Becoming Thelma Lou

My Journey to Hollywood, Mayberry, and Beyond

By: Betty Lynn

Narrated by: Kathy Garver

Long before becoming beloved by generations of Mayberry fans for her portrayal of Thelma Lou, the ever-patient sweetheart of Barney Fife, Kansas City native Betty Lynn lived a life filled with interesting adventures and fascinating people.

In her own words, Betty shares the sometimes bittersweet, often surprising, and always inspiring story of her remarkable life. From her wartime service in India and Burma, to sharing the spotlight with entertainment royalty from New York to Hollywood, Betty always remained grounded in her Midwestern values and strong faith.

Yes, Betty Lynn will forever be Thelma Lou to millions of us, but, as you will discover, there is also much more to learn and love about this truly extraordinary woman. Enjoy her incredible journey!

©2022 Jim Clark and Tim McAbee (P)2023 BearManor Media

Thelma Lou, and so much more

Being a life long fan of the Andy Griffith show (TAGS), and always thinking Thelma Lou was the cutest girl in Mayberry, I had to listen to this book.
What a wonderful surprise, so much more than reminiscing about TAGS (even though that would have been enough). What a remarkable lady. I had no idea she had been involved in so many things. Her relationships and encounters with so many of the Hollywood stars that we grew up admiring is unbelievable. Her close friendship with Bette Davis, and Roddy McDowell just to mention a couple.

I’ve always had a crush on Thelma Lou, now I have a crush on Betty Lynn, may she rest in peace.

This book was a wonderful surprise, and I highly recommend it.

Hats Off to Thelma Lou!!

What a lovely woman!! She never whined or complained about ANYthing! She saw the good and funny in every situation even when times were trying. She did her best and I love this book! The bonus was listening to Kathy Garver reading this bio. Kathy played Sissy on Family Affair and although her voice is a little deeper and scratchier she still sounded like the same big sis to Buffy and Jodi. And managed to read this book as though she was Thelma Lou.

This book was so much better than so many bios that I've heard where those stars just never were satisfied and complained the whole way through - i.e. Sally Field, Henry Winkler, Erica Jayne. What whiners - never happy with anything, always downtrodden and expecting the worst. Always blaming someone else for their problems. Worst books ever!!! While this book was so light and airy and full of positive messages. I will always remember Betty Lynn in the best possible way for her stories, memories and down home kindness to her fans.

Thanks, Thelma Lou for giving me 9.5 hours of fun and joy!!!

Wonderful Stories

This is an amazing recollection of a wonderful lady's life and career. Betty Lynn was loved by her fans and it is so nice to have this book that honors her life and work. She loved her fans as much as they loved her. Definitely worth a listen if you have ever seen her on movies or television.

Loving Thelma Lou

This is an autobiography that you’d expect from a truly nice person. She never seemed to get caught up in the trappings of stardom, but stayed true to herself. The narration of the book was excellent as well. I highly recommend this book to fans of Betty and of The Andy Griffith Show.