Bettie Jean (Calhoun) Cubie

Bettie’s Life Reflections

Bettie Jean Cubie was born on August 15, 1939, in Dumas, Arkansas to Henry Calhoun, Sr. and Callie Keys Calhoun.  She was the sixteenth child of twenty children (five older half-sisters and brother from her father).  

At the age of eight the Calhoun Family packed up their belongings and moved to Kansas City, KS.  She was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas school district and raised in the church.  Bettie was married and divorced three times, all proceeded her in death.  

Bettie worked at the Egg Plant Factory in Kansas to provide for her two daughters Marcella Y. Calhoun-Williams and Bonita A. Calhoun-Young.  Bettie’s mission was to take care of her babies and serve God.  She later worked at “The Inn” restaurant located in the Landing Mall in Kansas City, MO.  Bettie then pursued a career as a cosmetologist.  She attended and received her cosmetology license in 1964 from Sanders Beauty School.  Bettie excelled as one of the premier beauticians in the city, often attending hair shows and finding new hair trends to bring to the metropolitan area.  Eventually, Bettie became a entrepreneur opening her own business “Bettie’s Beauty Salon.”  Bettie perfected the “Press-n-Curl.” She could press and curl hair like nobody’s business.  Bettie continued as a cosmetologist for over 50 years until her health declined.

Bettie was known for her Elegant Style.  She took pride in her appearance and passed these traits on to her children and grandchildren.  She was known for customizing her church suits with matching hats and accessories.  Her signature style was her big, beautiful Cadillac cars. 

Bettie confessed her faith in God and was baptized at an early age.  She was a faithful member of Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church for over seventy years. She served under the leadership of (her brother) Rev. Preston Calhoun; Rev. Lummie Milburn; Rev. Willie Johnson, Jr., and her current Pastor, Rev. Gerald Ballew, Jr.  Bettie often served on and led different committees within the church throughout the years.  Bettie loved her family, she often called all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild “Her Babies!” Bettie took pride in her family and loved coming together for holidays.  Bettie instilled the importance of family in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She also taught them the importance of having a relationship with Jesus.  She could be as sweet as pie but as tough as nails.  She knew how to overcome obstacles and maintained a fighting spirit until her transition into Glory.

Bettie is proceeded in death by her father, Henry; mother, Callie; her daughter, Marcella; four brothers, Rev. Preston Calhoun; Joseph S. Calhoun; John Edward Calhoun; and Willie Calhoun; eight sisters, Artelia Smith; Rosie Mason; Ruby L. Henry; Lovie McDonald; Irene Swan; Shirley Mae Calhoun; Carrie Allen; and J. Mae Starr.

Bettie is survived by her daughter, Bonita Young (Bruce Alvin II) of Kansas City, KS; five Grandchildren, Bruce A. Young III (LeNeisha) of Rochester, MN; Byron Young, Sr. of Lenexa, KS; Adrian Leapheart, Sr. (Shauna) of Raytown, MO; Sherita N. Williams; and Clarence Miller III (Melissa) both of Kansas City, KS; nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  Bettie’s surviving siblings are four sisters: Marie Huskey; Lillie Lane; Minnie Cobbins all of Kansas City, MO; Doris Wagner (Carl) of Raytown, MO; three brothers, James Calhoun (Bessie) of Hampton, VA; Henry Calhoun (Debbra) of Kansas City, KS; and Charles Calhoun (Gaye) of Wichita, KS.  Bettie also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and her church family Zion Travelers MBC.

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