Elizabeth Joan "Betty" (McDowell) Ormsbee

Betty Jo Ormsbee, 87, a resident of Arbor Terrace of Athens, GA, died suddenly at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital on April 27, 2017. She was the wife of the late Reverend Lieutenant Colonel George E. Ormsbee, who died on July 23, 2016.

Mrs. Ormsbee was born on March 23, 1930 in Mountain View, Missouri to the late Lynn McDowell and Blanche Aulsbury McDowell. She is survived by her sister, Millie Bradley, and a sister-in-law, Joann McDowell, both of Farmington, Missouri; children, Dr. Lindell and Susan Ormsbee of Lexington, KY; Reverend Don and Elizabeth Ormsbee of Gainesville, GA; Georgie and George Bullock of Colbert, GA; seven grandchildren, Annie Snow, Jordan Jansen, Kathryn Ormsbee, Jackson Ormsbee, Aubrey Bullock, Kidron Bullock, and Jailie Bullock.

Mrs. Ormsbee received her Associate degree from Southwest Baptist College in Boliver, MO and received her Bachelor of Arts from California Baptist College, where she served as president of the first graduating class. Following graduation, she taught elementary school in Louisiana and Missouri. In 1954, she married George Estel Ormsbee, thus beginning their joint pastoral ministry, which spanned over sixty years and involved several churches in California, Missouri, and Georgia. From 1962-82, she served alongside her husband, an army chaplain, in Nebraska, Panama, Germany, New York, Virginia, Kentucky, and New Jersey.

Upon their retirement, she and George remained active in East Athens Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher. She was also active in International Friends. Mrs. Ormsbee was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, missionary, teacher, prayer warrior, and friend. Her passion and love for the Lord was lived and served with all she met.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 1, 2017 at 3 PM at Lord and Stephens East, with Dr. Thomas R. Smiley, senior pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church Gainesville, and Rev. Fabian Maganda of East Athens Baptist Church officiating. Graveside services will follow at Athens Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 30, from 5-8 PM, at the funeral home, and Monday, May 1, from 2-3 PM. Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com