Betty Jean Gaines Floyd, 90, of Statham, GA, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Fitzgerald, GA, Betty was the daughter of the late Benjamin West Gaines and Willie Carroll Gaines. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, John W. "Jack" Floyd.
As a devoted homemaker and wife in a military family, Betty embraced the opportunities afforded by her husband's career in the United States Marine Corps. Their travels took them across the United States and Europe, creating cherished memories along the way. Betty’s greatest joy was her family, and she treasured the time spent with them on adventures to Disney World, Disney Cruises, beaches, and mountains. In her later years, she enjoyed reading and spending time at Mulberry Grove Senior Living.
Betty is survived by her son, James Michael “Mike” Floyd, and his wife, Susan, of Watkinsville, GA; her grandsons, Dr. Andrew Floyd (Natalie) of Foristell, MO, and Stephen Floyd (Holly) of Marietta, GA; her great-grandchildren, Zach, Zoey, Judah, and Levi; and her sister, Carole Gaines Griffin of Jacksonville, FL.
A funeral service to honor Betty’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Paulk Funeral Home in Fitzgerald, GA, with Dr. Andrew Floyd officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM, prior to the service. The interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Betty’s memory. Donations can be made at stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html.