Betty Bennett Bayne

Betty Lee Bennett Bayne, a lifelong resident of Greensboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, Maryland at the age of 91 with her devoted daughter Cathy by her side. Betty was the daughter of the late William Raymond and Mary Audrey Shields Bennett. The youngest of four siblings, Betty learned much from her sisters Mary Jopp and Ellen Bennington and her brother William Raymond (Buddy) Bennett. Based on her adept storytelling, Betty’s children know that she had a very lively childhood despite being a child of the Depression, during which time she acquired a love of dumplings, biscuits, and beans. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Donald Tucker Bayne, and son Donnie L. Bayne. She is survived by her daughters Cathy Bayne and Lisa Riddleberger (Bruce); two grandchildren, Raymond Riddleberger (Kaisea) and Sara Noll (Brooks); and four precious great grandchildren Tucker, Brynnlee, Lexi, and Teagan, each of whom she absolutely adored. Each child was special to her and undoubtedly joyfully enriched her long life in her final nine years, as did her “granddogter” Pip. Betty is also survived by the best sister-in-law anyone could ask for, Connie Bennett, and many, many loving friends, neighbors, and caregivers, with special thanks to Kim and Dr. Karnes. After graduating from Greensboro High School, Betty started working. But not for long. She met her future husband Tuck on a blind date, and they began their married life together in October of 1954. Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed her home, turning it into a safe and comforting haven for her family and friends. Everyone was welcome. Over the decades, Betty’s days were busy and fulfilling as she catered to all generations of her family – making kool-aid popsicles, letting the kids lick the cake mix from the beaters and bowls, supervising and playing in the pool with the neighborhood kids (although she couldn’t swim!), singing (harmoniously) and dancing (exuberantly) with her sister-in-law and whoever else would join in, and providing undeniable testimony that goodness and love are real. Betty started working outside of the home as her children grew older, beginning her career at Lockerman Middle School within the special education department and carrying fond memories of the students in her charge even until just a few weeks ago, when she was recognized by one of her former students in the emergency room. As her time at Lockerman continued, she took on the roles of guidance secretary and administrative assistant. Betty retired in 1996. Until her very later years, Betty enjoyed being active. Some of her favorite things to do included sewing for her children, their friends, and their dolls. She also made sure her children and grandchildren had plenty of beautifully-crafted embroidered pillowcases and crocheted afghans to keep them warm in every sense of the word. From beds and sofas to walls and kitchens, her own home and her children’s and friends’ homes display Betty’s gifts. Betty was the consummate hostess, known for making THE BEST iced tea ever, an honor bestowed upon anyone who stopped by. Her crabcakes were world class, as well. She had the most beautiful, distinctive, and recognizable handwriting of anyone we have ever seen. She could never sneak a card or letter to someone without her handwriting giving her away. Betty’s frequent letters to her children when they lived overseas helped to make them feel at home in the world. Her handwritten recipe cards remain among her family’s most cherished treasures and will be handed down for generations to come. Betty, an unflagging fighter, was a 50-year Breast Cancer Survivor. In her 91 years, there was no illness, adversity, or heartache that Betty could not overcome through humor, faith, prayer, or a trip to Boscov’s. She shared her wisdom in countless ways, but was at her best reading to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, using stories, nursery rhymes, and songs to inspire them to learn and explore. Although she rarely travelled far from home herself, she was able to experience it through her globetrotting children. The bond between Betty and her grandchildren was immeasurable. The love they shared will be instilled in them and their children for a lifetime, never to be forgotten. She will be missed terribly by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure to know her. Our family would like to acknowledge the staff at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, MD for their professionalism, kindness, and compassion while caring for our mother and for us. Words fail, but thank you. In lieu of flowers for Betty, please feel free to make donations to Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company, or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Greensboro, Md.

Betty Bennett Bayne

December 5, 1931 - August 10, 2023