Betty Leatrice Breazeale

Betty Leatrice Breazeale, age 97, of Northville, passed away February 13, 2025. She was born on December 21, 1927 in Enola, Arkansas; first daughter of Elihu and Eva (Mathews) Bowie. As a child, Betty, known as Leatrice or Lea, was baptized into the Missionary Baptist Church in Gobler, Missouri . Leatrice left school at the age of 15 to marry, but her commitment to lifelong learning never wavered. She later enriched her knowledge by taking courses in computers, woodworking, art classes and ceramics at ASU mid-South.

Leatrice moved to Northville to live with her daughter in 2019 after residing in West Memphis for 5 years. Prior to that she lived near Proctor, AR for 40 years. Leatrice was an incredibly hard worker who embraced many roles throughout her life. She owned an 80 acre working farm between Gobler and Rives Missouri. She cultivated cotton, soybeans and corn in the early days. After the passing of her husband O.G. in1967 she admirably managed to harvest an entire crop with the help of a few farmhands.

Leatrice’s strong work ethic kept her busy from sunrise to sunset. For over 40 years, she ran a beauty salon from her home, cutting and styling hair for her community. She also owned and operated a ceramics studio on her property, where she taught ceramics and painting classes. Leatrice poured her own molds, fired greenware in her kiln, and created beautiful finished ceramic pieces, including an extensive collection of Indian figurines. She remained active by maintaining and renting five modular homes on her property. Leatrice’s dedication and industrious spirit were evident in every endeavor she pursued.

Leatrice was a talented cook who excelled in preparing traditional Southern dishes such as fried green tomatoes, biscuits, fried potatoes, and fried okra. Her love for cooking was reflected in her vast collection of cookbooks, which she cherished. Leatrice also enjoyed canning the vegetables she harvested from the abundant gardens that always surrounded her home. Leatrice enjoyed crocheting and created beautiful bedspreads and afghans, each piece a testament to her skill and creativity. She had a love for dancing and often put on her favorite cowboy boots to attend dances at the VFW with her loving companion of 25 years, Jessie Atchison. She had a deep love for Country music and cherished all the classic favorites. She enjoyed Western movies and was an avid fan of John Wayne. Leatrice was known for her warm and friendly nature, effortlessly striking up conversations with those around her. Her kindness and gentle spirit made her an instant friend and trusted confidant. She maintained many cherished friendships through letters with pen pals from around the world, including South Africa, Georgia, and Indiana. Feisty and outspoken, Leatrice exemplified strength and resilience, overcoming life’s challenges with grace and determination. To her daughter, she was a hero who faced every obstacle head on and always came out on top. Leatrice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering determination will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Leatrice is survived by her loving daughter, Karen Payne; her grandchildren, Marty Ritter, Karry (Tony) Adamowicz, Lynda (Douglas) Morrison, and Danny (Kim) Payne; her great grandchildren, Anthony Adamowicz, Nick (Anna) Adamowicz, Elsie Ritter, Jack Morrison, Josie Payne, and Leo Payne; and her brother, John Bowie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her companion, Jessie Atchison; her great grandson, Aaron Ritter; her son-in-law, Jerry Payne; her brother, Jack Bowie; her sister, Ouida Bowie; and her husband, OG Branch. 

Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. 

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Humane, 2937 E. Grand Blvd., Ste. 800, Detroit, MI 48202.