Elizabeth G. 'Betty' Whitworth

Elizabeth "Betty" G. Whitworth

Elizabeth G. Whitworth [Grady] passed away peacefully at Hospice on Ridgewood after a short illness on February 25, 2014 with her loving husband at her bedside.

Elizabeth, known to all as Betty, 87, was born on February 10, 1927 at Akron City Hospital to Ernest George Grady and Ethel Elizabeth [Hawk] Grady. Betty graduated from Central High School in January 1945. She then attended The University of Akron, receiving a BA, with a major in English, in June 1949. She returned to The University of Akron and received a teaching degree. Betty first taught 4th and 5th grades at the Green Local Schools District. Betty resigned from the Green School system and secured a position at Polsky Department Store in downtown Akron, where she met, became engaged and married her husband of 62 years, James M. Whitworth on August 12, 1951. She returned to teaching at Leggett Elementary School where she again taught 4th and 5th grades. She resigned after her daughter Elizabeth "Liz" was born.

Betty was a lifelong member of The First United Methodist Church of Akron, OH. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Keystone Sunday School Class, serving as President of the keystone Class twice. Betty and her Mother spent many summers at Lakeside, OH near Marblehead, OH. She was a Summer Institute leader for several years. After her marriage, her husband Jim joined the exodus to Lakeside. In 1991 they bought a cottage, and three years later switched to a year round home, which became their principal residence for the next 15 years. One of the real joys for Betty were having her family at Lakeside and seeing her grandchildren grow to love their time there.

Preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Charles S. Boso; she is survived by her husband, James "Jim"; daughter, Elizabeth "Liz" Arnold; son-in-law, Charles J. Arnold; and two grandchildren, Brian Arnold and Lorin Arnold.

The family will receive friends at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., TODAY from 5 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Service to celebrate Betty's life will be held at The First United Methodist Church of Akron, 1 P.M. THURSDAY, Rev. Leonard Budd officiating. A calling time will be held one hour before the service at church. Interment will be at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Betty's name may be made to your favorite charity or to The First United Methodist Church, 263 E. Mill St., Akron OH 44308. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)