Elizabeth "Betty" Bittle Holwadel

Elizabeth "Betty" Bittle Holwadel - 76, passed away on December 26, 2021. She was born on June 20, 1945 in Roanoke, VA. She grew up in Chickasaw, AL, and lived many years in Saraland, AL, before moving to live her last years in the house she personally designed and dearly loved in Theodore, AL.

Betty was truly the epitome of the “Proverbs 31 woman”- the capable wife of noble character who is a person of integrity, energy, creativity, and compassion. The woman who sacrifices for her family and goes the extra mile, doing whatever needs to be done to care for anyone in need.

She is preceded in death by her husband, E.Douglas Holwadel, and her parents, Clarke and Louise Bittle, all of whom she devotedly cared for in their last days and years. She is also preceded in death by her adventurous and loving brother, Robert "Bob" Bittle.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31: 10-12) Betty graduated from Vigor High School in 1963 and married Conrad Barnes. At the age of 36, Betty suddenly was divorced and raising a son. She worked as a secretary at International Paper and returned to college at University of Mobile. In 1984, she met the love of her life, Doug Holwadel, who was a successful businessman and co-owner of Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus. She was an incredibly faithful and loyal wife for all of their years of marriage, traveling with him on the circus, supporting him in all of his many endeavors, and in his last years, lovingly caring for him round the clock at his bedside.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. (Proverbs 31: 15-18) In the early 1990’s, Betty worked hard and obtained her real estate license. She enjoyed a very successful career at Dauphin Realty, before opening her own firm, Premier Real Estate. Beyond professional achievements, Betty was a dedicated member of the Order of Athena for many years. In 2004, she was President of the organization and one of her most beloved memories was designing the theme for that year – “I love a parade.” Her favorite float was the “circus parade” featuring of course, scenes from Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. (Proverbs 31:20-21) Betty was also a very active member of Chickasaw United Methodist Church for her entire life and served in many ways over the years. She gave generously of her time, gifts, and talents to the ministry and outreach of the church. She especially loved working in the kitchen alongside her son and newfound friends who shared her love of cooking and serving. Her greatest legacy of all is how hard she worked to ensure her son and grandchildren knew the covering of Jesus in their lives so they would never know the fear and confusion of a life without the saving blood of Christ.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (Proverbs 31: 22) Many who met Betty commented on the fact that she was a true “southern lady.” Even when just sitting at home, she honored the gift of beauty God had given her by ensuring she was always poised, professional, and “put together” in how she presented herself to the world.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. (Proverbs 31: 27-28) Betty fiercely loved her family. She dedicated her life to ensuring they were cared for in every way. She logged many miles chauffeuring grandchildren, caring for them when they had to miss school due to illness, and ensuring they knew how to properly do laundry, take out the trash, and clean a bathroom. She was extremely proud of her son, Tony, and loved nothing more than to celebrate his gifts of music, cooking, and ministry.

She leaves behind a legacy of love with her son, Tony Barnes and his wife, Jennifer (Theodore, AL) and her grandchildren, Zachary and Mallory. Through her marriage to Doug, she received the blessing of special relationships with his children. She was especially close to his daughter, Blair (Mark) Ellis, and grandchildren Doug and Meghan. She is also survived by a caring sister-in-law, Mary Bittle, and her niece and nephew, Robert and Melanie Bittle. There are many cousins from Vancleave, MS with whom she grew up and shared precious camp meeting memories.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at noon on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Chickasaw United Methodist Church. The family will be available for visitation from 10 am – noon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Chickasaw United Methodist Church, 108 Lee St, Chickasaw, AL 36611 (251) 452-3461 Chickasawumc.org. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31: 29-31)