Bettye Lanier Stanley

Bettye Crawford Lanier Stanley, aka Mrs. Andrew J. Stanley, Sr., 98, was called home with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 28, 2025. An elegant and consummate Southern Belle, “Miss Bettye” was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to many. She lived each day with love and affection for everyone that she encountered.

Born December 5, 1927, in Decatur, Alabama, to Charner Ross and Pearl Roan Lanier, she had one sister, Patricia Ann Lanier Kirk, who preceded her in death. Her daddy’s occupation as a construction superintendent led the family to live in multiple communities, including Decatur, AL; Murphy, NC; Morristown, TN; and Camden, TN.

In February of 1944, during her junior year of high school, the family settled in Savannah, Tennessee. She quickly fell in love with her new hometown, pleading with her daddy not to move so she could graduate from Central High in 1945. The following year, she and several classmates traveled east to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Bettye loved her college years and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority while studying accounting.

Two years later, she returned to Savannah and met her future husband, Andrew Joplin Stanley (Andy), in his Adamsville hardware store while purchasing a gift for a boyfriend. Soon after, Bettye and Andy began a love story that lasted 56 years. One of their favorite dating spots was Hagy’s Catfish Hotel in Shiloh, where they spent countless evenings enjoying the world’s best catfish and hushpuppies.

After marrying on October 30, 1948, Bettye and Andy Stanley began their new life in Adamsville. In 1950, they relocated to Savannah when Andy became a Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer. Soon afterward, they had their first child, Andrea Lanier Stanley, who unfortunately passed away at the tender age of 7 months.

The following year, in 1953, Andrew Joplin Stanley, Jr. was born on May 9. Nine years later, in 1962, they welcomed a second son, Paul Roan Stanley. The young couple devoted their lives to their two children and began contributing to their community through involvement in numerous civil and church activities. One of her first jobs was keeping books and managing the office staff for Grady Qualls Savannah Amoco Station, a position she held for over 40 years.

In the late 1970s, she owned and operated A Woman’s Touch, a boutique gift shop inspired by her love of silver, pewter, and fabulous gifts, which she always kept on hand for guests or new friends who visited their home. An entrepreneur at heart, she incorporated Office Management Consultants, where she managed accounting and business operations for numerous clients.

Her civic and community service was extensive. She enjoyed every moment of making her community, which she called “The Garden Spot of the Universe,” a better place. She was a member of several organizations including the Order of Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls advisor, North Elementary PTA, Cub and Boy Scout Den Mother, Sub Deb advisor, the first president of Savannah Junior Auxiliary, (affectionately earning the nickname The Old Goat), charter member of Leadership Hardin County, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Huguenot Society, and The National Society of Colonial Dames of America.

Without question, her favorite volunteer position was with the United Daughters of the Confederacy, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including Shiloh Chapter President and Treasurer, Tennessee Division President, Treasurer General of the National UDC, and her current, honored position as National Honorary President General.

Her proudest accomplishment involved raising funds and supervising the design and erection of the Tennessee Monument on the grounds of Shiloh National Military Park, which would most likely not have occurred without her persistence and dedication.

Throughout her life, Bettye participated in numerous canasta and bridge clubs, served as a Sunday School teacher for young and adult classes, and served on numerous church management committees. In 2017, the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce honored her with its Pinnacle Award.

While her professional, civic, and volunteer activities brought her much enjoyment, she found the greatest pleasure in engaging with family and close friends. Never did she turn down an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and would drop any project at a moment's notice to drive hours to her son's home to watch children or help plan dinner parties or social functions. Her infectious smile captivated anyone she encountered, from her contemporaries to young children. A “matriarch” in Savannah and Hardin County, her previous contributions and genuine love for her Lord and Savior, family, and friends will endure for decades to come.

Bettye is survived by her two sons, COL & Mrs. Andrew J. Stanley, Jr. (Ret.) (Swan), State Sen. Paul R. Stanley (Ret.), Autumn Stanley, grandchildren; Mr. & Mrs. Chris Stanley (Nicole), Mr. & Mrs. Chad Stanley (Sarah), Mr. & Mrs. Chase Stanley (Tiffany), Mr. & Mrs. Scotty Andrew Stanley (Tiffany), Mr. Roan Stanley, Miss Mary Morgan Stanley. Great-grandchildren include Jackson Stanley, Brooklyn Stanley, Davis Stanley, Baylee Stanley, and Blake Stanley.

Visitation will be held at Savannah Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 7, from 5-7 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, January 8, at 1 p.m., with a brief visitation at noon.

Brother Thad Calton and Pastor David Baker will officiate the service, with burial at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Savannah Methodist Church, Shiloh Methodist Cemetery Fund or Savannah Veterans Park.