Bettye Jane (Tate) Widener

Bettye Jane Widener was summoned home on April 28 after a long illness. Bettye was born on May 15, 1934 at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, the only child of Mary Jane Russell and Edgar Lee Tate, a pharmacist at Dixie Drug Company and later at Jacob's Pharmacy. Bettye grew up in Grant Park and graduated from Hoke Smith High School in 1952, where she was valedictorian and voted "most representative." Garlanded with many awards for her intelligence and beauty, she won a scholarship to the University of Georgia. The achievement she most treasured there was induction into Z Club, an honor society of first-year women.

While at the university, Bettye met a fellow student, Hulett Widener, who had recently returned from the Korean War. He was working as a soda jerk at the Jennie Belle tavern in the basement of her dormitory, Myers Hall. They were married in 1954 and shared 49 years together; Hulett passed away in 2003. Bettye was also predeceased by a son, Tony Widener.

Bettye is survived by children Debbie (Andy) Ullrich, David (Beth) Widener, and Alyson Widener; grandchildren Brian (Laura) Ullrich, Brandon (Emily) Ullrich, Brent (Lucy) Ullrich, Andrew Widener, Jonathon Widener, Nicholas Widener, Mary Beth (Sam) Eden, and Daniel (Elsie) Widener; great-grandchildren Dawson, Reed, Allen, Tate, Claire, Arthur, and Owen Ullrich; sister-in-law Ann Ray; several cousins; and a host of lifelong friends.

Bettye was creative and considerate, intelligent and industrious. She was a brilliant and witty conversationalist and always had a story to tell. She approached the rhythms of life with thoughtful organization. She maintained assiduous correspondence with friends and family, excelled at arts and crafts, and was a splendid cook. She valued traditions like morning coffee and the daily newspaper, Georgia football on autumn Saturdays, summer vacations on St. Simons Island. She truly was a woman for all seasons.

Bettye was proud of her native Atlanta and cherished local emblems like Rich's and the Varsity. She was equally devoted to her adopted hometown East Point, where she and Hulett made their home. She served on many civic committees and was a member of the First Baptist Church of East Point for nearly six decades. From raising her children, to looking after her mother in old age, to nurturing her grandchildren, Bettye gave the preponderance of her days to the care of others. Though we mourn her passing, we have the blessed assurance that we shall see her again.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church of East Point, officiated by Rev. J. W. Wallis. The family will receive visitors immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Northern Georgia.

Lord and Stephens West, Bogart, Georgia, has charge of arrangements.