Betty Lou Bell Blyth Durham

1925 - 2023

Betty Lou Bell Blyth Durham
February 11, 1925 - February 14, 2023
Asheville, North Carolina - Betty Lou Bell Blyth Durham, accomplished woman, mother and grandmother, peacefully left for heavenly abode, surrounded by love on the day of love, February 14, 2023. Born in 1925, she grew up in historic Oakwood, within walking steps of the capital in downtown Raleigh; she fondly recalled watching its construction on daily walks with her grandfather. She was known for her wit, charm, sense of humor, fashion and fierce love of her family. She was a devout woman, guided by her faith and read her bible everyday. Betty worked in the banking industry for over 30 years, being one of the first women in the area to be promoted to leadership positions - serving as the first female head teller, first female loan officer and first female assistant branch manager at North Carolina National Bank, now known as Bank of America. She was a dedicated member of the University Chapter No. 264 Order Eastern Star for over 50 years - she served as Worthy Matron (two times), District Deputy Grand Matron of the 10th District, Gand Electa, Grand Representative of Manitoba in North Carolina, Secretary Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa.
Betty was preceded in death by her grandparents Julia 'Jennie' Coppedge Bell & Haywood 'Dink' Bell, her parents Margaret Bell Blyth Rice & George Leslie Blyth, her first husband Beaman F. Thomas Sr., her husband of over 30 years William Thomas Durham, and her son Beaman F Thomas Jr. Betty is survived by her children, Sandra Thomas Aikens of Raleigh, Betty Durham Hudson of Asheville, and William Thomas Durham Jr of Winston Salem; as well as 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 1pm, with a visitation taking place prior at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her honor to the Tabernacle Baptist Church - 8304 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, where she was a member since childhood.