Betty Russell Vandiver, wife of Gov. Samuel Ernest Vandiver, Jr., of Lavonia, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City ~ Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Vandiver's memory, to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Strickland Funeral Home, Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
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Sybil Elizabeth Russell Vandiver died peacefully on January 17, 2018. Born March 1, 1927, in Atlanta, Betty loved life and was active and involved with her family and friends until the end.
Mrs. Vandiver was the daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. Robert Lee Russell, Sr. (Sybil Nannette Milsaps) of Winder, Ga. Her grandparents were the late Georgia Chief Justice Richard Brevard Russell and Ina Dillard Russell, and Green S. and Betty O'Shields Millsaps of Winder. She was the niece of former Georgia Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr. who later served as U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1933-1971.
She graduated from Winder High School, attended Sullins College in Virginia and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia, Athens, where she majored in Social Work.
After a whirlwind courtship, Betty married attorney S. Ernest Vandiver on September 3, 1947. Thus began a loving and politically active relationship that included Ernie's election as Georgia's Adjutant General, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and his candidacy for U.S. Senate in 1972. Betty was Ernie's strongest and most faithful supporter and confidante. Their 58 years of marriage were devoted to family and public service. They built their life together on their commitment to their beloved Georgia and the communities in which they lived.
When she was Georgia's First Lady at age 35, (1959-1963) she and Gov. Vandiver were particularly concerned about Georgia's disabled and mentally ill patients, most of whom were housed in the state institution in Milledgeville, GA. The Vandivers worked quickly to improve living conditions, hire nationally recognized doctors, and raise money to build a "Chapel of All Faiths," on the grounds of the hospital where patients previously had no place to worship.
Mrs. Vandiver also worked with the Georgia Municipal Association to found the Mayors' Christmas Motorcade as a way of providing holiday gifts for the patients of Georgia's mental health hospitals. In 2009, the GMA honored Mrs. Vandiver on the 50th anniversary of the program. Dozens of Georgia cities passed resolutions honoring and thanking Mrs. Vandiver for this valuable contribution. The GA Mayor's Christmas Motorcade continues today.
Mrs. Vandiver adopted her husband's hometown of Lavonia, Georgia as her own and was involved in Lavonia First Baptist Church, The Lavonia Woman's Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Daughters of the Confederacy. She was the last surviving member of her bridge club made up of some of her closest friends, which met regularly for over 40 years. She was known for her humility, gracious hospitality, vivacious personality and delightful sense of humor.
Mrs. Vandiver was predeceased by her grandparents, her parents, her husband, and her brothers, Judge Robert Lee Russell, Jr. and Judge Richard Brevard Russell, III.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Ina Russell Ingram of Danville, Virginia; her sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Campbell Russell and Patricia Randolph Russell of Winder; her children, Samuel
Ernest Vandiver, III (Michelle), Vanna Elizabeth (Beth) Vandiver, and Jane Brevard Vandiver Kidd (David).
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Regina Leigh Vandiver (Josh, fiancée), Samuel Ernest Russell Vandiver, Frances Elizabeth Kidd Hogan (Matthew), and David Alexander Kidd, Jr. (Von) and great-grandchildren Alexandra Jane Hogan and Samuel Moore Hogan. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she adored.
The family is grateful for Brenda, Juanita, Joyce and Irena who were her loving caregivers at her home in Lavonia.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City ~ Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Vandiver's memory, to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Strickland Funeral Home, Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
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Sybil Elizabeth Russell Vandiver died peacefully on January 17, 2018. Born March 1, 1927, in Atlanta, Betty loved life and was active and involved with her family and friends until the end.
Mrs. Vandiver was the daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. Robert Lee Russell, Sr. (Sybil Nannette Milsaps) of Winder, Ga. Her grandparents were the late Georgia Chief Justice Richard Brevard Russell and Ina Dillard Russell, and Green S. and Betty O'Shields Millsaps of Winder. She was the niece of former Georgia Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr. who later served as U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1933-1971.
She graduated from Winder High School, attended Sullins College in Virginia and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia, Athens, where she majored in Social Work.
After a whirlwind courtship, Betty married attorney S. Ernest Vandiver on September 3, 1947. Thus began a loving and politically active relationship that included Ernie's election as Georgia's Adjutant General, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and his candidacy for U.S. Senate in 1972. Betty was Ernie's strongest and most faithful supporter and confidante. Their 58 years of marriage were devoted to family and public service. They built their life together on their commitment to their beloved Georgia and the communities in which they lived.
