Betty Ruth Dinkins Simpson, 91, a beloved educator and cherished family matriarch, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Born on November 8, 1933, in Folkston, Georgia. She was the daughter of Walter Ruth and Lucy Jones Dinkins.

She graduated from Charlton County High School in 1950, at just 16 years old during a time when World War II accelerated education programs. Betty pursued higher education at Young Harris Junior College, where she earned an Associate's in Education degree. She continued her studies at Georgia Teachers College, where she completed a degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

Betty married James Simpson in 1957, and they had two sons, Walter and Tim.

In 1953, Betty began her teaching career in Charlton County, inspiring young minds as a fourth-grade teacher. In 1957, she transferred to Kingsland, Ga. where she dedicated herself to elementary education. After 35 years of teaching, she retired in 1987. Betty remained deeply involved in her community, volunteering at local schools and creating handcrafted gifts that brought joy to many classrooms.

Betty was known for her warm hospitality and exceptional cooking. Her kitchen was a gathering place filled with laughter, family, and friends. Affectionately known as "Aunt Betty" by her nieces and nephews, she delighted in spending time with them, sharing her love of games and cooking.

Betty enjoyed traveling to the North Georgia mountains, often accompanied by her beloved Boston Terriers.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Simpson, her parents and a brother Alton Dinkins.

Betty is survived by her two sons, Walter Simpson and wife Dale, Tim Simpson and wife Patricia and their daughter Jade and son James Juma, along with three great granddaughters. She has three surviving siblings Iva Brown, Harry Dinkins and wife Barbara, Taska Brantley, and sister-in-law Joyce Dinkins. Also survived by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the chapel at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at 2:00 pm in the chapel.

Memorials may be made to:

Charlton County Educators Scholarship Fund c/o Mandy Jackson 353 Country Club Road; Folkston, Ga. 31537 or Residing Hope (Formally Florida United Methodist Children's home) 51 Children's Way; Enterprise, Florida 32725.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.