Betty Hovis

Betty Cox Hovis, cherished matriarch of the Hovis family, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, just nine days shy of her 95th birthday. Born on March 22, 1930, in Durham, North Carolina, Betty began her long and happy life with her loving parents Mary and Ralph Cox Sr., brother Ralph Cox Jr., sister Barbara Cox Riddle, and brother Kenneth Cox. In her early twenties, Betty met her great love, William N. Hovis Jr., and she and Bill began their very special love story.

Betty had an infectious smile, boundless energy, and a passion for people and her community. As a dedicated member of the Jaycettes, she was honored as Jaycette of the Year for North Carolina in 1956, a recognition of her service and commitment. She hosted Miss North Carolina Pageants in 1958 and 1960, leaving a legacy of poise and empowerment.

Professionally, Betty excelled as a top-rated real estate agent in Georgia, where her integrity, tenacity, and warm personality earned her a place in the prestigious Million Dollar Sales Club for Century 21 in the 1970s. Her clients were not just customers but became lifelong friends, a testament to her genuine care and dedication.

An avid golfer, Betty celebrated the once-in-a-lifetime achievement of hitting a hole-in-one, a story she recounted with pride and joy. Her husband Bill recounted this story as the most expensive hole-in-one ever as they marked her achievement with jewelry and plaques in remembrance.

In addition to golfing, Betty enjoyed a full life with Bill traveling, playing bridge, and gathering with friends. But, above all, the joy of her life was the marriage to husband Bill and the family they created. She was a loving and fun mother. Her singing, like her laughter, was loud and joyous. Every Easter, Betty would wake the children by singing “Up from the Grave He Arose.” Every first day of school, she roused them with the song “School Days.” When the family moved from North Carolina to South Carolina, Betty informed the children in song that, “You’re a Tar Heel born. You’re a Tar Heel bred. And when you die, you’ll be a Tar Heel dead.” Betty was the life of the party and the life of their family.

Betty’s legacy continues through her devoted children, including Richard Hovis (Patti), Bill Hovis (Lita), Mary Hovis Jackson (Steve), Sandy Kadrie (Bob), Rob Hovis (Beth); grandchildren, including Megan Thompson (Rod), Eric Hovis, Josh Jackson (Corie), Rebekah Bradley (Carsten), Jena Seay (Ryan), Jordan Kadrie, Stephanie Jankoski (Greg), Alex Kadrie (Anna Marie), RJ Hovis (Danielle), and Matthew Hovis (Lia); great grandchildren including Kaylyn Thompson, Cade Jackson, Isaac Seay, Isaiah Thompson, Cash Jackson, Lillian Seay, Ava Thompson, Cora Jackson, Connelly Jackson, Norah Bradley, Timothy Hovis, Brodie Seay, Charlotte Hovis, Benjamin Seay, Ray Jankoski, Clara Hovis, Gracie Thompson, and Daniel Thompson. Betty is also survived by her loving sister Bobbie Riddle and brother Kenneth Cox, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty will be deeply missed, but her family knows that she was received in Heaven with glad shouts of “here she comes!” from the loved ones who went before her: parents Mary and Ralph Cox Sr., brother Ralph Cox Jr., brother-in-law Stacy Riddle, son-in-law Steve Jackson, grandson-in-law Rod Thompson, and Betty’s dear husband Bill.

With deep gratitude, Betty’s family would like to acknowledge the loving care she received from her caregivers at Inspire Hospice, especially Karen Vaghefi and Lindsey Swift, the staff at The Mansions in Alpharetta, especially Hassana Wells, and of course the Crazy Eights and many friends who filled her life with love and joy. Thank you for caring for our Mom, Granny, and Great Granny.

A Memorial Service is not planned at this time.

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