Betty Mae Rayfield

Betty Mae Rayfield, 91, of Bessemer City, peacefully passed away on October 4, 2025, at Testa Family Hospice House. Born on November 27, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Lee Bridges and Etta Mae Bridges.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Russell “Mutt” Hobson Rayfield, Jr., and her brothers, Joe Bridges of Bessemer City and Floyd Bridges of Kings Mountain.

A woman of strong faith, Betty was a devoted and lifelong member of Long Creek Presbyterian Church, where she found joy in serving through various ministries, including Bible school and the church choir. Her faith and kindness touched many lives over the years.

Betty dedicated nearly 38 years of service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she worked as a Clerk, before retiring to spend more time caring for her family—a role she embraced wholeheartedly. She lovingly embraced her nieces and nephews across three generations as if they were her own. She celebrated each birth, followed their lives with joy, and was present for countless ball games, dance recitals, birthday parties, graduations, and weddings. She especially loved babysitting, once saying, "Babysitting made my life complete, and I enjoyed every minute." To those who knew her best, she was affectionately known as “TT”—and each one of them knew without a doubt how deeply they were loved by her. She remained endlessly proud of her family’s many accomplishments throughout her life.

She had a creative spirit and a deep appreciation for the arts. Betty enjoyed quilting, gardening, and was particularly passionate about ceramics, especially crafting Old World Santas that reflected her warm and joyful nature.

In her later years, she was lovingly cared for by nephew Mike and his wife Dena, whose compassion and dedication brought her great comfort. She also shared a special bond with her faithful furry companion, Clyde, whose presence brought her immeasurable joy and comfort.

She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory and the warmth, laughter, and love she brought into their lives.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Long Creek Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Will Upchurch, Rev. David Saldo, and Lucas Saldo. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Church. Burial will follow in Long Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or to Long Creek Presbyterian Church, 701 Long Creek Rd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Rayfield family. To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com.