Bette May Woolley, 96, died Friday, February 18, 2022, at Lakes of Monclova in Maumee, where she lived for eight years. She was one of 10 children born to Ruby (Reynolds) and William Wilkerson in Brewton, Alabama.
She had lively memories of her early life in Brewton and of her family’s relocation to Chicago in the 1930s, when her oldest brother convinced his parents to move north for better economic opportunities. In Chicago, she became acquainted with her older brother who was an adventurous, larger-than-life “genius,” with a daughter her own age. She shared many memories of their road trips, gustatory adventures in Chicago’s finest restaurants and trips to fabulous movie houses.
Bette took secretarial courses and after finishing school, followed her family to Richmond, Indiana. There Bette worked as an executive secretary and was well regarded by her employers for her shorthand skills and knowledge of how to present the perfect letter.
She met William S. Woolley at church, and they married February 6, 1959. When Bill got a job in Toledo, they moved to Perrysburg, where Bette made a home for them before Bill died in 1976.
Bette’s intellectual curiosity was a magnet for many a friendship. Once she discovered a new interest, she connected with people far and wide who shared her passion for the topic. Her favorite pastime was going to or watching movies, particularly foreign films. An avid reader, Bette was a selftaught expert on a wide variety of topics, collecting books and articles on General George Custer, Cecil Rhodes, J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atom bomb, plus travel, history, poetry and winners of the Kentucky Derby. She loved books about southern and early American architecture, and her interests in architecture and culture did not stop at American borders.
Bette and Bill took a wonderful Italian vacation, where she was proud to say that she touched the toe of Michelangelo’s David. She traveled to China in the late 1990s with her sister and brother-in-law. If you were in conversation with Bette and told her you were going to take a trip, she would suggest the most interesting and out of the way sights to visit.
Bette was a Christian Scientist and was well-read in the literature and life of Mary Baker Eddy. Bette was an encouraging, generous and devoted friend, and she will be greatly missed.
Surviving are four nieces who live in Washington State: Janet, Laurie, Celia and Jackie.
Arrangements were handled by Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee.