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Celebrating the life of
The Honorable Bette Beasley Anderson
Passed away on September 01, 2024
Bette Beasley Anderson Wood
October 16, 1928 – September 1, 2024
On September 1, Bette B. Anderson Wood of Savannah, Georgia passed away at the age of 95 years old.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sue (Charlie) Strickland; grandchildren Ashley (Chris) Freeman and Sara Jane (Ryan) Stroupe; great-grandchildren, Hadley Kate Stroupe, Anderson Freeman and Hayes Stroupe; stepdaughter Susan Wood; and numerous other family members and friends.
Bette was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Richard; stepson, Greg; brother, Brooks; her first husband and Sue’s father, George Anderson and half-siblings, Ellis, Euena and Elmore.
Mrs. Anderson Wood was born and raised in Stilson, Georgia to Burl and Melrose Beasley. She attended Georgia Teachers College (Georgia Southern University) and received certification from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
Mrs. Anderson Wood was the first woman to be named Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She was nominated to that position under Jimmy Carter. As Under Secretary she worked to introduce the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. The Bette B. Anderson Scholarship at Georgia Southern University was established in 1984 to memorialize these achievements.
Before becoming the Under Secretary, Mrs. Anderson Wood was affiliated for twenty-seven years with The Citizens and Southern National Bank of Savannah where she served as Vice President and was the first female member of The Chatham Club in downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Following her tenure at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Mrs. Anderson Wood formed Anderson, Benjamin and Reed Consulting and served on the Board of Directors of HealthExtras, ITT Corporation, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, The Hartford Financial Services Group, and United Payers & Providers. In addition to her board memberships, Bette was a partner at Kelly, Anderson, Petchick & Associates, a Management Consulting firm.
Upon retiring to Savannah, Georgia, Bette served on the Board of Directors of the Bethesda Academy.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11 a.m., at Good Shepherd Savannah, 22 Rose Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406. A visitation will be held prior to the service in the Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bette to Hospice Savannah (1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406) or One Love Animal Rescue (463 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Ste B7 #142, Savannah, Georgia 31410).
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Bette’s caregivers, Chiqua Mincey, Crystal Portner and Nicole Boyd and to the staff at Hospice Savannah for their care and compassion.
Sue & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God's promise of eternal salvation bring you all a measure of comfort. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
- LISA DEAN, Savannah, GA
Dear Sue, Charlie, Ashley and Sarah Jane, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was an inspiration to many young women in business, including my own mother, who worked at a time when women were not expected to succeed and rise through the ranks of the banking industry. I am sure that she will be missed by you and many others she worked with. I wish you peace and comfort at this sad time. Love, Diane
- Diane Duvall King, Savannah, Ga
We are sorry to read of the loss of your Mother. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may Perpetual Light shine upon her.
- Billy S. Wilson, Jr., Savannah, GA
Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I will be praying for you and your family.
- Gloria Hudson, Rincon, Ga
Sue, much love to you and family in the loss of your mother. I know you will miss her.
- Steve and Dale Drinkwater, Pooler, Georgia
Thinking of you, Sue. Prayers for you and your family.
- Marilynn Hood Mueller, Marietta, GA
Sue, I am so sorry to hear about Bette. She was delightful and I enjoyed my visits with her.
- Arlene Gordon, Savannah , GA
Sue and Family, so very sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing, may she rest in eternal peace. Find solace in knowing that she lived a wonderful life, with many life accomplishments, love of family and friends. Sending hugs and prayers.
- Lu and John Quibodeaux, Richmond Hill, GA
I'm so sorry Sue. She was a great lady whom I took many fun trips with. We were lucky to have our moms for so long. So hard to lose your mother. I miss mine everyday. We are now the sole living person in our familys. So strange.
- Karen DeLoach, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of your Mother. May eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her.
- Anne and James Byerly, Savannah, GA
An incredible woman of wisdom and determination. Her life was so inspiring! Sue, may your family find the peace and comfort you need as you mourn her beautiful life!
- Latrisa DeGraft-Hanson , Buford, GA
So sorry Ms Sue to hear about your Mom. You talked about her so much I feel like I knew her even though I never met her. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, I pray that God gives you all the strength to endure during this difficult time.
- Sanche Jackson , Savannah , GA
Sue, our love and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. May God’s loving mercy bring you peace and comfort in knowing He is welcoming her home. Your mama was a legend and touched so many lives. She most certainly touched mine. All our love, Georgia and Mark.
- Mark & Georgia French, Charleston, SC
I pray God will wrap His arms around you all and give the peace that only comes from Him. May the memories of your precious mother live in your heart forever. Hugs!
- Susan Reese Brown Barfield , Savannah , Georgia
My sincere sympathy and condolences to you and all of your mother's loved one. I remember her well from her years at C & S. She was truly a Southern Lady and leader.
- Sherry Belford, Lakeland, Florida
Sue, my Kappa sister and dear friend, I am so saddened by the loss of the presence of your mom. You and all of your family are in my prayers. May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time.
- Cindy Slack, Ocala, Florida
To the entire group of family and friends of Bette- Bette was a special person and someone I got to know when I started working at C&S in 1966. She was very competent and stood out because of her capabilities and her ability to get things done. Bette was an exceptional model for many others who followed her at C&S. I know that your family will miss her and you are all proud of the legacy she created. Jim Lientz
- Jim Lientz, Atlanta, GA
A candle has been lit!
What a wonderful and inspiring life Mrs. Bette has shown through the reading of her history. She was a gift to this earth with unwavering tenacity which has and will still bless so many people. Sue, please know your SBAC family is here for you and that you and your family will be in our prayers.
- SBAC, Savannah, Georgia
I’m so sorry about your mom,Sue. I know you were close to her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Nancy Gillenwater, Springfield, Ga
She was my friend and mentor. She was such an inspiration in my life. I love you Bette❤️❤️
- Irene Carpenter, Sandy Springs, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Thu, September 12, 2024
- Good Shepherd Church
-
22 Rose Ave (map)
Savannah (Isle of Hope) GA