Bettie Lee Durden

Bettie Lee Durden, age 96 of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away on Sunday September 4, 2016 at Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville.

A Florida native for 85 years, she relocated to Gainesville in 2007. She was a graduate of Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.  She was also the women’s editor of the DeLand Sun News and a real estate broker in Volusia County, Florida for 50 years.

She was very active in community affairs: President of the West Volusia Board of Realtors, Junior League of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Garden Club of America, Dayton Beach Yacht Club’s Women’s Investment Group, Volusia County Mental Health Association, Lake Beresford Yacht Club, Oceanside Golf and Country Club, Audubon Society, and the World Wildlife Fund.

She is survived by her three daughters: Joan Marler (Dr. Philip Marler) of Gainesville, Margaret Croxton of Suwanee, Elizabeth Napolitano (James Napolitano) of Jupiter, Florida; Three grandchildren: Stephanie Skipper (Johnathon Skipper) of Suwanee, Melissa Ranly of Port Orange, Florida, and Rush Marler of Chicago, Illinois; three great grandchildren: Jonah Skipper and Callie Skipper of Suwanee, and Hunter Ranly of Port Orange, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, 845 W. Ridge Road Gainesville, Georgia 30501.  Donations can also be made online at www.humanesocietyofnortheastgeorgia.org.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. A private interment will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand, Florida.  Online condolences can be made www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770.297.6200.