Betty Jean Paul Parham

Mrs. Betty Jean Paul Parham, of Athens and formerly of Elberton, wife of 48 years to the late Ralph Clifford Parham, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Manor Lake Assisted Living in Athens, four days after celebrating her 95th birthday.

Betty was born in Oglethorpe County on December 6, 1930, daughter of the late James Silmer “Sam” Paul and Fannie Lou Gunter Paul. She was a current member of Green Acres Baptist Church and a former member of Antioch Baptist Church where she served as President of the WMU.

Betty retired from the loan department at Granite City/Regions Bank where she worked for thirteen years. She also enjoyed the sixteen years that she worked at Lee Brothers Grocery.

Affectionately known as “Granny” to those closest to her, Betty never missed an opportunity to support her children or grandchildren in any of their endeavors. She loved spending time with her family and relished the many memories that were made on Clarks Hill Lake.

Survivors include her children: Barbara Brown of Elberton, Donnie Parham of Dewy Rose, and Debbie Moore of Woodstock; sister, Jeanette Russell of Comer; grandchildren: Jason Ashley Brown and his wife Kimberly, Joshua Paul Brown and his wife Amy, Abby Elaine Moore, and Wesley David Moore; great-grandchildren: Austin Ray Brown, Chansley Leanne Brown, and Caraleigh Grace Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ralph Clifford Parham; son-in-law, Chandler Brown; and brother, James Carl Paul.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00-10:45a.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Connie Ivester, will follow at 11:00a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park with Mitch Parham, Glenn Parham, Greg Yarbrough, Bruce Parham, Tim Parham, Steve Veal, and Tommy Carroll honored as pallbearers.

Flowers are accepted, and contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of one's choice.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Betty Jean Paul Parham.