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Bettysue Nall, 89, a longtime resident of Cullman, AL passed away on Friday, October 25, 2019 after a 2-year battle with cancer. Bett had been living at Morningside Assisted Living in Alpharetta, GA since April 2019 with family close by.
An open-invitation celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Abbey Byre Event Space of St. Bernard Abbey, 1600 St. Bernard Drive SE, Cullman, AL .
Bettysue was born on February 11, 1930 in Leasburg, MO to William Edwin Davidson and Willie Ann McCombs. Bett was the youngest of three children – sister Marianne was 8 years older and brother Edwin (Buddy) was 6 years older. Bett often recalled a joyful childhood growing up on the family farm climbing trees, wading in creeks, following her brother Buddy around and generally being a “tomboy”. Her chores included feeding chickens and “candling” eggs. Bett loved school and ALWAYS loved to read. She developed a lifelong love of St. Louis Cardinals baseball sitting on the floor listening to Cardinals games on the radio with her big brother Buddy.
Bettysue attended Florida State University in 1947 and studied Spanish on scholarship. Upon graduation she began teaching high school Spanish in Tallahassee. In August 1955 she met her husband Ken and they were married in December of that year.
Bettysue and Ken raised three boys as the family moved around Florida then to Alexandria, VA to Denver, CO to Concord, CA before moving to Cullman in 1972. In 1978 Bettysue returned to teaching Spanish full-time at Cullman High School, finally retiring in 1995. In retirement Bett enjoyed reading, music, travel, planning dinner parties…and laughing with family and friends.
Bettysue is survived by her sons Kurt (Rene) of Cocoa, FL, Carey of Leadville, CO and Clint (Leigh Ann) of Alpharetta, GA; grandchildren, Gavin and Hazel Nall of Eagle, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Nall; sister, Marianne Reddick; and brother, Edwin (Buddy) Davidson.
Messages of condolence may be left at https://georgiacremation.com/obituary/
In remembrance of Bett’s favorite baseball player and to assist underprivileged children in Puerto Rico, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Yadier Molina Fundacion4 at https://www.yadiermolina4.com/ .
Terri and Kevin Kolander says
We will miss this amazing women. So sharp in mind and wit, engaging to talk with and such a wonderful soul. She never missed a chance to send a card of thanks or during the holidays and those memories and notes will be cherished. Deepest condolences to the family.
Joan Nunnelley Powell says
Kurt, Carey, and Clint,
Surely your Mom’s is one life to celebrate. The joy and guidance I received through her and Ken were incredible. I will always smile when remembering them, though these will be days those smiles mix with tears. Blessings to each of you.
Joan Nunnelley Powell
Jenny says
Ms. Bett was a wonderful lady . My mom (Cordelia Paris)-grandmother we all thought a lot of her and the whole family . So sorry for your loss. Lots of love and prayers The Paris, Lowry,Criscoe and others .
Karen Speegle says
Carey, Kurt and Clint- I loved both your mom and dad dearly! They were a joy to be around. The last time I saw Bett was at Walmart and it was so good to see her. I know you will miss her!
Jake and Lisa Nall says
Bettysue was a wonder and a person filled with pure joy. We loved her dearly and we will miss her.
Love and more love to her family at this time.
Lynda Eggleston Jackson says
Kurty, my heart is so sad..but very happy that she is home, with your dad. Love to all of you. Always have room for you and your brothers and families. My love, Lynda,
from Colorado.
Jennifer A Garcia says
Ms Knall was an amazing person who influenced the lives of more people than she could ever have imagined. She embodies exactly what it means to be a teacher. I studied Spanish with her for 4 yeas, but learned more than the language from her. My first trip to Latin America was to Mexico in high school with Mrs Knall. It was her love for the Latin people that taught me to be grateful for what we have here, to have compassion for those who are not as fortunate, and to care about making a difference. I went on to install the first 911/emergency operations center in El Salvador with a private company and ICITAP. The work our team did there drastically changed lives. Mrs Knall’s influence was a large part of that. I am saddened by her passing and have never stopped being grateful for the lessons she taught me. My prayers are with you. She was a truly a phenomenal woman.
Mindy S says
Mrs Nall was a sweet Spanish teacher. I’m a 1985 graduate of Cullman High School.. I took her class for 2 years. She was a sweet and very kind lady. I saw her a couple of years ago at a local restaurant in Cullman and she actually remembered me it was very touching. Rest in peace Mrs Nall. Adios…
Veronica McElveen says
I’m a 1984 graduate of Cullman High and I recall her joyful spirit as she played Feliz Navidad on a record player as the Christmas holidays approached. She was a kind soul and I’m certain this world was made a better place because she was in it.
Mary Criscoe says
Betty and Ken use to go to church with is at Simcoe Baptist church. They were a sweet couple and loved the Lord. She will be missed dearly. So sorry for your loss.
Becky Flack says
I’m a 1984 graduate of Cullman High, Mrs. Nall was such a nice soft-spoken lady with a lot of patience. I’m sorry for your family’s loss. I remember her fondly.
Terri Sellers says
As a 1987 graduate of Cullman High School I took Spanish from Mrs. Nall for two years. She was such a kind and wonderful person and she made the learning of a new language a wonderful experience. I have thought of her many times through the years. I always appreciated her as a.person and a teacher. My prayers are with the family.
Jan Pokol says
I came into Bett’s life near the end. I was blessed to be a caretaker for about six months prior to her move to Alpharetta. We had many great times and adventures together. Bett was very sweet, but sometimes strong-willed which wasn’t always a bad thing. There is a void in my life now that she is no longer in it. May you rest in peace, Bett. I miss you…
Pamela says
I enjoyed having Mrs. Mall as my Spanish teacher at Cullman High. Many years ago. She really enjoyed teaching all of her students. I really enjoyed her time as my teacher. My condolences to the family.
Rhydon says
My sincerest condolences for this family. I only know Carey, but remember him speaking of his mother often. God Speed Mrs Nall, rest easy and know peace…
Tim Craft says
I have known you my whole life and it is better because of you.
Love you – T.
Christopher Cornelius says
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Nall family. I knew Ms Nall by being the one who took care of her yard at two locations. Also placed a door or two and maybe shim a window that might have been a bit off center. And yes, she would often tell me about a recent book that she had started.
Needless to say that she was a wonderful lady that will be missed by many but in many thoughts. Amen.
Holly, Hugh, Hugh III, and Mary Love Ward, and Candy and Katy Davis says
Our Aunt Betttysue was our favorite aunt, and one of the most wonderful women we have ever known. There are so many family memories over many years visiting at Aunt Bettysue and Uncle Ken’s home, going on all kinds of trips and adventures with them and her sons, Kurt, Carey, and Clint. So many of our fondest memories revolve around Aunt Bettysue and her family. As adults, we enjoyed long phone calls about family and books, and letters with the same and many pictures. When our mother, her sister Maryanne, had dementia she was consoler in chief. Bettysue was a master at seeing the bright side of life, and making others see it too. She influenced so many people and her students. She was the epitome of a caring, nurturing, mentor to all she met. This phenomenal woman will never be forgotten. Our prayers and love go out to the boys and their families and to all who knew her and will miss her. I picture her reunited with Uncle Ken.