Elizabeth Waite Yeager

Elizabeth Waite Yeager, lovingly known as Betty, passed away after a courageous 11-year battle with breast cancer. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Betty’s life was a testament to her faith, strength, and love for her family and community.

Born to Jack Culp Waite and Ann Courtney Sproull in Homewood, Alabama, Betty grew up as an only child surrounded by the rich traditions of the South. She graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1965 and attended the University of Alabama, where she joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She passionately supported ADPi throughout her life, serving as president of House Corporation for Alpha Delta Pi - Eta Chapter, where she led efforts to build a new sorority house, nearly doubling its capacity and leaving a lasting legacy for generations of young women.

Betty married her beloved husband, Thomas Edward Yeager, Jr. on January 24, 1969. The couple briefly lived in San Diego while Tommy served in the Navy before settling in Mountain Brook, Alabama, to raise their family. Together, they nurtured a home filled with love, laughter, and southern hospitality.

Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to Thomas “Chip” Edward Yeager III (Sara) and Katherine Courtney Yeager Chaperon (John), and a doting grandmother to her five cherished grandchildren: Thomas Yeager, IV, Emma Kate Yeager, Jack Chaperon, Blaine Chaperon, and Eli Chaperon. She could often be found at the ballfield, track or gym, cheering on her grandchildren and celebrating their passions with pride and enthusiasm.

Professionally, Betty served as the long-time office manager for a medical practice, where her dedication and organizational skills were valued by colleagues and patients alike.

Betty’s faith was central to her life. She came to Christ as a young mother, and her relationship with Jesus shaped every aspect of her journey. As a long-time member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and later Third Presbyterian Church, Betty’s faith inspired her to raise her children in a Christ-centered home and to influence her grandchildren to follow Jesus. She was also an active participant in Community Bible Study, deepening her understanding of God’s Word and sharing it with others. During her illness, she drew great comfort from Psalm 23, a passage that spoke to her steadfast trust in the Lord’s guidance and care.

A memorial service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on Friday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at Ridout’s Valley Chapel on Oxmoor Road in Homewood, Alabama. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Third Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, AL.

Betty’s legacy of love, faith, and dedication will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. As we remember her life, we find comfort in the promise of Psalm 23: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”