Betty Jean Hutchinson Roark, 88, of Valdosta, died on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House following a lengthy illness. She was born in Brooks County on February 4, 1937, to the late Letha Sr., and Mozelle Monk Hutchinson and has been a lifelong resident of this area. Ms. Roark loved to work in her yard and loved baking, especially pound cakes and fruit cakes. Above all, she enjoyed studying God’s word. She was a homemaker and a member of Westside Baptist Church.

Ms. Roark is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Carla and Tom Ridley, Gina and Ricky Lofton, and Becky and Robert Rodgers, all of Valdosta; her grandchildren and their spouses, Krissy and Jason Griffis, Tom Ray Kelly, David and Brandy Ridley, Mark Ridley, Rick Jr., and Sainia Lofton, Brock Lofton, Jessica and Nick Hunter, Morgan and Scott Chance; her great-grandchildren, Harrison Ridley, Jase Ridley, Ayla Ridley, Paxton Ridley, Cason Griffis, Josie Griffis, Owen Lofton, Ena Lofton, Georgia Lofton, Elsa Hunter, Atticus Hunter and Solomon Hunter; her sister, Barbara Bustle; two sisters-in-law, Lois Hutchinson and Alice Hutchinson and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Jones. Ms. Roark was preceded by her daughter, Lisa Kelly and her siblings, Eugene Hutchinson, Letha Hutchinson, Jr., Jame Hutchinson, and Eva Nell Jones.

Services for Betty Jean Hutchinson Roark will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Philadelphia Baptist Church with Rev. Clay Luke officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.