Betsy Boland Hunt Payne

Betsy Boland Hunt Payne
February 22, 1953 – August 6, 2025

With grace, courage, and unwavering faith, Betsy Boland Hunt Payne of Jefferson, Georgia, entered into the arms of her Savior on August 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 72 years old.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 22, 1953, to Dr. Charles and Beverly Banks Boland, Betsy lived a life marked by devotion—to God, to family, to learning, and to serving others. Though she battled Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years, her life was never defined by illness, but by joy, strength, and deep purpose.

A graduate of Dykes High School and Shorter College, Betsy returned to school later in life to earn her Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from Piedmont College. Her path was not a straight one—but it was beautiful. She was a color analyst when her children were young, a beloved school bus driver during their teenage years, and ultimately fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher. Her years spent teaching kindergarten and art were some of her most treasured, as she poured her creativity, compassion, and love into each child she taught.

Betsy found delight in life’s simplest and most meaningful moments—long summer days at the family lake house on Lake Rabun, laughter around a card table, the joy of music and song, the quiet beauty of painting and creating, and the never-ending blessing of family gathered near. She was a radiant light—funny, thoughtful, deeply faithful, and overflowing with love.

She was the embodiment of a Godly wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her love was steady and unconditional. Her smile could brighten any room, her laugh was contagious, and her heart, pure and generous. Her life was a reflection of God’s love, and she lived each day with the quiet strength of someone who trusted Him fully.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lee Boland; and by her first husband of thirty years, Larry Richard Hunt and her second husband, Joe Payne.

She is survived by her brother, David Boland of Gainesville, GA; her children, Ashley Hunt Snapp (Brent) and John Hunt (Jennifer), both of Jefferson, GA; her cherished grandchildren, Savannah Snapp Tinsley (Tyler), Elijah Snapp, Joshua Snapp (Riley), Quillian Jayne Snapp, Carter Hunt, Anna Hunt, Madison Hendrix Standridge (Cole), and Kamdyn Hendrix; three great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Betsy’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched—with every kind word, every lesson taught, every hug, every laugh, and every prayer. The world is brighter for having known her.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Jefferson on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM. The family will greet guests immediately following the service. 

In honor of her life and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or the Lake Rabun Association in her name:

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Headquarters, 6520 N. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132, https://msfocus.org or the Lake Rabun Association, P.O. Box 490, Lakemont, Georgia 30552, 770-535-7880, www.lakerabun.org

Though she has left our earthly home, Betsy’s light, love, and faith will echo through generations. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept the faith.

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467      

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com