Celebrating the life of
Betty Ann Elliott Heery
April 26, 1930 - February 09, 2026
Betty Ann Elliott Heery, 95, of Savannah, Georgia went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 9, 2026, after a life well-lived in contribution and service to others.
Born and raised in Savannah, Betty graduated from Savannah High School and obtained an Associates in Applied Arts from Armstrong State College.
In 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, John (Jack) Heery, Jr. Betty and Jack shared 58 blissful years of marriage before Jack passed away in 2010. Their remarkable bond was based on a foundation of love, laughter, friendship, and faith. Their greatest joys were traveling together, especially to St. Thomas, USVI, and spending time with their precious family.
In addition to being a young and devoted wife and mother, Betty went back to school in her 30s and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She taught at several Savannah schools before finding a home at Memorial Day School.
Not only was Betty a founding member of Memorial, having served on the original Board of Directors, she went on to teach elementary school there for 25 years before becoming the lower school Principal. One of her greatest contributions, beyond her impact on hundreds of students and her administrative leadership, was to establish a supervised after-school program and day care centers on campus, in Pooler and Port Wentworth.
Though she retired from Memorial in 1992, her legacy has continued through the programs she established and former students, some of whom are now teachers. In 2021, she was recognized for her contributions at the school's 50th anniversary celebration.
Betty's service extended beyond the four walls of a classroom through her devotion to her Lord. She was a dependable prayer warrior, a 20-year member of Community Bible Study, and a member of Good Shepherd Savannah church on Isle of Hope where she lived for over 60 years.
Blessed with exceptional health, Betty led a very active life into her mid-90s. She remained very engaged with family affairs, attended weekly Bible studies and church services, and especially enjoyed following the lives of her former Memorial Day School students through social media.
She navigated her final days exactly as she lived her entire life: with grace, dignity, and love.
Betty now shares an eternal embrace with her beloved husband Jack and is reunited with her parents, Grace and Travis Elliott.
She is survived by two cherished sons, John his wife Diane and David, grandchildren Christopher and his loving wife Heather, John David and Nicholas, great-grandchildren Keegan, Stella and Mackenna – all of Savannah – and her sister and dearest friend Nancy Elliott Lee of Douglas, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church on Tybee Island.
To the family...Angela and I extend our most sincere sympathies. We were blessed to have the many years together in fellowship with Betty in church and in our Berean Sunday school class. Ms Betty's faith was in everything she did, she breathed the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now she is home with Jack and the rest of the saints that have gone before us. She was a gift to all. In Christ's name, Michael and Angela Phillips
- Michael & Angela Phillips, Savannah, Georgia
I worked with Betty at MDS for many years and she was one of my favorite people. What a wonderful lady. She always had a smile on her face, and had a true love for all the children. She will be missed by many.
- Sylvia Mesaros, Anderson, SC
"Your dead will live." May your memories bring you comfort.
- The White Family, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Betty was one of the first neighbors to welcome us to Jameswood Avenue in 2021. We lived two doors apart and often caught up with her during our daily dog walks. She adored her sweet girl Abby. We have missed Mrs. Betty as a neighbor since she moved out of the neighborhood; her kindness and bright spirit won't be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences are sent to her family and loved ones in the wake of her loss.
- Julia and Charles Williams, Isle of Hope, Georgia
So sorry for your loss.
- Belinda Sue Hagins, Savannah, GA
David, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful person and active to the end. Take care.
- Beth Kinstler, Tryon, NC
My heart was broken when I received the call. Mrs. Heery (as I have always called her) had passed away I was told. Overcome with emotion, I wept, naturally; then calm. Knowing she had gone to be with her Lord gave me peace. Mrs. Heery has been in my life from the beginning, she was my Mom's best friend and my 3rd grade teacher. She helped me through my mother's passing and remained in regular contact throughout the years. I loved her dearly and will miss her voice of reason and the many times she provided counsel. She is a wonderful addition to G*d's heavenly host. Love and Miss you Mrs. Heery.
- James “Bubba” Rowell, Savannah / Kenai, Georgia / Alaska
A candle has been lit!
Diane, Jack, Heery & Elliot family. We send our deepest condolences & prayers for the your loss. May God comfort you all at this difficult time. Cherish the lifetime of memories you shared until you meet again in the House of the Lord. Celebrate the legacy that she leaves behind because she left her mark on this world.
- Karen Dannett & Kewyn Williams , Savannah , Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.