Betty Speir Sanders

Betty Virginia Speir Sanders (90) of Atlanta, GA, joined Jesus, her Lord and Savior in Heaven, on January 30, 2025. Betty was born January 18, 1935 to Joshua Lloyd and Florence Reese Speir of Bronwood, GA.

Betty grew up on a farm of 600+ acres, in Bronwood, GA, where her family grew corn, grain sorghum, blue lupin grain, cotton and peanuts. They were faithful attenders of Bronwood Baptist Church, and she continued her love of the Lord throughout her life. Betty met her husband, Barrett in second grade; after a “wink” in 8th grade, they began a courtship, marrying in 1955 and building a life together for 63 years. Betty was a graduate of Terrell County High School (1953) where she was on honor roll, played basketball, was named best dressed, most courteous, and most dependable.

Betty attended Bessie-Tift college where she earned a business course certificate before getting married and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in business at Mercer in 1978. Betty was an administrative officer in the immunization department at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga. for 25 years before retiring in 1999.

Barrett and Betty were founding members of Briarlake Baptist Church in Decatur, GA where they raised their family. During their 50+ years of membership she sang in the choir, led Sunday school classes, and volunteered for vacation bible school amongst many other roles throughout the years.

Betty loved the Lord, her family, and desserts; she was known for baking cakes for every occasion. She would say, “Get in here and gimme some sugar” and “Let me hug your neck”. She enjoyed hobbies such as sewing, gardening, playing bridge and hosting over the years, however, she was happiest when surrounded by her family, laughter, and counters full of southern cooking and sweet treats. Betty was thoughtful and always put others first; whether it was having multiple Christmas gifts to pick from or taking food to neighbors. She was hard working and dedicated to those around her. Betty had a beautiful smile, contagious laugh and loved with all her heart. Betty was full of joy throughout her life and served as a beautiful reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Frank Barrett Sanders, and her siblings, Carl Lavonne Speir, James Dalton Speir, and Sandra (Speir) Haynes Buchholz.

Remaining to cherish Betty’s memory and continue her legacy of love and faith are her four children: Dwayne (Sharon) of Peachtree City, GA, Phil (Barbara) of Cumming, GA, Jeff (Krista) of Ft. Worth, TX, and Tricia (Kevin) Moye of Grayson, GA, as well as, their ten grandchildren: Maria (Matt) Pritchett, Candice (Zach) Kearney, Catherine (Ethan) Tate, Michael (Abby) Sanders, Jonathan Moye, Rebecca Moye, Alexis (Eli) Thrailkill, Julia Sanders, Brighton Sanders, Olivia Moye and four great grandchildren Emerson & Ellis Pritchett, Fynlee Kearney and Zachary Tate who all affectionately called her Meema. Along with her sister-in-laws Rachel Speir and Phyllis Speir.

Her family and friends will cherish memories of Betty; her legacy lives on through her family. “Even to your old age and gray hair, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” - Isaiah 46:4.

Services will be held on Friday, February 14th at 12 noon at Briarlake Baptist Church at 3715 Lavista Road, Decatur, GA 30033 Visitation will begin at 11 am before the service. The graveside service will be held at Bronwood Cemetery, Cemetery Rd., Bronwood, GA on Sunday, February 16th at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to The American Cancer Society or The Alzheimer’s Foundation.