Obituary of Betty Jane Scott

The beautiful smile and feisty personality of Betty Jane Helm Scott came into this world on September 30, 1925 and slipped away on Monday, January 24, 2022. Betty lived her 96 years to the fullest. She spent the last 15 of those years in the company of her granddaughter and caregiver, Tara Nowlin. They shared many fun days of playing games, shopping, and going out for her favorite lunch of a hamburger and a “small coke”. Betty was known as “Granny Scott” to her family, though there was nothing “granny” about her.

She was one busy bee who rarely sat down and chose to work outside the home from an early age. She was proud of her work history and often relayed stories of being head cashier at Kroger and waitressing at the Roanoker Restaurant. She loved to work because she loved people. Her favorite position was working as an operator at C&P Telephone Company. She would often show up an hour before her shift started and volunteered to work holidays and weekends. She retired as a supervisor in 1990, but retirement did not agree with her. Her strong work ethic led her to quickly find new employment opportunities at Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and Walmart in Salem where she worked into her 80’s.

Betty was a beautiful lady and snazzy dresser. She never left home without jewelry, make-up, and her hair fixed. She loved her weekly hair appointments at Judi’s Beauty Shop in Salem and socializing with the girls. Betty was never at a loss for words and her quick wit and funny stories kept everyone laughing, which was always her goal. Anyone was welcome to stop by her home for a visit and no one ever left without a treat or treasure being pressed into their hand. Growing up during the depression left Betty determined to make sure no one did without. She freely gave away “a little bit of money” to children or adults all her life.

Family meant everything to Betty. In her final days, she spent most of her time talking about her parents, siblings, and children. She longed for heaven and to be reunited with them once again. She was a faithful giver to Billy Graham Ministries and loved watching his television revivals. She attended Gospel Baptist Church in Salem, VA. She deeply loved the two children who predeceased her, Betty King Nowlin and Larry D. King. Those left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Jeff Nowlin, Karla Bower (Kirk), Tara Nowlin, Traci (Justin) Lafon, and Jennifer (Robert) Chumney. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Will, Tabitha, Katie, Noah, Sean and one great-great-grandson, Connor.

Services will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.simpsonfuneral.com