McGuire, Betty
MCGUIRE, Betty Ann
Betty Ann McGuire was the third born child out of 15 children of Carey and Malissa Davis. She was born and raised on South Hairston Road in Stone Mountain, GA. She graduated from Hamilton High School in DeKalb County where she was a safety patrol. Her brother, Sonny introduced her to his best friend from high school, Mercer McGuire and the two of them became inseparable. Shortly after their marriage, Mercer lost his vision. Betty stood by his side and gave 100% support to him. She became his eyes and they didn't miss a beat! She helped him to grow a stellar business with Georgia Co-op for the Blind, resulting in numerous awards and recognitions. She transported him to and from work daily and made sure he was dressed in the best.
They were parents of four children – Paula, Valissa, Mercer and Pamela. Two of them are founding members of the International Recording trio, D'Vine. Betty not only raised their four children, but she became a surrogate mother for many of her children's friends. She was an Uber Driver before Uber existed. She transported her children and their friends to and from extracurricular school activities everyday.
Betty Ann joined Big Miller Grove Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA at a young age along with her family. She was very active and served on the Deaconess Board. She sang with the R. Bryant Choir, ushered on the Number 2 Usher Board, and helped with Vacation Bible School and other special projects. She was also a devoted member of the Albert McGuire Cemetery Committee for more than 20 years.
Betty was a Master of many trades. She was an excellent cook, home decorator, painter, repairwoman, seamstress, gardener, and had many other skills. She cooked so well that she could have easily opened her own restaurant if there were more hours in the day. She cooked and prepared three homemade meals every day for her family. It was not uncommon when Mercer returned from work and their children from school to find the house totally remodeled with fresh paint and furniture rearranged. She could also fish and hunt.
Betty and Mercer celebrated 50 years of marriage. She was his caregiver from the very beginning and until the end when Mercer needed a kidney transplant. In addition to taking care of her own family, she provided care over the years to many others who moved into the family home to receive a helping hand during their time of need.
Betty Ann left her family and friends for heaven on Monday, January 4, 2021. She will be missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mercer G. McGuire. She leaves to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy four children – Paula McGuire Turner (Franklin), Valissa McGuire Asbey, Mercer McGuire, Jr (Betty) and Pamela McGuire Deas (Dr. Brian Deas); one granddaughter, Crystal Nicole Hamilton (Arsenio); five grandsons, Marcus, Justin, Gregory, Jr, Trayvon, and Khalil; five great-children, Zymir, ZyKi, Carianna, Jakayla, and Je'ahnna; siblings, Lavonnia Maddox, Juanita Robinson, Eva McGuire, Leslie Davis, Brenda Davis, and Helen Davis; three sister-in-laws, Bobbie Davis, Willie Pearl Thornton, Barbara McGuire, and Fannie Bigsby; Godsons, Minister Eric Parks and Raymond Sallie; Goddaughters, Marica Chislom, Victoria Hackney, and Leondra Alexandra; her beloved dog, Gigsy; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends and a dear friend, Porsha Harper.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Albert McGuire Cemetery-6025 Giles Rd, Lithonia, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family of Betty Ann McGuire cordially request donations to Big Miller Grove Baptist Church. Donations will be contributed to fundraising efforts of organ transplant and medical patients.
Please forward donations via CashApp: $BettyMcGuireFund
or mail to:
Big Miller Grove Baptist Church
3800 Miles E. Fowler Way
Stonecrest, GA 30038
c/o Betty McGuire Transplant Fund
(770) 981-3800
