Bettie Mingia Dawson

Bettie Mingia Dawson was born on June 14, 1948, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Julius Cecil Mingia and Lena Davis Mingia. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Barbara Ann Mingia. Bettie was raised in Greensboro, where she attended James B. Dudley High School and later the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

In 1968, she married Thomas Ray Hardy, now deceased, and to this union were born two children, Thomas Ray Hardy II (Omar) and Aliyah Hardy Hatcher.

Following the birth of her daughter, Bettie returned to UNC-G and graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She went on to build an illustrious 30-year career with the Internal Revenue Service. Beginning as a co-op student and IRS agent, she rose through the ranks into management, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. She was widely respected for her excellence, integrity, and exceptional leadership.

Bettie’s life was defined by her strong character. She was kind, intelligent, steadfast, faithful, humble, loyal, resilient and deeply trustworthy—a person others naturally turned to for guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. She was a true and loyal friend. Bettie’s devotion was also exemplified by the pride and honor she took in caring for her father, Cecil Mingia, with love and grace until his passing in 2005 at the age of 91.

Her greatest role, however, was that of mother. Bettie was the foundation of her family—guiding her children with wisdom, strength, and unwavering love. She supported them through every challenge and championed their every success. From humble beginnings in Cumberland Courts apartments to building a life and family home in High Point, North Carolina and finally in Salisbury, she instilled in her children the confidence and strength to pursue their goals and dreams. Even as adults, she remained their bedrock, counsel, comfort, and source of strength — a role she fulfilled with grace throughout her life and one that will continue to guide and shape them always.

She is survived by her loving children, Omar and Aliyah (Jim Hatcher); her niece, Tracye Hawkins; and her great-nieces and nephew, all of whom were blessed by her presence and love.

Bettie sought God throughout her life and remained grounded in her faith. Whether in formal worship or personal study, she held steadfast to His word, finding strength, guidance, and peace in her relationship with God. She expressed her faith through service— hosting a monthly women’s Bible study, volunteering at annual Purity Retreats for young girls, and supporting many youth activities and fundraisers.

Bettie was woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She passed peacefully in the loving embrace of her children, surrounded by those who cherished her most. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary in Salisbury, NC at https://faithfulfriendsnc.org/ways-to-give/.