Betty King Irvine

Betty King Irvine SARASOTA, Fla. Betty King Irvine, has passed on subsequent to her brave battle with cancer. Born on December 3, 1932, in Bristol Virginia Betty graduated from Bristol Tennessee High School and Florida Southern College. Following graduation she accepted a position in reservations with American Airlines in Washington, DC. On a blind date in 1957, she met her husband to be, Walter H. Irvine. They married shortly thereafter on May 3, 1958. Their life together began in Virginia and shortly they moved to New York where their first child, Walter Irvine Jr. was born. They had a brief time in Atlanta before then moving to Jacksonville, Fla., and with that move came their second child, Elizabeth. The family spent time in Cincinnati, Chicago and then finally Warren, N.J., all results of Walter's assignments with AT&T. Walter retired from AT&T and accepted a position as a Senior Executive with the Federal Government moving then to Annapolis, Md., where they would spend the next 10 years. Following Walter's retirement from the government the couple spent several winters on Anna Maria Island and then decided to make Sarasota, Fla., their permanent home in 2004. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Betty donated her time and talents to each community where the family lived. When the Irvines moved to New Jersey Betty discovered the Newcomers Club and a mutually beneficial alliance began. She held a variety of positions in the NJ Welcome Wagon Club culminating in a term as President. In the Annapolis, Md., Newcomers Club she also served on the board as President. Later Betty became a valued Board member of the Sarasota Newcomers Club; Betty's contributions as Chairman of Community Outreach brought members an enhanced awareness of the value of volunteerism. Betty also made contributions to local school systems. In 1985 she was elected to the Watchung Hills Regional High School Board of Education in New Jersey. At Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis Betty held several positions on the Executive Board including Volunteer Placement Chairperson as well as the Assistant Buyer for the gift shop. She and Walter also served as a sponsor family to four U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen who have remained a part of their lives long after graduation. In Florida Betty modeled community service by tutoring at Tuttle Elementary School and volunteering at Mothers Helping Mothers. Betty's giving spirit enriched every person whose life she touched and every organization with which she was involved. Betty is survived by her husband, Walter H. Irvine Sr; her son and daughter, Walter H. Irvine Jr. and Elizabeth Irvine Cox; three grandchildren and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Betty is preceded in death by her brothers, Albert D. King Jr. and William E. King Jr.; and her parents Ida B. King and Albert D. King Sr. Visitations will be held at Toale Brothers Funeral Home at 40 N. Orange Ave. Sarasota on November 5th at 5 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be at the Church of the Nativity at 5900 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota on November 6th at 11 a.m. A family graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol, TN on November 20th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to TideWell Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.