Betty Goodwin

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Betty Goodwin
Betty Goodwin

Betty F. Goodwin passed away peacefully with her son by her side on July 8, 2014, at the McCall Hospice House n Simpsonville, SC following complications from a heart attack. Betty was 95 years old.

Betty attended Longwood College and began teaching school at the age of 19. She met her husband, Dexter B. Goodwin, while he was attending Roanoke College in Salem. They married in 1939 and Betty kept the home fires burning while her husband flew 68 combat missions during World War II. They had two daughters before the war, and a son was born following her husband’s return from overseas.

At their retirement, the Goodwins moved to Martha’s Vineyard, where Betty continued to teach and volunteer. They had many friends and a full life on the island, but returned to Salem, VA to care for Betty’s mother.

Betty and Dexter moved to Crozet in 2000 to be near family. Betty’s husband, Dexter, passed away in 2005 after 65 years of marriage. It was the small town atmosphere that was perfect for Betty and sustained her. She made frequent trips to the library, the bank, and grocery store, where everyone knew her and enjoyed her friendly spirit.

Betty, or “Gummie” as she was called by her growing brood of grandchildren, never stopped teaching and always enjoyed a party with lots of children gathered around her knees, listening to stories and singing songs. She always looked as if she’d just walked out of a spring garden because she dressed in colors that complimented her sparkling blue eyes. Quick to smile and a friend to everyone she met, Betty was the quintessential lady, who made everyone around her feel special. She lived each day to the fullest and would always offer a toast to her husband, “to another day together.”

Betty is survived by her children, Dexter B. Goodwin Jr. (Gale) of Greenville; Bevin G. Cetta (Vito) of Charlottesville, VA; and Ann G. Draper (Jerry) of Chattahoochee, FL; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Her family is sustained by many happy memories of Betty, and knows that she was always proud of all of them and their accomplishments.

Following cremation, Betty will join her husband once again in Edgartown, MA where a memorial is planned for this fall. Memorial contributions may be made to the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, SC or to the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown, MA.

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