Bettye Jean Steen

Bettye Jean Huffman Steen, 89, of Concord went to be the Lord on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at her residence following a period of declining health.

Bettye was born June 15, 1934 in Rowan County, N.C. a daughter of the late Glenn Dean Huffman and Hattie Adalaide Church Huffman.

She was a 1952 graduate of Landis High School, Catawba College and received her Master’s Degree from UNC Charlotte while teaching at Odell Elementary School.

Bettye was an elementary school teacher for 44 years. She taught at China Grove, Shady Brook, Landis and Odell Elementary School. During her career as a teacher, it was estimated that she had taught over 2,000 students. Following retirement, she served as a substitute teacher and mentored many of her former students and new teachers.

Bettye was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine presented by Representative Linda Johnson on behalf of Governor Pat McCrory.

Bettye was an active member of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis where she sang in the church choir, was a Sunday School teacher and served as a Deacon.

Family members left to cherish her memory include her husband of 65 years; Fred Franklin Steen Sr. of the home, two sons, Brad Steen and wife Wendy of Rockwell and Fred Steen, II and wife Tena of China Grove. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Drew Steen of Rockwell, Blake Steen and wife Shannon of Kannapolis, Blair Steen Honeycutt and husband Dwight of China Grove. In addition, there are three great grandchildren; Tristan, Braden, and Landon. Two nieces, Sabrina Hartley and Glenda Owens also survive.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at First Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Dr. Tom E. Cabaniss. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery Annex on Thursday.

The family request that any memorials be sent to First Baptist Church, 101 N. Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081, or to the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, 204 Idol Street, Thomasville, NC 27360 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC  28081.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Steen. On-line condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.