Annette Tyson Betts Barnum, 93, passed away peacefully in Cedartown, Georgia on August 11, 2023 after a long illness.
Annette was born on July 22, 1930 in Trion, Georgia to the late Kathryn McCurdy Tyson and the late Jewel Clifford Tyson. As a young girl she loved to swim at their house, play basketball and tennis and developed an affinity for all sports. The family moved to Rome, where she graduated from Rome High School, then attended West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia and played on the women’s basketball team. After college she met Weyman Betts and they married in 1949 and raised four children together: Susan Corbin (Brad), Amelia Island, FL, Tommy Betts (Darla), Cedartown GA, Cathy Humphreys, Amelia Island, FL, Cindy Poole ( keith). , Armuchee, GA.
A devoted daughter, wife and mother, she kept busy taking care of everyone and enjoyed volunteering with charitable organizations – Rome Jaycees (women’s organization, Jaycettes), garden clubs and church groups.
In 1980 Annette married Herbert Barnum in Rome, Georgia. They traveled extensively for Herb’s professional work and, along with the 8th Regiment band, followed the Civil War reenactment volunteer calendar. Annette was often the designer and seamstress of the women’s authentic Civil War dresses and always helped the band on their travels. During their journey across the country, they made many friends and made great memories. In addition, Annette and Herb were active in the Rome Symphony Orchestra, where they acted as fundraiser supporters.
Annette loved family, housework, cooking and decorating, gardening, painting, music, traveling and socializing with friends. She had an avid love of all sports, always the cheerleader. Over the years we have spent many weekends at the family lake house, playing games, cooking and watching the kids play and ski. She later discovered her artistic skills and created beautiful pieces that we all cherish. Her greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow up and being a part of their lives and important moments. One of her favorite family gathering spots was Big Canoe, where she hosted Thanksgiving dinners for many years.
Annette’s parents, former husband and father of her children Weyman Betts, her youngest husband Herb Barnum, sister Barbara Tyson Hart, stepson John Barnum and son-in-law Dr. Die Frank Humphreys.
Annette is survived by her children (mentioned above), step-daughter Vicky Barnum Godfrey (Larry) Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, many of whom live in Georgia, others in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon and internationally Locations: England and Singapore.
Annette was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rome, GA and opened her home for small group activities and ladies’ gatherings on many occasions. Her professional career spanned several years at Christine’s Dress Shop and Brock’s Jewelry Store.
Our family would like to say thank you for the wonderful care Annette received from her caregivers at Big Springs Place and for the wellbeing care provided by Amedysis.
The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel, conducted by the Reverend Jeff Wright. A private burial will follow in Oaknoll Memorial Gardens.
The family receives their friends at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel from 2pm until service time on Monday.
The pallbearers are scheduled to gather at the Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel on Monday at 2:30pm and will include: Matthew Corbin, Mark Corbin, Jordan Humphreys, Tyson Betts and Hunter Poole.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Annette Barnum may be made to the Rome Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 533, Rome, GA 30162 or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1941 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA 30165.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel, is responsible for arranging the funeral.
