Betty S. O'Berry

Betty S. O'Berry, age 90, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Betty was born August 24, 1929. Betty was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, friend, bridge player, Auburn fan and traveler. She was a kind, funny, smart, loyal, beautiful, generous, and fun-loving lady, as well as being a cancer survivor. Betty was one of those rare people who was liked by all who knew her. Born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 24, 1929, Betty lived a full life. She was a loving daughter to Lawrence “Nonie” and Vartitia Stone. Betty grew up on 14th St. South in Birmingham, where she had many fond, happy memories of playing with friends in the neighborhood and attending Glen Iris School. Betty later graduated from Ramsay High School where she excelled in her studies, especially math. After High School, she entered Birmingham Southern College, making her parents very proud to see their daughter pursuing a college degree. Upon completion of her Freshman year, Betty started a job at Ingalls Iron Works to earn extra money for school. It was there that she met the love of her life, Preston. After a courtship, Betty and Preston were married on April 1, 1950. The young couple moved to Ensley Highlands where they would begin life as a new family. Over the years, the family grew with the addition of four children. Betty was so proud of her children, each for their own special talents and gifts. During the years her children were growing up, Betty worked in the library at Ensley High School and was beloved by students and staff alike. Her job in the library afforded her the opportunity to keep a watchful eye on her children during the school day, often much to their chagrin. Betty and Preston were active in their community and attended Ensley Highlands United Methodist Church. After their children were grown and married, Betty and Preston retired and then the real fun began. They moved to Homewood where they attended Trinity United Methodist Church and were active in bridge clubs in the area. Betty was an accomplished duplicate bridge player and continued playing competitively until her eyesight began to fail in her later years. Betty and Preston enjoyed traveling and were able to go on many adventurous trips together. She was also a staunch supporter of Auburn football, where she elevated friendly “trash-talk” with family and friends to a high art. Betty had a quick wit and was strong-minded and she was not shy about expressing her opinions. Betty loved God, her family, her friends, her home, Auburn football and she loved to have a good time. If you ever heard her joyful laugh, you never forgot it. She lived a truly wonderful life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Vartitia Stone and her brother Sonny Stone. She is survived by her children, Debbie O’Berry Mays, Mike O’Berry, Larry O’Berry (Katy), and Judy O’Berry Craft (Delma). She is survived by her grandchildren Melissa Mays Johnson (Rocky), Drew Mays, Trey Lavender (Ashley), Brandi Lavender, Mychael Grace O’Berry, Alex Toffel and Will Toffel and great-grandchildren Georgia Simpson, Andrew Simpson, Matthew Simpson and Trent Mays. In celebration of Betty’s life, there will be a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the O'Berry family.