Betty Lou Betts Bristow

   Betty Lou Betts Bristow passed peacefully from this world February 29, 2024, at her home, after a year of declining health.

   Betty was born September 8^th, 1939, in Buckhorn in Harnett County NC to Josiah Dexter (J.D.) Betts and Clara Florence Baker. Betty spent her younger years in both Harnett and Lee counties, graduating from Benhaven High School in Harnett County in 1957.

   In 1961, Betty was introduced to Larry Wilson Bristow by mutual friends. The couple fell madly in love, marrying shortly thereafter on October 8^th, 1961, in Bennettsville SC.

   The Bristows made a life in Sanford where children Anthony (Tony) and Kimberly (Kim) were born. In 1967, shortly after Larry began working at Kellwood Company, the family moved to Siler City.   Two more children, Michelle, and Tracy were born after the family settled in Siler City.

    Betty spent the early years of her children’s lives as a homemaker and caregiver for her children, as well as caring for other children in their home. Once the kids grew older, Betty became employed outside the home, working at both LoMark and McDonalds. In her early forties, Betty decided to pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser and obtained her cosmetology degree from CCTC in Sanford. She then worked at several beauty shops in Siler City for over two decades. Even after retirement, she continued to cut hair for her family and close friends until her arthritis in her hands made it impossible.

    Betty enjoyed family vacations, cooking for her family, playing in the snow, planting flowers, watching wildlife (especially birds) and traveling with her husband.

     In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her younger sister, Shirley Betts, mother-in-law Minnie Ruth McRae, sister-in-law Janette Ashley and husband Bobby, and brother-in-law John Harold Tyson.

     Left to cherish Betty’s memory are her husband of 62 years, Larry of the home; and 4 children: son Tony (Stretch) Bristow and wife Donna of Siler City; Kimberly (Kim) B.  Gaines and husband Ricky of Bear Creek; Michelle Bristow of Siler City; and Tracy Bristow and girlfriend Kimberly Thomas of Pittsboro.

     Grandma Betty (Gma) also leaves behind 7 grandchildren whose lives were very much shaped by her love and constant presence: Marlene Gaines of Jefferson; Jedidiah (Jed) Bristow and wife Abby of Siler City; Shelby G. Stitcher and husband Nathan of Hays, KS; Erin Bristow Spear and husband Justin of Newland; Luke Pierce and wife Kaitlin of Siler City; Emily Pierce of Siler City; and Madison Gaines of Bear Creek.

      Betty is also survived by great-granddaughters Marlee Stonecipher of Jefferson, and Ellie Spear of Newland. Another Spear great-grandchild is expected in July.

      Betty also leaves behind brother-in-law Tommy Tyson and wife Jackie of Robbins, sister-in-law Janice Tyson of Asheboro and several nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

      The family will receive friends and family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 3/2/2024 at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at Brookdale Baptist Church on Sunday 3/3/2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. John Klink, Jr. officiating. A private burial service will follow at Lee Memory Gardens in Sanford.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookdale Baptist Church P.O. Box 428 Siler City, NC 27344. 

 Smith & Buckner Funeral Homes is assisting the family.

 Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com