Bette Williams, 89, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed suddenly on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Bette was a sparkling presence, full of wit and wisdom. Anyone who met her will have fond memories of encouraging words or a well-told story. She had a youthful energy and an irreverent sense of humor that she never lost. She made it her personal mission to find something to compliment you about and loved to give advice or if nothing else make you smile or laugh even at her own expense. She was very social and the last months with COVID were particularly hard on her. She never met a stranger and loved to organize events and champion causes. Entertaining and service to others defined her entire life.
Born and raised in Miami Florida and ever the pioneer, Bette became one of the first stewardesses hired by National Airlines. She met her handsome Navy pilot in NYC and their great 60-year love story began. She left the airlines and turned down a lucrative modeling opportunity with the Ford Agency in NYC to become a bespoke wedding planner in Miami before raising three daughters. Bette and Smokey were committed and devoted parents. Bette threw her boundless energy into charitable work and support of her children. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her three daughters, Cheryl, Cynthia, and Christine. One of her most treasured commitments was to the Coco Plum Woman’s Club Cotillion in Miami where for many years she held board positions and worked to bring refinement and a polished presence to many of Coral Gables youth. Bette always exuded elegance and an inimitable style. She had the great fortune of knowing how she wanted to live and encouraged everyone she met to be the best they could be and above all be passionate about whatever they pursued.
Bette was always deeply involved in her churches from Christ the King Lutheran Church in Miami to many years of service at St. John Lutheran Church in Winter Park and then finally the Chapel at Sky Valley in North Georgia.
Bette was also a very talented artist who was former President of the North Georgia Arts Guild and a founder of the Sky Valley Art Festival. It was in this majestic mountain town where she and her husband of 60 years, Francis (Smokey) Williams, retired after years of living in Winter Park, Florida. They spent 20 memorable and magical years there. Family and friends recall the studio downstairs where they worked together to create many butterfly and birdhouses that we still cherish.
She spent the last ten years of her life in the beautiful community of Lanier Village Estates. Many people there, particularly the staff, remember the special relationship she and her husband had. There is comfort in knowing that she was surrounded by people who knew her well and loved her.
Bette will return to Sky Valley Georgia and the Chapel Columbarium that she and Smokey helped to plan and build many years ago. She had always known right where she would be, next to the love of her life and surrounded by all their friends with whom they spent many years enjoying their well-deserved retirement, now overlooking the peaceful valley all together again.
Bette will be missed immensely by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis \"Smokey\" Williams. She is survived by daughter Cheryl Riley of St. Petersburg, FL. and granddaughters, Caroline Oliver (Adam) of St. Petersburg, FL, Catherine Riley of Milton, GA and grandson, Trip Saunders of St. Petersburg, FL., daughter Cynthia Chase (Paul) of St. Simons Island, GA, and granddaughter Frances Chase and grandson Paul Chase, Jr. of Atlanta, GA., daughter Christine Williams, and her sister Barbara Pohlman of Delaware, MD.
If you have any personal remembrances or pictures to share please add them below. In this time of COVID and social distancing, the family will have a private interment and service but plan to have a celebration of life and contribution next spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest a donation to the Chapel of Sky Valley, Sky Valley GA.
Guestbook
Such a wonderful lady. Best story is Bette up at altar in Sky Valley Chapel receiving a blessing. As Bishop John raised his hand above her head, we heard Smokeys voice loud and clear....Don't touch the hair!! The hand froze 3 inches above her beautiful coffered hair and we all smiled...special elegant couple. Miss you Bette. Barbara Kobacker
Two sisters enjoying lunch together.
Knowing Mrs. Williams will forever be one of the greatest blessings in my life. She was always the most loving, kind hearted, and an absolute joy to be around. She became such a huge motivation to me and the direction of my career. Ill always be so thankful for her guidance and inspiration. She was always there when I needed someone to talk to and gave the best advise. Im so happy she and Smokey are reunited, but will miss her terribly. Thank you Mrs. Williams for everything!
We were so very blessed to have you for a Mom! The unconditional love we received from you was a daily gift that will always be remembered. Your words of encouragement and optimism were always there for everyone. Your service to others in this world was more than anyone could have possibly achieved in their lifetime. Thank you for this life you gave us-you were so very loved by all of us and will be in our hearts FOREVER!
My mother, Elizabeth,had the most beautiful smile, genuine heart -full of wisdom and smarts. She lived each day -even to the last hours-with dignity, grace, style and strength even though experiencing intense pain. The way my Mother lived her life provided a solid and strong role model for me becoming a woman. As she said many times, I raised you girls to be the men you want to marry. Mother stressed personal independence and pride. It now gives me great peace - to know she is out of her intense suffering. And now resting in eternal peace.. with our beloved Father. Honoring my much loved and admired mother.. and even best friend...who I miss dearly. I love you Mother!
Sorry for Elizabeth's passing. Many blessings! -Mary Cleary (Elizabeth's old neighbor in Miami)