Betty Dempsey Baggott, 91, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on March 28, surrounded by her family. Her life was a radiant testimony of faith, family, church, and community, lived with grace, humor, and a heart fully devoted to God.

Born on January 29, 1935, in Augusta, Georgia, to Jack and Bessie Dempsey, Betty was raised in a home that nurtured both her deep faith and her gift for connecting with others. She graduated from Richmond Academy, attended the Junior College of Augusta, and continued her education at Mercer University and Texas Christian University. It was at Richmond Academy that she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Baggott Jr. When Bob shared his plans to pursue a career in sports and recreation leadership, neither could have imagined the path God would ultimately call them to walk together—one of ministry, service, and shared purpose. They were married on August 25, 1955, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love.

As a devoted pastor's wife, Betty embodied a ministry all her own. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and deeply loved. Whether opening her home, offering a listening ear, or sharing laughter, she reflected the spirit of Christ in both quiet moments and joyful gatherings. She walked faithfully beside Bob through every season of ministry, serving congregations at First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida; Newnan, Georgia; Opelika, Alabama; Dothan, Alabama; Birmingham, Alabama; and Farmville Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama. She also supported Bob's 20-year Chaplaincy position with the Auburn Tigers. Together they accomplished great things, including launching the college ministry at First Baptist Church Opelika, one of the first of its kind, which drew hundreds of students each week. This model of ministry continues to ignite churches nationwide.

A gifted writer from an early age, Betty began with high school and college plays, eventually creating a humorous musical skit about the life of a preacher's wife. In 1973, she began writing a weekly motivational column for the Opelika-Auburn Daily News. Her words, marked by honesty, wit, and deep faith, resonated widely and led to the publication of her book, My Heart to Yours. Through her writing, Betty shared her own human struggles with candor and love, always pointing others toward hope, joy, and a fuller life in Christ.

Her warmth and natural ability to connect with people made her a sought-after speaker. Her talent extended to television, hosting a highly rated morning show on WDHN (ABC) in Dothan, Alabama. Betty also served faithfully in many leadership roles, including the Newnan Junior League, Opelika Arts Association, Camp ASCCA Advisory Board, Samford University Auxiliary League, and as President of the Southern Baptist Convention Ministers' Wives. She was a much-celebrated columnist and member of the Board of Directors for The Alabama Baptist publication. In Newnan, she also served as Public Relations Director for the local hospital for ten years.

After Bob's passing in 2000, she moved from Opelika to Montgomery, Alabama, where she poured her heart into Eastern Hills Baptist Church—serving faithfully in many ways, and lifting her beautiful alto voice in the Adult Choir. In 2019, she moved to Minnesota and found a new church home at Wayzata Community Church, where she joyfully supported the Parables Disability Ministry Worship Service through teaching, preaching, and mentoring.

In every season of life, Betty poured herself into others as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, PTA Board, scout leader, encourager, and friend. She had a gift for turning ordinary moments into sacred ones, and conversations into connections that left people feeling known and loved. Her life was her message—one of faith lived, love freely given, and joy that pointed always back to God.

Betty is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Dr. Robert Baggott Jr.; their son, Jack Allen Baggott, parents, Jack and Bessie Dempsey, sister, Janelle Dempsey and her stepmother, Dorothy Dempsey, sister-in-law, Susie Baggott McKinnon (Frank), Nephew Carter McKinnon. She is survived by her children, Rev. Dr. Robert Baggott III (Casey) of Victoria, Minnesota & North Palm Beach, FL; Cheryl (James) Chappell of Montgomery, Alabama; and Autumn (Chris) Toussaint of Excelsior, Minnesota; her cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Jim (Britni), Peyton (Clay), Katie (Devan), and Kevin; her great-grandchildren, Aria and Brooklyn; beloved nephews Wes, David, and Clay McKinnon; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Friday, April 10, at Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:15 am in the Reception Parlor, followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, AL. All are welcome to attend. If you wish, you are invited to wear blue and orange in honor of Betty's beloved Auburn Tigers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Betty's Celebration of Life Fund. Contributions may be sent to Autumn Baggott Toussaint, 4965 Suburban Drive, Excelsior, MN 55331.