Betty Blades

Betty is survived by her son Richard Blades III, daughter in law Polly Blades, grandson Josh Blades (Emily), granddaughter Elisha Bailey (Matt), great- grandchildren Oliver Blades, Caroline Blades, David Blades, Ellen Bailey, and Libby Bailey; one sister, Christine Harris; sisters-in-law Joyce Culver and Ruby Culver; Shirley Culver; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Richard Blades Jr.; her daughter Donna Blades; her parents, Dudley Oliver and Sara Emma Culver; her step-mother Mable Culver; and six siblings, Grafford Johnson, Pauline Click Hyatt, D. O. Culver Jr., Denson Culver, Cecil Culver, and Bain Culver.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Betty’s friend Mrs. Pat Gaither who was a wonderful coworker, friend, and companion for Betty in her final years.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 N. Elm Ave, Sylacauga, AL. 35150. The funeral service will be Sunday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Sylacauga with Rev. Charles Sims officiating.

Betty will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga beside her beloved husband Richard.

Serving as pallbearers are Kenneth Click, Day Johnson, Matthew Ezekiel, Chase Green, Chad Green, Jeff Green, Jonathan Windham, and Rob Hendrickson.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Tim Ezekiel, Glen Metts, Isam Culver, Robert Schmidt, Bobby Click, Terry Click, LM Hale, Michael Woods, and Matt Thornton.

Betty and her husband Richard owned and operated A&M Clothing in Sylacauga for 48 years. Betty loved taking care of their customers, and over the years, so many of them became like family to her.

Betty also served as Administrative Assistant at First Presbyterian Church in Sylacauga for 35 years. She served the community in a variety of ways, including the Salvation Army Board, Talladega County Board of Registrars, election day poll worker, and the Little League Board.

Betty was a gatherer. She was the family’s head party planner and loved getting her family and friends together at a family reunion, around a table full of food - especially Sunday dinner, or for a good game of Rook. She made the best biscuits on the planet and almost never lost a hand of Rook.

Betty loved her family relentlessly. She was the chief cheerleader, protector, and caregiver to her children, daughter-in law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. And she loved so many of her nieces, nephews, and friends as if they were her own.

Betty loved Jesus. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Sylacauga and Unity Presbyterian in Weogufka. She loved her church family, old hymns, and never missed an issue of Our Daily Bread devotionals. While she was kind, tender, and loving, she also had strength that surpassed understanding. No doubt that strength came from her deep faith in the Lord.

Betty will be deeply missed by all she touched on this earth, but we rejoice that she is resting in the arms of her loving Savior.

Radney-Smith Funeral Home will direct the service.