Bette Tomlinson Wall, feisty, funny, brilliant mother and grandmother, passed away at home at age 86 in Chamblee, GA surrounded by loved ones on October 27, 2012.  She was born on February 15, 1926 in Oxford, Massachusetts and spent her childhood in Indiana and Florida.  She attended Wesleyan College, where she pledged Phi Mu sorority. She also attended Mercer University in Macon, GA, where she met her husband of 61 years, John K. Wall, Sr. She is survived by her three children, John (Ken) Wall, Jr., Charles Wall, and Jennifer Wall, Charles’ wife Mari, and their sons, Tyler and Jeremy Wall.

Bette completed her degree in Elementary Education at Oglethorpe University, and then spent 30 years as an elementary school teacher at Northwoods and Dresden schools in the Doraville, GA area among others.  After retirement, she became an avid gardener, enjoying many garden tours with her dear friend Sharon Bartlett.  Bette was a devotee of crossword puzzles and worked them (in ink!) every day.  A lifelong learner, she was an avid reader and could recite factoids on countless subjects.  From her, her loved ones inherited a sense of curiosity, an outrageous sense of humor, and a deep appreciation for the natural world of birds, trees, and wildflowers that shared her home and garden.
Bette was also a devoted caregiver for her husband John, and for years she tirelessly took care of him at home.  Bette’s family extends their thanks to the hospice workers and cancer center workers who did such a fine job of caring for Bette.

Bette will be missed by her children and grandchildren, along with 96-year-old sister Doris Watkins, nieces Donna Davis and Leslie Maddocks, and dear friend and neighbor Sharon Bartlett.  At her request, there will be no formal services.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Nature Conservancy, Audobon Society, or your favorite charity.  Condolences may be sent or viewed at  www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company,” Lawrenceville Chapel 770-963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements.