A Life Story
Betty Joyce Arnall Grubbs passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 with her daughter Beth by her side. A longtime resident of Wilmington Island, Betty was born Born on April 6, 1941, in Griffin, Georgia. She was the only child of James Casper Arnall and Blanche Cravey Arnall. From an early age and throughout her life, Betty was full of life—spirited, fun-loving, energetic, and always unmistakably herself. She was a devoted wife and mother, a treasured friend, an active member of her community, and a devoted member to her church. Betty graduated from Avondale High School in 1958. She attended West Georgia College for two years before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she graduated in 1962 with a degree in Home Economics and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. It was at UGA that Betty met her true love and best friend, Bill Grubbs. They shared 58 years of marriage before Bill passed away on July 22, 2022—four years to the day before Betty’s passing. They are now joyfully reunited through Christ. Betty began her career as a teacher and later returned to school to begin a new career. In 1993, she earned her nursing degree from Armstrong State College and went on to work as a nurse at Candler Hospital until her retirement. Betty was a dedicated member of Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, participated in the Prayer Circle, and served on numerous committees. Her church was an important part of her life and a place where she found faith, friendship, connection, and purpose. Her family is especially grateful for the love and support her church community. Betty approached life with strength, humor, enthusiasm, and an unmistakable spunk. She found great joy in music, tennis, bridge, travel, gardening, entertaining, and, most of all, time spent with the people she loved. She had a special gift for bringing people together and making life more fun. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Betty faced each day with courage, positivity, and an enduring faith. Betty is survived by her children, Lee Michael “Mike” Grubbs (Jen), Bethany Lane “Beth” Grubbs (Brian Mason), and Nancy Carole Jacobsen (Chris); and her grandchildren, Katie, Jake, Luke, and Dylan Grubbs, and Cole and Brody Jacobsen. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for and supported Betty at Summer Breeze Assisted Living and Hospice Savannah, as well as Reverend Andy Meeker and family friend Sheri Estes, for the compassion, comfort, and support they provided throughout her final years and days. A memorial service will be held at Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Inurnment will take place in the WIPC Memorial Garden, with a reception afterward in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church at wipcsav.org.