Betty Bates Willingham

Betty Willingham, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 29, 2018, surrounded by her family at Pine Pointe Hospice. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, April 2, 2018 at 3:00pm in the Chapel of Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00pm until the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, 31210.

Betty was the Matriarch of her family and her loss will be felt tremendously. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Hall Bates and Trellie Hazel Fudge; husband, Johnny Willingham; sons, Horace Avery, Jr. and Terry Lee Avery; brothers, Bill Bates and Tommy Bates, Jr.; and sisters, Selma McCook and Faye Gotte.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandy Zweily, Mary Twilley, Cele Lister (Guy) and Trellie Gay and adopted daughter, Brandi Wilkes Barefoot. She was so very proud of her children, but her greatest pride was in her grandchildren. She loved and spoiled rotten her grandson, Joel Gay and 19 more grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren. In addition to these impressive numbers, she also laid claim to numerous “adopted” grandchildren.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery have charge of arrangements.