Betty Gray Crispin

Betty Gray Crispin (known by her family and friends as Betsy) died peacefully at home on August 16, 2024 in Clayton, NC at the age of 87.

Betsy is survived by her sister, Vi Gillen of Clayton, NC. She is preceded in death by her spouse, Edward Crispin and her parents Ava Viola Gray and Cicero Hadley Gray, and her siblings: Keturah Lewis, Jesse Gray, Joseph Gray and James Gray. During her illness, Betsy was lovingly cared for by nieces Stephanie Gillen, of Clayton, NC; Johnie Seger of Raleigh, NC; and Helena Liles of Newport, NC. Betsy is remembered affectionately by many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and the children and grandchildren of her late husband Edward Crispin.

Betsy was born on October 20, 1936 in Newport, NC. She graduated from Newport Consolidated High School in 1954, where her life-long enjoyment of music was nurtured as a member of the choir. She married the love of her life, Edward Crispin on July 29, 1967.

As a teenager, Betsy spent much time studying the Bible, and she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1956. Betsy felt deeply that it was important to share with others the encouragement she received from her Bible study. For that reason, after graduation from high school, Betsy volunteered in the ministry work sponsored by her local congregation. She even moved to Florida for a time, to assist a congregation there. Upon moving back to North Carolina, she settled in New Bern, where she met and married Eddie. The two of them continued to support this important Bible educational work as the focus of their life together. Betsy also worked as a telephone operator and retired from the phone company.

While Betsy and Eddie never had children of their own, they cherished their extended family. They enjoyed traveling to visit family and also hosting family dinners, where Betsy’s skill as a wonderful cook was appreciated by all. Betsy also enjoyed gardening, reading and though few are aware, she wrote poetry as well.

In their later years, Betsy was a truly devoted caregiver to Eddie, who passed away in 1997. Betsy herself suffered a 9-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Due to the dedicated effort of family, friends and caregivers, she was able to remain in the comfort of her own home for most of this time.

A memorial service is scheduled for August 31, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Morehead City. For those who would like to attend via Zoom, log-on information is as follows. All are welcome to attend. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84206228104      Meeting ID: 842 0622 8104

The family would like to thank all of Betsy’s private caregivers, Empatia Palliative Care of Raleigh and Heartland Hospice of Raleigh, NC.

Arrangements by McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC and Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.