Betty Deviney Daniels

Surrounded by family and laughter, Betty Deviney Daniels, 89, of Morganton, NC, gently and peacefully returned to her eternal home on September 9, 2024, after a season of declining health. Originally from Rutherfordton and Cleveland County in North Carolina, Betty was the daughter of George Elliott and Ada Lydia Gold and the youngest of many doting siblings who preceded her in death. What a wonderful reunion she must be celebrating now!

Betty lived a beautiful and fulfilling life of family and professional service in Morganton after marrying her first great love, Robert (Bob) Earl Deviney. Betty lovingly cared for a family of three daughters, Lisa, Kathie, and Susanne; Bob’s many Chesapeake Retrievers, of whom Mitt was the clear favorite; and the many pets–including a horse–her daughters brought into her home. Widowed in midlife, Betty cherished and provided years of primary care to her second great love, Billie (Bill) David Daniels. And she joyfully filled her home with the laughter of more than a dozen grandchildren and later great grandchildren, all of whom she took great pleasure in spoiling.

Betty was the Chief Nurse of Broughton Hospital’s Youth Unit from its inception until her retirement. A long-time member of North Morganton United Methodist Church and, in her later years, of First Baptist Church of Morganton, Betty was a fixture in the life of her faith communities. She was a stalwart volunteer with FBC’s Food Service Committee and a dear member of the Agape Sunday School Class. She is remembered as a gentle and caring friend who was always eager to listen and quick to encourage.

Her chief joy in life was her beloved family. She is survived by daughters Lisa Mackay and husband Jeff, Kathie Zimmerman and husband John, and Susanne Eaton and husband Wayne; grandchildren Michael Mackay, Adam Mackay and wife Molly, Taylor Mackay and wife Daniela, John Zimmerman, Clinton Zimmerman and wife Becca, Rachel Eaton Baker and husband Adrian, Aaron Eaton and wife Michelle, and Justin Eaton; great grandchildren Franklin Mackay; Emmett Mackay; Luke, Will, and Emma Zimmerman; Eleanor (Ellie), Isabella (Izzy), and Oliver (Ollie) Baker; and Kinsley, Lincoln, and Landon Eaton. In addition to her immediate family, Betty is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Betty’s celebration of life will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Morganton on Wednesday, September 18, at 4:00 in the afternoon with the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00, also in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Casting for Hope (www.castingforhope.org) or the Down’s Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem (www.dsagws.org).

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.