Visitation
Service
Emma “Betsy” Settlemyre Goodnight, 82, of Morganton, NC passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1942, in Burke County to the late Murrel Glenn Settlemyre and Katie (Kate) Elizabeth Reep Settlemyre. Betsy was a masterful weaver, and she shared her knowledge of the craft with countless students. She enjoyed her vacation home on the Outer Banks and always made sure to feed the turtles at “Turtle Pond.” Betsy loved chocolate desserts. Even more, she loved her family, especially her grandkids and her feline companions. She was a big advocate for higher education—she graduated from Appalachian State University and helped her grandkids through school. She was a friend to everyone. She never met a stranger. Betsy taught for thirty-one years and enjoyed her retirement for nearly as many.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Glenda Kate Williams.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Allen Goodnight; daughter, Patricia Noelle Penley (Jeffrey Douglas Penley); grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth Penley (Dillon Hugh Sanders), Jeffrey Benjamin Penley (Chaley Ann Munn).
There will be a graveside service at 2pm, Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024, at Drexel First Church of God. All who attend are welcome to speak. The family will greet friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Emma "Betsy" Settlemyre Goodnight.
Betsy was an experienced teacher when I began my career and she was so kind and gracious to share ideas with me. She was imaginative, creative, and loving to children in her class. I have such fond memories of the years I taught and attended professional development with her. It is sad that she is gone and I am sorry for her husband and family. She was one of the greats!
When Lady walked into the restaurant where I worked. I absolutely fell in love with her and her husband. I adored the relationship they had and loved listening to them talk. I’ve never met somebody so giddy and loving and my life. She adopted us as we adopted her. over the time of knowing Betsey, we have become very good friends, and she was like a mother figure to me. The passion that her and Jerry have for the animals is absolutely amazing. She donated a lot of the products that she made with her own two hands rugs, being one of the things that she was famous for an our rescue. We work really hard to save so many and Betsey and I will talk about the cats that her and Mr. Jerry rescued. My heart goes out to Mr. Jerry and I know one day when they reunite he will be the happiest man in this world. Till then fly beautiful over our heads and watch out for everyone you love especially all the little kitties we try so hard to save … Thank you for allowing me to be a part of you journey and allowing my young adult children to love you both so much !!
I had Mrs. Goodnight in the fourth grade at Glen Alpine. She was by far one of my favorite teachers of all! She introduced me to Shel Silverstein as we sat in the floor around her rocking chair every day after lunch! I still love his books to this day and have all of them. I remember so much about that school year, it was the year of the big fire on the mountain. Mrs. Goodnight taught us so much and was patient, kind, and loving to all students! She always spoke highly of Noelle and loved her so much. Even as a fourth grader that impacted me! May God give your family peace during this time knowing she was so loved and is now with Him!
I'm so sorry Mr. Goodnight. You are in my prayers.
Betsy was an amazing woman. We pray for those that will miss her; including our family. I know what a close bond your family has and that you will hold each tight during this time of sorrow. Always remember the joy she brought to everyone and the knowledge she passed on to so many so they can continue to bring joy to this world.
For all the years that I knew Betsy, she was the sweetest person. She always laughed and did indeed love her grandkids. She had many talents and was always willing to share. We have lost a beautiful light in this dark world.