Betty Oswalt

Mom was born on March 14, 1938, in Laurel, MS to Andrew and Troy Austin. On August 23, 2023, at the age of 85, she stepped into her eternal heavenly home. Mom made the decision years ago as a young girl at West Laurel Baptist Church to accept Jesus as her Lord and savior and to follow Him for the rest of her life. Her faith was solid and strong.

In 1958 she married Ernie Oswalt, truly her very best friend and the love of her life. They were married 49 years until his death in 2007 and Mom has missed him every day since then. Together they raised a family and built a life together, deeply rooted in and sustained by their shared faith in Christ and their commitment and love for one another and for family. 

Mom absolutely loved being a stay-at-home mom. It was her true calling, and she did it with much love and with excellence. God gifted her with a sweet, nurturing gentle spirit. In later years she was promoted to Nana to grandsons, Scott and Chris, and she loved them with all her heart. Though she never got to meet the latest addition to the family, great grandson Callum, she enjoyed seeing his pictures and asked about him all the time.

One of Mom’s greatest joys through the years was spending time in the Great Smokey Mountains or in the foothills of north Georgia, especially in the fall. The sweet memories made there with family and friends rambling around the mountains or relaxing on the porch at their mountain cabin in Ellijay were held close to her heart and always brought a smile to her face. 

Though Alzheimer’s stole much from Mom the last several years, we were blessed in that she never lost the ability to recognize us. She loved us well even through Alzheimer’s and even to her last day. It has been our privilege and honor to love her and care for her through Alzheimer’s. We have been so blessed to have known the kind of love Mom loved with. Her love never wavered, and we will cherish her love for us forever. 

Left to carry on her legacy are daughter Gerry Grimes (Tom), son Alan Oswalt, grandsons Scott Oswalt (Breanna) and Chris Oswalt, and great grandsons Paxton and Callum Oswalt.
She is also survived by sisters Geraldine Lightsey and Carolyn Suggs, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and family for the visitation on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 2:00 pm until the hour of service at 3:00 pm at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice or to one of Mom’s favorites, French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.