Betty Jean Roberts Waites

Betty Jean Roberts Waites, 94, of Lenox, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 19, 1932, to the late Elijah Hillsman Roberts and Amanda Elizabeth Mullis Roberts, Betty Jean was the youngest daughter in a family of 16 children. She grew up in a farming community in Colquitt County, Georgia, where she learned the value of hard work. As a teenager, she lovingly cared for her beloved niece, Laverne Roberts Waites, with whom she shared a special lifelong bond.

On July 5, 1947, Betty Jean married Curtis Lawson Waites. Together, they raised five children and built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. She was a devoted homemaker. Betty Jean found great joy in caring for her family and creating a warm, welcoming home. Her family will forever cherish the many meals shared around her table. She was widely known for her wonderful cooking, especially her cornbread dressing, which became a cherished favorite of family and friends who looked forward to it at gatherings.

Betty Jean also had a gift for arranging flowers. In the mid-1970s, she and her friend, the late Lorene Walker, opened a flower shop in Lenox. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Betty Jean later became a registered nurse and worked at Tift Regional Medical Center for many years before retiring. Her determination was matched by her wisdom, and many people sought her counsel when facing important decisions.

A faithful member of Lakeview Baptist Church, Betty Jean was actively involved in the Women's Missionary Union and sang in the church choir. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the way she loved and served others.

Betty Jean was spunky, quick-witted, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. She loved her family deeply and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who have fond memories of time spent at Maw Maw's house. Her strength, laughter, wisdom, and loving presence brought joy to those around her and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Betty Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Curtis Lawson Waites; her sons, Mickey Waites and Scotty Waites; her granddaughter, Amanda Jean Waites; her brothers, Lemuel Roberts, Julian Roberts, Eston Roberts, Marvin Roberts, Earl Roberts, Carroll Roberts, Henderson Roberts, Clyde Roberts, Lonzie Roberts, Hillsman Roberts, and Roy Roberts; and her sisters, Lillian Gay, Ruby Giddens, Ilene Lowery, and Cynthia Jane Roberts.

She is survived by her sons, Darrell Waites (Patsy) and Tim Waites (Patty); her daughter, Tanya Hayes (Dale); nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Lakeview Baptist Church in Lenox. The family will receive friends for viewing and visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the service. Brother Rodney Peavy will officiate, and Dale Hayes will deliver the eulogy. Joshua Hayes, Hunter Hayes, Rodney Waites, Ross Weaver, Kent Hamilton, and Cason Conger will serve as pallbearers. Eric Gonzales will provide the music selections “Midnight Cry”, “It Is Well With My Soul”, and “How Great Thou Art”. Mrs. Waites will be laid to rest at Lakeview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Baker Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.