Betsy Clodfelter Byerly

Betsy was the loving daughter of Parrish and Elizabeth Holden Clodfelter of Randleman who precede her in death. Betsy often spoke fondly of growing up in rural Randolph County with her siblings who survive her.

Betsy attended Peace College in Winston Salem where she excelled in her studies and extra-curricular activities. While there, she was selected to sing solo at the Governor’s mansion, yet another memory that she never boasted about but that brought her much pleasure.

Betsy married Joe Byerly, owner of Byerly’s Antiques, in 1960. The couple’s offspring include a daughter, Catherine Byerly Mize and a son, David Byerly. Catherine lives in Danville, Va. with her children, Kate, Holden, and John. David lives in Stoneville with his wife, Susan, and son, Dawson. Betsy frequently said her only regret was not having more time to spend with her children and grandchildren.

Betsy was a caring wife and mother and a devoted friend to many in the community. She dedicated her days to supporting her husband in his business and her children in their choices in life. Somehow, in addition to her duties as wife, daughter, sister and mother, Betsy also found time to come to the aid of many, many friends and associates. She was tender spirit with a kind heart who shared the suffering of those she cared for and worked tirelessly to aid those in need to the best of her ability.

In her life, Betsy was also aware of those who cared for her including those beyond her immediate family. She spoke highly of Dr. Donald Schmechel of Duke Medical Center who, at a trying time in her life, was able to diagnosis Betsy’s medical condition as exposure to carbon monoxide when so many others dismissed her complaints.

As she fought the cancer and the medical complications that eventually took her life, Betsy said she felt blessed for the care provided by Dr. Michael Chan in the radiology department at Wake Forest Baptist and Dr. Stephen Tatter in the hospital’s cancer department. She also felt deeply obliged to attorney Greg Williams of Greensboro for his expert assistance at this very difficult time in her life.

Betsy’s interest and commitment to the community was evidenced by her support for High Point University. She donated to the university with the help of Dr. Don Scarborough, university vice president, because of her fervent belief in the ability of education to empower all who partake in it.

A memorial service will be held for Betsy in the chapel at First Baptist Church at 1000 W. Friendly Ave. in Greensboro on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2 p.m., reception in the atrium to follow. Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point is assisting the Byerly family.