Betty L. Bryan French

On Friday, June 5, 2026, Betty L. Bryan French, met her Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ face to face, and she is now playing piano and making music for the “Choir of the Redeemed.” Betty was born on April 7, 1947, the seventh child of Charlie and Frances Bryan. She grew up in the Kodak community, attending school at Kodak Elementary school. As a child, Betty developed her talent in music, learning to play the piano and sing. After graduating for Sevier County High School in 1965, Betty married the love of her life, John French on June 24, 1966, at Deep Spring Baptist Church. Betty worked at Tennessee Handbags in Dandridge until 1970 and taught many kids to play the piano from her home and at Lloyd’s Music in Morristown. Betty pursued her love of music by attending Walters State Community College and Carson Newman College. She worked for First People’s Bank for 10 years, and starting in 1989 Betty held various positions at Carson Newman College until her retirement.

Betty’s most important relationship was with her Saviour, Jesus Christ, who guided her daily walk with Him. Betty was steadfast in her faith and a lifelong member of Deep Springs Baptist Church. Betty’s worship of God was through her music, playing the piano and singing His praises. Betty played piano at Deep Springs Baptist Church for 60 years and led the youth choir in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She was part of the Deep Springs Quartet and the Scarlett Sisters. Betty accompanied many people on the piano over the years. Her philosophy was that her job as an accompanist was to enhance the song and not overpower it. In 1977, Betty was inspired to write the song “The Good Shepherd,” which was the only song that she would sing as a solo.

Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, Charlie and Frances Bryan, father-in-law and mother-in-law Mayford and Viola French and all six of her siblings.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, John French and her children and grandchildren, Tony and Amy French, Macy and Ethan Walling, Courtney and Robert Grigsby, Shana and Keith Hodge, Caleb and Emma Hodge, Stephen and Stephanie French, Thatcher and Hudson French, Mark and Micki Brooks and kids, and Connie Leatherwood and kids. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Barbara and Hoyt Frasier, Frank and Kay French, Carolyn and Jim Wert, Mike French, Bill Tipton, and Paul Moore and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

The family will receive friends at Deep Spring Baptist Church on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The funeral will follow at 6:00 p.m. The family will gather at Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge at 10:15am on June 12, 2026, for a processional to Deep Springs Cemetery for a graveside committal service at 11:00 a.m. The funeral and graveside services will be presided over by Reverend Mike Sledge, and Pastor Wayne McKinney. Pallbearers include AJ Spoone, Andrew Alexander, Ben Brooks, Kacey Dykes, Ethan Walling, Robert Grisby, Eugene Lyle, and Shane Farley. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Tipton, Joe Ramos, and Jerry Slagle. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN 865-397-2711