Betty Kelsey was born as Rebecca Thrower on December 25, 1928, in Albany, Georgia.  She was the beloved daughter of Gentle Thrower and Rosa Rowdy.

She received her formal education in the Dougherty County School System.  Throughout school, Betty was a very inquisitive student  with a beaming temperament that was a ray of sunshine to peers, teachers, and close friends.

Being raised in a Christian home where the Lord was deeply reverenced, Betty was taught the Word of God and the importance of living a life of kindness, perseverance, love, and strong character.  Early in life, she began her journey with the Lord and a lifetime of servanthood and Christian stewardship.  She was a dedicated member of Sanctuary of Grace Church where she served faithfully as Mother of the Church under the pastorage of her granddaughter, Tepedric Hill.  "Ms. Betty and Mother Kelsey" as she was endearingly called, was a prayer warrior whose powerful and infectious faith in God kept her spiritually strong.

She was united in marriage to Marvin "Buddy" Lamar and they were blessed with a loving family.  Ms. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and meticulous homemaker who looked well to the ways of her household and ate not the bread of idleness.  For many years, she worked hard to make a positive and lasting impact while consistently pursuing excellence in her work as a presser and seamstress.

Blessed beyond measure, Ms. Betty lived a rich and rewarding life; reached the hallowed age of 92; and lived to see generations of her off-springs with whom she left a legacy of love, humility, generosity, and godliness that will forever be cherished.  Known to have a nurturing, caring spirit, Mother Kelsey was always willing to share her knowledge and experience with others.  She was a trusted friend and confident, would lend a listening ear to those in need of empathy and support, and freely opened her heart and home to family and friends.  Ms. Betty enjoyed shopping; spending time with her closest great grandchild, Austin Lamar; and cooking extraordinary, soulful feasts for family and friends to enjoy.  She was also a proud lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Stars.

On July 9, 2021, Mother Kelsey peacefully transitioned from this earthly journey to be with the Lord.  In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, SSgt. Marvin Lamar, Jr.; and four siblings, Minnie Mae Ford, Willie Thrower, James Thrower, and Charlie Will Thrower.

Cherished memories will forever remain with her children, Isiah Thrower, Mary Lamar Green, Barbara A. Lamar, Tommy (Juanita) Lamar, and Anthony Lamar; daughter-in-law, Lois E, Lamar; 25 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 16 great-great grandchildren; a myriad of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a very devoted first cousin, Julia Noid Goines.