Betty Pik Ling Hsu

Betty Pik Ling Hsu joined our Lord in heaven on May 29, 2019. After complaining of back pains for 3 weeks and then shortness of breath the week before she passed, Betty was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Pneumonia on May 18. After returning home, she continued to worsen over the next 2 days. The ER doctor, our angel Dr. Jeff Manaloto, did an unsolicited house call to check on her. His intuition was not promising, so he personally escorted her back to the hospital. Always strong, independent and devoted to her children's success at the restaurants, Betty was reluctant to ask them to stay with her at the hospital. It was on day 2 of the second stay at the hospital, that the doctors announced that she had stage 4 cancer all over her body. Howard, Anita and Ronald took turns staying with her every minute of every day and every night over the next few days. Betty fought hard over the next few days, but the cancer spread rapidly. On May 28, surrounded by friends and family, Betty was able to share Anita's birthday in the hospital. As to not overshadow her daughter's birthday, and as only a mother could, she delayed her passing until the next day. Betty passed peacefully in hospice and took her last breath at 12:57 AM the next morning, surrounded by her son Ronald, her nephew Shubin and niece Catherine.

Betty Hsu was a lover of life and did not waste one second of it. After leaving her home in Julau, East Malaysia, Betty attended college in Taiwan. She was the first of her family to immigrate to the United States in the 1970's with only $20 in her pocket. From there, she slowly sponsored each of her 7 siblings and 2 parents to start a new life here. With the help of her husband, George Hsu, and speaking limited English, she went on to open Henry County's first Chinese Restaurant. Over her lifetime, she owned and operated 7 restaurants, sent her 3 children to Woodward Academy, the University of Georgia and Le Cordon Bleu. She helped shaped the lives of many as she mentored them at Hunan Village, like they were her own children. She was a nurturer, often encouraging her young staff to work hard and never stop pursuing their dreams. Her naturally kind spirit and generosity brought happiness to everyone around her. An unexpected plate of homemade dumplings, steamed bao or rice cakes on your doorstep was Betty's way of saying "I love you, and you are special." In the last few months, she reignited her love of painting and produced over 100 pieces of art for an art exhibit that she was too ill to attend. Her dream was to have her own art exhibit.

Because of her strong determination and vision of a better life, she opened a door of opportunity for her family. They are now doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, military personnel and lovers and givers just like her. Her beauty was unmatched, both inside and out. She was always the life of the party. She is our shining star in the dark sky. Her memory will live on forever as she is survived by her husband George, children Howard, Anita and Ronald, and grandchildren Coen, Juniper and Calliope. May she rest in peace.