Betty Jean Hayes Christmas, age 86, of Bartow, Florida passed away on Friday May 15, 2026. She was born in Alma, Georgia on November 25, 1939, to the late Jimmie L. Hayes, Sr. and Ethel Thomas Hayes.

Betty married James Fentriss (Buddy) Christmas, Sr. on September 1, 1956, they spent 36 wonderful years together before his death in 1993.

Betty was a member of Bartow Church of God. She worked for Tupperware, Kash n Karry, and Food Lion. After retiring, she worked part time for the Polk County School Board as a crossing guard.

In addition to her husband Betty is preceded in death by her son, Jerry Dewayne Christmas; her parents, Jimmie Lee Hayes and Ethel Thomas Hayes; brothers Jimmie Lee Hayes, Jr and James Albert (Bud) Hayes all of Alma, Georgia.

She is survived by her son, James Fentriss Christmas Jr (Lisa) of Bartow, Florida and daughter, Judy Elizabeth Christmas of Winter Haven, Florida; grandsons, Jason Tyler Lashley (Shannon) of Tavares, Florida and Clayton Kenneth Wilson of Bartow, Florida; two great-grandchildren, Triston and Olivia Lashley.

Funeral services will be Saturday May 23, 2026, at Liberty Church of God (248 Liberty Church Rd, Alma, GA, 31510) at 11 AM with Rev. Leon Guest officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 AM until service time. Interment will follow at Big Creek Church Cemetery (701 Big Creek Church Rd, Alma, Ga).

Funeral arrangements are in care of Crosby Funeral Home.