Betty Jean Woolard, age 90, a resident of Bayleaf Plantation in Washington, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at her home, surrounded by her family.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, 304 W. Second St., Washington and will be officiated by Rev. Ken Hall. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Betty was born in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Verona Brantley Paul and Lloyd McCoy. She was raised in Core Point by her mother and stepfather, Claude Paul. She was married for 51 years to Frazier Thomas Woolard, Jr., who preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 2000. It was through Betty’s hard work, support and unconditional love that her husband was able to attend college and graduate from Duke Law School. She put aside any aspirations for herself to ensure her husband and children were able to achieve their dreams. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who always considered others before herself. Her strong Christian faith sustained her through many trials, and she lived her life completely dependent on God.

Betty worked as a teacher’s aide in the Washington City Schools and as a respiratory therapist at Beaufort County Hospital. She retired from the Beaufort County Register of Deeds office and enjoyed a rich and full life post-retirement as a volunteer at the hospital and member of a water aerobics group at the fitness center. She loved watching her grandchildren grow up and she enjoyed afternoon naps, coffee, ice cream, People magazine and Estee Lauder perfume. She was a fabulous southern cook whose fried chicken, collards and butterbeans will never be replicated.

Betty treasured the friends she made at each place she worked and volunteered, and she was a beloved member of the Washington community for many decades. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Washington and attended regularly until her health failed.

Although the last two years of Betty’s life included multiple falls and hospitalizations, she never gave up. Her fighting spirit took her through multiple rounds of physical therapy, and her healthcare providers marveled at her ability to bounce back. Her family is so grateful that she was able to live at Bayleaf Plantation at the end of her life. She cherished her friends in the Bayleaf community, where she resided for 12 years.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Frazier T. Woolard, III; sisters, Robertha Sheppard and Ila Belle Clark; and brothers, Roy Paul, Ira Paul and Ray Paul. She lost her dear and lifelong friend, Geneva Morgan, in June 2015.

Betty’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Chris Ballance, of New Bern; Craig Woolard (Debbie), of Cary; Suzanne Woolard, of Greenville; and Ginger Newbold (Dal), of Washington. She was known affectionately as “Mimi” and “Tee” to her grandchildren: Craig Michael Woolard, Carly Woolard, Caroline Williamitis Sutton, Matthew Williamitis, Mari-Kate Newbold, Bobby Newbold, Jessica Newbold Ezzell, Dave Ballance and Paige Ballance Consani; and six great-grandsons.

The family would like to express special thanks to the people who provided tender and loving care to her in her final years: Tammy Waters, Sandra Blount, Teresa Humphrey, Sylvia Guilford, Becky Tingen and Clarine Robertson. They are especially grateful for the care provided by Vidant Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Diane Alligood of Physicians East, and Dr. Bryan Cooper of Eastern Headache and Spine.

In her final days, Betty expressed not wanting to leave her children. We reminded her she had a son in Heaven she had not seen in over 48 years and it was his turn. We rejoice that mother and son are finally reunited for eternity, and that we will see her again.

Betty cared deeply about many things, and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to a charity that reminds you of her and makes you smile or consider First United Methodist Church in Washington.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfunerahome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Woolard family.