Sarah Elizabeth Whittle Hafner

Betty Whittle Hafner passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Coastal Manor in Ludowici at the age of 97. She was born on April 18, 1918, in Brunswick, GA, to Margaret and Charles Whittle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Hafner, her brothers Charles, Lucien and Ray, and by her sisters Margaret, Lillian, Helen and Jane. She is survived by her rather remarkable children Jamie Hafner, Lynn Pace, Kay Agnew, Madge Bass; equally remarkable grandchildren Carolyn Jane Hafner, Beth Beaudoin, John Agnew, Rusty Pace; nine very great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ms. Hafner left Glynn Academy after her junior year to attend Randolph-Macon College in Lynchburg, Virginia, then earned her degree cum laude in Journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago, where she indulged her love of classical music at Orchestra Hall and Grant Park. Her mother’s illness brought her home where she met Harry Hafner, and they married in Mrs. Whittle’s hospital room in 1941.

Ms. Hafner’s unrestrained creativity led her to broadcasting on WMOG, teaching at Perry Business School in Brunswick, Oglethorpe Christian Academy in Darien, and taking art classes at the Island Art Center. A member of the Georgia Poetry Society for more than 30 years, Ms. Hafner was honored as a Georgia Poet of the Year, published a book of her poetry Ever Seeking in 2004, and often assisted other rising poets with her critiques and encouragement. In addition to these activities as a word-smith Ms. Hafner created short stories, assaulted local publications for their grammatical malapropism, lambasted errant politicians, and smacked her offspring (all naturally born infinitive splitters) when their grammar varied that in the Oxford Book of English Usage.

Betty Hafner was well known for hosting interesting social events in her large home. On occasion she has opened her doors to the Brunswick Police Department (brunch), Daughters of the Confederacy (champagne & strawberries), Georgia Historical Society (low country boil), a movie crew and actors (Conrack), Glynn County School Band Directors (Chatham Artillery Punch in quantity), Daughters of the American Revolution (ham biscuits) the crew of a visiting ship (more than once) and frequently, itinerate persons who happened to be walking on Union Street.

And so passes through the final door into a world which no living person understands, Sarah Elizabeth (Betty) Whittle Hafner. Perhaps, on the other side of that door, she will find peace.

A memorial service for Betty Hafner will be held at 10AM Thursday, August 13, 2015 at The First Presbyterian Church in Brunswick, her home church where she gave praise to and received comfort from her Lord.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com