Betty Mae O'Byrne

Betty Mae Bell O'Byrne passed away June 5th, 2022. Betty Mae was born December 17th, 1924, in Gainesville, FL, to Charles Edward Bell and Betty Sasser Jordan. Betty is a graduate of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School and Florida State College for Women, now FSU. Betty attended Richmond Professional Institute now Virginia Common Wealth (University). In 1948, Betty married Frank McMahan O'Byrne and together they raised 6 children. At the age of 50, Betty returned to the workforce as a social worker at Tacachale, retiring in 1991. Betty was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, and a 79-yearr member of PEO. At the young age of 81, Betty organized the first Pulmonary Hypertension Support group in North Central Florida and remained the leader for 10 years.Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas Jordan Bell, step-son Frank Manoah O'Byrne, and husband of 55 years Frank. Betty is survived by step-daughter Bettye Prindle of Gainesville, daughters Charlene Smith of Gainesville, and Linda O'Byrne (Bob Elder) of Palatka. Sons Patrick O'Byrne (Dawn) of Gainesville; Michael O'Byrne (Cindy) of Candler, NC; Robert O'Byrne (Cyndi) of Suffolk, VA, and Daniel O'Byrne (Karen) of Apex, NC. Seventeen grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 15 great, great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Triple G."Betty had an insatiable thirst for life, which was evident by the many lives she touched and nurtured. She had an open door in her home and welcomed many into her family. She loved God and the world He created. Betty was loved and will be missed by many.In honor of Betty send your memorial gifts to FUMC of Gainesville, FL, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, and/or Haven Hospice.