Betty Ruth Johnson Angell

1943 - 2025

Betty Ruth Johnson Angell

August 18, 1943 - January 2, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina - Betty Ruth was born in 1943 to Reuben James Johnson and Ruth Keith Johnson. She graduated from Broughton High School in 1961 and earned a BS from Duke University in 1965. That fall she married David Edward Angell from Winston-Salem, NC, and began teaching while completing her MA in Teaching Physical Science at UNC-CH.

She earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1982 before moving to Dothan, AL, to work at the US Army Safety Center as an engineering research psychologist. Betty returned to NC in 1990 where she worked as an Instructional Development Consultant at the UNC-CH School of Medicine and SAS in Cary as a Technical Editor.

She met her second husband, Michael Joseph Copeland in 1999 before finishing her career at the NC Department of Labor as an OSHA trainer of health and safety. She was widowed in 2010 and met her later life partner, LeRoy Francis Hurd, in 2018.

Betty was a Life Member of the University Alumni Associations of Duke, UNC-CH and NC State as well as a member of the NC State University Club. After retiring in 2007, she enjoyed playing bridge in many groups including the Pullen Golden Years Bridge Club, and participating in the Seekers Sunday School and other circles at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Laura Elizabeth Angell and Victoria Marie Angell, and companion, LeRoy Francis Hurd. Remaining first cousins include James Ray Green of Madrid, Spain, Edythe Green Merritt of Greensboro, NC, and numerous second cousins.

Memorial services to be held Friday, 10th of January, 2pm at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608.

Donations may be made in Betty's memory to the Hayes Barton United Methodist Church or to Second Chance Pet Adoptions, 6003 Chapel Hill Rd #133, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Angell family.