Bettie Fowler Bazemore

Bettie Fowler Bazemore, 95, of Valdosta, died on Friday, September 8, 2023. Born in Americus to the late John C. & Ethel Fowler, she grew up in Macon and has lived in Valdosta for the past 75 years. After high school in Macon, Bettie attended the University of Georgia where she graduated with a degree in Physical Education. She rode the bus to Valdosta to begin her first job teaching in 1949 at Valdosta High School as a Physical Education teacher. It wasn’t long before Bettie caught the eye of the football coach, Wright Bazemore. They were married on June 2, 1951, and were married for 48 years prior to his death in 1999. Over the years, Bettie was the strength behind the legendary coach of the Wildcats.

Bettie loved her Lord and her church family. In 1954, Park Avenue Methodist Church was founded and Bettie was a charter member. She was active in all aspects of church life. She was a member of the Christian Homebuilders Sunday School Class, active in the UMW Circle and especially the annual Christmas Bazaar. Anytime the doors were open, Bettie was there. She also loved to travel with the Happy Travelers group. Throughout her life she demonstrated a love that endured and never failed.

Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Curt & Sara Bazemore of Cumming; a daughter and son in law, Pam & Eddy Davis of Valdosta; six grandchildren, Laura D. (& Tom) Pritchett of Tifton, Bubba (& Jade) Davis of Valdosta, Jennifer (& Sean) Carnahan of Cumming, Brad (& Caroline) Bazemore of Cary, NC, Will (& Gita) Hyde of Denver, CO, and Drew (& Amy) Hyde also of Denver, CO; Eleven great grandchildren, Thomas & Analee Pritchett, Heath, Hayden & Harper Davis, Landon & Briar Carnahan, Felix Bazemore and Ben, Max & Malcolm Hyde. Also surviving is a special friend, Gaither Roberts and her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, August Wright Bazemore, and a step daughter, Connie Bazemore Hyde.

The funeral for Bettie will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Park Avenue Church. Rev. Jimmy Towson, Rev. Craig Rikard and Rev. Jamie Bone will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening at the funeral home from 5 until 7 pm. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Park Avenue Church, 100 E. Park Ave. Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home.