Obituary of Betty Barnes Elliott

Betty Barnes Elliott, age 83, of Cottonwood Lane, Winston-Salem, a native and former resident of Boone, and formerly of Morrisville, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem. Betty was born and grew up on the family farm in Boone. She knew the value of education, and graduated from UNCG with a teaching degree, later augmenting this with a master�s degree from Appalachian State Teacher�s College. She then taught kindergarten through eighth grade for 31 years; most of this time was in the primary grades in the Watauga County school system. She was a successful businesswoman, running the Black Bear Motel, an icon of the Boone area for many years, later changing it over to the Black Bear Apartments. Betty was interested in genealogy and her Scottish heritage, and served as area representative, secretary and registrar of the Clan Lindsay Association USA at various times. She made several trips to Scotland�one of the 27 or so countries she visited during her life�and was a strong supporter of the Scottish arts, particularly music. She loved the many dogs and cats she had over the years, she loved the mountains where she grew up and she enjoyed visiting the beach. Active, undaunted and independent, she was very intelligent and enjoyed books, crosswords, board games and intellectual challenges of all sorts. She had a fondness for card games, especially bridge. Betty loved many and was loved by many. Her faith was a source of comfort and inspiration to her and she made many friends through the churches she attended. She kept in touch with her high school graduating class and with her college roommates for more than 60 years after graduation. Betty made a profound, positive impact on many people as a mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, friend and fellow Scot. She supported her three children (two of whom survive) and her two grandchildren in all of their endeavors. Those who had the opportunity to know her are certainly the richer for it. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, August 28th, at 2 PM at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Jeff McLean. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 o�clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Family and friends are invited to a memorial dinner at the Daniel Boone Inn at 5:00 PM following the service. Please come, and bring a story about Betty to share with the rest of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations to an anti-tobacco organization such as www.thetruth.com or www.tobaccofree.org in honor of Betty are encouraged. Online condolences may be shared at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Elliott family.