Betty Jane Mathis Hood, age 93, passed away on January 17, 2026, in Rome, Georgia surrounded by her family. Betty was born on August 5, 1932, in Cassville, Georgia. Betty was a cherished figure whose loving and compassionate nature touched the lives of many.

Betty graduated from Cassville High School, where she laid the foundation for a life dedicated to her family and community. Throughout her life, she embraced her role as a homemaker, taking pride in caring for her family with great attention and love. Her competitive spirit flourished not only in her family life but also on the tennis court, where she played until the remarkable age of 87. Betty regularly competed against opponents 15 years her junior and achieved exceptional recognition at the state level.

Her dedication extended beyond her family and tennis; Betty was an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church. There, she found joy in working in the nursery and visiting those who were homebound, demonstrating her deep-rooted commitment to nurturing and supporting others. Walking into her kitchen you would be greeted with love (family, neighbors, friends), smells of her famous chocolate chip cookies, and laughter with a bit of competition (cards and games). Everyone was welcomed and encouraged to have a good time. Her kitchen table was the hub of her home.

Betty is survived by her son, David Hood and his wife, Anita of Fort Collins, CO; her daughter, Becky Dawson and her husband, Andrew of St. Louis, MO; her brother, H.W. Mathis of Atlanta; her cherished grandchildren: Daniel Hood (Anna) of Ogden, Utah, Adam Hood (Amy) of Windsor, Colorado, and Emily Hood of Fort Collins, Colorado; and her great-grandchildren, Hilde, Abigail, and Boden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo Brantley Mathis and Creolia Cunningham Mathis; her husband, Robert Ira Hood; six brothers; and a sister.

With the potential winter weather moving into the area, please note the following updates to the service dates and times. Funeral services for Mrs. Hood will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Fellowship Church; 314 Burnett Ferry Rd SW, Rome, GA 30165 with Pastor Brady Fortenberry officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens in Rome, GA with her grandsons and nephews serving as pallbearers.

Mrs. Hood's family will receive friends at Fellowship Church on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the service begins at 12:00 PM. 

*Please note that due to the upcoming winter storm the original service dates and times that ran in the Rome News Tribune unfortunately cannot be changed and are not the updated service date and time. The updated visitation and funeral service times are listed here.*

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Betty’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, for Parkinson’s Research at give.michaeljfox.org.

Betty Jane Hood's loving spirit, competitive zeal, and commitment to family and community will be deeply missed. Her legacy of compassion and strength will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

Salmon Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Betty Jane Mathis Hood.