Betty Jo Medlin

July 16, 1934 – December 27th, 2024.

Betty was an artist who filled her ninety years of life with vibrant color, radiant joy, timeless wisdom, sharp wit, and most importantly, the love of Jesus.

There was never a stranger on her doorstep. Visitors were invited in, nourished with treats and offered hot coffee. Betty would sit you down at her table, inviting you to stay as long as you liked. There was always a prepared seat for everyone and conversation to last for hours. She was intent on creating a space for everyone to be authentically themselves. Her doors were always open and lights always on, creating a home of radiant warmth and comfort.

Her home was filled with her beautiful paintings and photographs, but none could compare to the portrait of her life—a testament to love that will span generations.

If you asked Betty what her greatest accomplishment in life was, she would, without hesitation say her four perfect children, twelve grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Her remarkable fifty-member family is a legacy of a matriarch. A true leading lady, she built a house of love one person and heart at a time.

Betty enjoyed thrift shopping, photography, bird watching, sewing, dancing, tending to her garden, flowers, and painting. Yet her greatest joy was time spent with her family and friends. Betty was a seeker of adventure and couldn’t wait to see every Brand New Day. She celebrated everyone, from birthdays to babies, weddings, promotions and first steps. There was always a card in the mailbox and a hug before you left.

Her nearly 50-year career as a beautician was more than just a job; it was her calling and her art. Having spent most of her career doing hair for residents in nursing and rest homes, Betty poured her heart and soul into making each customer feel special.

Her legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will forever be cherished. Her life was a beautiful masterpiece, and her memory will continue to inspire and bring warmth to all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe, located at 204 South Main Street, Monroe, North Carolina. A funeral service to celebrate Betty’s life will then be held in the McEwen Colonial chapel at 1:30 pm with burial to follow at Macedonia Baptist Church, 610 Macedonia Church Road, Monroe NC. After the burial the family invites everyone to join them in the Fellowship Hall for a time of sharing and refreshments.

The family will be wearing Betty’s favorite colors of pink and green to celebrate her life and invite you all to do the same.

She is preceded in death by her late husband, John Wayne Medlin; parents, Allen and Estelene Simpson; and sister, Barbara Simpson Norwood. She is survived by her four children, John (Robin) Medlin, Judy (Larry) Poole, Laura (Eddie) Price, and Melissa (Mike) Muender; 22 grandchildren and spouses; and 17 great grandchildren; brother, Thomas (Martha) Simpson of Winston Salem; sister, Mazie (Gary) Mangum of Shelby; sister, Marlene (Danny) Little of Monroe; 15 nieces and nephews; and 30 great nieces and nephews.

Psalm 23

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head

with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Betty Jo Simpson Medlin.