Bootsie Brittain

JACKSON, GA – Betty Jane “Bootsie” Brittain, 82, died on May 12, 2022 at Piedmont Macon Medical Center with her loving daughter and husband of nearly 64 years holding her hands.

Born March 12, 1940 in Montezuma, GA to Marjorie Claire Smith May and Lewis Weldon May, she graduated in 1958 from Jackson High School where she was Sweetheart of Jackson High, captain of the football cheerleading squad, and voted Best Dressed. She was vice president of the Beta Club, secretary of Tri-Hi-Y and was active on the yearbook staff and in Future Homemakers of America. When it was announced over the school intercom that Bootsie had won “Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year”, the entire school erupted into laughter. While funny then, that perhaps predicted her years as a wonderful and talented homemaker, hostess, and cook.

She served as dedicated secretary and meticulous bookkeeper for her husband’s many businesses, even in the last week of her life. Since Allan worked primarily as a commercial airline pilot and traveled extensively, she often single-handedly managed major business and home issues as they arose. However, she considered her most important role to be taking care of her husband.

Despite her tiny stature, she was mighty in strength and spirit, and determined to the core. She paid the highest attention to detail in every pursuit, whether in business or when entertaining friends and family. She was fiercely loyal, and thus fiercely protective of everyone she loved. She adored entertaining and visiting with friends and family, whether in person or on the phone. Family gatherings with her sisters, nieces, nephews, and their families were always a favorite for all – especially Thanksgiving. She had a lifetime love for books and enjoyed looking out at the backyard pool and pasture, eager for deer to come visit.

While she traveled frequently to Grand Cayman, New York, and to see Allan various places -even the Far East - her favorite place and true passion was St. Simons Island. She adored her friends there, as well as going to Oak Room Bar at The Lodge…or simply admiring the golf course and watching for golfers to appear. She always said there’s no place the moon is prettier than on St. Simons.  

While she will be remembered for many things, most importantly, she will be remembered by Allan and Cindy for being the very best wife and mom there ever was.  Allan maintains she is the best thing that ever happened to him.

She is survived by her husband and the love of her life Arthur Allan Brittain, and their only daughter Cynthia Claire “Cindy” Brittain of Charlotte, NC and Jackson, GA, her older sister, Marilyn May Allen (Clyde, deceased, children Kelly and Gene) of Macon, GA, her brother-in-law Warren Randolph “Randy” Hodges (children Libby, deceased, Warren, and Dottie). She is also survived by many loving great and great-great nieces and nephews. Bootsie is preceded in death by her parents and her eldest sister, Tommie Jo May “T.J.” Hodges of Spring City, TN.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 20, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Jackson United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2:00pm at Jackson United Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Friends of The Library, 436 East College St., Jackson, GA 30233 or to Jackson United Methodist Church, PO Box 1880, Jackson, GA 30233.

Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson is serving the Brittain family. Those desiring to leave condolences online may visit www.haistenfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bootsie Brittain, please visit our floral store.