Elizabeth "Betty" Argo

Elizabeth Stephens Argo, age 96, of Athens, Ga., passed away on August 20, 2025.

Known as Betty to her family and friends, her memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. in the Day Chapel of The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. St. Mary’s Health Care System Hospice chaplain Don McKelvey will preside over the service.

The family will receive guests following the service.

Mrs. Argo was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Pete Argo.

Mrs. Argo is survived by her daughter, Patrice Argo Nelson (Henry) of Athens, Ga.; and her son, Steve Argo (Jane) of Townville, S.C.

Mrs. Argo is survived by five grandchildren – Erin Nelson Griffin (Mike) of Peachtree Corners, Ga.; Samuel Nelson of New York, N.Y.; Chase Argo (Allie) of Roswell, Ga.; Collin Argo of Roswell, Ga.; and Cameron Argo (Emma Kate) of Braselton, Ga.

Mrs. Argo is also survived by six great grandchildren – Alice Griffin of Peachtree Corners, Ga., Frank Griffin of Peachtree Corners, Ga.; Isom Argo of Roswell, Ga.; Eli Argo of Roswell, Ga.; Lenna Argo of Braselton, Ga.; and Collette Argo of Roswell, Ga.

Mrs. Argo was born on January 9, 1929, in Athens, Ga., and was the second born daughter of the late William Isom Stephens and the late Selene Culp Stephens. Mrs. Argo was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Stephens Barnes.

Mrs. Argo graduated from University High School in Athens and attended classes at the University of Georgia. She was employed for over 30 years as the administrative assistant for several directors of the Cooperative Extension Service in the UGA College of Agriculture.

Mrs. Argo married Pete Argo on April 24, 1948 and the couple lived in Charlotte, N.C., and Gainesville, Ga., before returning to Athens to raise their family.

In retirement, Mrs. Argo served as a volunteer and president with the Piedmont Athens Regional Auxiliary and as a polling station volunteer with the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections. Mrs. Argo also supported numerous charities, non-profits, and churches – including Tuckston United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Athens.

Mrs. Argo traveled around the world with her husband, Pete, and also visited 42 of our nation’s 50 states – including Alaska and Hawaii. Mrs. Argo was a dedicated supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs in all sports during her entire life.

The family also wants to express their appreciation to the staff and residents at Talmage Terrace of Wesley Woods in Athens, St. Mary’s Health Care System Home Health & Hospice of Athens, LaShayla Walter of Athens Advance Care (including caregivers Burnette Arnold, Debra Bush, Tinia Ardister, Mary Collins, and LaChandra Baker), and the Skilled Nursing staff of Presbyterian Village Athens.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends can send donations in memory of Mrs. Argo to the following:

Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation, Auxiliary Account, piedmontathensgive.org or to St. Mary’s Health Care System, Home Health & Hospice, donate.trinityhealthathome.org .

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com