Betty Severson Hendon, formerly of Colton, S.D., died Sunday, Nov. 15, in Memphis.

Betty (Severson) Hendon daughter of Fred and Alma (Henjum) Severson was born March 26, 1927, across from St. Jacobs Lutheran Church in rural Colton, S.D., where she was also baptized and confirmed. She attended school at the State School for the Blind in Gary, S.D. for 12 years. Her passion for music led her to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. for four years where she earned a Bachelors Degree in music. After attending Augustana College, she continued her study of music at Julliard School of Music in New York City for one year.

After attending Julliard, she returned to South Dakota and taught elementary and high school music at the State School for the Blind in Gary, S.D. and Aberdeen, S.D.

Betty was known for her beautiful soprano voice and went on to do concert singing. While performing concert singing, she wanted an education in Independent Living and Travel and attended school in Missouri. After schooling, Betty continued to perform numerous concerts.

A few of the many highlights where she contributed her musical talents were winning the Ted Mack National Amateur Hour in New York City; Guest Soloist for the National Lions Club Convention in Rapid City, S.D.; the Lions Club International Convention at the Orange Bowl in Florida before an audience of more than 40, 000; and chosen Sweetheart of the Lions Club in five states and Canada.

While attending travel school in Hot Springs, Ark., Betty met her husband D. Oather Hendon of Memphis, formerly of Hardin County. They were united in marriage in Nashville on July 9, 1960, and moved back to Sioux Falls, S.D.

On May 6, 1961, a son Paul was born and on Sept. 6, 1967, a daughter Lisa was born. After she was married, Betty continued to sing for many weddings, funerals, and various social functions often accompanying herself on piano or organ.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Oather, a son Paul (Robin) Hendon; a daughter Lisa (Russell) Walker all of Memphis; two granddaughters Hannah Hendon and Sarah Hendon both of Memphis; a sister Joyce Farr of Colton, S.D.; three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Severson (widow of Dennis) and Merla Severson (widow of Ronald), both of Sioux Falls, S.D., Thelma Severson (Arleen) of Madison, S.D.; brothers and sisters-in-law Drexel and Betty Rich Hendon of Germantown, Tenn.; Wayne and Johnnie Hendon of Memphis; Wanda Faye Kirkman of Crump; Elver C. and Joann Brewer of Aurora, Ill.; and special friend Dorean Brouillette of Minneapolis, Minn., along with a host of other relatives and friends. She also left a Chiwawa lap dog, Penny.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers Arleen, Norman, Harvey, Lowell, Dennis and Ronald and one sister Carnie Ordal; and one special friend, Betty Austin of Memphis.

Those who knew Betty consistently characterized her as a gracious, engaging and joyful woman.

A Celebration of Life service was held at Cherokee Baptist Church in Memphis, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. A private family burial will be at St. Jacobs Lutheran Cemetery in rural Colton, S.D. at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Cherokee Baptist Church, 5340 Quince Road, Memphis, TN 38119.

High Point Funeral Chapel 901-454-5795.

The memorial service on Saturday was outstanding. It was well attended including several members of Betty’s family from S.D., Neb., and Ill. Two of Betty’s nephews, Roger Severson from Nebraska and Dean Farr of Illinois, sang, and her sister, Joyce accompanied on the piano. Betty’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer was played. Pastor Garry S. Burkacki delivered a brief message and highlighted Betty’s life span including her service in the church while she resided here. Betty’s immediate family were pleased with the entire service and wish to thanks everyone including those who signed the Guest Register in the Commercial Appeal.