Betty Ferree Beach's Obituary
Betty Lillian Ferree Beach, 93, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 in her beloved town
of Badin. She was born on June 2, 1930 in the Badin Hospital, a daughter of the late Mabel and
Arthur Ferree.
Betty grew up in Badin, a town she loved her entire life. She attended Badin School where she
played on the basketball team in the old Badin Theatre. She played in the school band and
worked at Morrow Mountain as a lifeguard in the baby pool. After graduating in 1948, she
attended Presbyterian Nursing School in Charlotte where she devoted herself to the highest
standards of professionalism and compassionate care. Numerous nursing careers began
thanks to her exemplary example.
After nursing school, Betty did her post graduate work in Washington, DC, where she met a
young Marine Corps officer, Andrew David Beach. They married and spent the next twenty
years assigned to military bases in Hawaii, San Diego, Jacksonville, Alexandria, and Virginia
Beach. During those twenty years three children and one dog joined the family: David, Tonya,
Andrea, and a sweetly stubborn Hungarian Vizsla, Tad. Upon military retirement, the family
returned to Badin, to Betty’s childhood home on Cedar Street, and she never left.
Betty’s life was driven by service. After returning to Stanly County, she started working at the
Stanly County Hospital and spent the next 20 years passionately caring for thousands of
patients. In addition to her work at the hospital, she devoted countless hours to the Town of
Badin as a tireless volunteer. She worked with Better Badin, The Badin Festival, and was a
founding member of the Badin Historic Museum. She delivered Meals on Wheels and worked
with the Senior Center. As a lifelong member of Badin Presbyterian Church she served on the
Session and played the piano, accompanying Myrl on the organ, every Sunday for 30 years.
They were a great team.
Betty doted on her two cats, KP and Coco, who were wonderful companions. She loved
watching the birds in her backyard, especially the hummingbirds. She loved to cook and no
gathering was complete without her amazing pound cake (even though she always said it had a
sad streak), her fudge, and her persimmon pudding. Her vegetable soup and beef stew were
always in demand.
She loved playing hymns on her old upright piano, sipping her morning cup of coffee with toast
on the side for dipping, and working in her beautiful yard. She enjoyed reading her Bible, driving
to the top of Morrow Mountain, and stopping for ice cream. She was beautiful, inside and out.
She possessed a strong faith, an exemplary work ethic, and true Christian values. Some lives
are a true reflection of His love. Hers certainly was.
Known as Meme to her eight grandchildren, she loved spending time with each of them,
attending their ball games and birthday parties, and trying to keep up with their antics. And
there were plenty of antics. All those grandchildren kept her young!
Betty is survived by her three children: David and his wife, Sharon; Tonya and her husband,
Ken; and Andrea and her husband, Myron. She leaves eight grandchildren: Jeffrey and his wife,
Rachel; Bradley and his wife, Kelly; Ashley and her husband, Brett; Wesleigh and her husband,
Joey; Myles; Anna and her husband, Taylor; Avery and her husband, Sean; and Patrick. She
was recently blessed with two beautiful great granddaughters: Lyla and Leighton. Her legacy is
rich.
We offer our heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers who enabled Betty to stay at home as long
as possible. Pat, Crystal, Jennifer, Kristen, Jan, Beth and Anne were truly angels here on earth.
For the last six months, Betty resided at Spring Arbor where she was surrounded by the most
loving caregivers and residents anyone could ask for. We are eternally grateful to each of these
kind and caring ladies for making her feel so safe and special. We are so very grateful to every
single doctor, nurse, and staff person in the ER and the ICU at Atrium Health Stanly for their
tender care. And finally, thank you to Hospice and our gracious nurse, Connie, who was
selflessly supportive and loving until the end.
A memorial graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 1 at 11:00 at Fairview
Gardens Memorial Park of Albemarle. Memorials may be made to Badin Presbyterian Church,
P.O. Box 776, Badin, NC 28009; Badin Historic Museum, 60 Falls Road, Badin, NC 28009; or
the charity of your choice
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