ROCKY MOUNT - Betty Jean Gilliland Woodruff, 90, of Rocky Mount, NC, and Apex, NC, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. She was born on October 17, 1931, in Nash County, NC, the youngest daughter of her late parents, Margaret (Maggie) Culpepper Gilliland and Archie Vann Gilliland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Woodruff; and her sisters, Lottie Bragg and Wilma Hataway.
She was a 1950 graduate of Benvenue High School and earned her BA in Mathematics from Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, NC. After graduation, she taught high school math and coached girls' basketball, first at Dabney High School in Henderson and then at Benvenue High School in Rocky Mount ending her full-time teaching career in the first year of operation at Northern Nash High School. She left teaching to raise her family and work alongside her husband on the tobacco farm, but she continued to substitute teach for many years. The relationships formed with her students were a source of great joy for her, and she delighted in being invited to reunions of various classes through the years. She was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, member and chair of various committees, and was heavily involved in Presbyterian Women being awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2003.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Lisa Woodruff Roberds and her husband, Mike, and their children, Anna and James; and Donna Woodruff Harding and her husband, Roger, and their child, Steven, all of Apex.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Brookdale MacArthur Park, Avendelle Assisted Living at Shepherds Vineyard, and Transitions Life Care for their attention and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty's memory to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 1460 Bethlehem Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 2/18, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> |
Friday 2/18, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Funeral Service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Friday 2/18, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
In memory of Betty Woodruff, Carol Davis Gardner lit a candle
So sorry for your loss. Betty Jean was such a sweet lady. Enjoyed stopping by for a visit with her from time to time. Please accept my deepest condolences.
In memory of Betty Jean Gilliland Woodruff, Paul Armstrong lit a candle
Mrs. Woodruff was my favorite high school teacher. She was a great math teacher, but more than that, she noticed all of her students. She always made me feel that she believed in me. Sandi Betts, class of 1967.
Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
What a fine lady who was loved by so many, including myself. I always enjoyed seeing and talking with her occasionally at Dortches Ruritan Club events. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Go rest high on that mountain, Mrs. Woodruff.
To Lisa and Donna, so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She was such a supportive parent when I was at RMA and she loved you two girls so deeply. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Brenda Stallings
Betty was a faithful member of our Vasculitis Support Group. We all appreciated her contributions. This rare, chronic illness can be isolating and her presence helped us feel connected to others who cared. Thinking of your family during this time of loss.