Born on September 21, 1928 in Beckley, West Virginia to Albert Draper and Ida Irene Young. Betty was a coal miner's daughter whose family relocated to Virginia Beach at the beginning of World War 2.
It wasn't long before a young man named John Calvin "JC" Wills started sneaking out of Broad Creek Village housing to visit Betty, and the two were married on her 19th birthday in 1947. They said their vows in Betty's parents' home, with her brother Albert as a witness. From these humble beginnings, their marriage lasted over 73 years until JC's passing on June 11, 2021.
Betty worked alongside her husband at Wills Auto Upholstery for close to 50 years, where she was thrown into secretarial and bookkeeping roles. Despite no formal training, she was proud to have never been audited. Betty and JC raised their children Johnny, Charlene, and Laurie in a loving home, surrounded by their church community of Bayside Baptist Church. Betty was adored by children throughout her life, and regularly taught childrens' Sunday School with no shortage of treats to keep their interest.
Effortlessly humble and nurturing, Betty embodied the Spirit of Jesus whom she loved so deeply. Her life was marked by self-sacrifice and patience as she took on the care of others over herself. In addition to caring for her aging mother, Betty helped raise all six of her grandchildren–feats that prove she was gifted energy by God Almighty. She found great joy in making sure a trip to Gram's house was the most fun that could possibly be had, and filled her grandchildren’s summer days with swimming, bike rides, campfires, gardening, and grilled cheese sandwiches. An expert gardener and cook, she hosted Sunday afternoon supper for the entire family for decades. To the family’s disappointment, we have been unsuccessful at replicating her biscuit recipe.
Betty lived her full life with gracious contentment, always seeing the good and reminding us that she’s been praying for us. She is survived by her children and their spouses (Johnny and Barbara Wills, Charlene Bryant, and Laurie and Jeffrey Francis), her grandchildren and their spouses (Emily and Thomas McNeny, Ellen Bryant, Sean Wills, Wills and Ali Francis, Shelly and Warren Garnham, and Wesley Francis), and her great grandchildren (Samuel McNeny, Barrett McNeny, and Forrest Garnham).
A visitation will be held on August 25 from 5-7:00 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on August 26 at 11:00 AM at Bayside Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. All are welcome with reception back at the church. You may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com
