Betty Jones

Betty Banning Jones, 74, of Shelby met her Lord and Savior face to face on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Hospice of Cleveland County at Wendover. Betty, the daughter of Rev. Ralph and Estelle Moffitt Banning was born in Henderson County on January 28, 1937. She lived the past fifty four years in Shelby, NC and was preceded in death by both her parents; in-laws, Allen and Hannah Jones; sister-in-law , Peggy Jones Ware and brother-in-law , Jack Creech. Betty is survived by her husband, Robert Allen Jones; son, Andy Winslow Jones and wife Michelle Whitley Jones; daughter; Laura Jones Beaver and husband Larry Beaver; grandchildren, Drew, Tate, and Clay Jones and Kennedy and Brayden Beaver. She is also survived by her siblings Valeria Creech, Jack Banning and wife Carolyn, Doris Marlowe and husband Robert, Dixie Rodgers and husband David; and brother-in-laws, Lyman Jones and wife Jean, Allen Jones and wife Sonja, and Jack Ware. A 1955 graduate of Edneyville High School, Betty graduated from Gardner-Webb College in 1957, and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Limestone College in 1959. Betty and Robert were married on September 8, 1957 and celebrated fifty four years of marriage. She joined Poplar Springs Baptist Church the Sunday after their homeymoon and became a faithful and loving servant as a deacon, sharing her talents in various ways as a teacher and on numerous committees throughout her lifetime. During her career of over 30 years as an English teacher, Betty influenced the lives of countless students at Bethware, Shelby Jr. High and Crest High School. Betty's love for nature's beauty was evident in her lovely yard, flower arrangements, pottery making and basket weaving. She found the beach to be a sweet retreat from life's demands. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her gift of hospitality created a home that was a haven of comfort and warmth for her family and friends. She and Robert hosted bountiful family gatherings throughout the years creating memories that will last a lifetime. Loved by so many, she will be remembered by her family and friends for her quite, gentle manner. Her love and patience was unsurpassed. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Andy Oliver, pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and Dr. James Richardson former pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, or Children's Home Society of North Carolina, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415, or Poplar Springs Baptist Church Youth, 1106 Poplar Springs Church Road, Shelby, NC 28152.