Betty Lewis McCartney

Mrs. McCartney was born, she said, in 1924 (though it was actually 1922, Shhhh.) on March 20th, in the Republic of the Philippines to the late Alexander Payne Lewis and Marjory Long Lewis. Her father was an Agriculturalist working for the US Government at the time of her birth. She grew up in Eufaula Alabama, attended Brenau College (as did her mother, her great aunt, and her niece), graduating in 1944. She worked for over 30 years for the Federal Government (recorded DOB 03/20/23) as a Procurement Specialist at the HQ Third US Army, Ft McPherson, Georgia, retiring June 30, 1973.

On July 18, 1954, she married the love of her life, Robert M. McCartney, and they shared very nearly 50 years of marriage until his death on June 9, 2004. In 1974, they moved from Atlanta to St. Simons Island where Betty worked tirelessly within the community with non-profit and charitable organizations, most notably Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick, Inc.

She loved to help people and service organizations dear to her heart. She was an organizational wonder, and as a hostess, was considered ‘a true Southern Lady’, as officially confirmed by the US Army in one of many letters of commendation. Throughout her life, she received numerous accolades, awards, commendations, and recognitions from both The US Army and from organizations in the greater community.

Betty was a very avid golfer, and for many years she was an active member of both the Sea Palms and Sea Island Ladies Golf Associations. She also was a longtime member of the Cassina Garden Club, holding many positions of leadership over the years. Additionally, she loved to cook, and did so quite well, to the delight of her family and friends. She also insisted, with some pride, throughout her life that it was she who told Truett Cathy he must add a pickle to his famous Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

Nothing was more important to her however, than her devotion to her Lord, and to Christ Church Frederica, where she was a member. She was also a member of Daughters of the King at Christ Church and truly lived the Order’s vision statement: “Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision… is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world.”

She served her church, and church family, in every possible capacity, among these, as a member and officer of the ECW, and Charles Wesley Guild. She lived her strong faith through her affection for, dedication to, and encouragement of her family – both her true family, and the people she gathered around her and held so dear. She extended friendship to virtually everyone she ever met and found joy in sharing their lives. She shared her heart with so many. She loved, and was loved, as both an ‘adopted’ mother, and grandmother. In friendship, with a smile of encouragement and a handshake or touch of love, she was an abiding source of strength and encouragement to all.

“To Thine Own Self Be True.” The words penned by Shakespeare served as Betty’s oft repeated life motto. In the Elizabethan era, Betty knew, the phrase had multiple meanings: That someone can better judge herself if she has done what she should or could have done. That one must be honest in her ways and relations (except possibly regarding one’s age). That one must always do the right thing. And finally, (as in Hamlet, the phrase was advice, given by a father to his son), That one should also consider the effect of one’s actions on herself.

Betty was unselfish, strong, trusting, unafraid, fun loving, and deeply devoted. Recent years had brought many challenges, and through it all she remained courageous, grateful, joyful, full of hope, and adventurous. Her brilliant blue eyes continued to shine, and her smile could warm a room and everyone within. She taught her friends and family so much; how to live, how to treat and sometimes forgive others, how to face adversity, and even how to deal with age – for which we who shared her life are deeply grateful.

She is survived by her niece, Dr. Gayle Miller of Ashville NC, as well as many great, and great-great, nieces and nephews. Her sister, Anne Lewis Murray, and her brother Edgar L. Lewis predeceased her.

“This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!”

The Funeral Service will be held at 3pm, Thursday January 19, at Christ Church Frederica, with The Reverends Becky Rowell and Tom Purdy Officiating. Burial will follow in Christ Church Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends suggest that memorial contributions be made in her honor to Christ Church, Frederica 6329 Frederica Rd. or a charity of the donor’s choice.