Sylvia Carolin Bettys 1941 ~ 2012

Sylvia’s big journey began on December 7, 1941 when she was born to Tillman and Louise Gulledge in South Carolina and on June 5, 2012, she began a new journey at home with her partner Ed, and her daughter Kathi by her side after a very valiant argument with numerous illnesses.

On January 5, 1958 she married her life partner, Ed Bettys, when he was stationed in South Carolina. Shortly after, they moved to Texas and then on to Alaska to finish Ed’s enlistment.

After his discharge, they moved back to Ed’s hometown of Anacortes, to raise their children and becoming a “surrogate mother” to many of their friends and acquaintances.

Sylvia always found time to lend a listening ear to her many friends whenever anyone stopped by for coffee, and no matter what time of day or night, that coffee pot was on! One of her greatest pleasures was being Nana to many of her grandkids, Holly (Abel) Diaz, Erin (Vicente) Diaz, Charles Kimmel (Nikki), William Kimmel (Jessica), Mike Bettys, Danny King, Teddy Bettys, and her great grandkids Ruby, Christian, Kassie, Kiera, Reese, Curtis, Bentley, Lexis, Charles IV, Bella, Miccah, Wyatt, Taven, Crystal, Riley, Jasmine, and John John.

Sylvia worked at various canneries in Anacortes and as a waitress at the Sucia Reef and the 19th Hole Restaurant for many years. She and Ed also owned their second hand store and recycling business until she had to retire early due to her health.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, many brothers and sisters in South Carolina, and a great-grandson, Kevin.

She is survived by her life partner, Ed, at the family home; her children and their partners, Sheila (Dave) Tuff; Kathi (Jerry) Tjeerdsma, Joan King (Paul), and John Bettys; grandkids; great-grandkids; and many more adopted kids; brothers, Steve and Jimmy Gulledge in South Carolina; brother-in-law, Keith (Lila) Bettys, and their family; and sister-in-law, Karene Jones (Ron) and her family.

A Celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held at the Anacortes Eagles on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 1- 4 p.m. Please feel free to stop by and share your happy memories of Sylvia during this time.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Sylvia, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.