Betty Laura Avery Kincaid

Betty Laura Avery Kincaid, 87, peacefully transitioned from earth to glory, Saturday morning, April 29, 2017 at her home in Morganton, NC. She was born on May 15, 1929 to the late Gilmore Avery, Sr. and Lizzie Fleming Avery. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, James Otis Kincaid; brothers, William H. Avery, Sr., and Gilmore Avery, Jr.

Moving from the Lake James Community to the Bristol Creek family residence located in the Chesterfield community, she attended the Corpening School in the Hartland community. She graduated from Olive Hill High School Class of 1945 where she was the Salutatorian and a member of the Olive Hill Choir. She attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. While working at Grace Hospital, she met and married James O. Kincaid. At age 36, she began working for Broughton Hospital (the second African American Health Care Technician hired) and retired in 1993 after 28 years of dedicated service. She attended Shiloh AME Church and eventually returned to her home church, Mission AME Church where she served as a faithful church member. She was also a member of the Ervin-Johnson Women’s Missionary Society (former president), Ladies’ Aide Club (former president), Senior Choir (former treasurer) and attended Sunday School. She was involved in community service and fellowshipped with friends as a former member of the Bethune Women’s Civic Club and Willing Workers Club of Shiloh AME Church.

She leaves to cherish memories to her daughters, Carolyn Fleming, Sandra Ervin, Betsy Johnson, Virginia Kincaid (faithful/dedicated caretaker of the home) and Carla Kincaid, all of Morganton: sons, James Kincaid (Sherri) of Lenoir, NC, Frederick Kincaid (friend, Teresa Hudson) of Morganton: aunt, Bertha Avery; sister-in-law, Delores Avery both of Morganton; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews; special friends, Anne Jackson and Annie J. Caldwell and lifetime neighbors and friends, Kathleen and Bill Conley, Ida Jean and Robert Carter and Georgia Bristol.

Special acknowledgements to caretakers, Jeanette Hall and Debra Surratt, Burke County Hospice and longtime business associates, Jones Drug Store and Morganton Savings and Loan for their support.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 1:00-2:00 pm at Shiloh AME Church. The service will be at the church at 2:00pm with the Rev. Dr. Jasper Hemphill, Rev. Wayne Beatty, and Rev. Lander Corpening officiating. Burial will follow at Mission AME Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

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