Betty Ruth Liford

Just before sunrise on January 30, 2024, Betty “Gram” Lambert Liford received her angel wings and joyfully entered the gates of Heaven. 

Betty was born on February 12, 1936 to her parents George Dewey and Hazel Kate Lambert and her “Sissy” (Ruby Lee Lambert Hatfield) in Tazewell, Tennessee. She was baptized at the age of 12 by her uncle Newt Lambert in the Powell River. She grew up attending Blair’s Creek Baptist Church with her family and later in life, joined Midway Baptist Church in New Tazewell, TN. 

Betty worked at Kroger’s in Middlesboro, Kentucky for over 40 years. She often spoke of her work “family” and the hundreds of customers who came through her checkout lane whom she called “friends”. In her last days under the sun, she reflected on the day Roy Shelby hired her to join the Kroger crew. She genuinely loved working there and treasured the ‘brothers and sisters” she worked alongside through the years. 

Awaiting her arrival in Heaven, were her parents, her beloved sister and brother-in-law Luna Bill Hatfield, and her infant brother Benny. 

Betty (“Gram”) was recently asked, “What do you want people to remember about you?” and she replied with a broad smile, “That I loved my family so very much.” She leaves to mourn and miss her, the love of her life, son, Scott Liford, his wife, and her “daughter,” Sandy; the joy and purpose of her life, granddaughter, Shelby Jo Liford; her adored, and much-loved niece, Tammy Hatfield DeHaven and “nephew,” Keith DeHaven. Also, her “special nephews,” Spencer Orick (wife Torrie) and Stefan Norris; “great nephew,” Ripken Orick. Special family members, Sherry Bailey Norris and Shannon Bailey Barnes, both of whom she loved dearly. Extended, and adored, “family,” Darren and Lisa Cardwell, Amber Cardwell Shults, Colby Cardwell, and Hayden Smith; lifelong and loved friends, Jeff Norris, David Norris and Cindy Brooks; her treasured Knoxville neighbors, Steve and Susan Linn; all her dear friends and neighbors from the Coffey Subdivision in Tazewell, Tennessee; Lastly, her furry companion and favorite napping buddy, Zoe. 

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Shane Kelley, whom she adored; Brad Moore; and the amazing staff at Sacred Ground Hospice House for their compassionate care and love so genuinely, and freely, given to their “Gram.” 

For those who would like to remember or honor Betty, the family asks that you consider a donation to Sacred Ground Hospice House located at 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. 

The family held a private burial at Fort Sumter Community Cemetery on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Serving as pallbearers were Scott Liford, Shelby Liford, Keith DeHaven, Darren Cardwell, Colby Cardwell and Hayden Smith. Darren Cardwell officiated the service.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com