Betty Hedrick Watford Garrett, 91, of Thomasville, NC, passed away on May 31, 2026, at home surrounded by her loved ones. Born March 18, 1935, Betty was a daughter of the late Clifford James Hedrick and Bertie Grubb Hedrick.
Betty worked for Edith Bean Cloth Shop, bringing steady dedication to her days and pride in honest work. She also poured her time and care into the things that made life feel connected and meaningful—showing up, lending a hand, and making sure others felt looked after.
For more than 35 years, Betty participated in the Thomasville Christmas Craft Show at the Recreation Center, a tradition that reflected her patience, creativity, and the quiet joy she found in sharing what she made with her community.
A devout member of Liberty Baptist Church, Betty served faithfully as a nursery worker for many years and even mowed the church grounds—acts of service that spoke to the kind of love that doesn’t seek attention, only the chance to help. She also served as the Fair Grove 4-H Leader, offering guidance and encouragement with the steady warmth that made people feel safe and seen. She was even seen as the neighborhood mom to many children, a familiar presence who could be counted on, the one who cared without needing to be asked.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, S. C. Watford; her second husband, Bill Garrett; and her brother, David Hedrick.
Betty is survived by her son, Jeff Watford (Brenda); her daughters, Lorie Brooks (Danny) and Danita Gordon (Mike); her brother, Jimmy Hedrick; her sister, Wonda Frank (Bill); her sister, Jennie Barnes (Tommy); her sister-in-law, Sylvia Hedrick; her grandchildren, Christopher Watford (Christina), Matthew Watford (Jennifer), Jessica Miles (Kevin), and Dustin Brooks; her great grandchildren, Kegan Watford (fiancé Taylor Elliott), Camden Watford, James Watford, and Andrew Watford; and many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as her special friend, Dale Tysinger.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations, 18 Randolph St., Thomasville, NC. A funeral service for Betty will be held at 3:00pm the following day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church, 225 Liberty Ave., Thomasville, NC. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of Thomasville. Online condolences may be shared at www.SechrestDavisThomasville.com - select obituaries.
