Betty Jo Williams

Betty Jo Curl Williams
September 1, 1928 - April 21, 2019
The Honorable Mrs. Betty Jo Williams passed away peacefully Easter
Sunday afternoon in her home in Decatur, Ga. Betty Jo was surrounded
by her family and caregivers; those whom she loved and who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dolores Butler Curl and Harry
Franklin Curl for whom she daily grieved in the closing decades of her life,
by her darling sister Harriet Marie Curl Tuggle and brothers in law, H Paul
Tuggle and James Wesley Tysinger, all with whom she is joyously now
joined in paradise.
She is survived by her children Harriet Lynne Williams Hope (Larry
Titshaw) Thomas Russell Williams, and David Franklin Williams (Joni)
Grandchildren Thomas Litchfield (Field) Wms Smith, Hugh McCulloh (Mac)
Hope ,Jr., Dr. Kathleen Williams Nissman, Burl Franklin Williams, Hinton
Joiner Williams,, and Avery Catherine Williams. Great grandchildren Irene
and Vera Nissman, Marshall, Emerson and Thomas Williams. By her dear
sister, Loretta Curl Tysinger and her beloved nieces and nephews Leigh
Tuggle Olivar(Harry), Paul K.Tuggle (Jennifer), Young W Smith (Janet),
Rebecca Jo Smith Frey (Steve) and all her great neices and great
nephews. Betty Jo loved all her family so very much and never tired of
hearing their voices, having them near and loving them dearly.
She is also survived by her friend and companion of 25 years, William W.
Cole, Jr. and his children, William Cole (Pam), Katherine Anderson, Sharon
Shepherd (Dave), Laura Adams (Gary), Nanette Fine (Bruce), 12
grandchildren, many of whom consider Baba their grandmother, and 7
great grandchildren.
Born into the depression in Birmingham Ala, her formative years saw both
of her parents struggling financially yet always providing love in their
home. Betty Jo continued this tradition of love and acceptance in her own
home with all who entered there throughout her life.
An Alabama Women planted in Dekalb County Georgia with her husband,
Tom (deceased) and her children; Lynne, Russell and David. She brought
her drive and aptitude for politics. Out of the gate involving herself in state
and local Republican politics. At the young age of 50 she threw her hat
into the ring for the 48th State House district winning that race and
repeating the achievement for 10 terms. Former House speaker Tom
Murphy called Betty Jo “Miss Betty”. Miss Betty reached across the aisle
to achieve her various legislative agendas. She blazed trails in Georgia
politics both as a Republican and a woman. Her victories and
achievements are too vast to enumerate.
Betty Jo was more stateswoman than politician, however, she was equally
expert as both. One of the reasons she was able to achieve her legislative
objectives as a member of the minority party was because she genuinely
loved and respected people and they were drawn to her kindness and
friendship.
Betty Jo was a peoples representative, working tirelessly and effectively
for her constituents and any other person reaching out to her for help.
After 20 years of selfless service Betty Jo withdrew from public life as a
state Representative. She continued to advocate for all persons seeking
her help and expertise.
To Betty Jo’s family she is called “Baba”. Her grand and great grand
children, her great nephews, neices know her by no other name than
“Baba”.
All of her extended family cannot imagine a world without “Baba”, a world
without her unconditional love, her wisdom, her guidance. She is loved,
adored, honored forever and always.
Services for Betty Jo will be held at 11am on May 18, 2019 in the
sanctuary of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. A reception will follow
in the Grand Hall at the church.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to:
Oak Grove UMC Music Ministry or Senior Adult Ministry
1722 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur, Ga 30033
ogumc.org
Or:
United Methodist Children’s Home
umchildrenshome