Elizabeth Levick Beckham Gentry

Elizabeth Levick Beckham Gentry ("Bettie") passed away at home in Prince William County, Virginia, on
August 9, 2025. She was 88 years old (September 11, 1936 – August 9, 2025). She lived the majority of
her life in her beloved Commonwealth of Virginia with her husband, best friend, and fellow adventurer,
William Russell Gentry ("Bill"), Lt. Colonel, USMC retired. They traveled to many wonderful places during
their fifty-five years of marriage, including Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It was their "happy place" for
thirty years. Bettie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Fearless, loyal, kind, quick to
laugh, and with malice towards none are the traits for which she was known and will be missed,
remembered, and celebrated. She loved life and the friends and family that made it special. We say
goodbye with peace, love, and gratitude.
Our dear family friend Karl Rueesch composed and arranged "Bettie's Song" earlier this year. She and
close friends and family listened to "Bettie's Song" a few months ago. It captures the highlights of a life
well lived better than we, her family, can portray it. You, dear reader, do not have the pleasure of hearing
the music but it is our privilege to share with you the power and conviction of Karl's loving words.
"Bettie's Song" by Karl Rueesch
Verse 1:
Bettie is eighty-nine, full of life and grace,
She's been through a lot but still sets the pace.
She laughs out loud, makes clever jokes,
And loves to read her favourite books.
She moved around from base to base,
While Bill served in the Marine Corps, she held the place.
Strong and steady, behind the scenes –
A quiet hero, by all means.
Chorus:
Bettie – just as she is,
A woman you don't forget.
Warm-hearted, smart and clear,
To many the best one yet.
In the kitchen or hosting a meal,
She always knew how to make it real.
Bettie – just how she lives,
Shows how much love everyday gives.
Verse 2:
She raised two kids with care and pride,
Margreth (note Karl's spelling made my sister's name cool. Dude is a magician) and Bill Jr. by her side.
Still cooks with joy, still makes you smile,
Her energy lasts more than a while.
She keeps in touch with her old crew,
Military wives – loyal and true.
They've seen a lot, they've shared the ride,
Those friendships stood the test of time.
Chorus (repeat)
Verse 3:
She lives her life with passion so true,
Like a ballet performance with a full orchestra, too.
Her door's wide open, the garden's in bloom.
There is always warmth in every room.
She still loves learning, loves to talk.
Welcomes friends for a garden walk.
And anyone who gets to meet her knows –
She's someone who quietly glows.
Final Chorus:
Bettie – just as she is,
A woman you don't forget.
With heart, with humor, and with grace,
She brightens up every place.
As a mother, a friend, a host with flair –
You feel her kindness everywhere.
Bettie – just how she lives,
Shows how much strength everyday gives.
Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Royall and Elizabeth Levick Beckham and her sister
and her husband Evelyn Randolph Beckham Billings and Douglas Delano Billings. She is survived by her
children, Margaret Gentry Myers and William Russell Gentry, Jr., their adored spouses Andrew and Diane,
her grandchildren, Connor Beckham Gentry, Colt Macallan Gentry, Brittany Myers Balkcom, and extended
family and countless friends.
Our parents did not succumb to cancer. They survived and thrived following their diagnoses thanks to their
caregivers (Please take a bow, Dr. Lou. You are an angel walking amongst us!) and treatments and
advancements in medicine made possible by decades of funding and research prior to their illnesses. In
lieu of flowers, we enthusiastically request you donate to the American Cancer Society. Please help us
help ourselves by extending the lives of so many special people and the love and kindness they will share
with those important to them. Now more than ever ACS needs our support. Together, we can win this fight.
One love!