Mrs. Betty Laura Wagner

Mrs. Betty Laura Wagner, age 83, of Thomaston GA, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Betty was born on November 4, 1939, in Miami FL, to Ira Joseph and Lula Belle (Rowland) Bryant. Betty is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Donnie Perry of Barnesville, GA; and her loving son, Peter James Wagner II of Worcester, MA. Betty’s family included cherished grandchildren, Amy Perry (Patrick Boehm), Ryan (Kristy) Perry, and Brian (Kristie) Nelson, and treasured great grandchildren, Blake Perry, Kyle Nelson, Easton Perry, Chandler Perry, Hudson Perry, Skylar Lightsey, Reese Lightsey, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Upon graduating from Coral Gables Senior High School in Miami, Betty attended Florida State University majoring in Education prior to taking a job with Eastern Air Lines. Betty met her husband Jim in Miami, and they soon married in Honolulu HI in 1962. Jim’s career took the family to many overseas locations where Betty made a home for her husband and two children. While overseas Betty began a career with the US government as a secretary in various US Embassies where her husband was stationed. Between overseas assignments Betty worked as a secretary at Family Savings and Loan Bank in Virginia. Betty resumed her work for the federal government upon returning the United States in 1979. When her husband Jim retired in 1986, they moved the family to Thomaston GA. After relocating to Georgia, she continued government service until she retired in 1994.

Betty had a passion for creativity; she was a painter, potter, quilter, gardener, and accomplished baker of many sweet treats. Her passion for cooking led her to join gourmet cooking clubs where she mastered many international dishes. Betty often recruited her children and grandchildren to help her bake many incredible treats. During her time spent oversees Betty loved exploring her new surroundings and introducing her children to the culture and traditions of their new environment. She loved flowers and watching her hummingbirds return to her feeders every March around the time of her wedding anniversary. Betty also treasured her time at the beach, and she never missed an opportunity to take her children and grandchildren to the beach letting them splash around and collect shells.

Betty contributed to her community by serving as a member of the Georgia Cattlewoman’s Association and one of the founding members or the Cherokee Rose Quilt Guild. She also worked with the Upson County Tax Assessor. She served as a volunteer poll worker in her local voting precinct for many years. She also volunteered as an Art teacher at her children’s elementary school and later worked with local high school students designing, sewing, and quilting a quilt for their teacher. Betty was an avid philanthropist supporting community organizations, medical research, environmental and civic causes.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 14, at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home in Thomaston at 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.