Betty Rushing Lineberger

1927 - 2026

Betty Rushing Lineberger

April 5, 1927 - March 6, 2026

Raleigh, North Carolina - Betty Rushing Lineberger passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 6th.

Betty was born in Savannah, Georgia to Gordon and Ola Rushing on April 5, 1927. Her hometown and childhood friends always held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed taking her family to both Savannah and Tybee Beach for many vacations and holiday visits.

In 1945, Betty moved to Durham to attend Duke University where she met the love of her life, Henry "Pinky" Lineberger. After graduating from Duke, she married Henry on August 26, 1950. The young couple lived in Chapel Hill while he attended dental school at UNC, then moved to Raleigh and raised their two daughters, Leigh and Anne.

Faith, family and friends were the focus of Betty's life. She simply loved people and Jesus. Betty and her family were members of Edenton Street United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. For 50 years, Betty and Henry cherished the fellowship of the Hugh Isley Sunday School Class. Betty attended many Bible studies including Bible Study Fellowship and the Thursday Morning Bible Study at the Cardinal.

Additionally, she enjoyed volunteering with Angel Ministries. These opportunities of fellowship blessed Betty with many close friends of all ages. Betty also developed lifelong friends in her Raleigh and Atlantic Beach neighborhoods, and her daily walks with her dogs were her favorite way to visit with her friends. When Betty was not able to walk as much, she started playing bridge. This new hobby led to special friendships that she treasured for the rest of her life.

Betty's greatest joy was being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Betty, affectionately called "Muv," always welcomed her grandchildren around her kitchen table for delicious meals, card games, jokes and puzzles. Summer vacations at the beach were filled with night walks to find ghost crabs, treasure hunts and playing "spoons." Most of all, Muv's family will remember her unwavering faith.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Lineberger, Jr.

She is survived by her two daughters, Leigh Lineberger Smith (Montie) and Anne Lineberger Williams (Cross). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Anne Rushing Williams, Caroline Cross Williams, Elizabeth Williams Ellington (Jefferson), William Henry Haywood Smith, Elizabeth Tremont Smith, and her great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Wilton Ellington. Additionally, Betty is survived by her sister in Christ and dear friend, Linda Horton.

The family is grateful for the special care that Betty received at the Cardinal where she thrived for almost a decade. Elizabeth Little and her care team surrounded Betty with dedicated support and friendship. Lekita Essa and her caregivers Lois Nyoike, Nelly Njenga and Annkaro Muthoka, as well as Mercy Mathaka, Rachel MomAmyi and Linda Horton provided devoted care that gave Betty a full life. We would also like to thank Dr. Todd Helton for his steadfast care for Betty. Transitions Lifecare circled Betty with compassionate comfort during her last days. There will be a private graveside service. Please join the family for a reception at the Cardinal (Gathering Room) on Monday, March 16th, 5 to 6:30 p.m., as they gather with Betty's friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Angel Ministries or Transitions Lifecare.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Lineberger family.