Elizabeth Caulkins Bookout

Elizabeth (Betsy) Caulkins Bookout, 60, whose life was cut short by ALS, was taken home by her Lord and Savior on June 16, 2022.  She had such a gentle soul, and the quiet dignity and courage she displayed while fighting her affliction was inspiring.  Even when her illness robbed her of her physical abilities, she still drew people to her with her warmth, kindness, and a smile.

Betsy loved children.  Following the legacy established by her grandmother and mother, she devoted her life tending to the mind, body, and spirit of young ones. 

For decades, she, as an elementary school teacher at Brainerd Baptist School, and then Lookout Mountain Elementary, nurtured minds and molded character.

As a swim coach at both McCallie/GPS Aquatics and the Fairyland Club, she used her lifelong passion for the sport to show that competitive swimming was a vital part of developing a healthy body.

She combined her faith with her love of children as a Sunday School teacher at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.  In that role, she grew her students’ spiritual side by bringing them closer to God.

Betsy was born and lived in Chattanooga all her life.  She graduated from Girls Preparatory School. She then earned a degree from Brenau College where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta fraternity.  She attended college on a swimming scholarship, one of the first for a female from the area. She belonged to various organizations including the Junior League.  She was a lifelong member of the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Beloved sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, and close friend to many, she will be sorely missed.  Betsy has left us but her love remains.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Bookout Hood; grandson, Jesse; sister Caroline Caulkins Bentley (Larry); brother, Wilford Caulkins, IV (Carolyn), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Caulkins, III and her granddaughter Skylar.

The family wishes to thank caregivers Waydean Mosier, Virginia Salters, Terra Hill, Kim Fields, Mary Lou Stephens, Chasity Bradley, Nema Nunn and Robin Mahan who loved Betsy like their own. Special thanks also go to Glynn Ford with Hearth Hospice who cared for Betsy dearly. We are forever grateful for their care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, 316 N. Bragg Avenue, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church with visitation at the church at 12:00. There will be a private burial.

Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share memories and condolences.

Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, E. Brainerd Chapel.

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