Elizabeth Almond Travis

Elizabeth Ellett Almond “Betty” Travis, 86, passed away on April 25, 2022, after a short but courageous battle with a rare cancer. Betty was born in Dallas, Texas and moved to Atlanta, Georgia during the middle of World War II.  She graduated from the first graduating class of The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, where she was Secretary – Treasurer of her senior class.  Betty attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia for two years and then transferred to University of Georgia, where she graduated with a BS in Elementary Education and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority.  While in college, Betty met Gordon Travis, and in 1956 they wed and started their 65-year marriage together.  Gordon’s job with Eastman Chemical Products took them from Kingsport to New York, Philadelphia, Dayton, and then back to Kingsport in 1970.  Wherever she was, Betty made a special home for her young family.  Betty also found time to volunteer, serving as President of the Dayton Phi Mu Alumnae Association, President of the Kingsport Women’s Symphony Committee, and the first woman President of the Board of Directors of the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra (now known as the Symphony of the Mountains). Betty loved history and antiques and was a charter member—and later President for several years—of the Long Island Sunbonnets Chapter of Questers, an organization that keeps history alive by supporting preservation, restoration, and education.  Betty was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Kingsport, where she was Chair of Memorials.  Betty served for many years on the FF&E Committee, helping to select various furnishings and other items for the Church, including the furnishings of the permanent Church History Room.  Betty enjoyed the hunt for special antiques, playing Bridge, arranging flowers, spending time at Boone Lake with family and friends, being with her family no matter how far she had to travel to see them, and sharing special moments with her beloved grandchildren.  Betty was a caregiver her entire life, always putting others before herself.  Betty’s legacy is a family who all love each other unconditionally, as she loved them.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Eva Mae and Tyree Almond; and her husband, Gordon Kenneth Travis.  She is survived by her daughters, Beth Travis Felvey and Tricia Travis Kenny; sons-in-law, Forest Felvey and Greg Kenny; and grandchildren Emily Felvey, Bryce Kenny, and Seth Kenny.

A family inurnment service will take place at First Presbyterian Church Columbarium.

Betty’s family would like to thank Carmen Taylor for her devotion to Betty and Gordon and her special care over the past three years.

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Church Circle, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, or to the charity of one’s choice.