Betty Anne Souter

Betty Anne Hood Souter of Montezuma, GA, died peacefully January 17, 2026, at the age of 91. A private family graveside will be held at Felton Cemetery. Rev. Wayne Rogers will officiate. 

Betty Anne was born January 29, 1934, in Gainesville, Georgia, to William Elonzo Hood and Sara White Hood. She graduated from Gainesville High School and attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College for two years, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She later transferred to The University of Georgia, where she served as president of Tri Delt and graduated with a degree in Political Science. While attending The University of Georgia, she met Jim Souter. They were married November 17, 1956, the weekend of the Georgia/Auburn football game. She always joked that the groomsmen never forgave her. Jim and Betty Anne shared a wonderful life together in Jim's hometown of Montezuma, GA, raising three loving sons. Betty Anne cherished her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and considered her family and church to be her greatest blessings.

Betty Anne was an active and devoted member of the Macon County community, serving as President of the Macon County Historical Society and as a member of the Montezuma Public Library Board. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Montezuma, where she taught Sunday School for many years. Betty Anne had a lifelong love of learning, reflected in her extensive travels. She treasured spending summers at her farm in Nacoochee Valley, which she considered her favorite place. Jim learned to love it too, once he realized there were trout in the river and a golf course nearby.

Betty Anne is survived by her three sons, James Lester Souter III (Mary), William Hood Souter, and Thomas Hill Souter; her grandchildren, James Souter (Anne), Howell Hollingsworth (Jonathan), Bennett Souter (Mary Liles), Hood Souter (Caroline), Thomas Souter (Cassidy), Lee Souter (Hailey), and Sarah Grace Souter; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Sara Hood; her husband, James Lester Souter, Jr.; and her brother, Billy Hood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Montezuma or the Sautee Nacoochee Center.