Nancy Allison
Age - 85
December 1, 2023
Nancy Elizabeth "Betsy" Allison died November 28, 2023 at Treasure Coast Hospice in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Born July 19, 1938 to John M. and Virginia T. Allison of Tampa, Florida, Betsy graduated from Plant High School and then the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and earned a degree in education. She joined her family's long tradition of participating in Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, becoming Queen of Ye Mystic Krewe for the 1961 court. She met John C. Arant during college and they married in 1961 while John was on a three-day leave from active duty in the Army. Betsy taught middle and high school English until they began a family in 1965, welcoming four children in five years. Her love of and talent for the piano and art was passed on to her kids, who also took up various musical instruments and artistic endeavors. While John pursued a corporate career, Betsy was a devoted homemaker and mother, an excellent self-taught cook, and a tireless chauffeur and cheerleader for four children's year-round sports activities, lessons, and part-time jobs. She was an avid reader and cross stitcher. The Dunwoody, GA household remained busy and active. John and Betsy divorced in 1978 and she remarried in 1989 to Donald T. Allen, a craftsman and contractor who specialized in restoring antebellum homes. They enjoyed motorcycle trips, camping, and country music. They bought 100+ acres in Sparta, GA where they built their dream home deep in the woods--a huge log cabin (every log notched by hand)--along with swimming pool, garden, workshop barn, airstrip and hangar for their twin-engine plane, duck pond, and room for future cattle. Betsy loved dogs, and by this time owned six Dobermans and two Keeshonds. But their future was cut short in 1995 when Don died unexpectedly, and Betsy found herself starting over again. In 2010 she began a relationship with Ken J. Hausler of Woodstock, GA and together they moved to Port St. Lucie, FL where they retired and became engaged. Ken doted on Betsy in every way; pampering her was his love language. He loved buying her gifts and treating her to fine dining (including by his own hand). They enjoyed first-class travel on dozens of Caribbean cruises. At home, Ken handled all the housework, yardwork, shopping, and cooking, but together they enjoyed watching college and pro football, baseball, and basketball. He was also a devoted caregiver as Betsy's health declined. Ken declared her the love of his life. Betsy is survived by her fiance, Ken, children Ginny (Pete) Sternberg, Suzanne Wells, Johnny (Kim) Arant Jr. , and Trina Morris, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and brother John M. Allison Jr. Preceding her in death are her parents and husband Don.Show more
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