Betty Gay Gould

Clarksville legend, Betty Gould, 94, passed away on May 3, 2026, surrounded by her family

Betty Gay Crowder Gould, a beloved and unmistakable presence in Clarksville, passed away after 94 bold, beautiful and joyous years. She was one of the most magical people in many of our lives—and a force in the Clarksville community for decades. Known for her creativity, her bold spirit, and the way she showed up, often cruising through town in her golf cart, she touched lives wherever she went.

Born on April 13, 1932 in Mecklenberg County to Atlee Bryan & Emily Nunn Crowder, Betty lived a full and vibrant life defined by creativity, determination, and a deep love for her family and community. She graduated from Clarksville High School in 1949, and went on to become a beautician, to start Betty’s Flower Shop and later Grandfather’s Country Creations along with her daughter Gay in 1974. She was ahead of her time in so many ways—starting businesses and making things happen long before anyone gave her permission.

Betty Gould didn’t do anything small. Not birthdays. Not holidays. Not her earrings. Not her fishing lure collection. She was a talented designer and artist and was known for taking the most ordinary things and turning them into something spectacular. Betty had a way of making life more beautiful for everyone around her. She loved gardening and flowers, feeding her birds, and she cherished her time with her family. She was the queen of Gypsy beach; and her whimsy and magic were a beloved part of so many people’s childhood stories and memories.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis “Bush” Gould and by her sister, Peggy Watkins (Waverly). She leaves behind her biggest legacy: the fierce Gould women—some of the busiest, boldest, bossiest, most capable women you’ll ever meet. Her daughters, Gay Dodson (Eddie), Ren Hite (Bill), and Shari Kilgariff (Mike); her five “sister cousin” granddaughters, Heather Garnett (Todd), Brook Dodson, Chrissy Freeman (Kevin), Shannon McKnew (David), and KK Hite; and her six great-grandchildren, Michael McKnew, Aliza Hatcher, Jack Jack Freeman, Parker Freeman, Caroline McKnew, and Greyson Freeman; her loving niece & neighbor Laura Love Watkins Pittard (Danny); and their loving children & grandchildren, and her nephew Bryan Watkins & his daughters. The family is also grateful for the love and support from her care givers Christine, Laura, Sara & her beloved Tammy. She always referred to Tammy as her 4th daughter. She is also celebrated by a wide circle of family, friends, and a community shaped by her legacy. After all, Betty Gould had a way of leaving her magic wherever she went.

Betty showed her girls what it looked like to be strong, creative, a little wild & crazy… and completely themselves. In the Gould girls, you can see the most beautiful of her gifts carry forward. Her wit. Her tough love. Her art. Her leadership. Her strength. Her joy. Her wonder.

A service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on Fri, May 8th, 2026 at 1pm at Clarksville Baptist Church. The family asks that donations be made to Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department or Historic Downtown Clarksville to continue beautifying the town she so loved; or that you honor Betty in the best way possible—by eating dessert first and then going out to spread a little magic of your own.

94 vibrant years… and what a gift it’s been to be part of the magic that was Betty Gould. 🤍

Arrangements have been entrusted to Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home.