Mrs. Betty Layton

Betty will be remembered by her family and friends as a loving mother, as “Nanny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for her quick wit, as a faithful caregiver, and for her ability to love all children. She was born August 21, 1925, to the late Claude and Lola Goodman in Raleigh, North Carolina. She lived all of her life in Wake County. Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Leon, her granddaughter, Amanda Dare Clifton, two brothers, Claude Goodman, Jr. and Russell Goodman, and her sister, Pat Kelly.

Betty graduated from Millbrook High School in the spring of 1943. She married her high school sweetheart, Leon Layton, on August 7, 1945 after he returned from serving in World War II. They lived in Wake County during their 62 years of marriage and at their home on Pleasant Grove Church Road for 60 years. Betty was a lifelong member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

Betty and Leon raised four children. They also extended their love to nieces and nephews and the children of friends, who remain extended family. Some of her children’s fondest memories of their mother include what they refer to as her “Bettyisms,” her willingness to sacrifice for them, her ability to be a friend as well as a mother, her talent for juggling the needs of her husband, her children, and the many children who found their ways into her home. They remember well her love for making every holiday a special time in their lives and the joy she found spending time on her side porch with her flowers and birds.

Her loving and devoted family celebrate a life lived well. They include her daughters, Lynda Buchanan and husband, Eddie, of Wilmington; Pam Richardson and husband, Vaden, of Wake Forest; Debbie Clifton and husband, Doug, of Youngsville; and her son, Michael Layton of Raleigh. Six grandchildren and three great grandchildren survive her. Grandchildren include Nikki Pierce and her husband Ryan, Brandon Layton and his wife Paula, Nathan Buchanan, Courtney Layton, Joel Richardson and Dale Layton. Great grandchildren are Layne and Brennen Pierce and Taylor Layton. A sister, Mildred Sanders and a brother, Jim Goodman, also survive her.

Friends may visit the family from 6:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. A service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church at 1:30 on Thursday, July 1, 2010. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Because of her love for flowers, they are appropriate condolences, or donations in her memory can be made to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.mitchellatrmp.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.

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