Betty Jean Happoldt

Betty Jean Happoldt, 80 of Morganton, NC entered into her eternal rest on November 11, 2024 following a brief illness at the Hospice House, Amorem in Drexel, NC. She was born on February 1, 1944 in Gaffney, SC to the late Azilee Camp Valentine and the late Luther Valentine.

Betty held many factory jobs in Morganton, NC. In 1980 she went back to school to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant license. She retired from Britthaven Nursing Home of Morganton after 25 years of service and received the Certified Nursing Assistant of the year award in 2004. Betty also worked with clients at Catawba Valley Medical Services doing home health care. She also worked as a school crossing guard for Burke County schools. After retirement, Betty chose to volunteer with the Blue Ridge Community Action Foster Grandparent Program from 2012 until 2024. She often talked about how she loved to rock and play with all her babies. Betty was one of the founding members and Senior mother of her church St. Luke Church of Opportunity. She loved her leaders Bishop Shawn Hooper and Lady Tonise Hooper as well as all her church family and friends. She served on the Mothers board, Usher Ministry, Missionary Ministry and the kitchen committee. She loved to cook and feed her family and friends. She would often host big cookouts and dinners just to watch everyone enjoy her food. She specialized in frying the prettiest chicken.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother Azilee Camp Valentine, father Luther Valentine, a sister Mandeline Studyvance, two brothers Eugene Valentine and Bobby Valentine and her dog “Bo” whom she loved so much.

She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 53 years William Hoil Happoldt, 6 children; Cathy Lipscomb of Fayetteville Georgia, Sammy Lipscomb of Morganton, NC, Linda McGimpsey of Morganton, NC, Crisp Lipscomb (Ashley) of Hickory, NC, Suzanne Pippins of Lenoir, NC and Alisha Patterson (Romey) of Morganton, NC. Two Brothers Clyde Valentine (Frances) and Tommie “Ricky” Valentine (Tracy). Four sisters Kaite Huges, Lestine Dawkins (Virgil), Alice Littlejohn (Sammy), and Margaret Ann Avery. Also 15 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held 2:00 PM Monday, November 18th, 2024 at Kirksey Funeral Home, 406 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655, with Bishop Shawn Hooper officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton.

The family will receive visitors for an hour prior to the service, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Monday, November 18th, 2024 at Kirksey Funeral Home.

Kirksey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Betty Jean Happoldt.