Dr. Betty Jane Bunton Fisher, PhD

Dr. Betty Jane Bunton Fisher, passed through the gates of heaven at 10:08 PM, Monday, January 27, 2025 at Hospice Haven in Rockingham, North Carolina. Dr. Fisher lived to be 90 years old at the time of her passing.

Betty Jane Bunton was born October 26, 1934 in a logging camp in the Low Country of South Carolina. Betty’s young birth mother passed away a few months after her birth. Neighbors in the logging camp, Herbert and Florence Bunton took the premature Betty and raised her as their own. They later officially adopted her and raised her in Ridgeland,SC. Dr Fisher was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Fred S. Fisher, Sr. her son, Fred S. Fisher, Jr. Herbert and Florence Bunton and special cousin, Norma Fogle.

Betty is survived by one daughter, Yvonne (Vonnie) Gilmer, son-in-law, Steven Gilmer, four grandchildren, Stuart Gilmer (Casi), Kyle Gilmer (Stephanie), Alea Petersen (Grant), Conrad Fisher, four great grandchildren, Mallory Gilmer, Maddux Gilmer, Noah Gilmer,Boston Gilmer. She also leaves behind other family members and friends around the world who greatly loved her and will miss her.

Leaving home at the age of 16, Betty married the love of her life, a young evangelist, Fred Fisher. Together they served God faithfully in ministry to others for 72 years. Their ministry took them to several pastorates and administrative positions in South Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, Kentucky, and Virginia. Betty was passionate about education and passing knowledge along to others. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, her Master’s degree from Hollins University in Virginia and her PhD in Counseling from Universal Bible College.

Dr Fisher was a leader among leaders at the local and global levels for The Church of God of Prophecy. She loved reading and teaching Biblical principles to stir interesting discussions. Her teaching brought life and learning to pastors and wives in Leadership Conferences and Couples Retreats in local churches, State Conferences and around the world. She was an advocate for women teachers and ministers. Because of her infectious compassion for life, laughter and love, the classes that she taught in Women’s Conferences were always filled to capacity.

Betty was a member of The ROC (Reaching Our Community,) Church of God of Prophecy in Rockingham where along with her husband, she was active in visitation. She enjoyed her Senior Life Group, loved volunteering in the hospital and Growing Readers at LJ Bell Elementary. She loved people and giving gifts to others. Her house is still full of gifts that she planned to give away. ‍

A Celebration of her life will be held at The ROC Church of God of Prophecy,139 Flowers Street in Rockingham North Carolina, Friday, January 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Pastor, Bishop Steven L. Gilmer and Dr. Cathy Payne will be officiating the service. A Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, 11:00-12:45. A private burial service will be held in Greensboro, North Carolina on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Guilford Memorial Park officiated by Bishop George McLaughlin and family members. Betty’s grandchildren and great grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the One Child Fund, The Church of God of Prophecy, International Offices, PO Box 2910, Cleveland, Tennessee, 37320-2910.