Bettie Reagan Gantt was born on August 19, 1947 to Anna Reagan in Belton, Texas. Bettie united with Bethel AME Church in Belton, Texas at an early age. She was proud to be a member of the last class to graduate from the historical T.B. Harris High School in 1966. She attended El Centro College and majored in Culinary Arts.
Bettie was married to Paul Gantt and they had three children: Timothy, Marcus and Deanna. While being a military spouse with her husband in the Army, they were stationed at Fort Hood, Fort Belvoir, Germany, and Fort Bliss. Everywhere they went she made it her home and she never met a stranger. She was a loving wife and caring mother. She loved to cook, bake and do arts and crafts. After her divorce from Paul, Bettie and her children made their home in Dallas, Texas. Bettie and Paul remained friends and they always put the well being of their children ahead of anything else.
Bettie relocated to Tallahassee in 2001 to be near her daughter and grandson. All her years of being a good cook and baker led her to a career as a Cake Decorator and Food Service Associate at Walmart and Sam’s Club. She was a member of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
Bettie was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Reagan Royster; stepfather, Waverly Royster; ex-husband, SFC Paul Gantt and brother, Frank Reagan. Her memories will be cherished by her children Timothy Gantt and wife Meegan of Dallas, Tx; Marcus Gantt of Dallas, Tx and Deanna Gantt and partner Dr. Philbert Ford of Tallahassee, Fl; grandchildren Olivia Polk, Dallas, Tx; Donovyn Gantt, Tallahassee, Fl and Selma Ford, Tallahassee, Fl; brother William Royster of Killeen, Tx; and sisters Anita Reagan of Belton, Tx; Barbara Banks and husband James of Round Rock, Tx; Dorothy Hall and husband Kevin, Cibolo, Tx; Della Rowe and husband Terrance of Mesquite, Tx; best friend, Jacqueline Willis of Tallahassee, FL, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and infinite number of friends around the world. Her smile and “fresh strawberry cake” will be missed.

Please consider donations in Bettie’s memory to the West Belton-T.B. Harris Scholarship Fund P. O. Box 1777, Belton, Texas 76513.