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Bet Mangum Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bet Mangum
Randy J Lofthouse
August 16, 2025
I found this ceramic art a few years ago, created by Beth Moring Mangum '97 Bloomington. Cherishing this colorful textured creation and wishing her family much love maybe there's a family member interested in telling me more about her art?
Margaret Moring
February 19, 2009
To Robin, Rob, Beth, Frank, Linda and the Garrison family,
My heart goes out with deepest sympathy to the Mangum and Garrison families. Bet was a beautiful person - so loving, talented and strong to the end. I have always felt our daughter, Beth Mangum and son-in-law, Rob, and our granddaughters, Leah and Page have been truly blessed to be part of this family. And I know Bet must have felt a true happiness watching her children and grandchildren grow into the lovely people they are. She was an inspiration and taught them so much about life and love. They will always treasure their memories of unforgetable happy times they shared with the Mangums and Garrisons at Turkey Knob, Eufala and many family gatherings. My husband, Fred, and I join with so many others who feel blessed to have been part of this family.
With affection, Margaret Moring
William Bacon
February 6, 2009
Dear Mangum Family,
What a beautiful life, a wonderful wife, mother ,daughter, grandmother and caring person. Know that our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family at this time of loss. We love you guys and look forward to our next reunion.
Love The Bacon Family
Martha Moran
February 4, 2009
To Robin, Rob, Beth, Frank, Linda and all of Bet's family,
I am so sorry about the loss of Bet - she was such a beautiful person. It is so hard to lose someone before their time. I give thanks for Bet and the inspiration she leaves with us. I hope to make her proud.
Richard Freeman
February 3, 2009
Robin, Rob, and Frank
Words can not be written saying...I'm sorry for your loss. I thought Bet and Robin has such a wonderful, compatible relationship. I respected them both as people, artist, parents and athletes.
I do hope to stay in touch with you all.
Love Richard Freeman
Brenda Binning
February 2, 2009
Dear Rob,
We were so saddened to read of Bet's passing in the Watauga Democrat. Our memories of you both go back to the Glade Valley School days and you and Bet creating our first set of pottery for our marriage in 1980. And on to ski teaching at Sugar Mtn.; Fay and I staying in the NC mountains raising our girls while you both skied and taught in the wonderful mountains of Colorado. Our few trips to Turkey Knob and so happy to have visited with you and Bet there. We love each and every piece of pottery and tile you and Bet created. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda and Fay Binning
Valle Crucis, North Carolina
Clara Martin
February 2, 2009
Rob,
I was so sorry to hear about Bet and certainly had no clue that she was ill when I asked Teresa to come out and see if an urn could be made for my husband, Bob.
You both were always so nice to everyone and I will treasure the urn that Bet made as we are planning Bob's memorial service for Sat., Feb 7, 2009.
I know there was so much love in your hearts for each other and as I have said many times, we take our vows to love each other "til death do we part"....it does not stop there but we love our spouses forever....
Prayers are with you and I wish you the very best.
Clara Martin
Rooney Abraham Ackerman
February 1, 2009
I was saddened to hear of your loss, what a true gift she had. I have several of her pieces and use them. I dont just let them sit and gather dust. That would not be right. Everything she created needs to be seen and enjoyed. My prayers are with you all of you.
Suzanne & Bud Richards
January 30, 2009
Dear Rob and family,
Bud and I visited with you only once at Turkey Knob when we had driven up from Glendale Springs to see family. We love the cups we bought from you on that trip and think of that visit so often. Thank you for your hospitality on that visit. It was so sad to learn the news through the Guild's newsletter and Deb Schillo. Bet was so full of life. We will be praying for your comfort.
Bud and Suzi Richards
Lisa Smith
January 30, 2009
Dear Mangum Family:
It is with a great sadness that I post this message. I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful and talented lady. I have so many fond memories of the North Carolina Mountains and working with Robin, Bet and their boys. God blessed each of us who were fortunate enough to have known her. She will be loved and missed always.
I pray that God will comfort Robin and family in this difficult time.
Anne Garrison Jones
January 29, 2009
Dear Mangum and Garrison Family,
Bet was truly a free sprit and touched everyones lives that knew her.
When we were children she spent Thanksgiving with us in Miami, Florida, along with Honey Garrison, Pat Mitchell and Linda Logue. These were my Alabama cousins. It was so wonderful being part of this big Garrison family.
I did not know Bet as an adult, she was a very creative and wonderful person.
May God Bless and be with each and every one of you.
Love,
Anne Garrison Jones
Maggie Morrison
January 29, 2009
I love you guys. You were such an important part of my life growing up in Sparta. I spent so many hours at that studio, it was like a second home. I learned so much more than pottery in those evenings and weekends with you. I live so far away now, but you guys, and Mangum Pottery live in my heart. With much love and rememberance. Thank you Bet & Rob.
