AHOSKIE, NC – Betty Gayle Edwards Rhea, 80, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Rocky Mount Specialty of Rocky Mount, NC.
Betty Gayle was born on August 23, 1939 to Whit Roy Edwards and Mildred Liverman Edwards in Sunbury, NC. Betty Gayle was a member of St. John’s Baptist Church. She retired after serving the community at Wachovia Bank for more than 40 years. Betty Gayle lost the love of her life in 1992 with the passing of her beloved husband, JJ. She has spent the last several years in her happy place, Cape Canaveral, Florida, remaining very dear to her family back home. Although Betty Gayle and JJ never had children of their own, she was an amazing mother figure to her nieces and nephews, loving them unconditionally. She enjoyed reading, cross stitching, cooking, and being with her family and friends. Betty Gayle was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all that knew her.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph James Rhea, her mother-in-law, Minnie Rhea, a brother, Howard Edwards, a nephew, Jeff Edwards, and a great-great niece.
Left to cherish Betty Gayle’s memory is her brother, Whit Roy Edwards Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Ahoskie; a sister, Lynne Welliver of Raleigh; four nieces, Nicole E. Buck and husband Ed of Murfreesboro, Sheila Burgess and husband Jamie of Charleston, SC, Sarah Flythe and husband Brian of Raleigh, and Mary Midgette and husband Jody of Clayton; a nephew, David Edwards and wife Jamie of Ahoskie; along with many great- nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family and friends.
A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020, at 2:00 pm at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Kevin Campbell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home and burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. John’s Baptist Church, 1650 NC Hwy 461, Ahoskie, NC 27910, or online by clicking here. or to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Dr. Greenville, NC 27834 or online by clicking here.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Rhea family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
We’re so sorry for the passing of Betty. We got to know her when we rented a condo at the Canaveral Breakers. She always went out of her way to do anything for everyone she was in contact with. We spent lots of good times at her place. She always had a smile on her face. We live in NY now and hoping to get down to see everyone at the Breakers. I’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and we couldn’t leave earlier. We’ll miss not seeing her. She was such a lovely lady. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Her door was always open to anyone who wanted to stop by to visit.
Our condolences go out to her whole family and friends.
Rest in Peace Betty.
Our deepest condolences for Betty Gayle’s family. Betty Gayle always had such a beautiful smile and was a wonderful friend. God Bless you all and please know you all are in our prayers.
I think , I know I knocked on Betty’s door just to get a hug . I would be at Cocoa Beach on vacation and say to my husband let’s go to Cape Canaveral and say Hello to Betty Rhea (she never had a first name only ) I would pop over even if my mother was back in Boston (Mary Murphy) to sit a spell and listen to Betty Rhea ‘s sweet voice . She was so full of love and joy and I loved being around her . A real Christian Woman . I loved her . So sorry for your loss of such a beautiful woman .. Glad I knew her .
Betty Gayle was a dear friend of many years. I lived across the street from her and JJ for many years. Her and Aunt Minnie and Nana helped with my first baby, Stefanie when she was born in 1973. Betty was a wonderful lady.
A dear, dear lady is now with her Lord. There’s a vacant place in our many planned fun trips here in Florida. Always helping anyone in any way she could; a truer friend cannot be found.
To Betty Gayle’s family, our deepest sympathy in your loss. Ronald and I have many good memories of Betty Gayle and her family. She had a beautiful smile and could always make you laugh. She will be missed. Keep all those special memories close in your heart. May God grant you rest, comfort and peace in the days ahead. Love to all of you.