Obituary: Betty Felton White

Betty Felton White, 83 of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Tennessee, passed away on Friday, January 2.

She was born on August 12, 1931, in Ethridge, TN to Virgil and Delia (Alexander) Felton. Betty spent her childhood in Ethridge and Madison, TN, until 1949, when she graduated from Madison High School.

In 1953, Betty graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, Cookeville, where she successfully earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in English and her Minor in Biology. After graduation she moved to Oak Ridge and began her career as a secretary with the Oak Ridge K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Later, as fate would have it, Betty met Dave White at Loveman’s Department Store while shopping for Christmas cards; they were introduced by a mutual friend. 

The happy couple was married on June 6, 1959, at the First United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge. From this union, a lovely daughter, Linda, was born on July 13, 1962, and later their second darling daughter, Janet, was born on May 6, 1965.

While raising her two teenage daughters, Betty proudly earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Tennessee. Later, she continued her career with the Oak Ridge Library as a research librarian, then she accepted a position as a technical editor at the Y-12 Nuclear Weapons Plant.

Though Betty had managed a successful career, while taking care of her beloved daughters, she had a number of hobbies and interests. Reading! Betty was constantly reading something and especially enjoyed history, mysteries, fiction, and politics. Gardening flowers all around her yard, along with her house plants and vegetables, was very gratifying to her. Genealogy was another interest that she carried on from her aunt.

Betty was a very good artist, and she enjoyed attending her art classes. She became a fine artist with pencil and painting and enjoyed creating other projects, while encouraging her daughters in their artistic endeavors. History, the piano, and sewing were special passions for Betty. Her family and U.S. History was very important to her; she was very patriotic. She was also quite an accomplished pianist and especially enjoyed Rogers and Hammerstein musical. Betty was skilled in sewing; she sewed her daughter’s clothes and their doll clothes. Linda remembers her FAVORITE corduroy skirt and matching blouse. Both daughters also remember the Easter capes that matched their ribbon hats and little white gloves! Linda’s cape was aqua and Janet’s was lavender!

Betty was also very active in the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association. She also assisted in the First United Methodist Church, Aldersgate Sunday School Class, and worked as the church librarian. She was very accomplished, loved, and she will be missed by so many.

Betty is survived by husband, David E. White; daughter, Linda White Billica; son-in-law, Roger Billica; granddaughter, Caitlin Billica; daughter, Janet White Wilson; son-in-law, David Wilson; brother, Howard Felton; sister-in-law, Evelyn Felton; niece, Vivian Felton White (Michael); niece, Julie Felton Chace (Sandy); great-nephew, Alex White; great-nephew, Le Chace; great-nephew, Daniel Chace; niece, Gail Long (Rick); great-nephew, Brian Long and niece, Marilyn White.

The family received guests from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, January 10, at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. with Rev. Troy Forrester officiating. Interment was at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to the Betty White Memorial Fund at First National Bank, P.O. Box 578, Fort Collins, CO 80522. This fund is to honor Betty’s wonderful caregivers, Cheryl Anderson and Deb Watts.. Please visit www.goesfuneralcare.com to leave condolences and share memories.