Betty Ruth Lawson

Miss Betty Ruth Lawson, born December 3, 1957 has left her earthly home to be escorted into her eternal home by Jesus. Betty was surrounded by her siblings as she made the transition. There are not enough words to describe this beautiful woman. She loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally as she saw beauty in every one she met. One of her favorite sayings; “your so beautiful”. Betty had many passions. She cared for her parents while they were living by cooking and keeping their home tidy. She had an insatiable appetite for dancing, singing and enjoying music of every genre, especially Elvis. There was always music playing in her bedroom. She loved going to church at WSF, especially praise and worship. After her mother went home to be with Jesus in 2004, that departure left such a void, so she started going to the gym at Reeves Community Center where she enjoyed walking on the tread mill,  bicycling and water aerobics. She realized water was her friend, so she learned to swim and joined the Starfish Special Olympic team where she became the teams backstroke competitor in relays; thus gaining the nickname, “Backstroke Betty”.  (Special thanks to Cathy Cloukey, whom Betty adored). She became actively involved at the Blue House where she made use of her creative side. She loved painting, drawing and creating. Donna Jackson spent time loving and bringing out the best of her talents.  Later she enrolled at Creating Successful Learners to enrich her life skills. This facility became her social outing and connection to many new special friends. Instructor Lisa Dobbs spent countless hours personally working with Betty.  She acquired yet another nickname by her special friend Diann Barnet, she became known as “Betty Boop” so that is how she was known to her fellow classmates.  When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Left to cherish that treasure is her brother Henry and his wife Carol; sisters Joan Graham, Gina Lawson, Juanita Hill, and Mary and her husband David Simmons. Betty loved her nephews, Marty (James), Aron, Derrick, Jimmy, Darren, Jonathan, Chris, Travis, Ricky and her niece Pam. Plus all their extended families. She is greatly missed by her therapy dog, Poppet. Special acknowledgement to Betty’s sister Gina who dedicated the past 16 years sharing a home, acting as a taxi service for Bettys busy life, serving as a swim coach, gym partner, fashion coordinator and chef. Gina diligently encouraged Betty to have the tenacity to be the best she could be in every endeavor she pursued. Her intense care added years to Betty’s life for all of us to enjoy. We appreciate and love Gina for this selfless dedication. She is a true blessing. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Clark and Hucie Lawson, two brothers Clark Jr. and Stuart and a sister, Patrice. Also, nephews, Todd and Jeffery plus a niece Renee. Betty’s family wants to thank every person that showed Betty love, kindness and respect. These individuals and those memories will be etched in our hearts forever. Special thanks to the staff at Reeves Community Center who made her feel so special. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Doe Run Baptist Church Cemetery with services conducted by Rev. Buford Jessup.  For those wishing to pay their respects they may do so on Wednesday from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy. Because of the current restrictions a “Celebration of Life” party is planned in her honor for her birthday in December.  If anyone is led to do so; a donation to the Special Olympics’ of North Carolina would have been Betty’s heart.