Betty Christiansen passed peacefully on November 2, 2023 and is waving her orange and blue in Heaven with her beloved husband, Chris. Betty Joan Smilie was born June 2, 1933 in Brewton, AL to Reverend Joseph Jackson Smilie and Katie Lawson Smilie. Her formative years were spent in Mobile, AL attending Murphy High School. Ever a scholar, Betty earned a B.A. in Sociology & Elementary Education from Huntington College; an MEd. in Elementary Education from Auburn University; and an Med. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia. Betty met Gordon “Chris“ Christiansen during his stationing at Camp Rucker, AL. The couple married in 1953 and were blessed with children Debra “Debbie“ and Jeff in the years that followed. Chris’ engineering career led the Christiansen’s to several cities- including Decatur- where they would finally settle in 1975.
Betty taught kindergarten in Decatur City schools for 20 years and was beloved by her students. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling the world with Gordon, cheering on her Auburn Tigers, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. Betty remained a devoted servant of the Decatur community throughout her life. She volunteered at Decatur Morgan Hospital for 27 years and was a very active member of Central United Methodist Church.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Lawson Smilie.
She is survived by daughter, Debbie C. Anderson (Paul); son, Jeff Christiansen (Debbie); four grandchildren, Walker (Laura) and Lawson (Kelsey) Anderson, Taylor Christiansen (Mary Kendrick), and Sarah Kate Young (Dane); and five great grandchildren, Wills, Gordon, Lilien and Marian Anderson, and Cooper Young.
Betty and her family extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Scott Matthews for decades of exceptional care, as well as, to the Hospice of the Valley team.
Honorary Pallbearers: Leon Felts, Bill Stone, Tom Wright, Battle Hamilton, Charlotte Moores, Lou Underwood, and Carolyn Tweedy and Bridge Club members.
Funeral to be held in the chapel at Roselawn Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 8.
