Betsy was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Louis “Big Lou” Watson McLennan and Frances Thomason McLennan. She attended The Lovett School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia in 1992, where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. That same year, she married Henry Lumpkin Worthy, and the two began their life together on St. Simons Island.
Betsy pursued her passion as a Master Trainer at the National K9 School of Dog Trainers, later working as a bank teller and real estate appraiser before ultimately serving as operations manager of Worthy Pools & Spas, the family business specializing in the design, installation, and maintenance of pools.
She had a deep passion for literacy, especially for helping those who needed extra support to succeed. Betsy found joy in her dogs, gardening, cooking, fishing, reading, cheering on Georgia football, and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy and most cherished role in life was being a mother.
Betsy is survived by her devoted husband of 32 years, Henry Lumpkin Worthy, their two daughters, Caroline Fleming Worthy and Lucy Watson Worthy, and their three beloved labradors. She is also survived by her siblings, Margaret McLennan Jones, Mary Woodward McLennan, and Robert Thomason McLennan.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, 205 Kings Way St. Simons Island, GA 31522. A private burial for immediate family will follow at Christ Church Cemetery. A reception will be announced at the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Early Childhood Literacy Endowment Fund at the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation to support local children in need. To make a contribution, visit https://coastalgeorgiafoundation.org/donors/explore-our-funds and scroll down to the Early Childhood Literacy Endowment Fund.
