Evelyn Irwin

Betty Irwin passed peacefully from this earthly life on July 2, 2024. She was at home with family and friends. Betty had fought cancer since 2007, always with a positive attitude. Betty always brought light and laughter to the room, no matter what she was going through herself. She bounced back more times than we can count, but this time it was not to be.

Betty was the sixth of seven children and she loved her family dearly. She doted on her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She delighted in taking the young ones to hockey games, baseball games, author readings, or whatever she thought they would enjoy. And they loved her back. All the siblings got together for meals and they were a fun group, always joking and laughing.

Betty loved to travel. She and her spouse, Cindy, traveled as much as they could and saw much of the world. Betty always said there was so much she hadn't seen, but she saw a lot! She also traveled with friends and went on countless "sister trips" to the beach, where she was happiest. Her annual trip with friends to the Women's SEC Basketball Tournament was one of the highlights of her year.

Betty was passionate about causes she believed in. She was active in Civil Rights, one time going to Forsyth County with the group led by Hosea Williams. She was also involved in Gay and Lesbian Rights as well as being on the front lines for years in the Womens' Right to Choose movement. Until the day she stopped speaking, she could still get on a soapbox about issues she believed in! She met the love of her life, Cindy, at a political meeting 38 years ago and from that day on they remained committed to each other. After Betty retired she began to volunteer at DeKalb Medical where she and Cindy met many remarkable people, both staff and volunteers. These folks became yet another group of Betty's valued friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Frances Irwin and Jared Hubert Irwin and her brother Richard Irwin. She is survived by her spouse, Cindy Livingston; her sisters Mary Ann Mullinax, Susan Maney, Patsy Hindmon (Tom), and Brenda Lee; her brother Hubert Roy Irwin (Lena); and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by so many friends too numerous to list.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at the Lake House at Avondale on August 4, 2024 at 1:30 pm. Parking is limited, so you are encouraged to ride together or use Uber/Lyft. Everyone is encouraged to wear brightly colored clothes, especially purple, Betty's favorite!