When she was Georgia's First Lady at age 35, (1959-1963) she and Gov. Vandiver were particularly concerned about Georgia's disabled and mentally ill patients, most of whom were housed in the state institution in Milledgeville, GA. The Vandivers worked quickly to improve living conditions, hire nationally recognized doctors, and raise money to build a "Chapel of All Faiths," on the grounds of the hospital where patients previously had no place to worship.
Mrs. Vandiver also worked with the Georgia Municipal Association to found the Mayors' Christmas Motorcade as a way of providing holiday gifts for the patients of Georgia's mental health hospitals. In 2009, the GMA honored Mrs. Vandiver on the 50th anniversary of the program. Dozens of Georgia cities passed resolutions honoring and thanking Mrs. Vandiver for this valuable contribution. The GA Mayor's Christmas Motorcade continues today.
Mrs. Vandiver adopted her husband's hometown of Lavonia, Georgia as her own and was involved in Lavonia First Baptist Church, The Lavonia Woman's Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Daughters of the Confederacy. She was the last surviving member of her bridge club made up of some of her closest friends, which met regularly for over 40 years. She was known for her humility, gracious hospitality, vivacious personality and delightful sense of humor.
Mrs. Vandiver was predeceased by her grandparents, her parents, her husband, and her brothers, Judge Robert Lee Russell, Jr. and Judge Richard Brevard Russell, III.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Ina Russell Ingram of Danville, Virginia; her sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Campbell Russell and Patricia Randolph Russell of Winder; her children, Samuel
Ernest Vandiver, III (Michelle), Vanna Elizabeth (Beth) Vandiver, and Jane Brevard Vandiver Kidd (David).
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Regina Leigh Vandiver (Josh, fiancée), Samuel Ernest Russell Vandiver, Frances Elizabeth Kidd Hogan (Matthew), and David Alexander Kidd, Jr. (Von) and great-grandchildren Alexandra Jane Hogan and Samuel Moore Hogan. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she adored.
The family is grateful for Brenda, Juanita, Joyce and Irena who were her loving caregivers at her home in Lavonia.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery.
Betty Russell Vandiver, wife of Gov. Samuel Ernest Vandiver, Jr., of Lavonia, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City ~ Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Vandiver's memory, to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Strickland Funeral Home, Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
**************************************************************
Sybil Elizabeth Russell Vandiver died peacefully on January 17, 2018. Born March 1, 1927, in Atlanta, Betty loved life and was active and involved with her family and friends until the end.
Mrs. Vandiver was the daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. Robert Lee Russell, Sr. (Sybil Nannette Milsaps) of Winder, Ga. Her grandparents were the late Georgia Chief Justice Richard Brevard Russell and Ina Dillard Russell, and Green S. and Betty O'Shields Millsaps of Winder. She was the niece of former Georgia Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr. who later served as U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1933-1971.
She graduated from Winder High School, attended Sullins College in Virginia and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia, Athens, where she majored in Social Work.
After a whirlwind courtship, Betty married attorney S. Ernest Vandiver on September 3, 1947. Thus began a loving and politically active relationship that included Ernie's election as Georgia's Adjutant General, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and his candidacy for U.S. Senate in 1972. Betty was Ernie's strongest and most faithful supporter and confidante. Their 58 years of marriage were devoted to family and public service. They built their life together on their commitment to their beloved Georgia and the communities in which they lived.
When she was Georgia's First Lady at age 35, (1959-1963) she and Gov. Vandiver were particularly concerned about Georgia's disabled and mentally ill patients, most of whom were housed in the state institution in Milledgeville, GA. The Vandivers worked quickly to improve living conditions, hire nationally recognized doctors, and raise money to build a "Chapel of All Faiths," on the grounds of the hospital where patients previously had no place to worship.
Mrs. Vandiver also worked with the Georgia Municipal Association to found the Mayors' Christmas Motorcade as a way of providing holiday gifts for the patients of Georgia's mental health hospitals. In 2009, the GMA honored Mrs. Vandiver on the 50th anniversary of the program. Dozens of Georgia cities passed resolutions honoring and thanking Mrs. Vandiver for this valuable contribution. The GA Mayor's Christmas Motorcade continues today.
