Elizabeth S Gravely

Elizabeth “Betsy” Starling Gravely, born on March 23, 1927, passed away on November 19, 2023. She was a cherished soul who will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Sadie Mullins Gravely and Richard Pleasants Gravely, as well as her five brothers: Richard, Harry, Reginald “King,” Frank, and her twin brother Bobby. She was also preceded in death by three sisters: Nancy Shank, Virginia Hufford, and Sadie “Puff” Hampson. Betsy is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cherished friends. Betsy was a graduate of Martinsville High School and Longwood University, where she left a lasting impression as class president for three consecutive years—during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Betsy’s love of education was evident throughout her career as a teacher in Covington, Danville, and locally at Martinsville High School, and Carlisle School. Her commitment to the field was recognized by her presidency of the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, where she also served as Executive Secretary and Treasurer for 15 years. She was awarded the organization’s highest honors, The Honorary Award and The Pioneer Award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church. Her selfless character was also evident in her many community activities, including volunteering for organizations like the Charity League, the SPCA, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Black Box Play Theater, the Red Cross Bloodmobile, and Martinsville Memorial Hospital. Please consider making a donation in Betsy’s memory to the SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County, located at 132 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville, VA, 24112. Betsy's legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for education and community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, December 2, 2023 at First Methodist Church with Pastor Faith Weedling and Reverend Paul Johnson officiating. Online condolences at www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com Mckee-Stone Funeral Home of Martinsville is respectfully serving the Gravely family.