Bettie Jean (Cooper) Gross' Obituary
Bettie Jean (Cooper) Gross was born on December 6, 1943, in Cortland, Alabama, to the late Elizie G. Cooper and Mattie Sue Jones. Bettie later moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she graduated from Howard High School, Class of 1961. She went on to earn her Associate Degree in Nursing from Tennessee State University/Vanderbilt Hospital and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia State University. Bettie met and married Elijah Beachum, and together they lived in Germany for a short time before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. From this union, one daughter, Mignon, was born. Bettie later married Tommie Gross. She dedicated 38 years of her life to nursing, retiring from Grady Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse. During her tenure, she served as Head Nurse of the Orthopedic Department and part of the Utilization Review Department. Bettie was also a devoted member of Hillside International Truth Center. Bettie cherished her only child, Mignon, and her beloved grandson, Terrance "TJ" Young, Jr. She was passionate about her career and touched countless lives through her compassion and care—whether at work, among family, or with complete strangers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizie G. Cooper, Sr. and Mattie Sue Jones; brothers, James "Sonny" Cooper and Elizie G. Cooper, Jr.; and sisters, Earlean Hurst and Barbara Foster. Bettie was called home on August 29, 2025, with her family by her side. Left to honor and cherish her memory are her devoted daughter, Mignon (Terrance Sr.) Young; her cherished grandson, Terrance "TJ" Young, Jr.; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Cooper; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bettie will lie-in-state on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
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