Betty Graham Deriso

Betty Ruth Graham Deriso, 93, of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026.

Betty was born on March 4, 1933, in Lenox, Georgia, to Thomas Archie Graham and Rosa May Graham. During her life, she called Lenox, Georgia; Albany, Georgia; Chelsea, Alabama; and Fairhope, Alabama, home.

She began her career with Southern Bell as a switchboard operator and retired decades later as a staff engineer. She remained active in retirement through the Telephone Pioneers of America. Betty’s life centered on her faith and family. She was known for greeting people with a hug, praying faithfully for those she loved, and welcoming family and friends into her home with something good to eat. Her pineapple casserole and chicken and dumplings were family favorites. She also loved reading, Christmas, trips to the beach, and dinners with friends and family. Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of Sherwood Baptist in Albany, Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea and most recently, First Baptist Church in Fairhope.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Ned Deriso, sister Dean Hancock, and her parents. She is survived by her son, Philip Graham Deriso, and his wife, Suzanne; grandson, Daniel Deriso and his wife Allison, sister Shelby Austin, brother Royce Graham (Linda) and many extended family members and friends.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the cemetery across from Liberty Baptist Church, 11050 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, Alabama 35043. A reception will immediately follow at the church. Those wishing to express their sympathy may send flowers to Liberty Baptist Church or make memorial contributions to Liberty Baptist Church in Betty’s memory.