Bette Jean Tolley

From her earliest years, Bette carried a steady warmth that people felt the moment she entered a room—often arriving with a bright smile and a sweetness that made others feel at ease. She graduated from Roland High School, where she was a cheerleader, and she was known as everyone’s friend. The oldest of three children, she was raised by hard-working, loving parents, Floyd and Audrey Larson, who helped shape the devoted and thoughtful way she moved through life.

Bette married Donald Accola, and together they had four children before later divorcing. Above all, she was a kind, passionate and amazing mom who dedicated herself to her children—faithful in her presence, loyal in her care, and honest in the love she gave. She later married Clarence Lee Tolley, and they shared 36 years of marriage.

A Christian at heart and in practice, Bette’s faith was not simply something she held—it was something she lived. She served as a deacon, remained an active member of her church community, sang in the choir, and welcomed others as a greeter at a United Methodist Church in Florida. Her kindness was steady and practical, reflected in the simple guidance she repeated and embodied: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” She urged those she loved to be kind to others, to follow the Lord and stay in church, and to remember the importance of manners—small daily choices that, in her view, revealed a faithful life.

She also made room for joy: she also loved her bichon frisé, Bella Jean. She also enjoyed square dancing, golfing, playing cards, cooking, baking, and traveling—especially cruising. Her journeys took her to places that delighted her spirit, including Paris, Hawaii, St. Thomas, California, Las Vegas, and more, and she brought home not just memories, but the quiet happiness of a life enjoyed with gratitude.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Lee Tolley; parents, Floyd and Audrey Larson; sister, Arlene Ingo; and former husband, Donald Accola.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Kevin Accola (Carolyn); daughter, Kim Fowler (Rich); son, Brian Accola (Karen); daughter, Joanie Snyder (Larry); grandchildren: Karissa (Mark), Christopher (Jenna), Candice (Stephen), Kree, Joshua, Jacob (Sammie), Rosie, and Frankie; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, William "Bill" Larson (Debbie); and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Longleaf Hospice and Franklin Memory Care Center in Johns Creek, Georgia for their care and support.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Bette was there for those she loved—steadfast, gentle, and true. As her family holds her close in memory, they take comfort in the words that reflect her faith and her finish: she ran a good race, and God is excited to welcome her home.

Please share memories with the family at www.nationalcremation.com/locations/Atlanta.