Betty Rejean Haywood

For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that Love his appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8

Mrs. Betty Rejean Haywood was born on December 11, 1938 to Phil Thomas and Maggie McCoy. She grew up in Cherokee County, South Carolina and graduated from Mays High School. While attending Mays High, she was a member of the women’s basketball team.

Betty was united in holy matrimony with Boyce Edward Haywood on December 25, 1960 and to that union they were blessed with two children, son Boyce Cornelius and daughter Cheryl Jean. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Betty was a military spouse as her husband Boyce served 26 1/2 years in the United States Navy. The family relocated from Cowpens, South Carolina to Marietta, Georgia in 1971 for a naval shore duty assignment. After residing in Georgia for six years, in 1977, the family transferred to Norfolk, Virginia and made Virginia their final destination and retirement location.

She began her spiritual life early in her childhood as she attended White Plains Baptist Church. After the family settled in Norfolk, Virginia, Betty and Boyce eventually found their permanent church home at Abyssinia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Frank Guns, Sr. then Dr. Sheridan Nelson. She was a faithful and devoted church member until she was no longer able to attend due to health issues. As a long-time member of Abyssinia, she served as a Deacon and a member of the Usher ministry. She was honored and presented the title of “Deacon Emeritus” for her longevity of faithful service.

Betty worked over 50 years of her life in various job positions while living in South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Her working career culminated in 2004 after serving at Norfolk Port Authority for 15 years in the capacity of Custodial Supervisor.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Maggie McCoy and Phil Thomas, and three brothers, John Jr., Alexander and Ricky McCoy.

Betty departed this life on February 4, 2022 peacefully as she slept. She leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, her husband, Boyce Edward Haywood; her son, Boyce Cornelius Haywood (Kimberly Ann) of Goldsboro, N.C.; her daughter, Cheryl Jean Haywood of Norfolk, VA; two grandchildren, Kevin Antoine Rose of Norfolk, VA and Kianna Nicole Haywood of Goldsboro, N.C.; and one great grandson, Nathaniel Bolarinwa.

Betty also leaves behind four sisters, Ms. Barbara Jean Mills and Ms. Sarah Williams, both of Highpoint, North Carolina, Ms. Mable Sarratt and Mrs. Ophelia Davis, both of Gaffney, South Carolina; one brother, Mr. James McCoy of Gaffney, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, godchildren and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 PM, on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Woodlawn Funeral Home. A Home Going Celebration will be held at 10:00 AM, on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the funeral home with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. You may offer condolences at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com