Mrs. Bettie Gean Ayuso

Ayuso, Mrs. Bettie Jean – age 83, passed away, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical in Stockton, CA. Family Hour 11:00 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Shiloh, Missionary Baptist Church 2120 Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 12:00 PM. Pastor Daniel Moore, officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the Church 11:00 AM Saturday. Mrs. Ayuso will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. Public viewing will only be held during the family hour. Ayuso, Mrs. Bettie Jean – age 83, passed away, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical in Stockton, CA. Family Hour 11:00 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Shiloh, Missionary Baptist Church 2120 Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 12:00 PM. Pastor Daniel Moore, officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the Church 11:00 AM Saturday. Mrs. Ayuso will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. Public viewing will only be held during the family hour. It was July 17, 1940 when Bettie made her debut into the small town of Spiro, Oklahoma. She was the sixth child to Rev. William Henry and Jo Erma Housley. At the tender age of three, Bettie’s journey took a momentous turn when she and her family made Flint, Michigan their home. She was a resident of the close-knit historical St. John Street community. It was this community and its resilient spirit that shaped Bettie into the remarkable person she became, and it is here, within its embrace, that she lived a vibrant and impactful life for eight decades. Bettie’s formative years were marked by her time at Central High School, where she not only received her education but also cultivated lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. After graduating, Bettie embarked on a fulfilling career as a transcriber at Hurley Medical Center, dedicating over 20 years to serving others and making a difference in the lives of those around her. Upon retiring from Hurley in 1984, Bettie embraced what she thought would be a quieter phase of life, but her unshakeable spirit had other plans. Not one to idle away her newfound freedom, she soon found herself back in the workforce as a seasonal receptionist with H&R Block. What initially began as a way to stay active and engaged quickly blossomed into a pivotal role within the organization. Bettie swiftly transitioned from receptionist to supervising and training all receptionists in the area. Bettie discovered love’s sweet song for the second time with her beloved Juan, embarking on a soulful journey that would span over four decades. Their love of travel and shared passion for exploration was only matched by their dedication to their faith. During their later years, you could find them sitting together and singing old gospel tunes. Their love story was a symphony of joy, companionship, and shared dreams. Bettie and Juan proved that love knows no boundaries and that life can be an endless adventure when shared with your soulmate. Born a preacher’s kid, Bettie accepted Christ at an early age embarking on a spiritual journey that would prove to be a vibrant testimony to the power of God’s love, and unshakeable faith. Among her many passions, Bettie found profound joy and connection in worship. Her spirit soared in praise, and her heart was most at home lifted in song to the Lord, a practice that sustained her. During the unprecedented times of the pandemic, when many found themselves isolated and traditional places of worship were momentarily out of reach, Bettie discovered her spiritual home at The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Flint’s “Praise in the Parking Lot”, where she could continue her worship and fellowship even in the most challenging times. Bettie was a beacon of kindness in the lives of all who knew her, remembered for her gentle spirit, boundless compassion, and the warmth of her embrace. She lived a life characterized by an unwavering dedication to caring for others. Her heart, always the first to give and the last to take, was a sanctuary for many. She possessed the unique ability to see the good in everyone and everything, making her presence a source of comfort and joy. And then the smile....bright and infectious. Bettie’s smile could light up the darkest of rooms, drawing people towards her with its sincerity and warmth. She had the rare gift of making every individual she met feel truly seen, heard, and loved. Her smile was not just an expression of her happiness but a reflection of the love and positivity she wished to spread in the world. Bettie embraced life with open arms, facing challenges with grace and always finding reasons to be thankful. Her actions, driven by love and kindness, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her. The legacy continues with: husband, Juan Ayuso of Stockton, CA.; daughter, Chinetha Gibbs of Bloomington, IL; bonus daughters, Juanita (Gary) Lazer and Azzie Smith of Stockton, CA.; bonus son; Juan Ayuso Jr. of Oakdale, CA.; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, Stella Malone of Crawford, MS., Loretta Cannon of Flint, MI.; sister-in-law, Mary Housley of Flint, MI.; brother-in-law, Felipe Ayuso of, Powder Springs, GA.; best friend for over 60 years, Mary Swims of Jackson, TN.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bettie was preceeded in death by her parents, William Henry and Jo Erma Housley; bonus mom, Pearl Housley; son, Dondi Gibbs; sisters, Veola Blakley, Della Wells and Nadine March; brothers, Billy Housley, Albert Housley and Samuel Housley; mother-in-law, Felicita Gonzalez; sister-in-law, Maria Sanders; brother-in-laws, George Blakley, Homer Wells, Emmitt March, Jesse Cannon, Salvadore Gonzalez and David Ayuso. Special thanks to Linda Wells, Elaine Vaughn, Shelia Diltz, Kathy Moore, Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Moore Sr. and The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Flint.

Mrs. Bettie Gean Ayuso

July 17, 1940 - March 21, 2024