Elizabeth S. Land

Elizabeth S. Land, affectionately known as Betty, passed away on November 20, 2025. Born in Morganfield, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Nancy Gene Cottingham and Mason Venner Smith.
Betty was a lifelong animal lover, having cared for twelve dogs throughout her life. She was often seen walking her beloved toy poodle, Sophie, around the neighborhood several times a day. Sophie brought immense joy to her life, and together they became familiar and cherished faces in the Bay Colony community.
Betty lived in the same home for more than 60 years, where she shared a special bond with her beloved neighbors and life-long friends, Margaret and Bill Reed. Their friendship and care for one another were a constant blessing. Betty was also deeply grateful for the many friends who looked out for her over the years, including Barb and Ted Yeager, John and Joanna Duerden, Kim White, and Wendy and John Hale. She held close relationships with Diane Strawhand, who groomed her dogs for over 30 years, and Diane Baro, her hair stylist of more than 40 years. She felt truly fortunate to be surrounded by such love and friendship.
Betty loved to cook and took great joy in preparing delicious meals to share with friends, family, and neighbors. She volunteered at Virginia Beach General Hospital for over 12 years. She also enjoyed playing mahjong and spending time with her growing family.
Betty is predeceased by her loving husband, Kermit Land, Jr., and her two sisters, Anna Catharine Howard and Rosanne O'Daniel.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Nancy Heim (Paul); her granddaughters, Ali Crenshaw (Hatcher IV), Kelsey Pike (Bennett), and Karly Caton; and her five great-grandchildren: Hatcher Crenshaw V, Caroline Crenshaw, Lucy Crenshaw, Layla Pike, and Walker Pike. She is also survived by her brother, Gene Smith, and his wife, Connie, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews: Courtney, Whitney, Jimmy, Tracey, Phillip, Tommy, Kevin, Catharine, Amy, and Steve.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Laskin Road Chapel, 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.