Mrs. Vandiver adopted her husband's hometown of Lavonia, Georgia as her own and was involved in Lavonia First Baptist Church, The Lavonia Woman's Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Daughters of the Confederacy. She was the last surviving member of her bridge club made up of some of her closest friends, which met regularly for over 40 years. She was known for her humility, gracious hospitality, vivacious personality and delightful sense of humor.
Mrs. Vandiver was predeceased by her grandparents, her parents, her husband, and her brothers, Judge Robert Lee Russell, Jr. and Judge Richard Brevard Russell, III.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Ina Russell Ingram of Danville, Virginia; her sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Campbell Russell and Patricia Randolph Russell of Winder; her children, Samuel
Ernest Vandiver, III (Michelle), Vanna Elizabeth (Beth) Vandiver, and Jane Brevard Vandiver Kidd (David).
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Regina Leigh Vandiver (Josh, fiancée), Samuel Ernest Russell Vandiver, Frances Elizabeth Kidd Hogan (Matthew), and David Alexander Kidd, Jr. (Von) and great-grandchildren Alexandra Jane Hogan and Samuel Moore Hogan. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she adored.
The family is grateful for Brenda, Juanita, Joyce and Irena who were her loving caregivers at her home in Lavonia.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City ~ Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Vandiver's memory, to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Strickland Funeral Home, Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
**************************************************************
Sybil Elizabeth Russell Vandiver died peacefully on January 17, 2018. Born March 1, 1927, in Atlanta, Betty loved life and was active and involved with her family and friends until the end.
Mrs. Vandiver was the daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. Robert Lee Russell, Sr. (Sybil Nannette Milsaps) of Winder, Ga. Her grandparents were the late Georgia Chief Justice Richard Brevard Russell and Ina Dillard Russell, and Green S. and Betty O'Shields Millsaps of Winder. She was the niece of former Georgia Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr. who later served as U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1933-1971.
She graduated from Winder High School, attended Sullins College in Virginia and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia, Athens, where she majored in Social Work.
After a whirlwind courtship, Betty married attorney S. Ernest Vandiver on September 3, 1947. Thus began a loving and politically active relationship that included Ernie's election as Georgia's Adjutant General, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and his candidacy for U.S. Senate in 1972. Betty was Ernie's strongest and most faithful supporter and confidante. Their 58 years of marriage were devoted to family and public service. They built their life together on their commitment to their beloved Georgia and the communities in which they lived.
When she was Georgia's First Lady at age 35, (1959-1963) she and Gov. Vandiver were particularly concerned about Georgia's disabled and mentally ill patients, most of whom were housed in the state institution in Milledgeville, GA. The Vandivers worked quickly to improve living conditions, hire nationally recognized doctors, and raise money to build a "Chapel of All Faiths," on the grounds of the hospital where patients previously had no place to worship.
Mrs. Vandiver also worked with the Georgia Municipal Association to found the Mayors' Christmas Motorcade as a way of providing holiday gifts for the patients of Georgia's mental health hospitals. In 2009, the GMA honored Mrs. Vandiver on the 50th anniversary of the program. Dozens of Georgia cities passed resolutions honoring and thanking Mrs. Vandiver for this valuable contribution. The GA Mayor's Christmas Motorcade continues today.
Mrs. Vandiver adopted her husband's hometown of Lavonia, Georgia as her own and was involved in Lavonia First Baptist Church, The Lavonia Woman's Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Daughters of the Confederacy. She was the last surviving member of her bridge club made up of some of her closest friends, which met regularly for over 40 years. She was known for her humility, gracious hospitality, vivacious personality and delightful sense of humor.
Mrs. Vandiver was predeceased by her grandparents, her parents, her husband, and her brothers, Judge Robert Lee Russell, Jr. and Judge Richard Brevard Russell, III.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Ina Russell Ingram of Danville, Virginia; her sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Campbell Russell and Patricia Randolph Russell of Winder; her children, Samuel
Ernest Vandiver, III (Michelle), Vanna Elizabeth (Beth) Vandiver, and Jane Brevard Vandiver Kidd (David).
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Regina Leigh Vandiver (Josh, fiancée), Samuel Ernest Russell Vandiver, Frances Elizabeth Kidd Hogan (Matthew), and David Alexander Kidd, Jr. (Von) and great-grandchildren Alexandra Jane Hogan and Samuel Moore Hogan. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she adored.
The family is grateful for Brenda, Juanita, Joyce and Irena who were her loving caregivers at her home in Lavonia.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow the service in Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery.
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