Betty McRary McRee

Betty McRary McRee, “Betsy”

Betsy McRary McRee, a longtime resident of Lenoir, North Carolina, passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of 91.

Betsy will be remembered by many for her numerous contributions in the community which included her role as manager of the Social Security Commission in Lenoir, her role as elder at United Presbyterian (currently known as Greenway Presbyterian), her service as President of the Chamber of Commerce, and her volunteerism in community organizations such as the Altrusa Club, Communities in Schools, Caldwell House, Operation Read, and many others.

But Betsy will most be remembered for her love and loyalty to family and friends, her passion and commitment to church and community, her musical talent, and for her warm social nature.

Betsy will be deeply missed by her loved ones. She is survived by her daughter and partner, Terri Chester and Timothy McCarthy, her son and partner Wesley Chester and Talia Morales, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Allen and Evelyn McRee. She is additionally survived by numerous cherished nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Nellie McRary, her beloved husband John David McRee, sister Blanche Reid, sister Shirley Sims, brother Odell McRary, sister-in-law Becky McRee, brother-in-law Raymond McRee.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the numerous devoted caregivers, from Caregivers By Design, who made it possible for her to remain in her home until the last few weeks of her life. The family also expresses appreciation to Amorem for providing faithful palliative and hospice support during the last years of Betsy’s life.

A memorial service to celebrate Betsy’s life will be held at 2pm on Friday, July 25th, at Greenway Presbyterian Church, 415 Pennell Street NE, in Lenoir. Attendees are invited to a meal afterwards in the Christian Life Center.

Memorial gifts to honor Betsy can be made to the following organizations:

Greenway Presbyterian Church, 415 Pennell St NE, Lenoir, 28645 828-758-4694

Amorem Palliative Care and Hospice 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645,

844-426-6736, https://www.amoremsupport.org/

Blue Ridge Parkway Association

P.O. Box 2136 Asheville, NC 28802-2136

828-670-1924

https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/about-brpa/

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Betty McRary McRee, “Betsy”.