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Betty Lou Cauley Lewis passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the home of her daughter in Tallahassee. She was born in a little house on the Back Road in Bath County, Virginia October 16, 1936. Close to the youngest of 10 children, and with World War 2 raging during her early years, she did not grow up wealthy, but did have wonderful memories of her years in the mountains. Her stories of night-time card games with family, bonfires in the snow, school fun, and a simpler life made all of us want to go back in time. After graduating from Valley High School in 1955, Betty moved to Richmond with only a few dollars in her pocket to secure a place in a boarding house and find a job. She worked there as a secretary for an insurance company and met her husband, James Vernon Lewis on a blind date in 1960. They married in 1962 and had one daughter, Lisa Page Lewis, in 1965. Betty was a homemaker until the family moved to Tallahassee in 1970. She secured a job at Peninsular Life Insurance and worked there until moving to Seminole in 1980. She continued secretarial work until retiring in 1997, and made lifelong friendships, learned to upholster and sew beautiful creations, and enjoyed her tropical yard filled with fruit trees immensely. Eventually she and Jim moved back to Virginia in 1999 to live near their daughter. When her daughter made plans to move south, Betty and Jim went with them without hesitation, enjoying a backyard carriage house in Headland, Alabama and lastly a cottage on the family property in Tallahassee. Mom could be considered a stern woman at times, but was selfless and giving. Among our most treasured times and memories are the numerous camping trips we made by rivers, lakes and streams. Mom liked to travel and was the best travel companion. She made trips fun and was always up for a new adventure. She was a “young oldie” and could run circles around the rest of us. She seemed tireless! Even at 88, her hair was not completely gray! Her love of gardening that she shared with us and her delight over new garden features will be felt for years to come. She made sacrifices for others her entire life, and was an emotional rock for her family. The 26 years that we spent living together with Mom and Dad are filled with wonderful memories and good times. Mom was in good health until the last year or so, continuing to cook for the family, make clothing alterations, babysit, and could be counted on for good advice and emotional support until 88 years of age, when her body made her slow down. Even then, meals with mom and evening card games and movies were the highlight of our days, and we will miss this time with her for the rest of our lives. Mom has entrusted us with her recipes, but declared our attempts never as good as hers! We will keep trying, Mom! She is survived by her husband of almost 63 years, James Vernon Lewis and her daughter, Lisa Page Lewis, 9 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Fayanne Farabee. There will be no formal service. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Lewis family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Betty Lou Cauley Lewis

October 16, 1936 - May 3, 2025