Elizabeth W. "Bette" Wilmore

Elizabeth W. “Bette” Wilmore, 91, of Lexington passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. A Lexington native, she was born to the late John Reed Wells and Irene Mae Wickline Wells on September 24, 1934. She was a Baptist Christian.

Bette graduated from Henry Clay High School. Many will remember her being the office manager and party planner at the Franklin Cottrell Dance Studio.

She enjoyed gardening, especially with her great-grandchildren.

She is survived by four daughters, Deborah “Deb” Sexmith, Robin (Hunter) Ayers, Linda Eades, and Tracy (Tim) Bowlby; four grandchildren: Billy Ayers and Samantha (Justin) Bailey and Jessica (Tyler) Cottrell and Spencer (Gina) Bowlby; eight great-grandchildren: Monroe and Oliver; Ian, Finlay and Liam; and Marley, Kylie-Fay and Adalynn; and her sister, Dolores Manigault. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in passing by one daughter, Barbara Draper and five sisters: Jackie Manning, Nona Anderson, Pat Hammond, Edna Robinson, and Selah Davis.

Her celebration-of-life gathering will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th at Clark Legacy Center-Brannon Crossing. Funeral home location: 601 E. Brannon Rd., Nicholasville, KY 40356. Refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators.