Betty Ann Sculthorpe

SCULTHORPE, Betty Ann, We kids knew this day would come eventually. The day when Momma packed up all her charge cards, put on some of her favorite glitzy clothes, put some "air" in her hair, some "paint" on her face, and some "bling" on her chest, and headed out in search of some new stores to shop in. She definitely embraced the challenge of finding the best deals, and if you don't believe us, you should have tagged along on one of her marathon shopping adventures. We have no doubts she already has Daddy holding her purse while she giddily looks from rack to rack. Mom packed 10' of personality into her 5' frame. She loved a good party, and she was an excellent dancer. She and Daddy could dance the night away, whether it was swing, line, disco, ballroom, or a good slow dance, as long as they were in each other's arms they lit up the dance floor. Momma also enjoyed having formal dinner and holiday parties at her house where she would just shine as the "Hostess with the Mostess!" Over the years, Mom and Dad were blessed to travel and see many places in the world, make tons of memories together, and share them with us kids. One of the things that stood out to everyone that knew momma was the size of her heart. She had a caring soul for all of God's people and creatures, and it was a lifetime mission to help those she saw in need. She donated to many charities both locally and nationally over the years, to help with causes such as hunger, homelessness, sickness, veterans, first responders, and children. In addition, Mom volunteered her time and talents locally to organizations such as The Battersea Foundation, The Petersburg Symphony Designer House, and The United Methodist Women's Group. Mom was a successful business owner of Lords and Ladies' Beauty Salon, in Hopewell, VA, for many years, and then transitioned into a career as a fashion coordinator and personal stylist for Harold's Fine Ladies Clothing Store, in Prince George VA. She put both of those talents to great use over the years as the Mistress of Ceremonies for fashion shows for Petersburg Ladies Club and the AARP. Above all else, Mom's favorite thing to do was spend time with her family. She was the matriarch of our family, always with a smile on her face, love in her heart, and a song on her lips for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There is no doubt Ava and AJ will one day teach their kids, "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!" She was our confidant, cheerleader, sounding board, shoulder to cry on, and fierce lioness when it came to us all. We shall always and forever miss this extraordinary woman and her endless love. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69.5 years, Aubrey "Duke" Clinton Sculthorpe; and was the only child born to Robert Lee Norwood and Lelia Vaiden Norwood, of Hopewell, VA. Betty is survived by her three children, Cheryl S Moring, of Hopewell, Robert C Sculthorpe, of Hopewell, and Sharon L Sculthorpe, of Petersburg; three grandchildren, Robert W. Sculthorpe, of Chesterfield, Aubrey R. Sculthorpe (Delilah), of Colonial Heights, and Nicole A. Weathers, of Hopewell; two great-grandchildren, Ava R. Sculthorpe and Aubrey "AJ" Sculthorpe, of Colonial Heights; and many loving cousins and treasured friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Betty's honor to Petersburg Animal Shelter, at 1600 Johnson Rd. Petersburg, VA 23805, Smitty's Cat Rescue, at 13508 Rt. 1, Chester, VA 23831, or The Methodist Family Services Richmond, at 3900 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230.

The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 225 Claremont St., Petersburg, VA 23805, on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. Entombment will follow the service at Blandford Cemetery, with the family inviting everyone to a Repast after, in celebration of Betty's life, at Hopewell VFW Post 637, 1400 Lynchburg St., Hopewell, VA 23860, at 4 p.m. Online condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.jtmorriss.com.