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Celebrating 'A Life Well-Lived'

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

PLANT CITY - Elizabeth Bateman "Betty" Chambers was remembered for her sincerity, friendliness and boundless energy by about 800 friends and family members who attended a service in her honor at First Baptist Church of Plant City.

Chambers, 86, remained active in the community until a recent bout with lung cancer finally slowed her down. She died July 20 at her home at age 86.

"We celebrate a life well-lived," said the Rev. Tommy Warnock, an assistant pastor at First Baptist. "Betty motivated her family to do the best they could and to seek a balance in their lives. Betty was a friend to everyone she met."

Her family said Chambers loved Plant City and everyone in it. She considered it her hometown, although she was born in Byron, Ga.

"She never wavered. She taught us how to live and how to die," Warnock said, quoting the family. "Betty loved big things. She planned big. She dreamed of a big family. Her expectations and plans were always big," he said.

Chambers' accomplishments were many. Her name is synonymous with community service, her daughters wrote in her obituary.

"Mother was active in the PTA, school sports and special events," her daughter Pec McGinnes said. "She was a leader in the Girl Scouts and was very instrumental in bringing the YMCA to Plant City."

Chambers attended Byron High School, lettering each year in basketball. She attended the University of Georgia, receiving a bachelor's degree in education. She married Frank Chambers Jr., also a Georgia graduate.

After he became a physician, they moved to Plant City, where they both established their careers. Her husband died in 1987 after 43 years of marriage.

The Rev. Ron Churchill, the senior pastor at First Baptist, asked the Lord to be with Chambers' family.

"People are at a loss for words as we say goodbye to this sweet, sweet lady," Churchill said. "I was with her often toward the end. She never faltered. She is and always was with the Lord."

First Baptist music minister Pete Bataglia sang, "I sang glory, glory to the son of God." The pastor's wife, Cindy Churchill, sang, "My heart will go on singing, until the day God calls me home."

Hopewell Funeral Home produced a slide show of Chambers' life. It showed her as a schoolgirl, a bride and a proud wife, mother and grandmother. Her ever-present smile was captured by the camera.

Chambers' son-in-law, Dub McGinnes, quoted Proverbs 3:6 as her favorite biblical verse.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

"Betty prayed throughout her life for guidance in almost everything she did," McGinnes said.

"From her hospital bed, Ma B as her family called her asked me to pass on this message to the people who attended this service," McGinnes said. "She wants you to acknowledge God in everything you do. By doing so, he will provide for you and direct your path."

Chambers' path was always busy. Her many activities led to her twice being recognized with Distinguished Leadership Awards for the YMCA's Southern Region.

In 1993 she was selected as grand marshal for the Plant City Christmas parade, recognizing her work with area youth. She was selected Citizen of the Year in 2001 and received the strong Leadership Award from the local YMCA in 2004.

Her daughter Sherrie Mueller is set to receive the same award next month.

Chambers was active in the Woman's Club and First Baptist Church.

Reporter George Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or at gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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