Betty Morris Obituary

Betty Westall Morris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully early in the morning on July 8, 2025, with her loving husband of 68 years by her side. She was 89. Born on April 29, 1936, in Mitchell County, Betty lived her entire life in North Carolina. She was the daughter of Eugene Westall and Tee Robinson Westall, from whom she got her fiery spirit. She was the third of six children, Juanita Butner, Bill Westall, Wade Westall, Zade Westall, and Jenny Hewitt being the others. All preceded her in death.

She worked many jobs over the years and embodied a strong work ethic. She was employed at American Thread in Marion, was a nurse’s assistant at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, and a lab technician at Valdese Water Plant, where she was the first woman in the area to receive the Certified Water Plant Operator designation. She was also a part-time hairdresser. Betty was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She will be remembered fondly for her unwavering faith in God and her love and devotion to her family. Incapable of being frightened or intimidated, kind but never sentimental, Betty danced to her own music. No one who met her ever forgot the experience.

As a woman of deep faith and abiding generosity, Betty was always giving more than she could reasonably spare. She took up the care of her mother and her mother-in-law, during their dying days, and she did the job well. She did all jobs well; she was someone who could “see to things.” People generally trusted her to be in charge, and even when they didn’t, they accepted that she was. She gave generously to ministries and to her church. She deeply loved and supported her children and grandchildren always. Physically, she suffered much, which made her decency all the more astounding.

Betty enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables. For so long as her body could bear it, she never stopped moving. She was an excellent cook—excellent because, like any proper artisan, she labored over her craft with meticulous care until it was just right. Her holiday meals were the highlight of the family’s year. She knew how to host a party. She was sharp and ironical in conversation, always entertaining, never dull or predictable. Her sense of humor was biting and original. She could make you laugh till your sides hurt. She loved games and jigsaw puzzles and was an avid reader, especially of the Bible. More often than not in her later years she could be found at home surrounded by stacks of books. One of her grandchildren who loves to read credits her with first putting the idea into his head. She brought a book to visit one day when he was a small boy. He was intrigued by the notion of hauling books around and never gave it a second thought—he wanted to be like his grandmother. He still does.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Morris; their children, Michael Morris (Lisa) and Sherree Rash (Willie); three grandchildren, Jonathan Rash (Mary Pat), Hannah Rash, Caleb Rash (Cailey); and two great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. These last couple will not know their Mimi, but they’ll hear of her zeal for life and that fire will be in them, too. It will make them strong and good. And if they find one day that life is better than it might have been, they’ll have her to thank.

The funeral service will be held at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel in Statesville on Friday July 25, 2025, beginning at 2:00 PM, with visitation prior from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to Statesville North Gideons International by clicking here .

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Morris family.