Betty Jane Hammett Farrall

Betty Jane Hammett Farrall passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Athens, Georgia. Born October 9, 1924, she was the daughter of Jake Hammett and Elizabeth Myers Hammett of New Augusta, Mississippi. She was the granddaughter of Walter Myers and Bettie McDonald Myers of Old Augusta, Mississippi.

She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and was a 1946 Cum Laude graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. After teaching two years in Canton, MS, she entered the Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, KY, and earned her Master of Religious Education degree. After graduation, she became the Religious Education Director for First Baptist Church, Greenville, MS, where she served for four years.

In 1954, Betty Jane changed her statehood from Mississippi Magnolia to Georgia Peach when she wed Robert T. Farrall, a Minister of Music in Thomasville, GA. There they began a journey of 65 wonderful years together of leading children, youth, and adults to worship and serve God through music.

In 1970 they moved to Athens, GA, when Robert became Minister of Music and Minister to Senior Adults at First Baptist Church. He served in that position for 25 years. Betty Jane was active in her church, with young children in choirs, but also as a teacher of an adult Sunday School class for 50 years. She was interested in her community, teaching 20 years at Parkview Play School, a day care operated by First Baptist Church and the Athens Housing Authority. The school was for pre-school children living in Parkview Homes. She also volunteered weekly at the Emergency Food Bank for a number of years.

Betty Jane was indeed a child of the south, loving home, family, and hospitality. The coffee pot was always on, and all were welcome for food and fellowship. Their home and Bob’s lovely yard were the site of many lively occasions. Being an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and active in the Baptist Student Union, many lonely Bulldog freshmen found a home away from home in their care.

Betty Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years. She is survived by three dear cousins and families: James Chapman and wife Betty of Newton, MS; Marshall McKell and wife Barbara of Gloster, MS; and Mary Jo Mickelson and husband Steve of Tuscaloosa, AL.

A memorial service will be held at Athens First Baptist Church on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2 p.m., with Drs. Frank Granger and Matt Marston officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Betty Jane may be made to the Music Ministry or the Global Missions Fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 8107, Athens, GA 30603.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.