Elizabeth "Betty" (Palermo) Friend

Elizabeth “Betty” Palermo Friend

November 7, 1932 – September 8, 2021

A life well lived.  Betty was a native of Tampa, FL, and a graduate of Florida State University.  While at FSU, she met and married Navy veteran Jim Friend.  After college, the two moved to Chattanooga and started a family.  She was a life-long educator.  She retired from the Chattanooga school system as a teacher and child psychologist.  She was always teaching and encouraging others until the very end.

The best way to describe Betty Friend is Cheerleader.  She was always in your corner and on your side.  She was a positive influence and believed all things were possible.  She only wished good things for you and for good things to happen to you.  She encouraged all to connect with their inner self and live their own truth.  A passage from her book Know the Stone: “Step off the curb.  Each day there are infinite opportunities to step off the curb – to break the patterns of words we speak, ways we react, habitual thoughts we think, and judgements.  Allowing new possibilities into our world is so expansive.  Why do we constantly curb our life experiences with emotions and judgements?  Allow”.  Allow good things to come to you, you deserve it was always Betty’s message.

After retirement from the school system, Betty had a second act.  She was an avid painter and published author.  Many of her paintings grace the homes of her children, friends and friends of her children.  We consider each painting a treasure and family heirloom along with the furniture built by Jim.  Betty published three books, Know the Stone, Know your Light, Know your Peace.  Each book is a collection of guiding thoughts and inspirations received during her daily meditations.   Found on the last page of Know your Peace is the recipe for peace: “Intend and ask that you are thinking with the Holy Spirit.  Listen gently throughout your day.  Stay in the moment not allowing past influences to enter in.  Look for something incredibly wonderful in each moment.  Be in gratitude for every present blessing”.  

Betty’s children and grandchildren wish to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

The funeral services will be private, but the family welcomes donations to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen in Betty’s memory.

Condolences may be sent to www.heritagechattanooga.com

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.