Elizabeth DeGutis Atkins (Betty), 86, passed away on February 21, 2024 at her home after a long and difficult struggle with dementia complicated by additional medical issues.

Betty was born on August 15, 1937 to Francis (Frank) and Elizabeth Wariner Harris in Leaksville, NC. Being a caregiver at heart and enjoying working with people, Betty saw her path in life as being a nurse. After graduating from Tri-City High School, she began her nursing training in Virginia. There Betty met Vincent Anthony DeGutis, a widower with two young children. Her path took a turn when they married in 1955 and had three more children. After several moves, even living in South Africa, the family settled in Memphis. Throughout this time, Betty offered a helping hand and a kind heart to those in need. She was a hospital volunteer through Gray Ladies, a nursing home volunteer, a school volunteer, and a volunteer in numerous programs to help the needy. After the death of Vincent in 1974, Betty became director of the old Germantown Community Center, where she started learning to play tennis. In 1977, she married Terry Atkins, who himself had two teenagers. She became director of the old Sycamore View Tennis Center, and later worked in retail sales. Betty and Terry were members of Germantown Baptist Church, where they had an active Sunday School group for many years. Betty’s real love was being a granny, and a great granny. She found immense joy in being part of the children’s care, attending their events, and watching them grow.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Vincent A. DeGutis, husband Terry Atkins, and grandson Brooks DeGutis. She is survived by her children and others that held a special place in her life; Debbie DeGutis (Bridget McClurg), Gary DeGutis (Regina Tutor), Terry DeGutis Balton (Scott), David DeGutis (Priscilla), Vince DeGutis (Jen McMillan), Andy Atkins (Mandy), Joanna Atkins, and Renee Swisher DeGutis (Steve Morrow). She leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Jena Balton-Stier (Cedric & children Helena and Frances), Carie Balton McPhail (Stephen & son Taylor), Elizabeth DeGutis Hegman (Andrew), Harris DeGutis (Cale Madison), Andie McMillan, Cara Combs, Amber Atkins Watkins (Chris), Madison Atkins Cook (Tyler and daughter Melody). She is survived by her brothers Tommy Harris (Tanya) and Mike Harris (who cared for Betty with great love through some of her worst days), her beloved dog Oliver, her nephew Garth Harris (Shelia) and his daughter Carolyn Hilton (Joe and children Henry and Ben), and her cousin Scott Wariner (Madalyn and children Ella and Gunnar),

The family will be holding a private gathering to spread the ashes. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the DeGutis Family Scholarship at the University of Memphis Fogelman School of Business or another school of your choice.

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