Betty Shaw Harris
March 18, 1935 — September 4, 2024
Jackson, TN
Betty was born March 18, 1935 in Gallatin, Tennessee. She passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side, joining her Lord on September 4, 2024, in Jackson, TN. She was the first child of the late Alfred Hayden Saylors and Ora Hazel Shaw Saylors.
SERVICES: Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, beginning at 1:00 pm and continuing until 3:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service with Dr. Barry Scott officiating at Arrington Funeral Home, 148 University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305. Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery.
Pallbearers to serve will be John Gresham, Troy Saylors, Spencer Saylors, Aaron Newton, Jonathan Scott and Glenn Metts. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Hill.
Betty had a remarkable life, full of resilience and adaptability. Her ability to succeed in various careers while prioritizing her family is truly inspiring.
Betty was a young widow with two daughters (Jackie & Teresa) living in Gallatin, Tennessee with her parents. When she met John Harris at the Bluegrass Country Club, where she was employed as bookkeeper, by happenstance, it was a memorable day for both of them. They fell in love and were married on July 17, 1965. John not only gained a wife but also two daughters. John’s work with the Soil Conservation Service, a federal agency, required frequent relocations. Yet, wherever they moved, Betty’s wide-ranging skills enabled her to find challenging work.
In 1968, Betty and John welcomed their daughter Angie into the world. Betty always excelled in her various roles, from bookkeeper to real estate. Her hard work earned her numerous accolades, including annual recognition from General Motors for her accounting expertise. She was also awarded membership into the multi-million-dollar club in real estate in both Jackson and Gallatin, Tennessee.
Betty’s passion extended beyond her professional achievements—she was also deeply interested in building houses. She studied hard and earned a contractor license. Betty built 7 homes and renovated 3. Over the course of their 59-year marriage, Betty and John moved an incredible 21 times, creating a life full of accomplishment and adventure.
Betty loved God, was a life-long Christian and made time to give back to her church and community. She spearheaded a fundraising campaign for the Girl Scouts working alongside former Congressman Bob Clement in Dickson, TN and later started and led a Girl Scout Troop in Greeneville, TN. Her commitment to service also extended to teaching Sunday school and volunteering for a women’s shelter and Habitat for Humanity.
Betty and John shared a love for travel, exploring not only the United States but also a range of international destinations, including Australia, South Korea, Egypt, Europe, Indonesia, Mexico, Hong Kong, Italy, and Papua New Guinea. Alongside her volunteer work and travels, Betty had a passion for Duplicate Bridge, often spending Wednesdays at the Jackson Country Club and daily beating players world-wide in an on-line bridge community. She had a special talent for Bridge and took great pleasure in teaching it to others.
Family has always been near and dear to Betty’s heart. In addition to her husband John and three daughters, she had two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Betty is survived by her husband of 59 years, John T. Harris, daughters Jackie Bradley Rippey, Marilyn Teresa Scott (Rev. Barry Neal Scott), Angela Kay Harris (Leah Moyers), Grandchildren Jonathan Scott (Rachel), Hope Scott Newton (Aaron) Great Grandchildren, Amariah, William, Eliza, Michael, and Silas Scott, Braxton and Bentley Newton, Brother Bobby Hayden Saylors (Lorraine), and Nephews Troy Saylors, Felix Gresham, John Gresham and sister-in-law Mary Gresham. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brother Alfred David Saylors, Nephew David W. ’’Chip” Saylors and brother-in-law, Buddy Gresham.
The Family has requested that any memorial contributions be directed to the national non-profit that helps fund teachers in high-needs schools with classroom supplies, AdoptAClassroom.org or the Museum of the Peace Corps Community at museumofthepeacecorpsexperience.org, or Women of Hope Recovery at hrcwoh.com. If you make a gift to this nonprofit in honor of Betty, please include her name.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 731.668.1111
