Betty and I met while we both were in high school and attended the same church in Montgomery, AL.  We were married in 1959 and enjoyed many years together while raising two lovely daughters as we lived in Tuscaloosa, AL; Nashville, TN; Ottawa, Canada; and Columbus, OH. Even though our lives followed separate paths after about 1987, we had the privilege of enjoying many very happy times together.
 I am deeply saddened by her death.  It also is a solid reminder of how much we must treasure our memories and present daily activities.  I remember in particular Betty as a young lady, full of energy for so many things.  She loved swimming, exploring, and shopping for bargains at flea markets. I am so very proud of the supporting role our daughters have played in Betty’s last years.


What a lovely person Betty was. I enjoyed many visits with her over the years while waiting for various children who were tutored by Teri. Those visits were always so encouraging. Such a sweet thought to know she is with Jesus. 


Betty was my first cousin and a such a delightful, always smiling, Christian woman. She was a devoted mother to Cindy and Terri, always beaming when she spoke of them - so very proud of both her girls. She was a devoted caregiver to her parents (my Uncle Bill and Aunt Nita) until they went to be with Jesus. I remember how excited she was to be moving to Florida to be with her girls and after getting settled in, how happy she was to be there with them and her grand-dogs. Betty will be missed by so many but I’m so very thankful that she is healed now and with Jesus! Prayers lifted for Cindy and Terri!  
❤️🙏🏻Julia Edwards, Montgomery, AL

We sat across the table from one another, 
Miss Betty and I. For a season we were ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ at ‘The Cracker Barrel. 
She was a masterful story teller as we waited for cheesy-potatoes! 

She told of home; where she was born, places she moved - a favorite was the home she had
right behind her parents’ lot; a well worn path of love in the grass between the houses.

As her stories unfolded, so did her smile -
crinkles of laugh lines sparkled 
as she spoke, eyes brightened 
with memories recalled;
antics of ‘young Terri’ and ‘young Cynthia’,
new adventures added to her tales - 
a van full of dogs with Chris at the wheel! 

She spoke of love-
for her home, her family-
her church and her faith-
her daughters she treasured and
her Jesus she loved.  🌱 

“There is no such thing as quantity in love
my mother said, correcting me.

No such thing as “much” love.
You can’t count it.

No such thing as “all my love”.
You can’t contain it.

Love expands.
There’s an endless supply.

I love you she said.
That’s sufficient.” 

“Remember” - a poem by Juli C Staub  🌱 

We talked of faith, as ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ do,
of love from the Father
who loved us first.

A lavish love from Him to us.  🌱 

“Jesus loves me this I know”, 
Miss Betty would remind me, 
“just like the song says”.







Aunt Betty’s laugh  was infectious.    From her skiiing at the lake, swimming with us or just stopping on the side of the interstate to grab moss from trees.   She did not let her age define having fun.   I am thankful and blessed that I had the honor of calling her my Aunt.   She is now healed, pain free and in the presence of our Savior.         

Betty and my mother were friends at church. Terri and I were Buddies from very young ages. I loved going to Terri’s house to spend time with her and her family. I remember coming to see Terri for her 50th birthday. I think Betty was just as excited as we were to get together again. She took me out to breakfast and walked the beach with me. It was a very precious morning. We visited and talked much through the week. I will always remember her love for me and her family! We’ll dance together in heaven. Love you Betty

Betty was a wonderful, generous and caring person, who raised her daughters to be the same.   I always enjoyed the joy and passion she shared her stories with.  It never mattered that I had heard the stories before, because it was the joy she shared that kept everything fresh and new.  
Terri, Cynthia and Chris, you are always in my heart, but so much more now in this time of loss.  I know she is peaceful in the arms of our Lord now.

I think I only met your mom once, but I do remember her smile. I love the pictures you posted and especially the video of her opening the Valentines Day bag. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful smile and contented heart and I know you all will miss her dearly. Her legacy lives on through you.  She raised two lovely women who also have sweet smiles and caring hearts.

I did not have the privilege of knowing Betty, but I know Terri and Cynthia. Her daughters are wonderful, loving  humans. 
I know who they are and I know they are the image of Betty. I am so happy you are healthy and strong !  You are dancing on the streets of gold. 

Loving and caring, but also sharp witted and quick to laugh - She was always good for a hug or zinger.  Eternal peace and rest, Miss Betty - you are loved.

Terri, Cynthia, and Chris….I know y’all are missing Betty tremendously, but there are sooo many good memories of times spent with her. Like watching her as she loved on your fur babies.. I remember when we visited her and her friends at the care center and she seemed so proud of how well they behaved. Betty had an unbelievably beautiful smile and some day we will be blessed to be with her again..

She was such an important and valuable part of our small group. I always enjoyed having her in our group every week.

I came to know Betty and her daughters, Terri and Cynthia through our church. I remember her as a sweet and kind lady who was always smiling. We will miss her here, but know that she is rejoicing with Jesus. 

I met Betty back when I was in junior high school as I became friends with Terri back then. I would get rides to church with Terri and her family.  I baby sat for Cindy a few times and when I was a little older I helped Betty out with babysitting when she had an in home daycare. I always liked her.  Sad to hear of her passing but now she can fly free of pain.

Betty was my cousin but due to distance I only met her twice, once as a small child while visiting her parents in Alabama and then when my father passed away in 1993. Wish we could have all gotten to know each other better. Prayers for her children and family. 

Marilyn Cohn Thomas
Cleveland, TN. 

Betty was one of the first people I met at Eastside Community Church. She had a sweet smile and always made people feel welcomed. I knew if I showed up alone that she would say hello. I am so thankful for her kindness in those years as a person new to the city and church. 

When my mother and Betty met for the first time, they acted like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years. After that, Betty became like a second mom to me in so many ways. The photos are of her and my mother, Connie Dinda, at Connie's 80th birthday party.

I had the most wonderful experience of taking care of this beautiful women who was loved by all. She was always pleasant and walking the floors. She put a smile on my face as she spoke to me. I WILL NEVER FORGET HER! Love and prayers to the family as they say their final goodbyes . 

Betty moved to Florida not too long after Joel and I were married. So I did not get the opportunity to spend much time with her in person. However,  she was very welcoming to me when I joined the family. You could tell that she had such a spirited heart. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she loved her daughters very much, and was grateful for all they did to be her advocate and love her!

Betty was my friend for many years! I loved her. She always had a kind word and a smile for me.  I will cherish my memories and the time I spent with her.  It is s blessing to know she is with our Savior and we will meet again. My love and prayers are with her family while you grieve the loss of her presence here on earth but rejoice that she is pain free and with her Savior.  I love you all my dear family.  Jan Kaess

OBITUARY

Betty Ann Mathews

April 1, 1940 – April 25, 2022

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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