Bette moved to Jacksonville in 1972 where she was a teacher's assistant at Blue Creek Elementary and Parkwood Elementary Schools for about 30 years. Bette was a longtime member of the Lion's Club where she served as secretary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joel; her parents, Harvey and Frances Merrill; three brothers, Sonny, Dick, and Gary Merrill; and daughter, Janice Morehead.
Bette is survived by her daughter, Elaine Davis (Pat Finn) of Stella; two sons, Michael (Theresa) of Pfafftown and Alan (Melissa) of Indian Land, SC; 11 grandchildren; five great-children; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Bette's life will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers donations in Bette's name may be made to Onslow County Hospice.