Edith Elizabeth “Bettye” Rutledge Hall

Edith Elizabeth Rutledge Hall, fondly known as Bettye, 81, died on December 18, 2023, after a years-long, valiant battle with COPD, joining her husband of almost 50 years, Henry Hall, after he passed away on December 8—a true testament of their love even after death briefly parted them.

A memorial service celebrating their lives and resurrection will be held for both Bettye and Henry on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon with interment to follow on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Newton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church's Parlor from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. before the memorial service.

Born February 28, 1942, in Murphy, North Carolina, Bettye was the daughter of the late Edward Rutledge and Sarah Small Rutledge McElroy. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Harold Bland McElroy. Particularly noteworthy was Bettye's relationship with her uncle, the late William Monroe Small, who inspired and guided Bettye as a father figure well into her adult years.

Bettye graduated from Henry Grady High School in Atlanta and in 1964 graduated from LaGrange College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a self-designed major in interior design. Beginning her commercial interior design career with Ivan Allen in Atlanta, Bettye contributed significantly to many exciting design projects. Perhaps none was as important to her, however, as assisting Coretta Scott King with equipping her home with a functional office and library after the devastating loss of her husband so that she could continue his life's important work.

After many years of thriving in the bustling scene of Atlanta, Bettye opted for a slower pace in Macon, working again for Ivan Allen and then transitioning into real estate. It was there that fate intervened, when she met Henry on a blind date orchestrated by his brother George for the Board of Realtors' annual banquet. Henry introduced Bettye to his mother on their second date, and they were married just months later, leaving Macon for southwest Georgia where they lived until 1992 when she felt called to advance her church work that had become central to her life.

In 1995 Bettye graduated cum laude from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with a Master of Divinity degree and certificate in Christian education. Her unwavering faith led her to serve passionately in various capacities within United Methodist churches across Georgia. She devoted her time and talents with children, youth, and older adults for more than thirty years, beginning her volunteer work as a newlywed in Baker County. Through these roles, she connected with people of all ages, leaving lasting imprints on their hearts and guiding them to cultivate a right relationship with the Lord. Simply put, she lived her life as an example for others. A woman of grace, humor, warmth, and kindness, Bettye will be remembered for her enduring love, selfless service, and profound impact on the many lives of those fortunate enough to know her, most especially her children and grandchildren who were the center of her world and source of great joy and pride for her.

Survivors include her daughters Julia Hall Magda (Martin) of Macon and Laura Hall Reidinger of Bogart, grandchildren Ella Magda, Will Magda, and Reynolds Reidinger, stepdaughter Erika Hall of Apollo Beach, Florida, sisters-in-law Sara Jane Hall Dozier (David) of Bryson City, North Carolina and Louise Hall Pearson (Jimmy) of Montgomery, Alabama, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends scattered throughout the South. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bettye's memory to Macon Outreach at Mulberry or to the local charity of the donor's choice.

Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens and Parker-Bramlett Funeral Home in Camilla are in charge of the arrangements.