Susan Elisabeth "Betsy" Tullis

Susan "Betsy" Elisabeth Tullis, 76, of Wells, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, in Cherokee County. She was born on July 10, 1949, to Stanley Rhoades Yarnall, Jr. and Elise McGavock Yarnall. Betsy grew up in Phoenix and attended school at Phoenix Central High School before eventually making her home in East Texas, where she became known for her kindness, warmth, and the way she made everyone feel like family. She was deeply devoted to her loved ones and her church community and lived her life with an open heart and a giving spirit. Above all, Betsy loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart, and His light shone brightly through her words, actions, and the gentle way she treated others. She was the kind of person whose gentle nature and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a truly beautiful soul - humble, gracious, and sincere - and she never spoke an unkind word about anyone. Her presence brought comfort, and her smile could light up even the hardest days. She is survived by her two daughters, Susie Tullis Pope and husband Chad Pope of Wells, Texas, and Vicki Tullis Phillips and husband Terry Phillips of Rusk, Texas. Betsy cherished her grandchildren - Jordan McWilliams (Garron), Kordell Hackney (Ashlynn), Mia Skinner, Ariana Skinner, Charlie Tullis, and Brylee Tullis - and five bonus grandchildren: Jonathan Phillips (Brittany), Courtney Hill (Josh), Alaina Bolt (Jacob), Jay Pope, and Chloe Gager. Her legacy of love extends to her ten great-grandchildren: Addalynn Hackney, Kollyn Hackney, Liam McWilliams, Emersyn Hackney, Wesley Hill, Kinsley Hill, Riley Hill, Genevieve Bolt, Marley Phillips, and Oaklee Phillips. She is also survived by her two brothers, Stanley Rhoades Yarnall III (Stephanie) and Stephen Alexander Yarnall (Lori), and by her nieces, Kimberly Gandler and Aly Guillemette. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Rhoades Yarnall, Jr. and Elise McGavock Yarnall. Betsy had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued, and many people considered her a second mother or grandmother simply because of her caring nature and how well she loved with her whole heart. Her laughter, compassion, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew her. Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life, and she shared His love daily through kindness, encouragement, and selfless service. She kept handwritten prayers and notes for others tucked all around her room - prayers for friends, family, and even strangers - many dated over the years, a quiet testimony to how deeply she cared and how faithfully she prayed for everyone she knew. She was a rare and beautiful light in this world, and her memory will continue to inspire kindness, faith, and love in the lives of those she touched.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church, Wells, Texas.
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