Betty Anders' Obituary
Betty Jane Helms Anders, 89, of Collierville, Tennessee died Friday evening at Methodist Germantown Hospital. She was born on March 7, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Betty was the daughter of Harry C. Helms and Minnie Tessmer Helms. The widow of Donald Lee Anders, Betty was preceded in death by her three brothers Carl Helms, Robert Helms, and Edward Helms and by her daughter, Carol Anders Purtle. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs.Robert Lee Anders of Collierville; a son-in-law, Mr. Terry Purtle of Huntsville, Alabama; a grandson and grand-daughter-in law, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Purtle of Huntsville, Alabama and two great-grandchildren; a grandson and grand-daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Anders of Collierville and two great-grandchildren; a granddaughter, the Reverend Rhonda Gilligan-Gillespie of Carmel, Indiana. She was an active member of Frayser Presbyterian Church while living in Memphis. Betty also lived in Huntsville, Alabama and remained a member at Covenant Presbyterian Church of Huntsville until her death. Betty worked for many years at the Advertising Checking Bureau. She was an expert seamstress and loved reading. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and granny to her family, and a loyal and faithful friend to many who have gone before her. Her faith in God was a source of strength and hope to her. Betty’s legacy of hope sustains her family during this time of grief. The circumstances of her clinical diagnosis helped establish a program dedicated to people with aphasia, guarding against a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s, ensuring that patients with similar cases are able to enjoy their aging years with dignity and pride. Betty’s funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Larry Ray of Evangel Church in East Memphis. The funeral service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with internment at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of choice.
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