Dear Betty's Family,

It was my pleasure to have been Betty's team mate for several years at Clarke Central.  I was the principal and she was the secretary but it did not feel that way.  We were first and foremost friends.  We had many laughs, smiles, sadness and happiness together.  When she broke her ankles on those two steps it did not slow her down at all (I told her she had to quit jumping on that trampoline!).  Students (most of whom were to see me for some not so good reason) went through her office first........needless to say she  applied her magic and those teenagers would most often come in calm and ready to talk.  Same with teachers, parents and staff.  

Of course, over those years she and I shared some challenges together, some intense and heartfelt, some personal and some professional.  We were close and we loved each other.   Beautiful Betty made my job and my life so much better.  I feel blessed to have had her in my life.  

With sincere condolences  to the McColery family.

Jim

Dear Mother Betty Frances Dunn McColery,

This is your oldest son, Gary Ray McColery, sharing my feelings about your passing on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at age 88.  I loved you with all of my heart, and I miss you dearly.   You were the most important person in my life, and I mourn your passing with everything that I have.  I was with you much of the time for 27 years since I returned home.  I know you cared for and loved all of your five children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

You were born on February 25, 1935 in Beatrice, Nebraska and raised there.  After several moves, your family landed in Athens, Georgia in 1972 where you have lived ever since.

Today is December 7th, 2023, Pearl Harbor Day.  Mother, you were very much a child of World War II (1941-1945) at ages 6 to 10.  You were aware of the major events of that war, and we talked about your memories of that war many times including recognizing Pearl Harbor Day every year from that war.

The many comments on the website about you indicate how much you were appreciated and loved by friends.

Your niece, Marcia Brox, remembered you as being "very glamorous."   Your other niece, Susan Safarik remembered you as a "grand lady. " I remember you as the most wonderful, caring, helpful Mother in the world.  I thank you very much for being our Mother.  You were there raising and helping all of your children, under some difficult circumstances.  By the time your children came along, you were a great cook, especially for our evening meals and Sunday meals.

You were a "remarkable," "very knowledgeable" and "talented woman who led a remarkable life.   Your ancestry and life are the quintessential American story.  Your ancestors came to the United States from Ireland and Germany.  Your life included children, adult education attending and graduating from college, several moves, a wonderful career, travel to other states, and learning new information through traveling.

Much more later,

Love, 
Gary

Aunt Betty was the younger sister  of my mother, Helen Dunn Buchanan.  As a child, I admired her and always felt she was very glamorous.  She lived with my grandparents,   Ruth and Ray  Dunn in a small house on Ella Street just an alley away from my own home on Elk Street.  Every day after school ,  I raced across the alley to interrupt her when she was sitting in the  car with Jerry after she had arrived home from high school.  I am sure I was a nuisance; they would have preferred to be alone,  but they were very tolerant.   I loved her clothes, her hair style, and of course, her smile.  She kept that same smile throughout her life.  I remember when she was a runner-up for home -coming queen and the beautiful dress that she wore on that occasion.  When my mother went to the hospital to have my brother in 1952,  Aunt Betty was dispatched to our house  to cook and look after my sister and me.    She was not a good cook at that time, but she gave it her best shot and I am sure that she became a good cook later.  She had five children to feed so I suspect she had lots of practice.
I will always remember her sweet spirit.

I'm deeply saddened to learn of Betty's death. Working tirelessly as central office secretary at good ole CCHS, Betty was always genuine, sweet, kind, and generous to me and to all who entered her office. I loved her dearly. I wish Betty's entire family comfort and peace.

Dear Gary,
I was very sad to hear of your mom's passing.  I remember meeting her in Connecticut and immediately felt her kind and warm spirit.  You were fortunate to have such a special mom.
Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
Elena Gammardella

Betty  was a wonderful person and friend.  She was a very caring person. She loved her family; they loved her.  We worked together for many years at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary.  Betty was always smiling; she and I laughed a lot.   I know she is smiling in Heaven right now.

Betty had a smile that would light up a room! Her love for her family and friends was unending. I worked with Betty at Clarke Central High School. Betty was a wonderful friend, and coworker. I will never forget the CCHS Amelia Island Plantation  weekend we had to honor Betty when she retired. We all laughed the entire weekend!  Betty you were the Best!

Cindy Deas

Your mother always expressed kindness and interest  in others.  She probably answered countless phone calls from me (years ago!) that went like this:  Amy - “Is Patrick there?”
Betty- “He’s still asleep”.  She no doubt had patience and tolerance.  I love your whole family and feel your grief.  My condolences.

I was one of Ms Betty caregiver in the home she was one sweet lady that's always had that smile on her face. As time went by she became my Sugar foot we shared so many good things together and had so much fun with laughter & jokes .She will truly be missed by many ,I love you my Betty Boo now take your rest and keep on smiling 😊❤️

It was in Betty's home, and with her family, that I experienced love and acceptance for who I really am without a mask. I will miss the light in her eyes, her beautiful skin, the sweetness and fun in her smile, and her fabulous sense of humor. I am grateful that God brought me to my neighbor Betty, and her family.

I enjoyed watching the deer with Betty McColery last Christmas. She was transfixed by the wonder of nature.  She was kind and caring and such a  good neighbor to me and my family. My condolences to you all.

Betty was a dear friend. A lovely woman. She was kind and caring and professional as the long time principal’s secretary at Clarke  Central High School.  Everyone who knew Betty loved her. She will be much missed. My sympathies to all the McColery family, true reflections of their mother.

Dear McColery Family,
  I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. . Betty was a dear friend of mine.  I have so many memories of her. She was a sweet woman. Always smiling. I know she will be sorely missed. 

Love you all,
Shirley Cheatham

OBITUARY

Betty Frances Dunn McColery

25 February, 1935 – 30 November, 2023

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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