Betty Sue Lott Allen

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Betty Sue Lott Allen was born on March 10, 1945 in Hall County Georgia to the late Deacon Henry Lott and the late Agnes Maynard Lott.  She was one of 12 children.  She was embraced and carried by the angels into eternal rest on July 7, 2023 at NE Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA.  She was preceded in death by four sisters, Willie Mae Lott Stephens, Lois Lott Young, Shirley Lott Dodd, Sarah Francine Lott; five brothers, Willie T. Lott, Henry Lee Lott, Nathaniel Lott, Loye Lott, and Robert Lott.

After graduating from Fair Street High School, she attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). She later joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, TX.  She was a very proud U.S. Military Veteran who loved God, family, community, and country.  After leaving the military, she had a brief career in general and psychiatric nursing, serving residents of Hall County.

Betty joined Cross Plains Baptist Church at an early age.  She and her family later joined St. John Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member for many years until her death.  She was very hospitable and dedicated much of her time and energy to civic and social causes in the Gainesville community.  She was also a proud business owner who established the House of Goodies, a flower and gift shop.  The House of Goodies later morphed into a full-scale flower shop.  At the time, it was the only Black florist in Hall County.  One accomplishment that she was very proud of was organizing a business gala that honored many of the Black businesses in the area.  That event was attended by, then Georgia State Senator and former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.  It was also attended by current DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who was a member of the Georgia General Assembly at that time.  Another proud moment in her life was when she received a Drum Major for Justice award from the Newtown Florist Club.  This award is meant to honor those who have shown dedication to civil and human rights. 

She is survived by her two sons Benny Twaits (Paula) Allen of Covington, GA and Henley Durand (LaCorsha) Allen of Gainesville, GA; three grandsons, Hamilton Coley Allen, Darion Jahquan Allen, and Benjamin Douglas Allen; two siblings, Ruby Louise Evans and Harold (Patricia) Lott, both of Gainesville, GA; special niece and nephew, Marilyn Ann Lipscomb and Larry Lipscomb, both of Gainesville, GA; a host of nieces and nephews; and several other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday July 15, 2023 at 1pm at Cross Plains Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be held Friday July 14, 2023 from 1pm-7pm. The family will receive family and friends from 5pm-7pm.

Dexter T. Sims Mortuary, LLC, Gainesville, has charge of arrangements.