Betty Rathbone

Betty Bebbie Rathbone, 82, peacefully entered into rest at Doctors Hospital February 8, 2014. She was born May 28, 1931, progeny of T.J. Rathbone and Ittie (n e McCall) of Grovetown, GA; becoming a lifelong resident of Blythe, GA. Betty raised her only child, Tammy Galloway (n e LaFlame), as a single parent. She endured tribulation with calmness and grace; commanding respect from all who observed her fine example. She cherished God with her entire strength, and only did unto others as she would wish for them to do unto her. She found an abundance of joy in her life; endeared to reading, cooking, (renowned for her cabbage rolls), and gardening, (where she planted and watered as God made it grow). Her pantry was never bare and hunger was not permissible within her sight. No animal was stray as she would sustain them all before wanting a thing for herself.

Besides her parents, Bebbie was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Pete Rathbone; and her beloved nephew Bo. She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Galloway (John Cline); son-in-law Jon Galloway; grandchildren Andy and Erica Galloway; nieces Shirley Abbott and Alice Coxwell (Roger); great-nieces and great-nephews including Wendy Sims (n e Coxwell) and Billy Coxwell; scores of other progeny including Amanda Sims, Bobbie Lynn Sims, and the youngest of all, her great-grandnephew Tyler Rushing. Bebbie left her beloved bloodhound, Ellie Mae, to the care and conservancy of her grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends Monday from 6 - 8 PM at the funeral home.

Services with invocation and prayer in the tradition of Bebbie's Baptist faith will be at 2 PM, Tuesday, February 18, 2014, in the Lumpkin Road Chapel of Elliott Sons Funeral Home. Rev. Bucky Halford will officiate, assisted by Brother Roger Coxwell. Interment will follow in Grove First Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jon Galloway, Dane Lewless, Tony Boyd, Ronny Eberhardt, Ryan James, and Clifford Chancey.