Betty Jean Albritton Grady, known lovingly to family, friends, and generations of Arcadia residents as “Bingo,” passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026 at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, family, and flowers that will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who loved her.

Born on May 9, 1927, in Limestone, Florida, to Elam and Myrtle Albritton, Betty was a proud daughter of Old Florida. She grew up in the close-knit farming community she always held dear, carrying with her the values of hard work, humility, faith, and devotion to family that would guide her throughout her remarkable ninety-nine years. Betty graduated with the DeSoto County High School Class of 1945, where she proudly represented the Bulldogs as a member of the varsity basketball team. The friendships, community spirit, and hometown pride she developed during those years remained with her throughout her life. She remained deeply rooted in the community she called home for nearly a century.

As a young woman, Betty married the love of her life, Fred Jackson Grady. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Though Fred preceded her in death, theirs was a love story that endured through the decades and remained one of the defining blessings of Betty’s life.

Betty began her career at the Arcadia Chemical Company before finding what would become her, and Fred’s, life’s work as co-owners of Robarts-Grady Funeral Home. For more than forty years, she served families throughout DeSoto County during some of their most difficult moments. Her compassion, kindness, and steady presence brought comfort to countless families, and her work became a testament to her servant’s heart and deep love for her community.

Faith was the cornerstone of Betty’s life. She was raised in Limestone Baptist Church and later became a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Arcadia. There she faithfully served as District Sunday School Superintendent for twenty-one years, was an active member of the Methodist Women’s Guild, and sang in the church choir for more than forty years. Trinity was far more than a church home; it was an extension of her family and a place where she joyfully shared her gifts, leadership, and unwavering faith.

While Betty was devoted to her family, church, and community, perhaps nowhere was her heart more visible than in the life she built alongside Fred. Together they operated the Wagon Wheel Ranch, a place that brought Betty immense pride and countless cherished memories. She loved ranch life and took great joy in raising beautiful Florida Cracker cattle. The ranch reflected the values she treasured most: hard work, stewardship of the land, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of country living.

Betty also possessed a remarkable gift for nurturing things and bringing beauty into the world. Her gardens were known throughout the community, especially her beloved roses and lilies. The lilies held special significance, having originated from her mother Myrtle’s garden in Limestone and continuing to bloom through generations of careful tending. Her famous staghorn fern, which grew to the size of a tractor, became legendary among family, friends, and visitors alike.

One of Betty’s greatest joys was sharing her flowers with others. More than fifty years ago, Fred built the wooden cross that remains a cherished part of Trinity United Methodist Church’s Easter celebration. Each year, Betty carefully selected the finest blooms from her garden to adorn the cross, ensuring it reflected the beauty and hope of Easter morning.

Betty’s capacity for love extended far beyond people. Throughout her ninety-nine years, she shared her home and heart with a beloved succession of dachshunds, each one treated as a treasured member of the family. There was rarely a time in her life when a faithful dachshund was not nearby. Her final and most precious companion, Lil Buddy, remained devotedly by her side through the later chapters of her life and brought her immeasurable comfort and companionship.

In what now feels like a fitting and beautiful farewell, Betty’s final journey away from her home took place this past Easter. Surrounded by family, she visited Trinity United Methodist Church to see her roses displayed upon the Easter cross that Fred had built more than fifty years ago. Afterwards, she traveled to Oak Ridge Cemetery to visit her beloved Fred.

Looking back, it seems only fitting that her final outing would be spent among the things she loved most: her flowers, her church, and the man with whom she shared a lifetime of love.

Betty is survived by her son, Frederick John Grady, and daughter-in-law, Lisa LeCroy Grady; her granddaughter, Kacy Skylar Grady-Heinz and husband Kevin Heinz; her grandsons, John Keaton Grady and Heath Frederick Grady (and partner Cydney Clark); and her cherished great-granddaughter, Charlotte “Charlie” Jean Heinz.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred Jackson Grady; her parents, Elam and Myrtle Albritton; and her brother, John Albritton.

Though Betty’s earthly garden has been laid to rest, the seeds she planted through her faith, kindness, service, and love continue to flourish in the lives she touched. For ninety-nine years she embodied the spirit of Old Florida—steadfast in her faith, devoted to her family, generous to her community, and happiest with her hands in the soil.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is once again reunited with her beloved Fred. And somewhere beyond this life, her roses are blooming, the choir is singing, Lil Buddy is at her feet, and she is finally home.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbors, church members, and community members whose prayers, love, and support have meant so much during this time.

Betty had a lifelong love of flowers and cherished the relationships she built with the local florists in town. In honor of her wishes, her family has chosen Valley Florist (formerly Holzendorff’s) to provide the flowers for her service.

For those wishing to honor Betty’s memory in the form of a monetary donations in lieu of flowers, please choose from the three churches closest to her heart:

• North Hillsboro Baptist Church
• Trinity United Methodist Church Choir
• Limestone Baptist Church

These ministries reflect Betty’s deep faith, her love of choral music, and the treasured memories of her childhood years in Limestone.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, June 18th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Friday, June 19th, at 11:00 a.m. at North Hillsboro Baptist Church. A brief interment will follow the service at Oak View Cemetery.