Betty Jean Walton

Betty Lewis Walton passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the age of 89. Born on June 11, 1925 to Raymond and Reta Lewis, she was one of six children. Betty loved God, her husband and family, her church family, and her multitude of friends and in return, was truly loved by all who knew her. Betty also loved politics and in 1946 went to work in DC for a NY state Congressman. In 1949, Betty joined the staff of then House member, the Honorable Richard Nixon. She continued with Nixon during his short term as Senator and became part of the Eisenhower/Nixon Presidential Race campaign staff. After Nixon's election as VP, Betty spent a year on his staff until becoming the administrative assistant (one of the first women to hold the position) to newly elected Congressman Glen Lipscomb of Los Angeles. Betty worked for Congressman Lipscomb for 8 years in DC until she left the Hill and moved to Atlanta marrying the love of her life – Harry Merchant Walton. A perfect match, Betty and Harry were married for 36 years until Harry's death in 1998. Getting married and moving to Atlanta did not slow Betty down and she quickly went to work in the Republican Headquarters as a volunteer first and later working with Ben Blackburn, who was then newly elected to congress. After 8 years she retired and dedicated herself to raising her children and volunteering at the American Cancer Society, the Dekalb Republican Women's Club, and, for 22 years, at the Dekalb Medical Auxiliary gift shop. While she also enjoyed playing golf with her friends and was a long time member of Druid Hills Golf Club, her greatest passion was volunteering at the Church of the Epiphany, where she was the first-ever woman elected as Senior Warden in 1973. The self-appointed church greeter, Betty arrived early and was known for extending warmth and love to newcomers. Bringing joy to any gathering, she enjoyed organizing meals, working the Jumble Sale, feeding women and children at the Decatur Women's Shelter, bringing kids to play bingo with the elderly in nursing homes, and providing a clothes closet for the Cool Girls- a mentorship program for Atlanta area at-risk girls. Betty saw Jesus in everyone and was a true example in being a steward in serving the Lord. She was an inspiration to all! Together with her husband Harry, they are both survived by a loving combined family which includes, son and daughter-in-law Hank Walton and Carrie Young of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Jody Macey of Nashville, Tennessee, son and daughter-in-law Ken and Robin Walton of Hilton Head, son Scott Walton of St. Petersburg, and son Steve Walton of Curlew, Washington. Betty is also survived by two of her sisters, Roselyn Jarvis of Sayre, Pennsylvania, and Janice Brown, of East Smithfield, Pennsylvania, grandchildren Addie Walton, Harry Walton, Walton Macey, Jake Macey, Margo Macey, Madison Walton, Chandler Walton and Colette Walton, and many much-loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. There will be a memorial service to honor Betty's life on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 2:00 at the Church of the Epiphany with a reception in Jones Hall immediately following. In honor of Betty and her service and dedication, the family urges that in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Church of the Epiphany at 2089 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.

Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033