Bettye R. Connell

Bettye Rose Connell,Ph.D, died on Sept. 13 at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Connell, a Warren County native was born on May 27, 1949. She was the daughter of the late Hall Wallace Connell and Janet Paschall Connell of Warrenton. Dr. Connell was a graduate of John Graham High School in Warrenton and received her undergraduate degree from UNC-Greensboro. She obtained a master's degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and a Ph.D from Georgia Institute of Technology. She was a Health Research Scientist at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Director of Research for the Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine in Geriatrics and Gerontology at Emory University. Her career interests focused on the effects of the physical and social environments on the lives of the frail and the elderly. She had a great affection for the under represented and spent her life advocating for them. Her endless commitment and effort to improve the lives of the elderly and their caregivers was hugely successful and carries on through her many publications, research findings, and in those mentored by her. Bettye Rose was respected and loved by many. Bettye Rose was a life long member of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Warrenton. She was a passionate gardener and a devoted cat lover. Survivors include a sister, Jane Connell Wilson of Warrenton; and a nephew, Matthew Connell Wilson of New York City. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. September 16th at Fairview Cemetery by Reverend Lance Richards. Pallbearers included David Griffiths, Ernest Boyd Harris, Reverend Doctor Wayne Robinson, Dr. David J. Ellis, Thomas Miller, and John A. Sanford. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rags 2 Riches Cat Rescue 432 Eaton Avenue, Warrenton, NC. 27589 or to the Bettye Rose Connell, Ph.D Lecture Series, Emory University, Center for Health in Aging, Wesley Woods Health Center, Room 555, 1841 Clifton Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329. Arrangements are by Blaylock Funeral Home in Warrenton.