Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Hannell

Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Smith Hannell of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, April 21, 2015. Born in Ledyard, New York on July 21, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Leroy Frank Smith and Anna Haines Smith. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon L. Smith and sister, Jean Colocotronis.

Betty is survived by her husband, of 71 years, Francis (Frank) Dignam Hannell Sr. They were married July 31, 1943, in Waterviliet, New York. Theirs was an enduring and devoted relationship. Due to Frank’s significant visual impairment, Betty was literally the guiding light in their relationship. Together they forged a unique partnership as she traveled with her husband on his many career assignments with General Electric. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Francis Dignam Hannell Jr. and his wife Kim of Huddleston Va. and a daughter Karen Elizabeth Hannell Merryman and her husband Robert, of Rustburg Va., seven grandchildren, Dean Hannell, Jon Hannell, Robbie Merryman, Christine Merryman Pickett, Sarah Merryman Webber, Abby Hannell and Erika Hannell and nine great grandchildren. Also numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty graduated from Albany High School in New York and worked as accountant in Whittier, California and later as an accounting supervisor at Lynchburg General Hospital. Frank and Betty were inseparable with their extensive volunteer activities which included the Crisis Line, Daily Bread, Gateway, Meals on Wheels, Virginia Ten Miler and relaying messages for those serving in the Armed Forces via ham radio. Betty and Frank traveled extensively and enjoyed golf, bridge and working with the ham radio club. Frank and Betty were very active in the Episcopal Church wherever they lived, serving as Sunday school teacher, vestry member, treasurer and lay readers, most recently with Grace Memorial Episcopal Church. Betty has shared her deep and abiding faith in all things holy with anyone who has touched her life during her faithful journey among us.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church with Very Reverend Catharine W. Montgomery officiating. A reception will follow in the Parrish Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1021 New Hampshire Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502.

To send condolences online, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.