Lively serves as DAR chaplain for 22 years

Betty Lively was named first place in Tennessee State Society of the DAR for best service of individual chaplin for three years in a row, 2004, 2005 and 2006. At the convention she was recognized for more than 20 years of continuing service to God, home and country. Mrs. Lively goes quietly about serving church, family and community with grace and love.

Betty’s last devotional as chaplain was taken from a poem written by Edgar Guest, a famous English American poet. It was one of her favorite poems and she had read it many times throughout the years. The meaning of the poem was to try not to look back with regrets, but be truly sorry and move on when faced with adversities. It sounds simple but it is not simple to practice. Betty explained, ‘For instance, if you had your life to live over, what would you do differently? I read the poem so many times that I have practically memorized it.’

Betty was first invited to be a guest of the DAR at the home of Mrs. Amanda Walling in 1956, 50 years ago. You have to be approved by the NSDAR and much work is done on the lineage. Henry Towles from Culpepper, Va. was her DAR ancestor. Her great, great grandmother was a Towles. After the Revolutionary War, his family received a land grant given to soldiers that fought in the war and moved his family to Warren County.

Each of Betty’s devotionals have been as meaningful to the DAR members throughout the years and we will her serving in this capacity, but appreciate her willingness to serve more than 20 years.