Betty Teem Gill

Betty McGee Teem Gill, devoted Wife, Mom, and Grandma, passed away on March 6, 2025 at the age of 91.

Betty was born on August 25, 1933 in Lenoir, NC to parents Roy McGee and Ruby Andrews McGee. After graduating from Lenoir High School, she attended Appalachian State University where she earned her undergraduate degree and then Master of Library Sciences. She married the love of her life, William Delbert Teem, in 1955 and they had 3 children together, working and building homes in Boone, NC and Raleigh, NC where Delbert served as Colonel of the NC Highway Patrol. After Delbert passed away in 1991, Betty met and married Ronald Gill and they spent many years traveling the world and enjoying the mountains at their home in Banner Elk, NC.

Betty's life was defined by her faith in Christ as she attended Tabernacle Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC and then Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone, NC.

Betty was proud to serve as a Librarian for over 30 years and she enjoyed a lifetime passion for reading and learning new things. Betty especially loved traveling and was able to visit every continent and many countries around the world, either on mission trips or with the idea of taking treats to leave with others.

Betty was a dedicated mother who treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma and found ways to spoil her grandkids with treats, picnics, games, and stories.

Betty spent her life finding ways to encourage and bless others, usually with chocolate, flower arrangements, “treasures,” or a kind note. Her love for her family, her creativity and zest for living, along with her sense of humor and thoughtfulness brought joy to everyone around her. Betty has left quite a legacy and she will be greatly missed!

Betty is survived by her three children: son Michael Teem and wife Gail of Okatie, SC; son David Teem and wife Allyson of Washington, NC; daughter Carol Teem Ayers and husband Brian Ayers of Youngsville, NC; sister Theresa McGee of Lenoir, NC; and sister Jean Benfield of Lenoir, NC. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Rachel Teem Gentry, Ryne Teem, Emily Peters, Timothy Ayers, Caleb Ayers, Maggie Ayers, Rebekah Ayers; and 6 great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, William Delbert Teem; husband Ronald Gill; father Roy McGee; mother Ruby Andrews McGee; and grandson Hogan Teem.

A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Sunday, March 16 at Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone, NC. Visitation starts at 1:30 pm, with her Memorial Service following at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to honor Betty at her favorite ministry, Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, NC, which she faithfully supported.