Betty Lee Quinn

Affectionately known as “Boop,” she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was born Aug. 27, 1928, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where her father was building the first oil well over water. Betty Lee grew up in Harlingen, TX, graduated high school at age 16, then attended Birmingham-Southern College, where she was a Pi Beta Phi. She spent her summers in her younger years in Athens, AL, with her beloved extended Martin family.

Betty Lee married John Quinn in 1954 in Windemere, FL. After stints in Louisiana and Mississippi, the couple moved to Jackson, TN, in 1959 to buy the RC Cola Bottling Co. Betty Lee and John lived there 57 years, raising their children and establishing many life-long friends. She will be remembered for being a wonderful gardener, hostess, excellent cook, sharing recipes, her special margaritas, and her love of traveling, especially to Mexico. She was an advanced seamstress and sold Doncaster clothes. She became a regional manager for Doncaster and helped many women establish themselves in the Doncaster business as well.

Betty Lee was a member of Service League, Laurel Garden Club, and was a past queen of Bal Masque. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Jackson, TN, where she served on the Altar Guild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence H. Martin and Ruth Richardson Martin; husband of 64 years, John W. Quinn III; son, John Pippen Quinn; and two brothers, Thomas Martin and Lawrence “Fella” Martin.

She is survived by her son, William Martin Quinn (Hart), and daughter, Dr. Nina Quinn Grice (Lenard); grandchildren: William Hunter Quinn (Meredith), Heather Elizabeth Quinn, Katy Quinn Gillespie (Graham), and Amanda Susan Grice; and three great-grandchildren: Ward, Russell, and Cullen Quinn.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1:00 pm, at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson, TN. George A Smith & Sons has charge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church in Jackson, TN, or charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Quinn family.