Betty Durden Roberts

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Celebrating the life of
Betty Durden RobertsJuly 08, 1930 - November 05, 2012

Betty Lou Durden Roberts slipped from this life on Monday, November 5th, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 8, 1930 to Clyde Myrtle Baker Durden and Hallie Rufus Durden, in Savannah's Telfair Hospital. She lived most of her life in Savannah, but spent several years in Brunswick, GA where she attended Sidney Lanier Elementary School. She attended Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, Chatham Junior High School and graduated from Commercial High School in January, 1950. After graduation she worked several years at Chatham Furniture Store before becoming employed as medical secretary and receptionist for Dr. Jules Victor. During this time in her life she became engaged to Arthur Harrell Roberts, who called her his "raven-haired beauty" and with whom she eloped in February, 1952 to begin a life of adventure, love and laughter which would last over 61 years. She remained employed with Dr. Victor until the birth of their first child, when she made the decision to become a full time homemaker and mother.

The home that she and her husband created was always filled with warmth and unquestionable love. A loving mother and exemplary wife, the years that she devoted to raising their children were spent teaching them the lessons of life more through her example than by instruction. She could stop her children in their tracks with a raised eyebrow over flashing black eyes, and convey all of her love and support seconds later with a wink and a nod. She was an excellent seamstress, meticulous in her creations of clothes, draperies and upholstery. Her taste in music was eclectic, ranging from classical to country western and her home was always filled with music. She loved to read, and could often be seen stepping from the Bookmobile with large paper bags filled with books.

She began a new career when her children were grown, becoming owner and manager of The River Street Emporium, long before the days of River Street's revitalization, and was one of the first members of the Savannah Waterfront Association. She was a devoted lifelong member of First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, served on innumerable committees and belonged to the Women's Missionary Union. One of her greatest joys was singing in the choir, and her lovely soprano rang out under the direction of many Ministers of Music including Dwight Bruce and James Richardson. She was an active supporter of the USMCR Dog Company Association, and George Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Association.

Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by her parents, older brother Lawrence L. Durden and younger brother Ronald E. Durden. She is survived by husband, A. Harrell Roberts, son Arthur H. Roberts and his wife Dr. Donna Jones Roberts of Atlanta, daughter Susan Roberts Frampton and her husband Lewis H. Frampton of Summerville, SC, and granddaughter Sara Montgomery Frampton of Charleston, SC. She is also survived by her younger sister Annette Durden Mitchell and husband Freddie Mitchell and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of those who contributed to her care, including Dr. Bob Beard, Dr. Mark Taylor and Dr. Mark Murphy. A special thanks to the friends and neighbors who kept her daily in their thoughts and prayers and helped see to her needs, to the caregivers of Coastal Home Care who treated her like a beloved family member, and to Hospice House for making her last days comfortable, and pain free.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Savannah conducted by Rev. Dr. John M. Finley.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the USMCR Dog Company Association and the Marine Corps League.

A private burial will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina.

Remembrances: Flowers are welcomed, and the family requests that memorials be sent to Hospice House or the Nancy and J.C. Lewis Cancer Centers.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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GUEST BOOK

Praying and thinking of you all constantly. Sending you peace and love. Kathryn & Chris Reynolds

- Kathryn & Chris Reynolds, Charleston, SC

Dear Family, My prayers are for you to rest in Him as you walk through this emotional time. Betty was an amazing woman and she is now at peace. Loving thoughts to you all. Susan

- Susan Thornton Cadle, Savannah, GA

Harrell, My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I know Betty will be truly missed by you and your family. May God's peace be with you,

- Cleveland Beach, , GA

Harrell, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your loss. May God's peace be with you,

- Dick Szabo COE, Savannah, GA

To the family of Mrs. Roberts. Please know that we are thinking and praying for each of you.

- Don Kathy Hodge & Katie Marlatt, Summerville, SC

Our condolences to Betty's family. She lived a beautiful life! The Lady Cobra Club

- Coleen Biezenbos, Savannah, GA

Our deepest condolences to the Roberts family. Betty will always be a part of my memory having been my parent's neighbor for nearly 50 years. Rest in peace.

- Stephen & Laura Whalen, Avondale Estates, GA

There are no words to express my sincere sympathy to Betty's family. I have been connected to all of you for so many years now and feel like a part of your family. You are indeed a unique family, full of fun, laughter, love and dedication; all which outweighs any sorrow. Your devotion to your wife, mother, grandmother is truly an act of love which is almost unheard of in today's society.

- Faye Anderson, Pooler, GA

Arthur our hearts go out to you and family on this very sad occasion of the passing of Betty, your girl.

- Pete & Hilda Smith, Bluffton, SC

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We lost a wonderful and beautiful women, and my second mom. Hard to lose two in one year! May they be singing and dancing in heaven together.

- Cathy Berry, Mt. Pleasant, SC