Obituary Betty Holt Elliott

The Heavenly Choir gained a soprano this week when Betty Holt Elliott, 89, passed away in Shelby, NC on December 22, 2020.   She was born in Stanley County on April 11, 1931, to the late Glen and Mary Holt.  She is survived by her children,  Debbie (Bo) Johnson, Betsy (Rolly) Davis, Gwyn (Rusty) Fuller, Deana (C.M.) Mode and Bobby (Margie) Wallace; beloved grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin), Holly (C.D.), Erin, Allen, Savannah and Robert, and great-grandchildren Caroline, Luke, Emerson, and Charli.  She is also survived by her late husband’s daughters, Margaret Harper and Sharon (Bob) Arnold; grandchildren Chuck (Crystal), Sherry (Rick), Michael (Mory) and  Bobby and great-grandchildren Ben and Lily.  In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Elliott, her sister, Pat Brown, brothers Robert and David Holt, stepdaughter Linda Wackerman and an infant son.

Betty grew up in Asheboro, NC and graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College.  She taught 1st grade and Kindergarten in Moore County and found much joy in her 44 years of teaching.  She touched so many young lives, and loved visiting with her former students.  Betty was a skillful tennis player, and introduced many Carthage residents to the game on her backyard clay court, also winning many trophies along the way.  Music was another passion, and she served for over 50 years as the Choir Director of the First Presbyterian Church in Carthage.  How she loved her Church and her Church Family.  And her chocolate cake was legendary at Church picnics! Her last musical position was leading a weekly session of “Sing-along-with Betty” at Brookdale in Shelby.

But, far above everything, she was an amazing Mother and Grandmother. Even while teaching full time, she never missed a sporting event or school activity for her 5 children.    “Grandma Betty” considered her grandchildren a marvelous gift, and she made each one feel so special.  How they loved spending time with her on the front porch swing or singing with her at the piano.  

The family would like to express their appreciation to the loving staff of Brookdale Shelby, who cared for Betty as if she were family, and to Hospice of Cleveland County.   

The family will have a graveside service in Carthage in January and hope to be able to have a Celebration of Betty’s life when conditions allow.  

Memorials to honor Betty can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Carthage, P.O. Box 397, Carthage, NC  28327.

Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is assisting the Elliot family. 

Online condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com

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