Betty Foster Birdwell

With joyful hearts, we celebrate the beautiful life of Betty (Foster) Birdwell, 84, as she passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Born in Duncan, OK, to Orland and Myra (Murdock) Foster, she grew up in Carlsbad, NM. She then graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, where she met the love of her life, Jim. As a Marine Corps pilot’s wife, she embraced each move with a sense of adventure and unwavering support. When their active military chapter came to a close, they welcomed their two daughters, Kristin and Julie.

Throughout her life, Betty’s weekly visits to the library and love of board games kept her mind sharp. Playing tennis in her early years, and more recently, competing in pickleball multiple times per week, kept her fit. From painting, ceramics, stained glass, cake decorating and quilting, she always found an outlet for her artistic gifts and creativity that knew no bounds. As the family moved over the years between Tennessee, Texas, and eventually settling in North Carolina for the past 29 years, her home was beautiful inside and out as it reflected her love of decorating and gardening.

Above all, Betty’s greatest joy was simply being with her family. Trips every summer to Topsail Island were filled with fun, shopping, and lots of games. The entire family looked forward to the next year on the day we returned home.

She is survived by her best friend and husband of 60 years, Jim; daughters Kristin Peimann (Jim) & Julie Schieffer (Mark); grandchildren Zachary, Alyssa, Alaina, Hallie & Ashlynn; and brother Larry (Mary) Foster.

Preceded in death by her parents, who, like she did, taught us all by example as they lived their faith daily, humbly, and with so much love.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church (4800 Friendly Ave, Greensboro, NC 27410) with visitation beginning at 12:15pm followed by a memorial service at 1:00pm. A private entombment for immediate family only will follow the service. We are grateful for your love and support. If you would like to honor Betty, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friendly Avenue Baptist Church (https://friendlyavenue.com/give), Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/memorial-giving/), or by performing acts of kindness in her memory.

Though we will miss her dearly, we find comfort in knowing that she is in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by loved ones. Let us remember her with joy and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.