Betty Jean Rowe, age 78, of Bakersville, went Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Claude and Naomi McKinney. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by a son, Mitchell Rowe and two brothers Johnny Staton and Bill McKinney.
Betty served Mitchell County Schools as a bus driver for many years. A dedicated and caring employee, she always put the children on her route first, greeting each of them with a warm smile. Betty was a faithful member of Bear Creek Baptist Church and loved the Lord with all her heart. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed working a good crossword puzzle.
Family meant everything to Betty, and she made sure they were always cared for, no matter what. She had the heart of a caregiver, always watching out for and tending to those closest to her with love, compassion and selflessness.
She leaves a lifetime of love and cherished memories with her loving husband of 60 years, Charles Avery Rowe; daughters: Susie Beaver (Tim) of Spruce Pine and Melanie Whitson (David) of Green Mountain; daughter-in-law, Karen Rowe; grandchildren: Dalton and Logan Beaver both of Spruce Pine, Houston (Holly) Twiddy of Fort Bragg, Shelby Twiddy, Elijah Twiddy (Grace) all of Spruce Pine and Carson Twiddy of Green Mountain; great-grandchildren: Lilly, Tatum and Elwood Twiddy; siblings: Lisa Bailey (Aaron) of Spruce Pine, Claude McKinney (Carolyn) and Rick McKinney both of Bakersville, NC. Several extended family members also survive.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 in the Chapel of Yancey funeral Services. Rev. Mark McKinney and Rev. Chris Rathbone will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Cane Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
