Dorothy L. Betts

Dorothy Louise Lanier Betts, was born in Bessemer, Alabama, on August 28, 1913. She passed away at Fairway Oaks Nursing Home, in Tampa, on October 1, 2009, with her daughter Ann, at her bedside. Dorothy, her husband and young family moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1946, and lived there until they moved to St. Petersburg, in 1957. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Hugh D. Betts (Former co-owner of Betts Sporting Goods Company), and her son, Richard T. Betts. Surviving children include: Hugh Betts, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Larry and wife Arlene Betts, of Hillsville, VA, Lyn and husband Dennis Martin, of Snellville, GA, Kay Harris of Tallahassee, Ann Doss of Tampa, and daughter in law, Jane Betts, Dallas, Texas. Dorothy had 17 grandchildren: Pamela and Christopher Betts, Michelle and Katherine Betts, David and Carolyn Betts, Tim, Colleen, Daniel Betts and Julie Du, Cynthia Martin, Daniel and Richard Doss, Nancy Hauser, Jenny Frasure, Vicky Rice, and Joe Harris. Great grandchildren include: Molly and Hannah Betts, Matthew Morrell, Matthew and Erik Betts, Joshua and Ryan Betts, Lucah Du, Katy Randall, Savannah Hauser, Robert Doss, Ashley and Riley Rice. Dorothy was a member of Azalea Baptist Church for 50 years. She was a dedicated Christian, active in numerous areas: member of the choir, church historian for many years, president of her Sunday School class, the WMU, VBS, and also served as Association President of the Pinellas County WMU. She was the spiritual leader of her family and her life revolved around her large family and faithful service to the Lord. Dorothy was a devoted wife, a sweet, nurturing, and supportive mother, a kind and loving grandmother and great grandmother. Over the years, Dorothy and H. D. spent vacations with their children and grandchildren who live all over the country. Travels took them to Canada, Hawaii and as far away as England. Dorothy enjoyed cooking and was a wonderful Southern cook. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and working on various crafts. She won awards and first place prizes for her handicrafts. Because of her talents and generosity, almost every family member and friend, can boast they have one of her beautiful afghans or various handcrafted items. In August, family and friends were on hand to celebrate Dorothy's 96th birthday at her nursing home. Although saddened by our loss, the family is comforted by the knowledge she is with her Lord and Savior. She is reunited with loved ones, and ready to take her place in the Heavenly Choir. Family and friends describe Dorothy as a sweet, kind, talented, caring and very loving lady. That's the way she will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. She was indeed a blessing to each one of us. A graveside memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 24th, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Chaplain Shields Moore and Larry G. Betts officiating. In lieu of flowers, it is requested donations be made to Azalea Baptist Church, 7900