Betty Jean Webb Byars, of Athens, Tennessee, was born on March 12, 1933, in Athens to Calvin Eugene “Gene” Webb and Grace Stanton Webb. She lived a life defined by devotion to her family, kindness toward others, and a love for children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Carl Battle Byars; her son, Mark Douglas Byars; and her brothers, David Eugene Webb and James Lee Webb.

She is survived by her children, Susan Byars Tullock (Michael), Steven E. Byars (Gretchen), and Julie Byars Whitted (Don). She was a proud grandmother to Nathan Tullock, Marissa Tullock, William Byars, Sarah Byars Costilla, Patrick Byars, and Ryan Whitted. Her legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren, Karaline Tullock and Noah Costilla.

Betty is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Erwin and Becky McGrew, and her brother, Mike Webb.

For many years, Betty shared her gentle spirit and patience with young children as a teacher of three-year-olds at Forrest Hills Daycare in Athens. She retired in 1996 after 21 years of nurturing and guiding the youngest learners in her care. Her kindness, warmth, and steady presence left a lasting impression on countless children and families.

A graveside service will be 2 PM, Thursday, April 2nd at McMinn Memory Gardens, Athens, TN.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Spring Arbor of Athens and to Hearth Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and comfort they provided.

Betty will be remembered for her love of family, her quiet strength, and the many lives she touched throughout her years.

Because of Betty’s love of children, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now