Mrs. Betty Sheppard Flemister McLean, affectionately known as “Miss Betty” and “Gran,” age 101, of Sandersville passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the Washington County Extended Care Facility. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. in the First Baptist Church of Sandersville with Reverend Lee Lacey officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the Church Social Hall.
Mrs. McLean was born on March 10, 1920, in Tennille. She was the daughter of the late Horace A. Sheppard and Amme Lord Sheppard. Betty was educated in the public schools of Sandersville and attended the Georgia State College of Women (GSCW), now Georgia College and State University. While in college, she received a degree in education and was named ‘Miss GSCW’ for two consecutive years.
On April 17, 1940, Mrs. McLean married Edgar J. Flemister, of Milledgeville. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Ed and Mack. Following her husband’s service in World War II, they lived in Rome, Georgia, where Betty taught high school English. They moved to Sandersville and soon began their family’s business, Flemister Oil Company. She was an excellent bookkeeper and businesswoman.
Upon their retirement, the Flemister’s moved to the warmer climate of south Florida and spent many happy years with their friends in the retirement community of Ft. Lauderdale. Following Edgar’s death in 1993, Betty began a new chapter in life. At nearly 80 years of age, she married Joseph F. McLean of Pennsylvania, a friend whom Betty and Edgar made in Ft. Lauderdale. They enjoyed ten years of marital bliss, were active in their community, and enjoyed traveling, especially their trip to Europe. In May of 2008, the McLean’s moved to Sandersville. Joe passed in October of that year.
Betty loved Sandersville and dearly appreciated the First Baptist Church, where she was a member since 1930, the oldest member at the time of her passing. She taught several Sunday School classes, most recently, the Senior Adults Sunday School Class. Mrs. McLean was a member of the FBC Joy Club.
She was an avid bridge player, music lover, book reader, crossword puzzle solver, and devoted and unabashed Georgia Bulldogs fan. Betty remained active, adventurous, and fashionable throughout the entirety of her 101 years of life. Mrs. McLean’s inner and outer beauty, along with her indomitable spirit, never diminished. Betty was truly an inspiration to all.
Mrs. McLean was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Edgar J. Flemister; her second husband, Joseph F. McLean; her brothers, Edwin L. Sheppard, and Aubrey L. Sheppard; and her daughter-in-law, Ann L. Flemister.
Survivors include her sons, Edgar J. Flemister, Jr. and his wife Priscilla of Sandersville and Aubrey (Mack) Flemister of Milledgeville; her grandson, Edgar J. (Jeff) Flemister, III of North Carolina; her stepdaughter, Jackie Potts of Boynton Beach, Florida; and a host of beloved cousins and friends.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Arthur B. Chandler, Dr. Mark Harvey, Dr. Kim Kitchens and Mrs. Layne Kitchens, the staff of the Washington County ECF, the staff of the Tennille Retirement Home, and the doctors and nurses of the Washington County Regional Memorial Hospital for their excellent and dedicated care to Betty in her later years.
Donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Sandersville Family Assistance Fund, 316 Mathis Circle, Sandersville, Georgia 31082.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.