Betty Mays Harbison's Obituary
Betty Mays Harbison, 78, was lifted into Heaven, December 22, 2016, to be with Jesus on His birthday. Betty was born October 6, 1938 in Jackson, Tennessee to Louise and Leslie Mays. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Harbison of 56 years; daughter, Dr. Beth Kakales (Dr. John); granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth; grandson, John Matthew; and brother, Bobby Mays. Betty grew up in Ripley, MS, where she graduated from Ripley High School as valedictorian. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from Ole Miss where she was an officer with Tri Delta Sorority. It was there she met her husband. Betty found great joy in teaching, especially the little children to read while in California and later at Scenic Hills Elementary School. She was co-chair of worship while at Grace Methodist Church and enjoyed working with the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). She was a member of Les Passes, president of the Memphis Dental Alliance, a charter member of the River Oaks Garden Club, and served with the Woman’s Exchange. She was secretary of the Little Glass Club and president of the Ole Miss Tri Delta House Corporation during the building of the addition to the sorority house. She was instrumental in establishing the dental exhibit at the Memphis Children’s Museum. Betty was an avid student of the bible, attending bible study for the last 35 years. She was a member of the Lamplighters Sunday School Class at Christ United Methodist Church, where she served on numerous committees. She was a beautiful Christian that found great joy in serving the Lord with her family and friends. She loved to travel and took numerous trips with family, friends, and the Ole Miss alumni. She took great pride in watching her grandchildren mature in the Lord. A celebration of life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at 12 p.m. with visitation at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2016. A private burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Christ United Methodist Church for the Traditional Music Fund or the Bouknight Fund for Church Improvement. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119. (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life….Behind the Stone Wall.”
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