Betty Carolyn Cheek

Betty Carolyn Cheek, 84, a long-time resident of Culleoka, Tennessee, passed away on June 7, 2026 at the home of her eldest daughter.

Born in Maury County on February 28, 1942, Betty was the daughter of the late Jim Tom Skinner and Rosie Hue Scott Skinner of Culleoka. Betty was born on the Gray Farm on the banks of the Duck River, which her family rented on the shares. Betty was one of eleven children born to this poor, sharecropping family.

The Skinners were a musical family, known for playing during Mule Day festivities and square dances across Maury County. Betty never took up playing an instrument, but she did help sing from time to time. Her vocals, along with her sister, Marie’s, singing and guitar playing, led the duo to win the “Junior Grand Ole Opry” contest and a trip to the Ryman Auditorium.

Betty would have graduated from Spring Hill High School in 1960, but her parents took a lease on another farm near Culleoka. Instead of transitioning to another school during her Senior Year, Betty joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) where she obtained her GED. Eventually, she was medically discharged from the WAC, and she returned to Columbia.

Betty married the love of her life, Jerry Cheek, on May 2, 1964. They were married for sixty-two years before Jerry’s death just days before on May 27, 2026. In all of their years of marriage, Betty worked from home, keeping house, raising children, and acting as the bookkeeper for Columbia Upholstery, her husband’s business.

She loved gardening—not only a vegetable garden each summer, but flowers of all varieties. She was an avid reader and she loved history. She especially inspired her grandson to pursue his passion for history. Most importantly, though, Betty was a beloved mother and grandmother. She was always there as a confidant or advisor. Her country wisdom will be greatly missed.

Betty is survived by her three daughters, Tammy (Charles) Southern of Culleoka, Kim Davis of Columbia, and Brandy (Joe) Galioto of Elkmont, Alabama; six grandchildren, Adam (Kayla) Southern of Culleoka, Chelsey Davis (Tyler Jones) of Cornersville, Emily Davis (Jordan Freke) of Culleoka, Abby Davis (Lawson Brock) of Columbia, Autumn Leatherwood of Plum, Pennsylvania and Amberly Leatherwood of Tanner, Alabama; as well as two great-grandchildren Harper Jones and Baylee Messner. She is also survived by a brother, Randy Skinner, two sisters, Audrey Savage and Kathy Arzadon; and several nieces and nephews..

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her long-time husband, Jerry, and siblings—brothers Frank Skinner, Bill Skinner, Larry Skinner, and Tommy Skinner, and sisters, Daisy Cannady, Marie Skinner, and Jean Cannady.

Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with services. A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home officiated by Adam Southern. Burial will follow at Wilkes Campground Cemetery in Culleoka, Tennessee.

Pallbearers will be Charles Southern, Gart Davis, Joe Galioto, Jeff Harwell, David Smith, and Adam Southern.

The family suggest that memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.