Betty Lou Stroud

Betty Lou Stroud, 79, of Elm City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved and fiercely protected. Her passing came just three days before what would have been her 80th birthday, and remarkably, it occurred exactly six months to the hour after she suffered a massive stroke on March 17, 2025 — a stroke from which she had bravely fought and survived.

Born in 1945 in Wilson, North Carolina, Betty Lou was the daughter of Thomas and Mollie Everett. She grew up on a family farm, where her playful, independent spirit was evident even in childhood. Her sister, Janice Everett, known to the family as Aunt No-No, fondly recalled that young Betty Lou would often feign work — picking up a broom just as their father returned from the fields — while her sister carried much of the household labor. This mischievous streak and ability to navigate life on her own terms were hallmarks of her character throughout her life.

Elm City became her home for the last 15 years, where she lived with her daughter and her husband and granddaughters and became the heartbeat of the household. Betty Lou endured many hardships with courage, grit, and a stubborn streak that earned her the admiration of her family. As they say, she was “as stubborn in death as she was in life.”

She worked for many years at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, and later in retirement, she took on various jobs — cleaning homes, assisting in a dentist’s household, and helping where she could. But her true calling was her family. She was a loving grandmother to all her grandchildren and step-grandchildren. She baked with Caitlin and Sophia, traveled to Disney World with Bryce and Emma, and guided her step-grandsons Max, Davis, and Wade with patience, humor, and care. She made every holiday, birthday, and ordinary day special with her love, laughter, and presence.

As “Granny,” she became a second mother to her granddaughters, Caitlin and Sophia, and was instrumental in raising Max, Davis, and Wade (children of Sarah and her husband, Matt Collins). Her family remembers her as a woman who could be playful and mischievous, offer sage advice, keep everyone in line with gentle reminders, and always, always make sure the household ran smoothly.

Family:

Betty Lou is survived by her four children: Tommy, Chuck, Chris (Anna), and Sarah (Matt) Collins. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren:

- From Tommy: TJ, Leanne, and Jamie (with his two children).

- From Chuck: Charles and Daniel (and Daniel’s children). She was preceded in death by Chuck’s son, Bryant.

- From Chris (Anna): Bryce and Emma.

- From Sarah: Caitlyn and Sophia (children of her ex-son-in-law, Seth, now raised with her husband, Matt Collins).

- Grandchildren: Max, Davis, and Wade (children of Sarah and Matt).

She is also survived by great-grandchildren and extended family who will carry her memory forward.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Mollie and Thomas Everett; her brothers, Norris and Milton Everett; and her sister, Janice Everett (Aunt No-No).

Her family will remember her as a warrior, a caretaker, and a woman with a free and stubborn spirit who lived life entirely on her own terms. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, laughter, and unconditional love.

Celebration of Life:

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, her 80th birthday, at 2:00 p.m. at her home: 8426 Wells Drive, Elm City, NC 27822, where family and friends are invited to share stories and honor the remarkable woman she was.