching TV, shopping, and the casino.
Mother, we all cherish you in our own special way. The measures of love that you have given us can never be replaced. We love you.
Visitation for Betty will be on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 11:00am to 12:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 12:00pm at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St. Niles, Michigan 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 East Main St. Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be shared with Betty’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Services
Visitation
Friday, January 9, 2026 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry Street, Niles, MI 49120
Funeral Service
Friday, January 9, 2026 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry Street, Niles, MI 49120
Burial
Friday, January 9, 2026 1:30PM
Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 E. Main S,t Niles, MI 49120
Posted On: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 3:56 PM
