Martha (Betty) Tinsley Andrews

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Betty lived briefly in Lima, Peru as a young child; grew up in Highland Park, with brief relocations to Tappahannock and Williamsburg, VA before settling in the Bon Air (Oxford) area. Betty was a graduate of John Marshall High School and Westhampton College (Class of 1947) of the University of Richmond, where she majored in English and Latin, served as Class Historian, May Court Princess and was member of Eta Sigma Phi. She taught at St Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, VA; acted as a hostess and docent for Colonial Williamsburg; finishing her “working career” as a librarian for the City of Richmond Public Library until she settled into motherhood and a life-long commitment as a club, historical and community volunteer, educator, leader and organizer.

Betty used her classical fraternity background with Eta Sigma Phi throughout her life to spread the cultural and historical heritage in bringing people closer together, promoting a better understanding of others and mentoring future club and community leaders and teachers. Her accomplishments included serving as a past president of the Highland Park Junior Women’s Club, Oxford Garden Club, Chesmond Women’s Club, Federated President Women’s Council, Every Monday Book Club; as well as being a docent for the Virginia Governor’s Mansion and the Virginia Historical Society. She was also a former member and Sunday school teacher at Highland Park and Stratford Hills United Methodist Churches and a member of UMW. She enjoyed fellowship with friends through the Meadowbrook and DuPont Bridge Clubs. Her recognitions include being a Tobacco Festival representative, as well as the 1990 recipient of the Thanks Badge from the Girl Scouts of America - Commonwealth Council, the highest honor in Girl Scouts for her nearly 50 years of service as a Scout, Troop Leader, Volunteer Program Leader Trainer, Council Head Trainer and fund raiser and Robious Neighborhood Troop organizer.

She exhibited a life-long zest for knowledge with a keen desire to share historical and current events with others using her quick wit, cheerful smile, and hostess style to put others at ease, complimented by a delightful sense of humor and enjoying a good laugh with all while demonstrating the charms of a true Southern lady with her love of arts and creativity.

She is survived by her children, Marcia Swenck (Fred); Richie Andrews; Margaret Mangas (Doug); six grandchildren, Derick Swenck (Meghan); Blakely Amati (Nick); Molly Grigsby (Luke); Andrew Swenck (Mary MacKenzie); Richard Swenck; Betsy Andrews; five great grandchildren, Georgia Swenck; Martin Amati; Kenna Swenck; Henry Amati; Grier Swenck; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Roy Martin; nieces and nephews, Roy Martin, Jr (Joy); Cathy Carter (Curt); Sue Feigley; Russ Martin (Sara) and step-grandchildren, Bryan Mangas; Kimberly Mangas.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Richard “Dick” Frank Andrews, her parents Russell Clay Tinsley and Hazel Hall Tinsley, daughter-in-law, Mary Sloan Andrews and nephew-in-law, Mike Feigley. The family thanks Gentiva Hospice, Comfort Keepers and Westport Health Care Center for their care and guidance.

Family visitation will be held at Woody Funeral Home-Parham Chapel on Saturday, July 30, 10 – 11 AM; followed by funeral services at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, Betty requested memorial gifts to the Virginia Historical Society, (804) 342-9657.