Betty Ann Gabbard Furgison

Betty Ann (Gabbard) Furgison passed away peacefully on December 9, 2021. She was born on February 27, 1933 in Owsley County, Kentucky to Ree and Lucy Gabbard. She was one of six children and is survived by two sisters, Jo (Dave) Wallace and Linda (Conrad) Huff. The family worked hard on their tobacco farm which provided most of the family’s needs. Betty’s upbringing contributed greatly to her love of cooking, sewing, quilting and all things related to Kentucky.

Betty married Richard Paul Furgison on New Year’s Eve 1952 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. They would soon travel the world with Dick’s military career, living in such places as Japan, Italy and Germany. After leaving the Army, they lived for 20 years in Sterling, Virginia where Betty worked for Sears for many years first as a tele-typist and then in the custom drapery department. For their retirement years, Betty and Dick moved to a beautiful lake home on Lake Murray in Saluda, SC. This was a favorite place for their grandchildren to gather. After Dick’s passing in 2009, Betty spent several years in Jacksonville, Florida and her last years were spent in Mt. Airy, NC where she resided and enjoyed living at Ridgecrest Independent and Assisted Living Care Facility.

Betty’s pride and joy was her family. She raised three daughters- Debbie (Gary) Bobbitt of West End, NC, Barb (John) Steffy of Mt. Airy NC and Nancy (Joe) Derajtys of Big Canoe, GA. Her most precious memories came from the times she spent with her grandchildren- Jason (Josie) Voorhies, Erin (James) Wolfe, Fred Steffy, Kevin Derajtys, Nick (Angelina) Derajtys and Natalie Derajtys. She was also blessed with three great-grandsons- Max Voorhies, Sam Voorhies and Robert Derajtys.

Betty’s loved ones will always remember her kind spirit and the care she showed for her family. She was always willing to lend a hand and stepped up whenever anyone in her family needed her. She was the first one her daughters would call with good or bad news or if they needed one of her delicious recipes. The family is also blessed to have many of her beautiful works of art such as her award winning quilts and beautiful ceramics to remember her. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Alzheimers Association in the memory of Betty Furgison.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church with services conducted by Rev. Danny Miller. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time for the service at the church. Masks are requested if you plan to attend the services.