Rosie Alice Dennard-Walker
January 29, 2009
To the Garrison and Mangum families,
I was truly saddened to hear about Bet. She was a beautiful person. I know that my mother, Minnie, looked forward to her visits to Eufaula when she worked for the Garrisons. "Miss" Bet, as we called her, gave Minnie some beautiful gifts of her pottery creations, and I inherited and will cherish them. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosie Alice
Dottie Sherrill
January 28, 2009
To Bet's Family,
Although I only saw Bet several times at son, Rob's, house, I knew she was full of inner as well as outward beauty with many talents. My deepest sympathy to all her loving family.
pam freeman
January 28, 2009
What a gift she was to all of us-So many wonderful memories and gratitude to all of you for sharing her with us-I know that bird is soaring and I hope and pray for all of you the Peace of God which passeth all understanding-Pam Creel Freeman
Suzanne Sentell
January 28, 2009
Rob,
Bet was a special friend in Eufaula. Although I have not seen her since one of the last class reunions I think of friends we had in school, going to Girl Scouts together, taking dance lessons, going to football and basketball games in the '60s, etc. From reading your other entries in the guest book she touched many hearts and lives. I know there is a void in your life now. I have been married for almost 40 years now and do not relish the thought of losing my husband. You have great memories and you can live on with those and know she is healed and in a better place.
Suzanne Harrison Sentell, Class of '64 EHS
Jim & Michelle Clemens
January 27, 2009
Dear Rob and family,
We were so shocked to read of Bet's passing, and our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. We pray that God will comfort you, hold you close, and ease your grief.
Ann Louise Ramsey
January 27, 2009
I live in Western Colorado and met Rob and Bet through mutual musician friends over the years. Bet is a wonderful soul and will be missed greatly here in Colorado. I send my sincere sympathy to Rob and family...I know they will miss her beyond words.
I'd like to submit a poem I wrote a number of years ago in tribute to Bet -
More Than A Memory
Where are you now in your state of knowingness?…
amused, I'm sure, at my state of growingness…
This constant vigilance of eyes and ears,
sharpening the senses just to find you near…
But, it's no wonder I'm not so sure where you are…
your heart has grown to the size of a star,
As your love has joined the rising sun…
more light for you to shine on everyone…
More mystery to bestow upon the moon,
serenading her silence with an angelic tune.
Although dancing freely from earth to star…
from who you thought you were to who you really are,
You are not gone, not just a memory…
lost to the senses, but not to the soul in me.
--Ann Louise Ramsey, ©1997
catherine mott
January 27, 2009
Bet, Bet, Bet,
Your beautiful family! I was so happy to see them and meet their spouses and children.
You are my history and I have such wonderful memories of our growing up years. We did have such simple good times.
You are in my heart always. I love you.
Catherine
Paula Lombardi
January 27, 2009
I suppose it was more than 20 years ago that I first called and got directions from Bet to Turkey Knob and made my first Mangum visit. What a small world it is, that I first learned of Bet's illness from a friend at church who I never knew shared my love of both Bet and Rob's work. And then I learned of Bet's death from a friend who hales from Independence. Rob, I can't claim friendship - only acquaintance, but you and Bet have always seemed the most perfect coupling to me. My heart goes out to you and your family at your great, great loss. As I held my morning coffee in one of my cherished Mangum mugs, I felt as though I might be giving each of you a small, but deeply felt hug.
Paula
Wendy Thomas
January 27, 2009
Dear Mangum Family,
What a shock to hear about Bet! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Bet and Rob created the urn for my mom's (Cathy Sellers) funeral and I have many, many pieces of your pottery that we have collected over the years. Mom was an avid collector and sold so many of your pieces in her shop--The Brass Register. I am so glad that we were able to get up to your place a couple of years ago to see you and will always remember you and all of your graciousness and love. You will always remain in my prayers.
Jo Heather Dodson
January 27, 2009
Dear Mangum Family:
I have enjoyed for years my visits to Turkey Knob, and I've been so touched by the love and joy shared between Bet and Rob. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray that you receive a peace that surpasses understanding ...
Meridy Kennington
January 26, 2009
Dear Garrison and Mangum families,
My heart is heavy upon hearing of your loss. Bet was a lovely "light" to the world. She will be remembered as a devoted daughter,sister,wife,mother, grandmother and friend. I feel fortunate to have known her. Prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love,
Meridy Buchanan Kennington
Kathie Cashiion
January 26, 2009
Betty was with me from 2nd grade throughout high school. we were always friends , but ever real close. Bet & I got in trouble several times when we were in elementary school. but always talked our way out! Since our class was so small (56) we all knew each other, it's very hard to loose one. Rob we were in several classes but, you probaly don't remember me. Please know that I will be prayng for you and the family during these diffcult times.
In Christ name,
Kathie Clark Cashion
Myrna and Walter Clayton
January 26, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow, and know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Cynthia Donnelly
January 25, 2009
Dear Rob: My heart aches for you in your loss -- Bet was such a very special person, and so beloved by many, many people. I remember her welcoming smile when I first went to Galax, and how she made me feel that she was glad I was there -- she was I think the first to hold out a hand of friendship and understanding to a transplanted Yankee who didn't feel particularly welcome! I loved her and shall always remember her.
