Betty Zakas

Betty Zakas, age 74, died on July 2, 2012. Survivors include her beloved brother and sister-in-law Lou and Deppie Zakas. In addition to her countless friends, relatives and admirers, she is survived by her nieces and nephews and their spouses and children: Dennis and Martie Zakas and their children Virginia, Page, Ned and Cabell; Tasia Walsh, her sons Ryan and Greg and her husband John McKnight; Anna and Tom McManus and their children Brian and Katie; and Charlie and Julie Zakas and their children Austin and Blair.

Called "Aunt Betty" by many, she was referred to as "Saint Betty" by all. For over 50 years, Betty was the sole caregiver for her sister Tassie, who was confined to a wheelchair. No mere mortal could have done what Betty did, lifting Tassie in and out of the car or her bed several times each day, working deep into the night as the head cashier of the downtown Hilton Hotel and raising her niece, Denese, who recently passed away. Betty never complained. In fact, she never let you forget how lucky she considered herself to be.

Long before diversity became fashionable, Betty embraced a widely varied group of friends. She taught all of us to accept people as they are. She loved to entertain friends and family, who enjoyed her incredible cooking. Her most famous dish was pastitso. Although one famous local restaurateur reportedly offered her $10, 000 for the recipe, she made the next generation promise to never let it leave the family. And so it is locked away like the "Coke" formula.

Until her recent illness, she lived alone, but rarely was without company. She and her friends were frequently seen enjoying dinner at the Colonnades, Buckhead Diner and their other favorite spots around town. She looked for the good in everyone, and would never speak ill of anyone.

Aunt Betty loved her family more than anything. Never a birthday, anniversary, Mother's Day, Father's Day or any other special occasion passed without a phone call from Aunt Betty. But Christmas surpassed all other special occasions. On Christmas Eve, Betty and Tassie would shower everyone, particularly the children, with carefully chosen, unique gifts. Long after Tassie died more than a decade ago, Betty continued the tradition of bringing her nieces, nephews and family together on Christmas Eve.

And Fun! Boy, was Aunt Betty fun! Ask one of her nieces or nephews about Aunts Betty and Tassie, and they'll describe driving around town, with stops at Zesto's for a banana split and a drive-in movie to catch the latest Elvis flick. They loved Elvis. Or maybe the late-night poker games at their house with a range of characters out of central casting.

Betty was a night owl. It was alright to call Betty at all of hours of the night or early morning. Just let her sleep in the morning.

Betty was one of the first girl basketball players at Grady High. For many years she coached a girls church team. In 2008, she was recognized with a large ovation when attending her niece's high school basketball game at Grady.

Betty's generosity was not limited to Christmas giving. She was always looking out for the needs of others. Betty changed the lives of everyone she came into contact with.

Aunt Betty may have had little formal education, but she was wise. She didn't have a lot of money, but she was rich. She had the purest heart, and the world is going to be a darker place without her. But she wouldn't want us to see it that way. She'd want us to continue seeing the good in the world, and to simply "be good to each other."

She will be greatly missed. Services will be held on Saturday, July 7, at 11:00 AM at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation with Father Christos Mars officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033, Phone: 404-292-1551.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033