Elizabeth "Betty" Ann King

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Mathews King, 80, of Lexington, Georgia, met her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 2, 2026. 

Betty was born to Ralph and Annie Mae Mathews at the old St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, Georgia on January 17, 1946. She was an honor graduate, known for her impeccable grades and perfect attendance, having never missed a day of school. She was a proud member of the Oglethorpe County High School Class of 1964. Betty spent her working career as a secretary for the Federal Government, first for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), then for many years at Farmer’s Home Administration (FHA) in the Stephens Federal Building in Athens. In 1965, she met and married the love of her life, Wayne King of Carlton, to whom she was married to for 53 years. Wayne and Betty enjoyed camping, and later in life, traveling to the mountains several times a year and were known to host family and friends in their home often for cookouts and fellowship. In 1983, they built their forever home on family land, a log cabin secluded in the woods. Betty was known for her wonderful cooking skills and for her love of delicious desserts. She enjoyed gardening and tended to beautiful flowers in her yard. She enjoyed charity work, serving the Oglethorpe County Community Christmas for many years, and was very involved in their church, Lighthouse Methodist Church in Lexington. Wayne and Betty maintained wonderful friendships with colleagues, friends, and family throughout their lives. 

Preceded by death is her husband of 53 years, Wayne King; her parents, Ralph and Annie Mae Aaron Mathews; her beloved mother- and father-in-law, Bob and Frances King; a granddaughter, Madison King; and a brother, Charles Mathews. Left to cherish her memory are 3 sons, Steven (Tracey) King and their children, Bryson and Kamryn King of Winterville; Matt (Kendra) King of Watkinsville and their daughter, Karen (Brett) Bufford and their two children, Hudson and Mattie Grace of Watkinsville; and Cody King and his children, Landon, Ollie Frances, and Jeb King of Lexington: brother, Danny Matthews of Lexington. 

A visitation and celebration of Betty’s life will take place from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Special thanks are extended to the staff of Avery Village in Winterville for their excellent care of Betty over the past 6 months.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.