Betty R. (Griffin) Brotherton

Betty Ruth Griffin Brotherton departed this life peacefully on February 16, 2020.

Born in 1931 to Thomas and Willie Mae Griffin, she was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and a graduate of Central High School.  She was raised as a Methodist and upon marriage became a member of the Baptist church.

Upon graduation she began working as a secretary at the Acme Construction Company on East 11th Street downtown; directly across the street was the Fleetwood Coffee Company, who soon recruited her as their first model for print advertisements. 

While Betty was working at Acme in 1951, she met her future husband Harold “H.L.” Brotherton, Jr., when he came by the office to visit his uncle, the owner. He was on break from Georgia Tech, where he was continuing pursuit of his formal education, having been delayed in that endeavor after being drafted to serve in the Army during the Korean War.

Betty and H.L. married in 1952 and enjoyed 63 years together; he pre-deceased her in 2016.  Betty was a devoted spouse, mother, daughter and sister, and enjoyed gardening and home improvement projects.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and sister Julia L. Collins.

She is survived by daughters Beth Brotherton and Lori (Rick) Govan; niece Teresa Cross; nephew Dale (Iris) Collins and their families.

A private committal service will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to the Morning Pointe Assisted Living of East Brainerd team, as well as the team at the Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center.

In lieu of flowers contributions to honor Betty’s life may be made to the Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center or the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.