Bettie Charlene (Schoolcraft) Wriston

She was 90 years of age. Bettie was the eldest daughter, born February 22, 1932 to Floyd and Ester Schoolcraft. She was blessed to have 13 brothers and sisters.

Proceeding her in death was her beloved husband, Tracy B. Wriston and Daughter Marquetta Kay; parents, Floyd and Ester Schoolcraft, brothers, Denvil, Charles, Daniel, Elvin, and Manuel; sisters, Mary Keefer and Aretta Cardwell.

Bettie was a 1950 graduate of Clear Fork High School. It was there after a basketball game she met the love of her life, her husband, Tracy B. Wriston. Together they were the proud parents of Kay, Cindy, and Denise.

Betty worked 64 years as a Food Service Manager for the Raleigh County Board of Education at Clear Creek Elementary and Clear Fork School District Elementary. She enjoyed memberships in numerous Food Service Organizations. She loved cooking and the many friendships she formed while working. She often had fond memories of feeding “her kids” at school. She was known for her fudge that she would give the older “kids” after school. She would often say that she didn’t want “Anyone to go hungry”.

Following her retirement in 2014, she spent her time gardening, shopping, traveling, giving advice and being a Grandmother to her “Pride and Joy”, grandsons, Ethan and Jacob. Bettie was very independent. She continued to live in the house Tracy and her built with her beloved dog, Patchy and her cats.

She will be sadly missed and cherished by surviving members of her family; daughters, Cindy and husband, Jim Lafferty of Mt. Hope, WV and Denise and husband, Carlos Abrams of Midway, WV; grandsons, Ethan and wife, Allison Lafferty of Beckley and Jacob Abrams of Bridgeport, WV; brothers, Bryant and wife, Sue of Michigan and Randy and wife, Cindy of Tenn; sisters, Phyllis Candia of Tenn, Margaret (Irene) Salisbury of Ohio, Sandra and husband, Bob Glaw of Ohio, and Sharon Buckner of NC; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends.

How do you sum up 90 years of memories in a few short paragraphs? She was our Mom, Grandmaw, and Sister. Someone that we thought would always be there. She was fiercely independent, proud, and usually had her mind made up. We thank that was what was so special about her. We loved her with all our hearts. Until we meet again Mom.

We would wish to thank the SICU Staff at Raleigh General Hospital and the 4 South Staff, Bowers Hospice House Staff and Jan-Care Ambulance for the care and concern they showed during a difficult time. A special Thank You to Denny Williams and family for always being there when needed.

Services to celebrate the life of Betty Charlene Schoolcraft Wriston will be held 2:00PM Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. Following the services, Bettie will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley beside her beloved husband, Tracy.

Friends may gather with the family from 1:00PM until time of the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be serving the family.