Biography of Betty Totten Colby
Betty Totten Colby, 94, of Charleston, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, after a short illenss.
She was the eldest of five children of James Amos and Hester Tamplin Totten. She was preceded in death by former husband, James David Colby; son Jeffrey David Colby; grandson, Robert Thomas Jones; brother, Robert Totten; sister, Cynthia Pauley; and companion, Jack Samples.
She was a graduate of Sherman High School, where she was valedictorian, editor of the school newspaper, and voted most likely to succeed. She was a graduate of Morris Havey College. Betty had a long career in real estate spanning over 40 years as an accountant, realtor, and property manager. She continued to manage rental property into her later years.
Betty was blessed with a warm, caring personality and a natural affinity for making frineds. She was a competitive bridge player, voracious reader, passionate gardener, and talented painter. she was a longtime member of the Charleston Baptist Tmeple, where she served on numerous boards and committees. Her energy and vitality surpassed most folks half her age. Mom was affectionately known as "Mimi" to her immediate family and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Cynthia Colby-Axe (Dr. Steven) of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Jane Colby Jones (Robert) of Charleston; son, James Michael Colby (Karen) of Charleston; grandchildren, Colby, Matthew and William Jones, Dr. David and Daniel Axe, and Michael (Nadye) and Jennifer Colby; brothers, Richard Totten of Oakland, California, and Dr. Larry Totten of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and sister-in-law, Sandra Totten.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the Charleston Baptist Temple, 209 Morris Street, Charleston, WV 25301.
A service celebrating her life will be held at the church at a later date.