Betty Don Walters

Betty Don Jenkins Walters passed away on July 4, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. Betty was born in Jackson County, Alabama, but spent most of her early childhood in Anderson, Tennessee after her mother Ollie Mae Abbott Jenkins died when Betty was 16 months old.

She was preceded in death by her parents Otis and Clyde Jenkins, brother Jerry Jenkins, daughter Connie Walters Johnson, and her husband of 72 years, Jack Walters. Betty was a dedicated caregiver to Connie during her years of sickness.

Betty moved to Gadsden with her parents when she was six years old. She attended Etowah Avenue Elementary School and Emma Sansom High School. She was chosen as Miss Emma Sansom in 1948 by guest judge Perry Como.

Betty enjoyed crappie fishing at Yellow Creek and Town Creek. She was an accomplished quilter and seamstress who made two of her daughters’ wedding dresses and many of her daughters’ school clothes. She was also a wonderful cook and was well-known for her creamed corn, coconut cakes, orange cakes, chicken and dressing, fried apple pies, and all sorts of canned jellies and vegetables. She continued cooking until just a few weeks ago.

She was a member of McCauley’s Chapel United Methodist Church where she was the church historian and faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, a UMYF leader, Bible School worker, and as the church treasurer for many years.

She enjoyed visiting antique stores and auctions and collected glassware, Hull, and McCoy pottery. She loved trips to Panama City Beach and listening to The Beach Boys, Eddie Arnold, and Floyd Cramer. Her grandchildren spent many hours playing Rook around the dining room table with her and their Papa Jack. Those memories will last forever.

Betty is survived by daughters Donna (Henry) Ledbetter and Laura (Harold) Tolbert; six grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Ledbetter, Amy Ledbetter, Ben Johnson, Adam (Tonya) Ledbetter, Andrea (Dustin) Wilson, and Nathan (Emily) Brown; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Bryan McGwier for his compassionate care of our mother over the years. Heartfelt appreciation is given to ProHealth Hospice and Nurses Susan, Mackenzie, and Nicole.

Collier Butler Funeral Home oversees arrangements and Rev. Roy Daugherty will officiate. Soloist will be Cody Neely. A private family viewing will be held on Friday, July 7th at 9:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Crestwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Henry Ledbetter, Harold Tolbert, Jason Ledbetter, Ben Johnson, Adam Ledbetter, Nathan Brown, Dustin Wilson, Murphy Johnson, and Mitchell Logan.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Walters family.