Betsy Ross Johnson Middleton

On January 11, 2024, Betsy Ross Johnson Middleton of Clemmons, NC, went to be with the Lord after a lifetime of caring for others. She was born on April 12, 1933, in Yadkin County to the late Coy L. and Lottie Clanton Johnson.

She attended West Yadkin School where she played basketball for 4 years, was an All-conference player, and played for two years in the W-S Journal and Sentinel Tournament. She attended Appalachian State University, worked several years for Krispy Kreme Donut Co; then after her marriage on March 20, 1954, she worked for the Depart of Clinics at N.C. Baptist Hospital, and later for John C. Wiggins, M.D.   She then attended and graduated from the Nancy Taylor Finishing School in New York City.

For 16 years, she taught self-improvement classes at Winston-Salem Business College (later Winsalm College). She was an officer in the organization of the college and, along with her husband, owner of the school.

Betsy spent many hours each week, following her medical retirement in 1978, as an advocate for others who were in need.

She and Bob were charter members of Knollwood Baptist Church where she chaired the stewardship and personnel committees. After 28 years, they moved to Charlotte where they resided for 8 years. Betsy was active in the women’s missionary society while at Carmel Baptist Church in Charlotte.

After moving to Clemmons, NC, in 1993 she volunteered in the church office and was a member of the Ellis Sunday School class at Center Grove Baptist Church in Clemmons.

In addition to her parents, Betsy was preceded in death by her three sisters; Sue Lynch, Mary Driggars and Donna Oliver.  

She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, John Robert Middleton; her three children, John Robert "Rob" (Dawn Massengill) Middleton, Jr., Brad (Ellen) Middleton, and Betsy (Charles) Middleton Collie; grandchildren, Katelyn (Corey) Hendrix, Joseph Middleton, Lucas Collie, Samuel Collie, and Jackson Collie; great-grandchildren, Decker, Dylann, Jackson, Ava, and Lucy; sisters, Bridget (Dennis) Whitaker, and Christy (Amy Pendergrass) Johnson; as well as several special nieces, nephews, and friends.

In keeping with Betsy’s wishes, her body has been donated to the Wake Forest School of Medicine.

A memorial service will be held at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2pm, with Jeff Messick officiating. For those who will not be able to attend, her memorial service will be livestreamed at www.hayworth-miller.com, where the link can be found underneath Betsy's obituary. A reception will immediately follow the service for food and fellowship in the Robert F. Miller Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 8750 Lasater Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Middleton family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com