Celebrating the life of
Betty Arnall Grubbs
April 06, 1941 - July 22, 2026
Betty Joyce Arnall Grubbs passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 with her daughter Beth by her side.
A longtime resident of Wilmington Island, Betty was born Born on April 6, 1941, in Griffin, Georgia. She was the only child of James Casper Arnall and Blanche Cravey Arnall. From an early age and throughout her life, Betty was full of life—spirited, fun-loving, energetic, and always unmistakably herself. She was a devoted wife and mother, a treasured friend, an active member of her community, and a devoted member to her church.
Betty graduated from Avondale High School in 1958. She attended West Georgia College for two years before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she graduated in 1962 with a degree in Home Economics and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. It was at UGA that Betty met her true love and best friend, Bill Grubbs. They shared 58 years of marriage before Bill passed away on July 22, 2022—four years to the day before Betty’s passing. They are now joyfully reunited through Christ.
Betty began her career as a teacher and later returned to school to begin a new career. In 1993, she earned her nursing degree from Armstrong State College and went on to work as a nurse at Candler Hospital until her retirement.
Betty was a dedicated member of Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, participated in the Prayer Circle, and served on numerous committees. Her church was an important part of her life and a place where she found faith, friendship, connection, and purpose. Her family is especially grateful for the love and support her church community.
Betty approached life with strength, humor, enthusiasm, and an unmistakable spunk. She found great joy in music, tennis, bridge, travel, gardening, entertaining, and, most of all, time spent with the people she loved. She had a special gift for bringing people together and making life more fun. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Betty faced each day with courage, positivity, and an enduring faith.
Betty is survived by her children, Lee Michael “Mike” Grubbs (Jen), Bethany Lane “Beth” Grubbs (Brian Mason), and Nancy Carole Jacobsen (Chris); and her grandchildren, Katie, Jake, Luke, and Dylan Grubbs, and Cole and Brody Jacobsen.
The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for and supported Betty at Summer Breeze Assisted Living and Hospice Savannah, as well as Reverend Andy Meeker and family friend Sheri Estes, for the compassion, comfort, and support they provided throughout her final years and days.
A memorial service will be held at Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Inurnment will take place in the WIPC Memorial Garden, with a reception afterward in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church at wipcsav.org.
To view the service: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHjNDuk14QRqhQVYB86VLUg
Beth, I didn't know your mom, but her influence in raising a caring daughter is a reflection of who she was. Offering my sympathy seems so inadequate, know that my thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
- Karen Sachs, Savannah, Georgia
I have known Betty and Bill since 1970 when i was a skinny little kid and was a lifeguard at Wilmington Island Pool... my very first pay check of my life was signed by Bill Grubbs. WIPC was a big part of my youth and I always remember them both singing in the choir... They were very close to my parents until my Mom died suddenly in 1990 and my Dad ...12 years later. May the peace of Christ be with all of the Grubbs family.... some of the key members of WIPC are up there smiling down on all of us! Peace be with you
- Rob Roberts, Lake Toxaway, NC
I just loved your mother. Betty and I work together Candler for a number of years and she was always smart, kind, and capable. I know you will miss her.
- Julia Mikell, Savannah, GA
I just loved your mother. Betty and I work together Candler for a number of years and she was always smart, kind, and capable. I know you will miss her.
- Julia Mikell, Savannah, GA
To Beth, Nancy and Mike-Your mom and dad were my like second parents and a huge part of my childhood. They taught lessons of grace, faith, love, never-ending hospitality, and most of all- joy. All of this was through watching them live each day, always smiling, opening their home with love and the chance to make great memories. If you showed up at dinner time, a chair was warmly offered and they would share whatever they had prepared. Mrs. Grubbs was a blessing to everyone she met. When she went back to school to become a nurse, she taught me that it's never too late to start a new dream and passion. God broke the mold when He made Betty and Bill Grubbs. I am forever thankful for knowing the entire Grubbs family and learning about friendship and love through the way they live. Praying for your family and friends at this time of remembrance. With much love, Katie (Clarke) Palmaccio
- Katharine Palmaccio, Savannah, Georgia
I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss Beth. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Although I never had the chance to meet her, I remember you always speaking so highly of her, and it was clear how much she meant to you. I'm praying for you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. I hope you're surrounded by love, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
- Donya Glenn, Athens, GA
My condolences to the entire family, Mrs Betty Grubbs and I work at Candler hospital she was a nice person ,may her memories bring you all joy and happiness sleep in heavenly peace Mrs.Betty .
- Corletta L Hardy , Port Wentworth, Georgia
Mike, Beth, and Nancy, my heartfelt condolences for your Mom Betty. I was glad to hear that Beth was at her side. Bill and Betty were the cool parents ever kid wished they had and I think the world of them and you. I apologize that we will not be able to attend the service, but best wishes to you and all of your family.
- Kevin Larrimore, St. Augustine, FL
I worked with Betty for years at Candler. She was so fun and caring. Always smiling. Well done good and faithful servant
- Kim, Pooler , GA
Beth, I am sorry about the loss of your lovely mother. May you and your family find peace in knowing that the angels were waiting to greet her at the gates of Heaven. Cheryl Bolton, 5th grade teacher
- Cheryl Bolton, Savannah, GA
We send our sincere condolences to all your family. Betty lived a life filled with kindness, good humor and love of family. We will remember her in her prime, cheering on her children at swim meets and school events, devoted to her friends, bridge group and church family. She and Bill touched so many lives! We mourn her passing with you and pray fond memories will be a comfort. Tom and Jo Lamas
- Tom and Jo Lamas, Savannah, Ga
Mike, Beth, & Nancy, Dan happened to see your mom's obituary when he was on the computer. I immediately looked it up. We extend our sympathy & prayers to all of you. We have great memories of times we spent with both of your parents in Wilmington Park! May they both rest in peace! Darlene & Ron Barta
- Darlene & Ron Barta, Dallas, Texas
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Celebration of Life
- 11:00 a.m. on Sat, August 01, 2026
- Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church
-
450 N. Cromwell Rd (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-352-7200
- Burial
- 12:00p.m. on Sat, August 01, 2026
- Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden
-
(map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410
