Betty Jane Atwater

Betty Jane Atwater was born June 13, 1927, a twin, to Robert Edmond and Floried Harrison Atwater. A native and life-long resident of Macon, Miss Atwater attended Bruce School and graduated from Miller High School. She went to Wesleyan College where she earned her B.A. and graduated cum laude in the class of 1949. In 1955, she earned her Master's of Education at Mercer University. Miss Atwater began her teaching career at Bruce School and later taught second grade at Stratford Academy for thirty years. She loved children and left an impression with many. Upon her retirement, Mayor Tommy Olmstead proclaimed May 15, 1992 "Betty Jane Atwater Day" because of her exemplary lifestyle and her professionalism. Miss Atwater was a dedicated member of Cherokee Heights United Methodist Church. She served the church as a Sunday School teacher, Chair of the Administrative Council, Lay Leader and President of the UMW. Miss Atwater was an active member of the Pilot Club of Macon, AAUW, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Betty Atwater was predeceased by her parents, Floried and Robert E. Atwater, Sr., her brother, Bennie Atwater and her great-nephew, Angus Gage Thompson. She is survived by her twin brother, Bobby Atwater and her sister, Patsy Atwater Getz, both of Atlanta; two nieces, Carey Atwater of Atlanta and Anna Getz of Kimball, Minnesota; two nephews, Bob Atwater of Lilburn and Miller Getz of Lawrenceville; great-nieces, Savannah Lin Tuthill and Jessica Getz; great-nephews, Dylan Harrison Tuthill, Mitchell Atwater and Jackson Atwater. Betty had a wonderful extended family, including aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves behind a host of faithful and loving friends and former students. Visitation will be held at Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street, on Friday from 5:00PM until 7:00PM. Services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 11:00AM at Cherokee Heights United Methodist Church with the Reverend Gary Starrett officiating. Burial will be in Macon Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Cherokee Heights United Methodist Church, 2590 Napier Avenue, Macon, GA 31204. A special invitation to her service is extended to all her second grade students whom she taught throughout the years. Miss Atwater's wish was that her former students come to celebrate the love that they shared as teacher and pupil. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.