Betty G Kennison

Our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Betty Nadine Galford Kennison, made her graceful exit from this life on June 7, 2020, carrying with her the love and admiration of the many whose lives she touched.

Betty was born on June 5, 1928, in Green Bank, WV, to Glen and Ruth Galford.  One of 13 children, she grew up in Green Bank, enjoying a happy childhood with loving parents.

On November 23, 1946, in the home where she was born, she married Stanley “Skip” Kennison, who had recently returned from serving in World War II.  They were married nearly 58 years, and reared three children.

Multiple moves took Betty and Skip from West Virginia: first to Texarkana, TX, then to Crestview, FL, to Eglin AFB, FL, and finally, to Niceville, FL, where they built their forever home in 1973.

After working with Katie Moody at Katie’s House of Flowers, Betty, an avid reader, was hired in 1974 by Niceville City Manager, Lannie Corbin, for her dream job as librarian for the Niceville Public Library.  This is where she met Sheila Bishop, and a life-long friendship began. 

Although Betty retired from the Library in 1984, she remained committed to the library.  She was a founding member of Friends of the Niceville Library and continued to volunteer there as long as her health allowed.

Betty loved live music, good times, and kindred spirits.  Her legacy of joy, kindness, respect, and love will live on the lives of her family and many friends.

She is predeceased by her husband, Skip, her son, Danny Kennison, and all 12 of her siblings. She is survived by her son, John “Ken” Kennison (Violet) of Ponce de Leon, FL, daughter-in-law, Kathy Kennison, and daughter, Martha Hudson (Ralph) of Ft Walton Bch, FL. In addition, her legacy lives on in four grandchildren; Koby Kennison (Anita), Ben Hudson (Maggie), Susan Allain (Chris), and Zack Kennison, 10 great-grandchildren; Sophie, Jet, Nicholas, Gemma, Gabriella, Anabelle, EmilyMae, Maurian, Jack, and Evan as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Many thanks to Dr Chris Reid, Dr Michael Roberts, Dr David Phillips, special friend, Dr Tom McKnight, and Emerald Coast Hospice for ensuring Betty’s final years were spent happy and in her beloved home.

Due to Covid virus restrictions, the family will hold a private graveside service Friday, June 12, 2020.  Betty’s “exit party” will be held at a later date, when attendance is less restricted. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty G Kennison, please visit our floral store.