Sarah Sherrill McGimsey

Sarah Sherrill McGimsey (Bette, Sarah Lou, Bebo) died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in the wee hours of the morning. She was 95 years old.
Bette was born in 1927 in Punta Gorda, FL, the eldest of three children, and spent her growing up years in Atlanta and Spartanburg, SC. She graduated from Converse College with a degree in biology. She moved to Hickory, NC, for a regional executive role with the Girl Scouts, where she met and married her love and lifelong dance partner, Charlie McGimsey.
Bette and Charlie built a home and a life in Lenoir, NC, where she lived for 55 years. They quickly had six children, and the home on Woodland was always brimming with neighborhood kids of all ages. Bette adored children, especially babies. She was an avid swimmer and taught swimming lessons to children for many years at the local pools. She was actively engaged with her childrens' schools, as well as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and numerous children's Sunday school classes over the years.
Bette fully embraced any excuse for a celebration of any kind and delighted in hosting toddler birthday parties, bridge club dinners, bridal showers, impromptu neighborhood get togethers and post prom brunches, all of which were trademarked with her creative, artistic touches. She could make almost anything festive and fun. Bette's entertaining mode felt seemingly effortless to those invited, and the anticipation and preparation were often as much fun as the actual event. She and Charlie belonged to two dance clubs and by all accounts, they could "cut a rug" to any genre of music.
All aspects of Bette's life revolved around her steadfast faith. She lived it in plain view every single day. Never judgmental, she encouraged others quietly through her actions and love. Seated for worship on the second pew with Charlie and their squirming family, she expected her children to answer questions about the sermon during Sunday lunch. She was a faithful participant/leader in FUMC Bible studies, covered dish suppers, church picnics, fundraisers and craft bazaars. She routinely delivered flowers and food to shut-ins and new members, and once sewed a maternity wardrobe for a young minister's wife who was expecting a baby.
Bette made the absolute BEST snow cream and (very) sweet iced tea, and thematically decorated layer cakes regularly appeared on the dining room sideboard. All was not perfect on the culinary front, however, as the toast was burned beyond recognition almost every morning. An accomplished seamstress, she made clothes for the entire family, including prom dresses, wedding gowns, and occasionally, beautifully tailored suits for Charlie and the boys. Her greatest love however, was surely her garden, where she spent many happy hours pruning and weeding and coaxing prolific blooms, all the while triumphantly singing all four verses of her favorite hymns. Fresh flowers made frequent appearances throughout the house, as well as in the basket on the front door. She delivered food to those in need, many times anonymously, drove people to the polls to vote, and spent countless hours in various projects and fundraisers for the Lenoir Service League, spanning more than 50 years. She truly loved the people and projects in her garden club, brush & palette club, church circle meetings, bridge clubs, and the Saturday night dinner club they attended every Saturday for more than 4 decades. Most of all, she approached almost everything in life with a twinkle and a laugh, which made her presence a delight for those around her all the way up to her quiet exit from this earth. Ever the optimist, she truly lived her life according to the lyrics of the hymn His Eye is on the Sparrow. She was an everyday inspiration to all who crossed her path.
Bebo is survived by her children, Libby Baskervill (Buck); Ellen Snyder (John), Charlie McGimsey (Willa); Jim McGimsey (Kim); Mary Wright (Charles); and John McGimsey (Leslie), as well as thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Bette was preceded in death by her father, Claude Sherrill; mother, Elizabeth Bussey Sherrill; sister, Mary Ellen Davis; and brother, Claude Sherrill, Jr., as well as many beloved cousins, inlaws, and other extended family.
The family wishes to thank the many loving caregivers who helped Bette for the last 17 years. All of them added a rich dimension to her life and are included in her honorary extended family.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Blue Ridge Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. David Melton officiating.
A memorial service and celebration of Bette's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, Lenoir, NC. Bette's family will receive family and friends at a reception in the church's Christian Life Center immediately following the service.
Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church, Lenoir, NC, 309 Church Street NW, 28645; First United Methodist Church, Wilson, NC, P.O. Box 1423, 27894-1423; or the Lenoir Service League, P.O. Box 2304, Lenoir, NC, 28645.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree or shrub in your own yard in memory of Bette.
Online condolences can be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the McGimsey family.