Betty Jean Gautney

Betty took her first breath and entered this world on September 30, 1946, in Columbus, Georgia, the third and last little baby girl of Herman and Lois Pitts. She took her last breath here on earth yesterday, March 9th, succumbing to heart failure that could not be fixed by medical intervention, much like the devastated broken heart that had already taken its toll.

She and her sisters, Peggy Pitts Darby and Barbara Pitts Lindsey, were raised with the enormous love and care by, not only their late awesome parents, but, also the village it sometimes takes when a family is faced with the dissolution of the safe world they had once known. In spite of being so young and innocent, she was always so determined to make the best of whatever misfortune came her way, always trailing behind Barbara, trying to catch up and constantly telling her that everything was going to be okay. This rare gift followed her throughout her life. She cherished her middle school years at Capitol Heights and Lee when finally there would be a return to the safe, secure and loving home, being raised by her single father, who was and always would be the great example for her and her sisters to follow. She met her beloved husband, Bobby Joe Gautney, and married him in 1964. In addition to his sweet daughter, Tammy Lane, their baby girl, Tina Lynn, was born in 1967. Shortly before her birth, Bobby Joe was involved in a serious automobile accident that left him with no feeling in his lower body and extremities. Betty took on all the necessary tasks and responsibilities as she had done all her life and never complained.

She attended Huntington College, receiving her Associate of Arts degree in 1986 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989, graduating along with her young daughter, Tina, who would later bless her with an adorable little grandson named Josh Fondren. Besides working at Huntington College, she held positions at Gayfers, Baptist South Business Office, Governor Guy Hunt’s Office and then the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for 25 + years before retiring to spend all of her days enjoying a slower pace of life and living her dream with her beloved Bobby Joe. They created their own “Heaven on Earth” in their beautiful back yard, working together and always eager to entertain friends and family for special occasions and all the holidays. After 56 1/2 years of marriage, she lost her loving husband and true soulmate after a long grueling six-month struggle to recover from a difficult surgery. Several months later her son-in-law, Ty Fondren, passed away from a brain cancer, five months after that her precious daughter, Tina, suffered a massive heart attack at only 56 years. Later that year, her older sister, Peggy, who at one time, was the precious mother figure to both she and Barbara for almost two years, left this world and went to Heaven. And, now, as promised by our Lord and Savior, Betty has been healed, welcomed home and reunited with all her loved ones she has so desperately missed.

There will be a visitation for the family and friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Leak Memory Funeral Home and a graveside service will follow at the Open Bible Section of Greenwood Cemetery. Her loving nephews Jeff Lindsey, Drew Lindsey, Dillon Lindsey and her much loved and cherished grandson, Josh Fondren, will carry her to her final resting place. Pastor Tim Head will lead the final goodbye message for the family’s precious angel in Heaven.

The family will host a food and fellowship for the friends of Betty and Bobby Joe at her home following the graveside service. Please contact family for the address.