Betty Lou Hawley

Betty Lou Carden Hawley, 89 of Charlottesville, went home to be with her Lord and savior on Tuesday, April 26, 2023. Born on March 15, 1934 in Christiansburg, Virginia, she was the daughter of Lucy Brumfield and Oaften Carden. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hawley, brother, Howard Carden, sister Janie Dunnivan and a very special dog, Peanut.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory the family she dearly loved, her sons Tim of Crozet and Robbie (Diane) of Charlottesville. She also leaves behind her three grandchildren, Amanda Powell, Brandon and Samantha Hawley as well as two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Annelise Powell. Additionally she leaves behind her sister-in-law Emma Carden, nephew Eddie Carden, niece Anne Bleck and a special cousin, Patsy Day.

Betty journeyed from Christiansburg to Charlottesville as a child for treatment of tuberculosis at the former Blue Ridge Sanatorium. After a lengthy stay, her mother decided to make Charlottesville their permanent home where Betty grew up alongside her beloved brother, Howard. In December of 1956, at the age of twenty-two, she married her husband, Robert. Together they built a home in the city and welcomed their two sons: Robbie and Tim. Betty and Robert were married for nearly 65 years until his passing in April of 2021.

Throughout her life, Betty was always known for being a jovial, easy-going and cheerful person. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. In her younger days, Betty loved to garden and had an admirable tomato patch every summer. She would carefully tend to her plants with her devoted companion, Peanut, by her side.

Betty loved her family dearly. She never missed a birthday party or family gathering until she was no longer physically able to attend. She also loved her church. She was a devoted member of Colonial Baptist Church for over 30 years where she enjoyed attending church events and volunteering for the bible-printing ministry.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Virginia at Home Geriatrics Program for their care of Betty. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd at 11:00am at the Colonial Baptist Church with interment at Oakwood Cemetery to immediately follow.