Idell Cain Bettis Pace

Idell Cain Bettis Pace, 98, of Dawsonville entered into eternal rest on December 26, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Ms. Pace was born November 13, 1925 in Hall County, Georgia, to the late John Cornelius and Martha Thomas Cain.  

Ms. Pace grew up the youngest of five siblings on the family farm in Dahlonega, Georgia. Throughout the Great Depression, the family of eight would welcome grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins into their home, and she would recount the tales of the large family gathered around the wood stove with quilts, enjoying nothing but each other’s presence.   

Ms. Pace graduated from Lumpkin County High School in 1942 and briefly attended North Georgia College before moving to Marietta, Georgia. After moving to Marietta, she joined many other women at the Bell Bomber Plant, building aircrafts in support of the war effort. While living in Marietta, she met and married her first husband, Hoyt H. Bettis, and they would proceed to have two children, Linda and Harold.   

In 1964, Hoyt passed away, and Ms. Pace re-entered the workforce as a single mother, first at Lockheed Martin Corporation and later at Delta Airlines, where she had a long and successful accounting career. While working at Lockheed Martin, she met and married her second husband, Clyde A. Pace, Jr. They continued to build a wonderful life together, traveling and playing golf around the world. In 2004, they relocated to Dawsonville, Georgia to be near family, and in 2006 Clyde passed away. Ms. Pace remained physically active, and she enjoyed going on walks, gardening, and spending time with family. She also began attending services at nearby Liberty Baptist Church, where she gained many new friends.   

In 2020, Ms. Pace was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which made her life very difficult. Despite her newfound challenges, she continued to show boundless love for all who crossed her path. The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the memory care staff of Manor Lake Dawsonville, who lovingly cared for her in her last years.   

In addition to her parents and husbands, Ms. Pace is predeceased by her daughter, Linda Annette Bettis-Lewis, her sister, Zona Cain Wilbanks, and her brothers, Lloyd, Ernest, Harding, and Hoyt Cain. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Lisa Bettis of Dawsonville, grandchildren David Lewis of Canton, Dawn Lewis Watson (Joey) of Canton, Rachel Bettis (Sarah) of Pensacola, FL, and Daniel Bettis of Dunwoody. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.   

The family will receive friends Friday, December 29, 2023 at Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Park Friday, December 29, 2023. Rev. Bruce Hamrick and Rev. Cameron Adkins will officiate. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com