Betty Elizabeth Greene Byrne

Betty Elizabeth (Greene) Byrne 82 of Columbus, Georgia died Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Columbus Hospice. Funeral services will be held Thursday December 27, at 12 pm in Edgewood Hall of Striffler Hamby, Columbus. Family will receive friends from 11 am until time of service. Burial will follow at Park Hill.

Betty was born January 18, 1936 in Atmore, Alabama to Ernie Aquilla and Lucy McElhaney Smith. She was a former Maid of Cotton and 1st Runner Up Miss Alabama, 1955. She attended Huntingdon College.

Betty moved to Columbus in 1977. She was former co-owner of Uptown On 1st, a popular downtown restaurant for many years before retiring. She also ministered to those in need with an open door and loving heart. Those who met her were left feeling God's love, and grace. No one ever left her home hungry.

She is preceded in death by her siblings Ruby Currie, Thelma Drew, John Smith, Ray Smith, Mildred Mixon, Margaret Watkins, Normie Owens, Gladys Owens, Bob Smith, Lillian Davis, and Flora Dees.

Survivors are Georgia (Debbie) Greene, George H.(Mary) Greene, Jr., Fred (Keith) Greene and Lucy (Sherrie) Greene; grandchildren, Elizabeth (David) Allen, George H. Greene III, and Thomas Greene. Several nieces and nephews, and her loyal friends and caretakers, Mary Ann Thompson and Linda Maurer.