Bettyann Mendenhall

In Loving Memory of Bettyann Mendenhall
“HER Story: Reflections of a Proverbs 31:10–31 Lady”

Bettyann Tunstill was born on December 5, 1933, to proud parents Richard and Eva Mae
Tunstill. She was the fifth of eight children (6 boys and 2 girls). She was born and raised in
Indianapolis, Indiana, where she graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. At Crispus
Attucks, Bettyann developed a passion for music. She was first-chair viola in the school
orchestra. She also fell in love with the piano. Music remained integral to her for the rest of her
life. While reminiscing about her years at Attucks High, her face would glow with joyful pride as
she spoke of the all-Black teaching staff, student body, and nationally ranked basketball team,
the Flying Tigers.
The Tunstill family attended the 16th Street Baptist Church in Indianapolis. This is where
Bettyann gave her life to the Lord. Sunday worship, Bible study, youth choir, and midweek
worship grounded young Betty in the Lord’s Word. Prayer, worship, and praise through singing
were etched into her heart for the rest of her life.
Upon graduating from high school, Betty married her sweetheart, George Parker Mendenhall, in
1953. After the births of Evvalenora and George Mac, the family relocated to San Diego,
California. Here, the young couple became one of the founding families of Christ Temple Church
of Christ Holiness in San Diego, her husband’s denomination.
Bettyann was truly favored. She gave birth to Bert in 1959 and Corletta thirteen months later.
Even though she missed her family in Indiana, she recognized the blessings Jesus had laid
before her in San Diego. As we became teenagers, Mom was able to take trips back east to
spend time with her birth family. This was very rejuvenating for her.
Betty had such a robust, positive spirit. She made friends her entire life! By the way, did I fail to
mention that Bettyann is my mom? Please excuse my bias, but I couldn’t imagine anyone else
being my mother. My worst fear as a child was that I would lose her. Both of our parents
seemed to put their family first. She worked tirelessly helping us with our schoolwork and
anything else we needed.
Mom worked part-time at May Company, was active in her children’s elementary school PTA,
joined and participated in the after-school Chess Club with her entire family at Wilson Junior
High, served as a preschool teacher at Kennedy Child Development Center in the San Diego
Unified School District, was an active member of the San Diego Symphony Concert Choir, and
served as the pianist for Christ Temple’s Youth Choir. She also enjoyed going on camping trips
and beach outings with her family, deep-sea fishing with her husband, George, and especially
loved speeding on Mission Bay in the family sport boat. In addition to all of this, she supported
her children in Camp Fire Girls, Brownies, and Boy Scouts of America, roller skated with her
family, and also found time to oil paint landscape scenes. Mom canned delicious plum preserves
using fruit picked from our tree. Both of our parents collaborated and “threw down” by hosting
amazing holiday dinners! Lastly, Mom was a seamstress for many years. She made many

beautiful outfits for her girls. Mom always enjoyed “dressing to the nines” in her stylish hats and
dresses.
Grandmother
As time moved forward, Mom became a grandmother. As her grandchildren were born and their
life journeys began, Grandmother was there for them every step of the way. Once again, she put
on her “Wonder Woman” outfit — yes, the one with the Holy Cross embroidered into the cape —
and she got busy. Grandma gave her grandchildren and great-grandchildren love, support,
spiritual guidance, and occasionally “hands-on” discipline when needed.
Seven and a half years after our parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, our family lost its beloved
patriarch. The loss of her husband devastated our mother. This was the first time in her life that
Mom had lived alone. Thankfully, we serve a God who never leaves us alone. Mom took comfort
in the arms of the Lord. This seemed to lift her sorrow.
On May 13, 2026, our Heavenly Father called His daughter, Bettyann home. We are all going to
miss her, but Jesus has her in the best place there is.
Surviving Family
Bettyann is survived by her sister, Shirley Jean White, and one brother, Joseph M. Tunstill, both
of Indianapolis, Indiana. She leaves her memories and legacy through her four children:
Evvalenora Cross, George Mac Mendenhall, Bert Stoughton Mendenhall, and Corletta Lorene
Graham; son-in-law: Andrew J. Cross II; daughters-in-law: Jesusita Mendenhall and Sheila
Sharp; eight grandchildren: Sala Mendenhall, George B. Mendenhall, Renix L. Graham III,
Matthew P. Mendenhall, Aaron R. Graham, Maria N. Mendenhall-Lopez, Adam R. Graham, and
Andrew J. Cross III; four granddaughters-in-law: Karina I. Mendenhall, Deann Graham, Charity
Graham, and Tamrah Mendenhall; eleven great-grandchildren: Grace Mendenhall, Nahia
Mendenhall, Abram Mendenhall, Aariah Mendenhall, Zuri Graham, Cyrus Graham, Samuel
Mendenhall, Imani Graham, Inez Graham, Sahrkaias Mendenhall, and Tamir Mendenhall.

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