Betty Jane Hall McGrady, age 82, passed peacefully on Wednesday (January 23, 2019) surrounded by her family after a six year battle with Alzheimer’s. Betty was born on January 12, 1937 and lived most of her life in the Arcadia Community in Kingsport. Betty and her husband “Ed” moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the early 60’s but returned home to Kingsport eight years later.
Betty retired from the Sullivan County School System after 26 years of service. She also worked Saturdays for many years at Rich’s Beauty Salon. Betty loved to spend time playing the piano, bingo, bowling and making crafts. She loved sharing time with her family and making quilts for them. Everyone who knew her loved her outspoken spirit.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, James “Ed” Edward Hall; father, John “Vernon” Harkleroad, Sr.; mother, Margaret “Mag” Leona Browder Harkleroad; brothers, “John” Vernon Harkleroad, Jr., Samuel “Sam” Clay Harkleroad and William “Bill” James Harkleroad; and sisters Ollie “Pauline” Olinger and Clara “Marie” Johnson.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Wanda Hall & husband Tim of Kingsport; grandchildren, Amy Shell of Lexington, NC, Pamela McMurray & fiancé Jerry Henninger of Kingsport; great-grandchildren, Bethany Alysa Davis, Mason Jacob Shell, John “JD” Douglas Henninger, and William Sinclair Henninger; special cousin, Minnie Ford; several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Sunday (January 27, 2019) at 2 pm in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Roberts officiating. Special music will be provided by Hobert Olinger.
Committal services will be held following the funeral service on Sunday (January 27, 2019) at 3 pm in the Garden of the Good Shepherd at East Lawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Tony Barton, Kenneth Olinger, Teddy Ford, Jerry Henninger, Matt Wilhoit, and Paul Eric Kinsler.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Madison House, The Village at Allendale, Wexford House and Amedysis Hospice for all the loving care she received throughout her journey.
Online condolences may be made to the McGrady family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the McGrady family.
