Betty Jean Gillis Stafford, age 90, of Burnsville, went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Gay and Vaughtie Angel Gillis. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Roger Stafford, who passed away in 2008; sister, Chloe Fields; and brothers: Max Gillis and Cecil Gillis (Juanita).
Betty was a 1952 graduate of Bald Creek High School. From there, she enrolled in Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, where she received her certificate and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1957. She spent most of her 54-year career at Spruce Pine Community Hospital until her retirement. She loved gardening, her flowers, but especially her family and her Lord.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons: Philip Stafford (Amelia) of Burnsville and Greg Stafford of Camden, NC; grandchildren: Cheyanne Rathbone (Hunter), Casey Robinson (Josh) and Caitlin McMahan (Justin); great-grandchildren: Eliza Rathbone, Ezra Rathbone, Brandon Robinson, Keegan Robinson and Malachi Robinson; and special friend, Janet Brooks of Burnsville. Several other extended family also survive, including her church family at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she was a member.
Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 23rd in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Toby Crowder will officiate. Burial will follow in Whites Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to her church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at 195 Gouges Creek Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
To send online condolences, please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
