Betty Sue Reary

Betty Sue Angley Reary, age 97, passed away peacefully May 4, 2023 at Vienna Village Assisted Living in Pfafftown, NC.  She was born July 1, 1925 in Lenoir, NC to Henry L. Angley and Addie Elizabeth Prestwood Angley. She was preceded in death by her husband James Andrew Reary and 9 sisters and 4 brothers.

After graduating from Lenoir High School, Betty worked as a Bell South telephone operator. During this time, she met her sweetheart, James Andrew Reary (Jim). Following his service in the Navy during WWII, they married on October 10, 1946 and lived in Lenoir. In 1955, they moved to Boone where Jim worked as a mechanical engineer and Betty as a stay at home mom and homemaker. Later, she returned to work outside the home as a telephone operator and receptionist at Watauga County Hospital until her retirement at the age of 62.  Jim and Betty had a happy life and a wonderful partnership. They loved their life in the mountains and the special friends and family they had at the First Baptist Church of Boone. They enjoyed extensive travels together until Jim passed away at the young age of 53 following an 11 year battle with multiple myeloma.  

Outgoing and vivacious, Betty loved others and was cherished by so many. First and foremost, she was a dedicated wife, mom and Meemaw.  She treasured her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchild, and embraced every moment with them (quite literally, as she was well known for her hugs).  She loved music, flowers, taking pictures and hosting family and friends at her home.  She always greeted her company with a smile and a hug and a glass of her sweet tea, or a meal and fellowship around the family table. 

Over the years she ‘adopted’ several Appalachian State students and provided them with a loving home away from home. Many of them remember and love her today. She became an avid fan of Mountaineer football, even if she didn’t totally understand the game.

Betty is survived by her son Jim Reary, Jr. (Anne), daughter Carol Reary Parker (Dale, or “Ole Dale” to her); Grandchildren, Lindsay Jamison (Matt), Juston Reary (Pam), Sarah Parker, and Drew Reary (Payton); and great granddaughter Adair Sutton - with two more on the way soon.

The family would like to extend utmost gratitude to the wonderful caretakers and staff at Vienna Village Assisted Living, as well as the Stokes Hospice Team. 

  Please join us celebrating her life Wednesday, May 10 with a visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of Knollwood Baptist Church, 330 Knollwood St., Winston Salem, NC.  A graveside service at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens in Boone, NC will follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Boone.