Elizabeth "Betty" Harrell

Elizabeth (Betty) Light Harrell unexpectedly passed away on November 16, 2022. She was born to Elizabeth and Bartholomew Light in Bryson City, NC. While her father was a Park Ranger, her sister and she lived many places around the Smokey Mountains. She told stories of them playing in the creek with the snakes and black bears peeping in the windows. Her mother had help from a Cherokee Indian teenager who assisted with domestic chores. She attended Vanderbilt University and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her first nursing job was at Vanderbilt Hospital in the Operating Room, then transitioned to Egleston Children’s Hospital where she worked over 35 years. Positions held included Head Nurse for Oncology Hematology unit followed by the Bone Marrow Transplant unit and insurance precertification for radiology scheduling. Her colleagues described her as “an excellent, smart and caring nurse”. After retirement, she started helping a neighbor friend with meals and daily tasks.

She met her spouse at a Singles event at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and was married for over 50 years. They loved to travel to Greece, Spain, Hawaii and other countries. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Kimberly, their pride and joy. Once her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, she became his full-time caretaker until skilled nursing care was required. She enjoyed being a part of the Shallowford Alzheimer’s Support Group, a great source of strength.

She was a 5 year Sarcoma survivor that required radiation and plastic surgery. We thank Dr. Katz and Dr. Lincenberg for their expertise with a successful and unique surgery.

Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, baking, gardening and exercise. She participated in the Peachtree Road Race for 10 years and various other races. Also, she attended the gym thrice weekly to maintain her muscle mass. At Christmas, she would bake her family’s recipe of stollen bread. In addition, she was a member of the Red Hat Club and enjoyed a monthly gourmet club where different countries were the theme of the meal.

She was an active member of Emory Presbyterian Church as an elder, coordinated an annual church retreat, helped with congregational meals, daytime circle, senior member driving, monthly Lunch Bunch, choir, money counter, Belize Mission participant, handbell choir and coordinated ticket sales at the Fall Festival.

Nicknames include Betty Boop, Ms. Betty, Energizer Bunny, Queen Bee and Ms. Independent.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, a niece Tina Fox, and her spouse Billy Harrell. She is survived by her two daughters Elizabeth and Kimberly; a sister Mary Ruth and brother-in-law James Roy; a nephew Lon and niece Greta. She also is survived by a special friend Mildred McWilliams from Egleston. Her church family and work family will miss her deeply.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in her memory. A service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Emory Presbyterian Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Harrell family.