Betty Ann Riley Savelle passed away at her home on January 12, 2015. She was born in Columbus, MS on April 19, 1930. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Bill Savelle. She is survived by her five children, William, Rick, Sally, Carol, and Tim, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Visitation is on Saturday, January 17, 11:30 – 1:30, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home; a graveside service is at 2:00 at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Betty and Bill lived most of their years in Huntsville, AL, and were active members of Faith Presbyterian Church. Betty is remembered for being a vital part of establishing fundraisers for arts organizations throughout Huntsville. Betty was very involved in the Huntsville Symphony Guild, serving in many roles including President, and was a Symphony Guild nominee for the Virginia Hammill Simms Memorial Award. She served on the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees and served on the Board of Directors of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra for over ten years, serving as President and also as Secretary. Betty worked as co-chair to establish the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Home and Garden Show.
In addition to her work supporting arts organizations, she was a long-time member of the Constitution Hall Park Society, Junior Welfare League and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Betty was a founding member and the first President of the Garden Guild of the Huntsville Botanical Garden where she worked with other Guild members to establish two important fundraising events, the Spring Plant Sale and the Galaxy of Lights. Betty was renowned for her leadership in writing bylaws and constitutions, including for the Huntsville Symphony Guild, the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Board, and the Garden Guild.
Betty and Bill moved to their home on Guntersville Lake in 1990, where they were members of First Presbyterian Church and active in raising funds to form the volunteer Waterfront Volunteer Fire Department. In 2008 Betty moved to Charlotte, NC where she enjoyed living close to two of her sons and their families. Betty embraced her new home, becoming involved in community life, making many new and wonderful friends, and becoming an active member of Cooks Memorial Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon.
Betty is beloved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Betty will be remembered for her dedication to the arts, interest and compassion for others and her dynamic personality and lively sense of humor.
Donations may be made to the Huntsville Botanical Garden Guild or Faith Presbyterian Church.
