On June 20, 2026, the world became a little quieter as Betsy Lee Reiser passed away at the age of 64. Though her journey on earth has ended, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the countless lives she touched continue to ripple outward like the gentle wake of a boat long after it has passed. Betsy is survived by her sisters, Janet Reiser Ford (Davis) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Lynne Reiser Schweitzer of Tybee Island, Georgia, along with her treasured church family, her recovery family, her cycling friends, her Boating Girls, and countless others whose lives were made richer simply because Betsy was part of them.

Born on October 20, 1961, in Savannah, Georgia, Betsy was the youngest daughter of the late Robert Eugene Reiser and Elizabeth Jean Reiser. As the baby of three girls, she embraced life with curiosity, humor, and a wonderfully independent spirit. While other little girls often played with dolls, Betsy preferred Hot Wheels and Lincoln Logs, a glimpse of the adventurous, creative soul she would remain throughout her life. Family and friends quickly learned that she was quite the jokester and had a gift for making people smile.

Betsy graduated from Calvary Day School in 1979, where she excelled both academically and athletically, especially in basketball and softball. She later attended Georgia Southern University before beginning a successful 25-year career with Micros Systems and Oracle. Whether at work, church, or among friends, Betsy became the person others depended on—the one who quietly solved problems, offered encouragement, and was always willing to lend a hand.

Betsy was a cat mom to four special fur babies. Charlie Pride and Bruce Willis were born in her home as a result of her volunteer work with a local pet adoption group and were special to her from the day they were born two years ago. Princess Lea and Chewbacca had been her kids for around ten years and were often featured in her popular online post describing them as her “Supervisor” and “Big Boss” and weaving in cute stories telling about her daily work from home lifestyle with these adorable characters!

A lifelong member of Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Betsy faithfully served through the homeless feeding ministry and the church's video ministry. She never sought recognition for serving others; she simply believed that helping people was one of life's greatest callings.

Perhaps nowhere was Betsy's servant's heart more evident than in her recovery journey. In 1987, at just 26 years old, she made the courageous decision to become sober—a promise she faithfully kept for the next 39 years. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, Betsy found not only healing but also purpose. She became a trusted friend, mentor, encourager, and quiet leader to countless people finding their own way. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many suddenly found themselves isolated, Betsy used her technical skills to move meetings online so no one would lose their lifeline of support. When the world reopened, she built hybrid meetings that welcomed both those who could attend in person and those who still needed to participate from home. She even helped establish online meetings in Annapolis, Maryland, extending hope far beyond Savannah. True to who she was, she was still attending her regular Zoom meeting just two days before her passing.

Adventure always called to Betsy. She loved riding her bicycle and found a second family among the cyclists of Cycling for a Cause. She rode not simply for the miles but for the people whose lives those miles might change. Whether supporting AIDS vaccine research, diabetes research, or participating in Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), Betsy poured herself into every ride. Weekends often ended with tents, campfires, laughter, and stories shared among friends. Her beloved collection of donkey figurines—a nod to the unofficial mascot of her cycling team—perfectly reflected her playful personality.

Betsy also enjoyed attending Savannah Bananas baseball, Savannah’s hockey team, The Ghost Pirates, and regular trips to Charleston with cherished friends. She loved theater, concerts, reading, and had recently begun pursuing one of her longtime interests by accepting a position as a ghost tour guide in historic Savannah.

She was a cherished member of the "Boating Girls," a circle of friends who gathered for sunset rides along Savannah's beautiful waterways. Betsy never arrived empty-handed. She delighted everyone with beautifully prepared snacks that somehow managed to be both creative and delicious. Together they watched dolphins play in the river, listened to music, laughed until sunset, and created memories that will forever be treasured.

She taught us that strength can be gentle, service can be quiet, and that the greatest legacy isn't found in accomplishments but in the lives we help lift along the way.

“Every sunset leaves its colors on the sky for a little while, and Betsy has left her colors on each of our hearts forever.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Captain Butler's located at 115 Penrose Dr. (Whitmarsh Island) Savannah, GA 31410 .In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Savannah Humane Society in Betsy's memory through the Humane Society for Greater Savannah donation page.