Betty Lou Mercer Foreman | Eastern NC Now

    Betty Lou Mercer Foreman

    December 12 1928-September 20 2026

    Predeceased by her parents James Harrison Mercer and Caroline Parks Mercer of Belhaven.

    NC. Married Gilbert H Forman who predeceased her May 12 1994.

    Survived by her son Gilbert David Foreman and daughter Lisa Vandalia Foreman Dixon (William).

    Her precious grandchildren, Stephene, Carlie, Vince, Ashley, Rhodie, Kimber, Reghan, Robin, and Alexis. Including 14 great grandchildren. All of whom she was devoted to unconditionally.

    Graduated from John A Wilkinson High School as a proud Bulldog, After school she married and spent time moving around with her husband's commercial fishing life, living in Gulf Shores, Alabama before coming back to live on the river at Pamlico Beach. Betty attended cosmetology school and opened her own shop next to her house so she could be closer for her family.

    Devoted mother to all, she would feed a small army for Sunday dinner. Never knew who would be sticking their head into Aunt Bet's oven for leftovers.

    Running her shop for more than 30 years, the hurricanes finally put an end to Betty Lou's Hairstyling. But she was not about to retire, She began doing respite care, taking care of many people that she loved like family.

    Her favorite time of the year was Christmas and the joy of giving was her greatest pleasure.

    A devoted Southern Baptist and charter member of Pamlico Beach Missionary Baptist church, as the adult Sunday school teacher she shared Jesus with everyone. Not only in her lessons and prayers but in her love for anyone she met. She raised her children and grandchildren knowing about Jesus, singing songs of Jesus, and loving everyone, Carried the salvation of Christ her whole life and is rejoicing with her Lord and Savior.

    After some health issues, she moved to St Augustine FL to be close to her children, where she started a new phase of life full of family, church and new friends. She loved her time at

    Anastasia Baptist Church and made many good friends there.

    Living to almost 98 years old she endured many sorrows and watched everyone she loved move on before her, but she never gave up and never wanted to be away from her children and grandchildren who love her endlessly and will remember the example she gave them and the love she shared for them. Ask anyone of them and they can readily tell you "Nana's Rules"

    "Good gets good

    Bad gets bad

    Mess up Clean up

    And NO FIGHTING"

    Betty was predeceased by infant daughter Nellie Elizabeth Foreman and her sisters Dorothy Vorce and Mary Hutt. Also by her big brother and best friend Jack Mercer who she loved more than anyone could know,

    Betty will be celebrated on Sept 26, 2026 at Life Gate Baptist Church at 1:00PM with Rev Eric Hill officiating. Visitation one hour before, starting at 12:00PM

    Service followed by internment at Ryder Hill Cemetery with James Mercer officiating.

    Pall bearers will be Braxton Bell, Jordan Bell, Nick West, Gavin Allman, William (Bubbie) Dixon, Tim West, Kyle Turner, Allen Ashton

    Honorary mention are her nephews James Mercer, Steve Mercer, John Mercer, and Fred Mercer.

    Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Foreman family.