Betty Lawson Poss

Betty Lawson Poss, 95, formerly of Tifton, died peacefully at Tignall House Assisted Living in Tignall, GA, on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

She was born in Valdosta, GA, on November 5, 1927, to Bessie Bonnell Lawson and John Briggs Lawson. A Celebration of Life service will be held for family and close friends in July 2023, and Betty will join Bob Poss at their final resting place in Tift Memorial Gardens.

During the Great Depression, Betty was a young girl when her parents moved to Newark, New Jersey to live and work close to her father's family. She grew up ice skating, tobogganing, and was an accomplished diver on her high school dive team. Later, Betty attended the University of Georgia and her dorm was in Winnie Davis Hall which was erected in 1902. This is also where she met the love of her life, future husband, and lifelong best friend, Robert "Bob" Poss. World War II intervened, and Betty returned to New Jersey and commuted to Columbia University. At Columbia, she received a degree in Dental Hygiene. Then, she returned to Athens when Bob was discharged, and they were married in 1947. When her children were older, she returned to work for many years as a bookkeeper for Russell Daniel Irrigation in Tifton Georgia.

Betty was an active life-long member of the First United Methodist Church in Tifton. The Posses were generous with their time, effort and financial contributions to family members, neighbors and strangers in need. They delivered many hot meals assisting the Meals-on-Wheels program. She was an accomplished seamstress and avid reader. She loved her flowers: especially her Camellia and Amaryllis gardens. She and Bob always enjoyed the outdoors, boating, and spending time with family and friends. Betty and Bob’s biggest joys were long visits, trips and holidays spent with their children’s families. Her love for her grandchildren was deep, and their times together formed lasting bonds.

Betty is survived by two children: Patricia Poss Geiger (husband Lee), James L. Poss and the mother of Betty and Bob's grandchildren, Susan Poss; four grandchildren, Lauren Geiger, Kristin Poss Westberry (husband Chris), Christopher Poss, and Laura Poss; five great-grandchildren, Jackson Westberry, Anna Westberry, Briggs Poss, Conner Poss, and Leia Arrington; Her niece, Libby Poss Hostetter (husband Andy) and two great-nephews, Jay Hostetter (wife Jessica), and Will Hostetter; Libby’s grandchildren, Jack and Eliza.

Patty Geiger, would like to express special thanks to the following people: Lee Geiger, for his constant support and care and his ability to lift mother’s thoughts into positivity. Libby Hostetter, resident of Kansas, for her many years she called her Aunt Betty every Sunday.

Kristin Westberry, for sending many birthday wishes, drawings and photos of their beautiful family. My daughter Lauren, who spent many nights with her Gram following the passing of her Grandaddy; and later in life, would work all day and and spend time with her: a ride in the country, a stroll at the park, stops for ice cream, painting her nails, talking about life, and especially taking special trips to visit with her daughter Leia.

We are so grateful for the love and care mother received from Amy Karamihalis and the wonderful loving staff at Tignall House Assisted Living. Special Thanks to Bristol Hospice for their expertise, genuine care, and assist.

Memorial donations can be made in her name to Bristol Hospice,1252 Virgil Langford Rd #2, Watkinsville GA 30677; or First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 107 W. 12th St., Tifton GA, 31794.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the online registry at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family