Betty Telford Highsmith passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at her Assisted Living residence in Gainesville, GA.
Betty was born in Cleveland, GA on September 7, 1931, to Nell Kenimer Telford and James (Jim) Harvey Telford. She grew up in the Kenimer-Telford House just steps from the Cleveland Square, and continued to reside in Cleveland for almost all of her 91 years.
After starting college at age 15 at Brenau College (now Brenau University) in Gainesville, an illness forced Betty to return to Cleveland where she attended Truett McConnell College (now Truett McConnell University).
She then followed in the footsteps of her five older siblings by going to Athens and graduating from the University of Georgia. (All three of her children would later follow suit by graduating from UGA, as would several of her grandchildren.)
While at Truett McConnell, Betty met Julius Carey Highsmith of Clermont, GA, and the two were wed on December 22, 1951. Their's was a strong partnership that lasted over 65 years, until Carey's death in 2017.
During her 28-year career as a Middle School teacher, Betty primarily taught Georgia History. Because Georgia History was a required subject, almost every student that attended White County Middle School during those years had Mrs. Highsmith' as a teacher. Betty delighted in encountering former students later in her life, many of whom told her "You were one of my favorite teachers!". In 1976, Betty was honored to be selected Star Teacher.
Throughout her life Betty poured her love and her time into her family, her church, and her community. For decades, she was active in the educational, music, outreach and fellowship activities at Cleveland First Baptist Church. She also served and volunteered with the White County Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Red Cross blood drives, and the White County Respite Day Care Program.
Many will remember Betty as a gracious and generous hostess, often welcoming newcomers into her home, church and community. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association (White County and Georgia chapters) and Delta Kappa Gamma (professional society for women educators).
Survivors include her three children and their spouses, ten grandchildren and their spouses, and 11 great-grandchildren. The children are: David and Carol Highsmith of Greenville, SC, Sue and Steve Delaney of Woodstock, GA, and Bucky and Lee Highsmith of Gainesville, GA. The grandchildren are: Katie and Nathan Crumley of Gainesville, Stephen and Marissa Delaney of Newnan, GA, Drew and Jenny Highsmith of Powder Springs, GA, Brian Highsmith of Princeton, NJ, Kenimer Highsmith of Athens, GA, Suzanne and Jim Kelly of Nashville, TN, Eric Highsmith of Greenville, SC, Maggie and Sean Williams of Woodstock, GA, Angie and Joe Kennedy of Gainesville, GA, and Ginnie Highsmith of Gainesville, GA. Betty is also survived by her brother, Gordon Telford of Toccoa, GA, and her sister-in-law, Lois Johnson of Cleveland, GA.
In her final days, Betty resided at Gardens of Gainesville Assisted Living facility, where she received wonderful care from facility staff and also from the staff of Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Graveside services will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Cleveland Historic Cemetery. A memorial service remembering Betty's life will be held at 2pm Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Cleveland First Baptist Church.
The family will receive visitors at a reception to be held in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the church or charity of their choice.
To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, GA.
