Bettie Lawrence Carey

Bettie (mom) Jane Lawrence Carey, 84, late of Westminster Canterbury, Lynchburg, VA., was joined to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, December 7, 2015, and reunited with her husband, brothers, and Mom and Dad. Born July 3, 1931, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Aubrey A. Lawrence and Ethel Reynolds Lawrence. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Earnest G. Carey, Sr. whom she wed on January 20, 1950. Two brothers also preceded her in death, Tommy Lawrence and Roy Lawrence. A graduate of Brookville High School, Bettie was accepted into Longwood College after high school graduation, but chose to marry her high school sweetheart, Gerald, after his return from the U.S. Army. Together, they were graced with forty-one years of marriage and demonstrated to their children and others the love and devotion meant to be found in a godly union. Mrs. Carey was employed for a time with Belk Department Stores, but enjoyed spending most of her life as a devoted wife and homemaker. She was a member in good standing at Flat Creek Baptist Church, where she was converted to her Lord and baptized. Through the years she was a Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir, Director of Homebound ministries, and pianist. She is survived by three sons, Rev. Earnest G. Carey, Jr. and wife, Robby of Evington; John M. Carey and wife Norma of Madison Heights; Rev. Paul L. Carey and wife Sharon of Terre Haute, IN; a daughter, Robin C. Bostic and husband Mike of St. Mary’s Island, GA; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy L. Miear (Peggy) and husband Russell, of Lynchburg; and numerous nephews and nieces. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Westminster Canterbury, Hearthside, 5th floor, for their dedication, love and grace demonstrated to our mother, especially these past two years. A celebration of Bettie’s life for her Lord and family will be held at the graveside, at Fort Hill Memorial Park by her family, Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11 a.m. Family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and other times at the residence of Rev. and Mrs. Earnest Carey, Jr. The family requests memorial contributions be made to either the Flat Creek Baptist Church’s Future Purpose Fund, or the Gideon’s International. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.