Jetta “Betty” Lawson Hopper, a beloved wife and mother, passed away on September 17, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
Betty was born in Newport, Arkansas, and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1968. In 1970, she married the love of her life, George Hopper, and together they shared over 56 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, travel, and countless memories. In 1976, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where they continued building their life together.
In 1980, Betty gave birth to her daughter, Melissa. Throughout Melissa’s school years, Betty volunteered tirelessly. Whether she was working in the school clinic, being a homeroom mom, helping with the PTA, or dressing up as “Cliford the Big Red Dog” for a Scholastic Book Fair, Betty was ever-present in Melissa’s life. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Huntsville City Schools.
Betty was the sunshine in every room. She had a heart for Jesus and a genuine love for everyone she met. She was selfless, always putting others before herself and doing everything she could for those around her. Her warmth was genuine, her kindness was unconditional, and she had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. She enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Betty lived life with a lively and adventurous spirit. In her younger years, she raced cars in Memphis, reflecting her fun-loving and fearless side. In her mid-60s, she took up running and began participating in 5K races, showing that she was never too old for a new adventure. She loved traveling with George and Melissa and treasured the experiences and memories they created together. Betty and George could often be found on the road traveling to some of their favorite destinations in New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, and North Carolina, alongside their beloved dog, Ellie.
Above all, Betty loved people. She gave of herself freely and expected nothing in return. Her life was defined not by what she received from others, but by what she could give. She made people feel loved simply by being herself, and the world was a warmer, kinder place because Betty was in it.
Betty is survived by her devoted husband, George Hopper; her daughter, Melissa (Eric) Fritz; her brother, Arthur Lawson, Jr.; and her step-granddaughters, Lilly and Becca. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Lawson, Sr. and Winifred Lawson, and her sister, Gwen Olson.
Betty will be deeply missed. The love she gave so freely will remain with everyone whose life she touched. While our hearts are broken by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is healed, renewed, and resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Monte Sano State Park at the John Scoble Memorial Pavilion, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Pets on a leash are welcome in the State Park, and guests are encouraged to bring their pets, as Betty had a special love for animals.
As Betty faced Alzheimer’s disease over the last six years, her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her memory consider making a donation to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (online at CureALZ.org or by mail to 34 Washington Street, Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481).
