Elizabeth "Betty" Averill Durie

She was born July 22, 1930 in Columbus, Georgia to the late John Sylvester Averill, Jr. of Montezuma, Georgia and the late Lula Moore Hester Averill of Columbus, Georgia.

Betty graduated from Montezuma High School in 1947 and Agnes Scott College in 1951. She married Robert (Bob) Everett Durie on June 13, 1953 in Montezuma. Upon Bob’s retirement from the military, she returned to Columbus in 1973.

In Columbus, Betty enjoyed a rewarding teaching career including 15 years with the Muscogee County School District followed by a position as a special education instructor at the Achievement Academy where she also served as a Board Member.

Betty was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Fellowship Sunday School and UMW Circle 3.

She was an active community volunteer, faithfully supporting the St. Francis Auxiliary, Columbus Symphony Women’s Association, Springer Theater, and Valley Rescue Mission. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, a national education sorority and also enjoyed many lifelong friendships through the PHALO Study Club and the Pine Tree Garden Club.

Throughout her married life, Betty enjoyed the travel associated with Bob’s military career. In their retirement, they continued to expand their horizons through Elderhostel excursions and Columbus Museum docent trips across the United States and around the world.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, and daughter-in-law, Carol. She is survived by her three children: Beth Cooper and her husband Harris of Durham, North Carolina, Robert Durie of Oxford, Alabama, and Becky Cottingham and her husband Rich of Alpharetta, Georgia; six grandchildren: Seth Cooper (Fay) of Seattle, Washington, Emily Cooper of Berkeley, California, Glenn Durie of Orlando, Florida, Alex Durie of Huntsville, Alabama, and Garrett and Robert Cottingham of Alpharetta, Georgia; and one great grandson Jacob Austin Durie. She is also survived by her brother John M. Averill (Sally), niece Jill Averill Brannen and nephew John Averill, Jr. of Byromville, Georgia.

The family is requesting that donations be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church or the charity of their choice.

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following in the Stockwell Hall according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. The Rev. Cynthia Garrard will officiate.

Condolences may be expressed at www.shcolumbus.com.