Elizabeth "Betty" McDonald Lilly

Elizabeth "Betty" McDonald Lilly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on January 20, 1930, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Charles Plato McDonald and Evangel Galloway McDonald.

Betty lived a life marked by kindness, grace, faith, and devotion to her immediate and extended family, and to her friends. Time spent with family and friends was cherished by Betty. Betty was known for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the care she showed to those around her. Her love, wisdom, and compassion touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Betty's upbringing was rooted in the Methodist church where she was surrounded by family members serving in the ministry. She was the granddaughter of a Methodist minister, sister of a Methodist minister/district superintendent, and the niece of a bishop in the Methodist church. She also had two nephews in the ministry. A longtime member of Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa, Betty's faith was an important part of her life. She found strength and joy in her church community, serving the church in many capacities, and lived with a spirit of humility, service, and love.

She attended the University of Arkansas where she met her husband Major Atlas "At" Lilly. Betty and At, were married for 39 years, until his death in 1987. They shared a love of domestic and international travel and adventure creating many treasured memories along the way. Family members fondly remember their early travel and first car, affectionately named "Shasta,-she has to have" and the familiar family refrain: "Shasta needs gas. Shasta needs oil. Shasta needs fixed." Those simple words became part of the family's cherished stories and reflected the joy, humor, and togetherness that Betty and At brought to everyday life.

Betty devoted much of her life to serving others. She volunteered for 47 years with the Saint Francis Hospital Volunteer Program in Tulsa, where her compassion and dedication positively impacted countless patients, families, and staff members. She also served through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program as a Tulsa Airport Ambassador for more than 25 years, warmly welcoming travelers to Tulsa with her friendly smile and gracious spirit.

Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed singing in local and church choirs and having the companionship of dogs. Her singing and love for dogs brought her happiness and many smiles from her youth until her passing.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Major Atlas "At" Lilly; her sister, Mary Eleanor Price; and her brother, Charles Paul McDonald Jr.

She is survived by her children, Lucinda "Cindy" Lilly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Larry Lilly (wife, Dorothy) of Norman, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, Scot Lilly (wife, Meredith), and Nicole Lilly Curry (husband, Chris); and her great-grandchildren, Liam Lilly and Caitlynn Curry.

A graveside service will be held in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where family will gather to celebrate and honor Betty's life and memory.

If you would like to honor her memory, please share acts of kindness and love reflecting the generous and caring life she lived. If you would like to donate, donations may be made to Boston Avenue Methodist Church (Tulsa), Oklahoma Westie Rescue (Tulsa), or your favorite charity.