We are all sad from the news of Betty Lynn's passing. I was very fortunate to get to spend time with her over the years and am grateful to so many people in Mount Airy who took care of Betty while she lived there. Here are some of my good memories of Betty...
I first met Betty on a cold day in December in the early 2000's at a cast reunion event in Danville or Salem VA. I arrive way too early and noticed Betty sitting by the door smoking a cigarette. It was really cold so we chatted about the weather (insert "even high school kids" quote) since she was living in Southern California and I didn't expect her to be outside. She told me about growing up Kansas and being used to the cold and how much she enjoyed coming to different Mayberry events. After she moved to Mount Airy, she met our dog Rosie and always asked about her over the years and even called us after she passed away. Claire and I got married in Mount Airy and Betty was kind enough to accept our invitation to attend. She really enjoyed sitting next to our friend from Charleston, SC at dinner and listening to his southern accent. He still talks about getting a kiss on the jaw from her 13 years ago. Betty's memory was amazing. She and I were going through her vast array of promotional and other "Hollywood" photos from her time before and during TAGS and she had a story to tell about every one of them. Her memory is better than mine because I don't recall any specifics, but was impressed when she started talking about "this movie was directed by _____. His wife.... and he also...." She remember so many details! We will always think of Thelma Lou when we see her, but she did a lot of acting in her career. Betty loved cheeseburgers! Her favorites in Mount Airy changed over the years, but The Loaded Goat made the list. Cross Creek Country Club affectionately called her favorite cocktail "The Betty." It was a simple drink of Scotch on the rocks in a tall glass and a plate of lemon slices. She never had more than one and just kept squeezing lemons in as the evening progressed. When I went to Franklin Canyon Reservoir, I called Betty about having lunch (she was still living in Culver City). She was not able to join us, but was excited that I was calling from Meyers Lake. In the "small world" category, I took an FHWA class in Nashville years ago and was talking with the instructor afterwards when he mentioned going to SW Virginia next to see family. Turns out his mother had moved to Ridgecrest in Mount Airy and was good friends with Betty. She sent his kids birthday cards and always visited with him and his family when they came to see their mother. It certainly was special to call her my friend and I will miss her. Jeff _______________________________________________ WBMUTBB mailing list [email protected] http://www.wbmutbb.com/
