Betty E. Barnett

Betty Elizabeth Barnett, 70, of Athens, GA, peacefully passed away on January 9, 2026. She was born on February 27, 1955, in Athens, GA, and was the beloved daughter of the late Willie C. and Rosie Mac Barnett.

Betty was a God-fearing hardworking woman whose caring and loving nature touched everyone who came into her presence. She welcomed all with open arms and a big heart, earning her the affectionate names of Ms. Betty and Grandma Betty. Betty had a passion for cooking and baking, always delighting friends and family with her delicious meals and treats. She dedicated 38 years of her life to Morrison/Picadilly, where her strong work ethic and warm personality left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

If you needed a meal, a home, or simply a place to rest, you always had a place at Betty's. She was deeply devoted to her family and loved them with all her heart, always putting their needs and happiness above her own. Her generosity, warmth, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Rosie and Willie Barnett; her sister, Michelle Barnett; and her brother, Leonard Barnett.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory six daughters: Tedra Sims,

• Shalisha Sims, Tilie Sims, Natasha Rolland, Shuntakeeya Sims, and Keisha Barnett; one son, Steven Sims; and one stepson, Willie Joe Sims Jr.: and her beloved Tracy Baley. She also leaves 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Betty is survived by two sisters, Willie Mae Brown and Freida Appleby; four brothers, Willie Calvin (Sarah) Barnett, Andrew (Patricia) Barnett, James (Evelyn) Barnett, and Tommy (Yasmen) Barnett; three aunts; her devoted best friend, Katherine Elder; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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