MT. AIRY – Mrs. Betty Lee Rose White, 85, of MountAiry died Saturday morning, May 10, 2014 at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, where she bravely faced and won her battle with cancer.

She is survived by a daughter, Ann Elizabeth White of Winston-Salem; a son, Stephen Tyler White of Roanoke, VA; and two grandchildren, Dalton Tyler White and Dana Nicole White, both of Hertford. Preceding her in death was her husband of 50 years, Meredith Tyler White.

Betty was born March 4, 1929, in SurryCounty, to John C. Rose, Sr. and Pearl Tolbert Rose. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Virginia R. Harbour, Margaret R. Webb, and Dorothy R. Snow; and four brothers, Edward E. Rose, Dennis Cecil Rose, J.C. Rose, Jr., and Robert S. Rose. Also surviving are a sister, Nellie Ruth Golding; two brothers and a sister-in-law, William L. Rose and Stanley M. and Phyllis S. Rose; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, including a special niece, Yvonne Jessup.

Betty was a member of First Baptist Church of Mount Airy, but was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Ahoskie, where she was a member of the choir, Presbyterian Women, an elder, and served on the Session. In 2009, she received an Outstanding Older Adult Award for outstanding service and dedication to the First Presbyterian Church and community.

Betty graduated from Gardner Webb Junior College and Carson Newman College and received her master’s degree in education from Appalachian State University. She also completed additional graduate work at Virginia Tech. Her teaching career spanned 42 years in several states, where she touched the lives of students from third grade through college, retiring at age 72. Betty and her husband, Meredith, enjoyed camping with their children and traveled to many states. Later, when more time was available, they made several wonderful trips throughout the United States, including Alaska, and several foreign countries with their “forever” friends, Anne and Mel Norford of Charlottesville, VA. Whenever there was time, Betty enjoyed reading, working in her vegetable and flower gardens, and watching the birds at her feeders.

A service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in MountAiry, with Dr. Roger B. Gilbert officiating. Interment will follow in the White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, May 12, 2014, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to The John C. Rose, Sr. Family College Educational Fund at Highland Park Baptist Church, 1247 Park Drive, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.