She slipped from her earthly home into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 1, 2024, transitioning peacefully into heaven from the warmth of her bed in the comfort of her home in Fairfax Station, Virginia. As painful as it is that she is no longer with us on this plane, we rejoice that she was welcomed into Heaven by the ones that she has longed to see and be with again. What a joyous reunion she had with her husband, daughter, and grandson, along with many other loved ones who entered Heaven before her. They were just on the other side, waiting at the gates of heaven to greet her and usher her home.
Betty was born on October 20, 1928 in Abbeville, Alabama, the daughter of Silas Kirkland and Linnie Crowley Kirkland. She met and married the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Allen, also a resident of Abbeville. They were married on July 26, 1946. The day they married was truly the “night the stars fell on Alabama.” They were married for 53 years until Tom went to heaven in 1999. The young couple moved to the “big city” of Columbus and began their life together. They raised three daughters. Betty was an exceptional mother, homemaker and wife. She completely immersed herself in the lives of her family. She supported her children in anything that they chose to pursue. She was always available with a smile on her face and a kind word. She was a staple at school functions, sporting events, field trips, and always ready to volunteer for PTA and room mother duties.
Anyone who had the great privilege of knowing Betty personally can attest that her greatest gifts were giving and compassion. She was selfless and would literally plan her days around the needs of others. When she would become aware of someone in need, she was quick to act. She would take home-cooked meals to shut-ins and those ill with everything from a common cold to a terminal illness. She was always hoping to nourish and encourage. She would visit nursing homes and take load after load of clothes home to wash, dry and fold, all in the hopes her efforts would bring comfort and a touch of home to that person. She did this quietly and did not want attention brought to herself. This was simply her love language. She would always say “Where there is life, there is hope.” She never discounted anyone due to their circumstances or condition.
Betty loved you through her delicious food. She was a talented cook and baker. You never went to her home and were not offered something to eat, she would not take no for an answer. Her pound cake is legendary. She had a great sense of humor and was so much fun to be around. She loved having a good time with her many friends and family members. When she was with her brothers and sisters, there was so much laughter and lightheartedness, with never a dull moment. She could always lift your spirits and find the silver lining.
Betty was a stay-at-home mother until her girls started taking dance lessons from Gayle Humphries Dance Studio. She was quickly hired by Gayle and served as a secretary for many years. Betty was full of charm, grace and beauty. She was a model for many years and was one of the most beautiful and requested models employed by Mable Bailey, who owned the iconic Mable Bailey Fashion College.
Betty was a Christian by faith and was a longtime member of Edgewood Baptist Church. She attended church regularly and was very active in her Sunday school class. She prepared many meals for the church’s meals on wheels program. She lived by 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” She taught her family the love of Jesus Christ in the best possible way, through her example. She was loving, kind, patient and never failed to make herself available to anyone that needed a helping hand. Oh, what a precious jewel heaven has received. She certainly heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Only tears and time will ease the pain that grief brings. Grief is the price we pay for love.
Betty is survived by two daughters, Linda (Topper) Peacock, Angela (Emmett) Maunakea and a son-in-law, Larry Bullington. Grandchildren, Courtney (Scott) Peacock-Pollak, Allen (Courtney) Peacock, Caroline (Dustin) Maunakea-Hammonds, Thomas Maunakea, Melanie Maunakea, Autumn Maunakea and Brad (Philippa) Bullington. Great Grandchildren, Lexi Santiago, Hunter Santiago, Sophie Poluyanskis, Max Poluyanskis, Sam Peacock, Wyatt Peacock, Mickler Bullington, Fletcher Bullington, Harold Hammonds, Cypress Hammonds, and Royce Hammonds. Also survived by her precious sister, Elma Ruth (Jimmy) Money, one niece, eight nephews, dedicated lifelong friends, Ursula Coty and Joanne Lambert and dear friend and prayer warrior, Edem Alormele.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas H. (Tom) Allen, beloved daughter, Susan Bullington and beloved grandson Matthew (Matt) Bullington. Her parents, Silas and Linnie Kirkland, sisters, Lucy Floyd Kirkland, Addie Mae Thorpe, Elizabeth (Wilene) Bishop, brothers, Hubert Ford Kirkland and John Willard Kirkland. Her much loved nieces, Melanie Money Rozycki, Ann Thorpe Stuart and June Thorpe Snell. Beloved nephews, Dennie (Skip) Bishop and Mitchell Thorpe. Also, her special friend, John Spencer.
Let us all perpetuate Bettys legacy by holding tight to the special memories we have of her and by never forgetting.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Striffler Hamby Mortuary in Columbus Georgia. Betty’s favorite shade was white and favorite color khaki. Feel free to wear these colors for the services.
The family will be accepting flowers or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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