Betty Lee Chesness

Upon graduation from high school, she moved to New Orleans and attended Charity School of Nursing, graduating as a nurse practitioner. Her first job was working for Lakewood Hospital in Morgan City, Louisiana. This is where she met the love of her life, Jerry Lee Chesness. They were married on June 15, 1958 in Morgan City, LA.

The majority of Betty’s career was working for the Clarke County Health Department in Athens, GA, focusing on Women’s Wellness. In her later years, she worked for the Council on Aging in Athens, GA.

She was an avid cook, preparing all things Cajun, often cooking dishes for family, friends and church potlucks. Betty's other hobbies included gardening and sewing. She often sewed her Mardi Gras costumes, the carnival in New Orleans she attended for over 25 years. She also excelled in China painting, creating beautiful works of art. Her springs and summers were spent in Hart, Michigan, childhood home of her husband Jerry. While falls and winters she lived in Athens, GA. She attended both Mears United Methodist Church in Mears, MI and Saint James United Methodist Church in Athens, GA.

Betty is survived by her husband, Jerry Lee Chesness of Athens, GA; daughter, Andrea Chesness (Chris) Bowen of Eatonton, GA; grandchildren, Holly Chesness of Biloxi, MS and Derek (Monet) Chesness of Diamond Head, MS; as well as two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Danny and his wife, April Chesness.

Betty will be laid to rest in Hart Cemetery in Hart, MI.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements.