Betty Lou Whitley Brown | Eastern North Carolina Now

Born: November 29, 1938, Died: August 18, 2018

    Betty Lou Whitley Brown, age 79, passed away on August 18, 2018 at the Vidant Inpatient Hospice House after a determined and courageous 10 year battle with cancer.

    Funeral services will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Washington, at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 21st. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Paul Funeral Home, Washington, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM on Monday.

    A lifelong resident of Washington, Betty Lou was born on November 29, 1938. She was preceded in death by her father, John Woodrow Whitley, and her mother, Estelle McRoy Whitley. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She took great joy in every interaction with her children and grandchildren, and always put their interests and needs ahead of her own even as her disease progressed. She loved the time she spent on the Pamlico River with friends and family and, later, visits to the beach. She was an animal lover and cherished the companionship of her dog, Woody, and Mimi, her cat. Betty Lou attended Washington City Schools, East Carolina University, and Hardbarger Business College. She worked in her parent's business, Nicholls and Whitley Electric Company, at Edinburg Lumber Company, and, later, in childcare for several families whom she adored. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church

    She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Brick and Mary Craig Brown of Raleigh; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Jack Callahan of Chocowinity; daughter and son-law, Lisa and Steven Ruark of Pantego; grandchildren and spouses, Whitley Brown (Abby), Annie Montague (H.L), Meredith Rawls (Brad), Elizabeth Spruill (Justin); and grandsons, Taylor Buck and William Harris. Her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as "MamMa". She is also survived by her faithful friends, Lou Day and Elizabeth Woolard.

    The family wishes to thank the extraordinary and compassionate doctors, nurses, therapists, and other caregivers at Vidant Health, Washington and Greenville, and at the Vidant Inpatient Hospice House. Mom was especially thankful for the care she received from Drs. Richard Young and Paul Walker.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 985 Washington, NC 27889; the Vidant Inpatient Hospice House, P.O Box 8489 Greenville, NC 27835; or a charity of one's choice.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Brown family.