Betty Horne

Betty Horne

Betty Lou Cranor Horne, age 96, of Laurel Fork, Virginia, formerly of Ashe County, North Carolina, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Heritage Hall Laurel Meadows.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Horne was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on January 1, 1930, to the late Hugh Armfield Cranor, Jr. and Lula Cockerham Cranor. She attended Wilkesboro schools and graduated from Wilkesboro High School in 1948.

Following high school, Betty began her career with Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1948. On April 24, 1949, she married the love of her life, Horace Charles Horne, Jr., and together they shared many years of devoted marriage.

In 1991, she retired to West Jefferson, North Carolina, where she was an active and faithful member of Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian Church. Betty especially enjoyed singing in the adult choir and treasured the friendships and fellowship found within her church family.

Mrs. Horne is survived by two sons, Charles Horne of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and R. David Horne (Jean) of Laurel Fork, Virginia; a daughter, Beth Hawkins (Tim) of Stanley, North Carolina; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Charles Horne, Jr., and four brothers, Hugh Cranor, III, Bobby Cranor, Fred T. Cranor, and Thomas F. Cranor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 782, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Betty Lou Horne will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and devotion to her family and church. Her life was one of love, service, and quiet grace, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

You may give the family your condolences at our website www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.