Betty Joyce Resnick née Methvin of Will Rogers State Park, Pacific Palisades, was born in Chicago on Dec. 23, 1924, and died peacefully in her sleep and in her own bed on Jan. 28 at the illustrious age of 93 years old.
She grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and as a noted soprano in her high school choir, she landed her own singing spot on a local radio station. At 20 years old Betty was spotted by a big city talent agency and spent the 1940s in NYC as a singer with the big bands and top model with the prestigious John Powers agency.
She was chosen to portray the goddess Psyche for the White Rock beverage company’s 1946 brand campaign, and in that role, toured the country and was featured in Life Magazine.
Betty wed Gene Resnick in September 1947, a marriage of nearly 40 years. She is survived by her two children, Candace Burch of Oregon and Brad Resnick of California, and three much adored grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan and Aaron.
Betty was a Beverly Hills resident for over 20 years and was a major fundraiser for the Beverly Hills Symphony (where she became lifelong friends with Jack Benny) and TEACH Foundation, supporting the education of disadvantaged children. She became a resident of the Palisades in 1976 and lived happily ever after in Will Rogers State Park.
Betty was a successful publicist and event planner extraordinaire, producing the Moms and Moppets (celebrity moms and their children) Annual Fashion Show, and the Harlem Globe Trotters vs. Hollywood celebrity basketball tournament that raised millions for the charities she supported.
Betty had four dogs, was actively involved in dog rescue and adoption, and is survived by Remy, her 15-year-old German shepherd and best friend. She was a member of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce and supported the Will Rogers Foundation.
Betty had a larger-than-life personality, ageless beauty, wacky sense of humor and compassion for the vulnerable in our society. She will forever be missed for her joie de vivre … she was the life of the party.
The family is holding a private memorial service and in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her name, Betty J. Resnick, to the Hollywood Humane Society.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.