The Lord called Betty Joyce “Mamaw”, 90, home on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, to spend eternity with Her Savior. Betty celebrated her “90th” Birthday with family this past December. She was born in Greensboro, NC and was the daughter of Leslie and Jeanette Woodall. Betty was an amazing Mother who excelled at work to help support her family. She worked at Roses for decades. At one time or another, Betty managed most of the Roses Department Stores on the Peninsula. She also worked at Avon Distribution Center. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, fishing and crafts.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Rifton C. House; her brothers, William Woodall and Horace Woodall and her grandson, Thomas Bradford House. She is survived by her brother, Aubrey Woodall of Newport News, VA; her sons, Dana House (Ronnie) of Toccoa, GA, Perry House (Debbie) of Williamsburg, VA, Eric House (Karen) of Smithfield and Ryan House of Newport News; her grandchildren, Lisa Adams (Mark) of Toccoa, GA, Jason House of Newport News, Tara Baringer (Michael) of Williamsburg, Amber Hoage of Newport News, Abbie Martin (Owen) of Williamsburg, Andrew House of Toccoa, GA, Kristie House and Michael House both of Newport News and Nora House of Woodstock, VA and her great-grandchildren, Samuel Adams of Toccoa, GA, Hannah Martin, Joshua Martin, Isaiah Baringer, Caleb Baringer, Micah Baringer of Williamsburg, Sierra Benner of Newport News, Nicolas House and Shiann House of GA, Caelynn, Arilynn, and Evalynn House of Newport News.
A Private Family Service will be held at Weymouth Funeral Home.
It’s difficult to express how we feel about Mom. It’s not because we’re unable to think of what to say, but because of the plethora of thoughts and feelings we have about and for her. If there were such a thing as a soft rock it would be Mom. She stood firm on her values regarding God and family and surely passed them on to us.
If we deserved the switch, she could wield one with authority but when the latest fad came about, she could convince Dad we should be included (that’s how I got my first yoyo). Mom was the comfort we needed when no one else could understand.
I cannot recall but once in sixty-nine years being upset with her for a brief moment and that was because she was upset with her mom (Granny). Needless to say, her frustration was very brief as well. I cannot think of an instance where she displayed anger. She was always a referee and peacemaker.
Our Mom/Mamaw:
- Put her faith in God always.
- Loved her entire family.
- Loved our Dad.
- Loved us unconditionally.
- Allowed us to be boys.
- Credited our good.
- Chastised our bad.
- Treated our friends as family.
- Accepted our wives as her own children.
- Spoiled our children and their children.
- Had many friends.
- Was successful at her work.
- Was talented in her crafts.
- Was more tech-savvy than most her age.
There are so many memories that are special and unique to each one of us. Mom was such an amazing influence on everyone she knew.
I take a great deal of comfort in knowing that she is happy and that she and Dad are somewhere on the beach surfing, fishing and watching over us all. (DCH)
