Betty S Morton

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Betty Morton came into this world on February 8, 1936, in Burdine, KY, as Elizabeth Louise Spradlyn. Her family moved to Bristol, TN, where she met and married her husband, John "Johnny" F. Morton. After living fully a life that exemplified the woman of noble character as described above in Proverbs 31, Betty Spradlyn Morton peacefully and gracefully left this world on Monday, January 15, 2018, at 3:50 p.m. at Seasons Hospice Center, Cumming, GA, to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to be reunited with loved ones awaiting her in Heaven, including her husband and their son John W. Morton; sister Phyllis O'Dell of St. Petersburg, FL; and her mother Marie Stophel and stepfather G.L. Stophel and father John Spradlyn. Those remaining here on earth, awaiting to join her and our other loved ones who have gone before us, include (all of Cumming, GA): daughter Susan Morton Leonard, her husband Mark Leonard, and son Corey Leonard; daughter Sarah Morton Simcox, her husband Jeffrey Simcox, and daughter Christina LaPlaca; her daughter-in-law Donna Gentry Morton -- wife of Betty 's late son John -- and sons J.R. Morton and Daniel Morton. She also is survived by her sisters Nina Stephenson of Chattanooga, TN, and Jody (and Ben) Earnest of Lakeland, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty lived a remarkable life that embraced family and friends who adored her for her kind and loving spirit, her wisdom, and her joy for living. She is also fondly remembered by a multitude of students who were inspired during her 35 years as an educator.

Whatever Betty committed herself to, she did so with a passion that was contagious to all who joined her on projects and adventures. She enjoyed travelling, especially going on ocean cruises with her family. A proud grandmother, she attended as many activities as possible that involved her grandsons and granddaughter. Whether it was athletic events, cheer competitions, or school plays, Betty would be found waving shakers in the bleachers and clapping in the audience. She was known to get more excited at her grandsons' youth football games than she was at those she often attended as a fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Always an encourager, she reminded people that they were worthy of love and capable of reaching any dream they held in their hearts. Even when health challenges came later in life, Betty remained interested in others and stayed involved in their worlds.

She was, and always will be, a guiding light to those blessed to have known her. And while she enjoyed a life rich with adventures and accomplishments, she also took great joy in the simple things, like love songs, a bouquet of hydrangeas, and anything that was the color purple. A game of cards with friends was appreciated as much as a trip to faraway lands. Music was always a presence and she loved to sing, beginning with harmonizing with her three sisters, and continuing with her church choir and her beloved Sweet Adelines. Her beautiful voice, smile, and laughter will be missed.

Betty is a 1954 graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School, earning her Bachelor's Degree from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, in 1958, where she served as the first female editor-in-chief of the school's newspaper. She earned her Master's Degree from Union College, Barbourville, KY, in 1980. She held certifications of Master Journalism Educator and Certified Journalism Educator from the Journalism Education Association. Betty taught Journalism and English at John S. Battle High School, Bristol, VA 1958-1960 and at Bristol Virginia High School 1958-1995 where she served as teacher/adviser for newspaper and yearbook, both of which consistently received state and national awards. Additionally, Betty served as instructor, speaker, and judge at journalism conventions and summer workshops, along with attending board meetings, at 13 major universities and in 47 cities from coast to coast, plus Canada.

Betty was a very modest and unassuming lady, never desiring personal recognition, instead empowering students to seek excellence and achieve the highest honors for their scholastic publications. According to her peers and students across the country, Betty is "a legend in scholastic journalism". She has left a legacy paralleled by few. The Daughtry-Morton Future Journalism Teacher Scholarship Endowment was established in 2001 in her colleague's and her honor at the University of South Carolina by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. The Betty S. Morton Journalism Scholarship Award was established in 2008 at Bristol, VA High School. Scholarships are awarded annually at both schools to students pursuing degrees in journalism and/or journalism education.

"Homegoing" Services will be held locally in Cumming, GA, where Betty and Johnny made their home for 17 years, and also in their hometown of Bristol, TN. On Friday, Jan. 19, at McDonald & Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Dr, Cumming, GA 30040, visitation will be from 2-3 PM followed by a memorial service at 3 PM in the Chapel. On Sunday, Jan. 21, in the Central Christian Church Sanctuary, 424 Melrose St, Bristol, TN 37620, visitation with viewing will be from 2-3 PM followed by a service at 3 PM, with arrangements being overseen by Weaver Funeral Home. Betty's earthly body will be laid to rest on Monday, Jan. 22, at 10 AM with her US Navy veteran husband at Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Avenue, Mountain Home, TN 37684 near Johnson City, TN.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the "Betty Morton Journalism Scholarship Fund" at Bristol Virginia High School, mailed to The Betty Morton Scholarship Account, c/o SunTrust Bank, account ending in 2434, 503 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming, GA 30040.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899

Friday, January 19, 2018
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

McDonald and Son Funeral Home
150 Sawnee Drive
Cumming, GA 30040

Friday, January 19, 2018
03:00 PM

McDonald and Son Chapel
150 Sawnee Drive
Cumming, GA 30040