Cynthia Donnelly
Peggy Christenbury
January 25, 2009
Rob, we were so saddened to hear about your loss. My husband and I have been coming by Turkey Knob from time to time over the years and have always been impressed by not only your talent but your love for each other. Please know that we will have you in our thoughts and prayers and we will never forget you or Bet...never. Peggy and Ed Christenbury
Anne Carpenter
January 25, 2009
Our hearts are heavy in your great loss. The Garrisons have always had a special place in our lives. We'll remember the good times as EHS cheerleaders and know you will always have Bet with you when you see a lovely playful cloud or a child at play.
Anne Bennett Carpenter and Carolyn Bennett Dunaway
Buddy Garrison and Family
January 25, 2009
Rob, Bet was the one of my favorite cousins. I loved her for her spirit, dedication, talent,beauty, and genuine love for other people. I remember the times when you and Bet stayed with me in Miami when you were in the Coconut Grove Art Festival. What a great time we had together. When I visited you in Sparta, I was so impressed with her life, home, workshop and family. She was a truly remarkable person and I will miss her smile, spirit and love . She will always live in my heart
Peggy Wheeler
January 24, 2009
We talk often of our visit with you and Bet when you stayed the night with us in Lexington, on your way to Colorado. It was a snowy night and very cold. We enjoyed a candle lit dinner and wonderful conversation. Bet and you played for us after dinner. We gained so much from that time together with you two. We treasure that memory very much.
Bet and you will always live together in our hearts.
We embrace your sadness and wish we were there to give you a big hug.
Peggy and Larry Wheeler
Lexington, Kentucky
Chris & Marion Sekerak
January 24, 2009
Rob, that pert, vivacious blonde will always be with us in our memories. We shared some happy times way - back when. The good memories will live on and on. Our deepest sympatheis go out to you in this time of great loss.
Earth 2 Art Pottery Judi Harwood/Melanie Robertson
January 23, 2009
Though our hearts are heavy, we can't help but smile and cherish the wonderful memories we have of Bet and her graciousness, her talents, and her incredible love of family and friends. Our prayers are with you all.
Shannon "Cheyenne" Williams
January 23, 2009
My heart is broken over the loss of Bet. She was a wonderful person. Even though I have not seen the two of you in some time you have remained a constant in my heart. God bless you Rob.
Braxton McLain
January 23, 2009
ROB, my deepest sympathy in the loss of "Bet" she was one of the sweetest people I have ever known.
You and your family are in our prayers. May GOD lift you in his grace and love.
Anita Haynes
January 23, 2009
It's not very often that you meet someone as genuine as Bet Mangum. Most of what I knew about her came through my sister Linda and niece Stephanie. I saw first hand the effect she had on my niece. She and Rob had a tremendous, positive influence on her and for that I am forever thankful. I know there are lots of people Bet touched in the same way as Stephanie. I met Bet and Rob once and could sense immediately the joy they shared as a couple and just how real and free-spirited they were. Bet, a gentle, nurturing spirit has merely changed shape in this great universe. Cancer may kill a body but it cannot touch the soul.
Jennifer Manuel
January 22, 2009
How grateful I am to God for leading me to Bet and Rob Mangum. My times with them I can count on one hand, yet they gave me two life changing gifts. They taught me to make pottery, and they "made"me learn to play guitar. It has hard for me to speak of one and not the other, because they truly seemed to be ONE. How grateful I am to have passed through her life, to have know her, and been forever changed because of her. She lives in my heart every time I touch clay, and every time I strum my guitar. I am eternally grateful to you, Bet Mangum.
Mildred & Bill Simmerman
January 21, 2009
The first time I met Bet, I felt like I had known her as a friend already. She had the most warm and friendly way about her and so gracious.
My husband, Bill, wanted to add this poem in her memory.
You were the potter,
We are the clay.
A friend like you
molds us and makes us,
until God has His day!
Gone but never forgotten.
Teresa Logan
January 21, 2009
What a sweet and loving lady! I feel so fortunate to have known Bet and grieve over the loss of such a vivacious spirit. My last visit with Bet was in July when she made an urn for my dad. She gave me the unfortunate news of her diagnosis with a phone call while I was in a meeting in Greensboro in August. I'll never forget the shock I felt that day in realizing that Bet's time on earth was limited. I have several pieces that I've collected over the years and those will become even more precious to me now. Rob, you will be in my prayers as you mourn the loss of your beloved wife.
Blessings,
Teresa
Faye Calder
January 21, 2009
Bet has and was the best friend I ever had in my entire life.
She was my travel buddy, she taught me to ski in Aspen, she made me a stronger woman and taught me so many life lessions. I became a strong business woman from things I learned from Bet. My heart goes out to Robin at this difficult time. To Rob and Beth and their girls, to Frank and Linda and their boys, to her wonderful Mom, her dear sister, her brothers and all who worked with Bet over all these years. She will always have a place in my heart. I loved her dearly and I love you all from the bottom of my heart!~
Faye Carmichael Calder
Martha Magroski (Gault)
January 21, 2009
My heart is breaking for our loss and for Robin's pain. AND my heart is full for the great gift to have had her in our lives. She was amazing and grew more beautiful each day.
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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
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These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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