Visitation
Committal
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Tester Severt, 86, of Morganton, NC, entered eternal rest with her Lord on December 30, 2022.
Ms. Severt was born February 26, 1936, in Valle Crucis, N.C. to the late Thomas Duke Tester and Margaret Jeanette Tester. She was the youngest of 12 siblings and raised in Valle Crucis, N.C. or “God’s Country” as she affectionately called it.
Ms. Severt graduated from Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. in 1956. After her three children reached school age, she became a teaching assistant at Wilkesboro Elementary School in Wilkesboro, N.C. In 1970, she relocated to Lenoir, N.C. with her family, was a medical receptionist and known as the “infectious smiling face” who greeted patients at Thompson Medical Specialists, PA for over 30 years. Ms. Severt never met a stranger and treated everyone with kindness. Her impeccable manners and quick-witted humor were unforgettable.
While in college, she was a member of a ballroom dance team and continued her love for dance and music for many years. Additionally, she enjoyed sewing, reading, and made the best fried chicken and sweet tea in the South. Ms. Severt was also a member of “St. Matthews United Methodist Church” in Morganton, N.C.
Ms. Severt was preceded in death by seven brothers, Grady Tester, Earl Tester, Floyd Tester, Frederick Tester, Rev. Welch Tester, Henry Tester, and Edward Tester; and four sisters, Ola Bowman, Nancy Townsend, Lillian Sherer, and Jean Herman.
Surviving family members include two daughters, Donna (Rick) Severt Starnes of Morganton, N.C. and Diana (Darl) Severt Boddorf of Cary, N.C.; one son, Paul (Tammy) Hugh Severt, Jr. of Valdese, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Moretz, Emily Ludlam, Kirstie Seagle, Braxton Boddorf, Bracy Boddorf, Andrew Severt and Jonah Severt; and five great grandchildren. Ms. Severt is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 2pm, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at her childhood church, “The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross” in Valle Crucis officiated by Rev. James B. F. Tester and her nephew, James Tester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Tester Severt.
Such fond memories of Betty and working with her at Thompson Medical Specialist. She was a genuine caring lady in every sense, and a consummate professional member of our staff. My sincerest condolences to the family. Dr Rodney Stalheim
Betty and I worked together for close to 30 years at Thompson Medicall Specialistrs in Lenoir. Betty always had a smile and treated the staff and patients with courtsy and the utmost respect. I am sure she was a good mother because she shared her love for the three of you children when in conversation about her family. So sorry to hear of her demise. I know you will always have good memories of her.
The photo is how I want to remember Betty. I first met Betty as a patient at TMS then I also worked there for a year or so. My x-husband and I were dear friends of Betty and Hugh and I have so many wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Donna, Diana and Paul(better known as wormy). Cindy Seehorn
Dear Paul and family, We were so saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. A mother usually represents the heart of the home and knowing you, she had a lot to do with how you were raised. We are here for you if there is anything we can do. You know where we are. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers and you are loved.
She was so sweet and precious and will be missed