Betty W. Caviness

1932 - 2015

Betty W. Caviness

Portsmouth - Betty Jean Willette Caviness, 83, passed away on March 21, 2015 in Portsmouth, VA. She was born March 17, 1932 in Bear Creek, N.C and was preceded in death by her parents, Austin and Callie Willette and two brothers, Theron and Curry Willette. She is survived by two sisters: Ruby Andrew of Asheboro, NC and Virginia (Bobby) Coley of Jamestown, NC and her sister-in-law, Betty Willette, of Siler City, NC. Her dear friend, Floyd Caviness, lives in Sanford, NC.

Mrs. Caviness was a homemaker and beloved mother of four children: Diane Straightiff of Front Royal, VA, Randy Caviness (Terry) of Portsmouth, VA, Marsha Hartman (Roger) of Louisville, KY, and Victoria Frye (Hayden) of Virginia Beach, VA; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was a great role model in appreciating the value of an education. After marrying and having three children, she returned to Chatham Central High School in 1959 and earned her diploma. She then attended one year of business school at Sanford Business College. She was an accomplished seamstress opening her own shop, Sew Professional, on Bart Street in Portsmouth from 1985-1992. In later years, she enjoyed taking classes at the Beazley Senior Center, where jewelry making became one of her favorite pastimes. She was an avid Sudoku and crossword puzzle fan and enjoyed reading as well. She was an inspiration to all in handling whatever life dealt her with spirit and a strong determination to remain independent and knowledgeable.

A memorial service will be held at Sandy Branch Baptist Church, Bear Creek, NC where she will be laid to rest in the family cemetery. An exact date is yet to be determined. Memorial donations may be made to the Portsmouth Humane Society, 4022 Seaboard Court, Portsmouth, VA 23701. Condolences to the family can be made online at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.