Betty Jean Rigby Lord, age 89, of Thomaston, died Saturday, March 15, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family.

She was born Oct. 13, 1935, in Macon County, South Georgia, moving to Thomaston at a young age. That's when she met the love of her life, Grady Lord. They were married nearly 65 years before Grady went to be with the Lord, June 17, 2017. Betty and Grady had three children, Linda, Coral, and Barry.  The family moved to Texas and South Carolina before coming back home to Thomaston.

Mrs. Betty was an accomplished businesswoman. Hard work, fashion, and decor were her passions. She was a regional director and oversaw more than 36 clothing retail stores across the Southeast. After retirement from Kenwin Shops/Dress for Less, she worked at Bostwick Furniture for many years, a job she truly enjoyed. In her free time, she was with her family, going to church, or in the yard, gardening.

Mrs. Betty was a strong, Godly woman who was the very fabric of her family's lives. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Every visit was a cherished moment with all of them. Every meal shared was led by a prayer for her family, community, church, and friends. She ended each prayer with how very grateful she was for her life.  Her faith and gratitude for the Lord never wavered. She was a caretaker, teacher, mentor, and family matriarch. Her faith, laughter, and quick wit were contagious.  She was a long-time member of Fellowship Baptist Church for more than 60 years and was involved in many ministries. She was there every time the doors opened and loved every second of it.  "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." -Proverbs 31:25: That was how she lived every single day. No matter the worry or celebration, she was there to pray, love, and celebrate. She embraced all the blessings God gifted her and, in the end, it was a life very well lived.

Mrs. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Lord; her parents; her mother and father-in-law, Wade Grady, and Iona Lord; sister-in-law, Evelyn Lord MeGill; brother-in-law, Fred Lord; and aunts and uncles who also raised her.

She is survived by her children, Linda Smith of Thomaston, Coral (George) Zeck of Dayton, Ohio, and Barry (Pam) Lord of Thomaston; her granddaughters, Adrian Griffith, Callie (Sam) Coker, Sydney (Matt) Sharpe, all of Thomaston, and Laura (Danny) Reveal of Dayton, Ohio; her great-grandchildren, Avery Griffith and Mattie Griffith of Fayetteville, Marlie Kelly, Maizy Kelly, Myles Sharpe, Tatum Coker, and Beau Coker, all of Thomaston; sister-in-law, Pat (Larry) Reese; her "adopted" daughter, Debbie (Bill) McClain; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m. from the chapel at Coggins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour, March 20, at Coggins Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery.

​In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to Fellowship Baptist Church, 1165 Hannah's Mill Road, Thomaston, GA 30286; Thomaston Hospice Foundation, thomastonhospice.com, 512 South Center St., Thomaston, GA 30286; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.