Betty Shaw Harris

Betty Shaw Harris was born March 18, 1935 in Gallatin, Tenn. She passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side, joining her Lord on Sept. 4, 2024, in Jackson. She was the first child of the late Alfred Hayden Saylors and Ora Hazel Shaw Saylors.

A Funeral Service with Dr. Barry Scott officiating was held Sunday, Sept. 8, at Arrington Funeral Home, Jackson. Burial followed at Ridgecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John Gresham, Troy Saylors, Spencer Saylors, Aaron Newton, Jonathan Scott and Glenn Metts. Honorary pallbearer was Jerry Hill.

Betty was a young widow with two daughters (Jackie & Teresa) living in Gallatin, Tenn., with her parents. When she met John Harris at the Bluegrass Country Club, where she was employed as bookkeeper, by happenstance, it was a memorable day for both of them. They fell in love and were married on July 17, 1965. John not only gained a wife but also two daughters. John’s work with the Soil Conservation Service, a federal agency, required frequent relocations. 

In 1968, Betty and John welcomed their daughter Angie into the world. Her hard work earned her numerous accolades, including annual recognition from General Motors for her accounting expertise. She was also awarded membership into the multi-million-dollar club in real estate in both Jackson and Gallatin, Tennessee.

In addition to her husband John and three daughters, she had two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Betty is survived by her husband of 59 years, John T. Harris; daughters, Jackie Bradley Rippey, Marilyn Teresa Scott (Rev. Barry Neal Scott), and Angela Kay Harris (Leah Moyers); grandchildren, Jonathan Scott (Rachel) and Hope Scott Newton (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Amariah, William, Eliza, Michael, and Silas Scott and Braxton and Bentley Newton; brother, Bobby Hayden Saylors (Lorraine); nephews, Troy Saylors, Felix Gresham, and John Gresham; and sister-in-law, Mary Gresham. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Alfred David Saylors; nephew, David W. ’’Chip” Saylors; and brother-in-law, Buddy Gresham.