Former Georgia First Lady Betty Foy Sanders dies at 95

Gov. Brian Kemp’s office announced Sunday that former Georgia First Lady Betty Foy Sanders has passed away.

Sanders was the wife of Carl Sanders, who served as Georgia’s governor from 1963 to 1967.

Betty Foy Sanders was born in Statesboro, Georgia, on August 6, 1926. She graduated from Statesboro High School and attended Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University) for a year, according to Georgia Southern University.

“Marty, the girls, and I were saddened to learn of Mrs. Betty Foy Sanders’ passing,” Kemp said in a statement. “As first lady and alongside Georgia’s 74th governor, Carl Edward Sanders Sr., she represented so much of what makes Georgia the greatest state in our nation to call home. With her sharp wit, class, and famous sense of humor, she was the epitome of a southern woman. During her years as first lady and during her long and fulfilling life afterwards, she was devoted to beautifying our state, preserving Georgia’s proud history, and helping students of the arts further their education and talents.”

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As the state’s first lady, Sanders “dedicated her efforts toward the construction of several Fine Arts buildings in the University System of Georgia,” Georgia Southern University said. “In 1967, Sanders established the Betty Foy Sanders Georgia Artists Collection, which features the works of accomplished Georgia artists. Sanders continues to curate the collection which is on permanent display at the Center for Art & Theatre on Georgia Southern’s Statesboro Campus.”

Kemp noted Sanders’ love for the arts and education.

“A talented artist in her own right, her influences are felt at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion to this day, and they will be felt for years to come,” Kemp said. “As we mourn with her family and loved ones, we also thank God for her service, her life of contributions to her fellow Georgians, and the shining example she set for so many others.”

Sanders was 95 years old.

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