Betty Joan Staton Reid

Betty Joan Staton Reid, a beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on November 11, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on July 23, 1935, Betty lived a vibrant life filled with passion, purpose, and a commitment to her community.

Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Betty graduated from Charlotte Technical High School, as a National Honor Society member. She went on to become a proud graduate and active alumna of Gardner Webb College. Following college, Betty worked for the Celanese Corporation putting her Associate of Arts degree to good use. Soon after, her best friend suggested she go on a double date with her boyfriend’s friend from the Navy - the rest was history. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Dick Reid. Together they raised 2 sons, sharing their values of determination and perseverance and their love and respect for family and community. Betty continued her career working for the prestigious Charlotte Country Club and in the business office of the Little Construction Company. Soon after, her husband’s long-time sales career uprooted them from Charlotte to Tallahassee, FL, to Buffalo Grove, IL, to Fort Wayne, IN, to Greenville SC, back to Charlotte and finally to Moneta, VA, at Smith Mountain Lake. With each move, and in every unfamiliar community, Betty was unwavering in her love of life and ability to establish new and enduring roots for herself and her family. 

Betty was not only equipped with knowledge, but also exemplified the values of service and leadership. Her contributions to the community were numerous and heartfelt. She volunteered as her sons’ school librarian, as well as with the Junior League, where she played an instrumental role in various initiatives. Betty also helped manage the church flowers and headed the library at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, in Moneta, dedicating her time to fostering a love of reading and learning. For many years, she hosted story-hour every Tuesday at the church school, bringing joy and imagination to countless children. Betty helped to open the Discovery Shop, benefiting the American Cancer Society, and was an active member of GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) proudly donning their signature logo and nurturing friendships. Tending to Mother Nature’s shrubs and plants was also important to her. Betty completed the Roanoke, Virginia “Master Gardeners”, program serving local community gardens and proudly helping them to come alive. Additionally, she participated in the women’s golf league in Greenville, SC, where her competitive spirit shone through.

Over the years, Betty had the good fortune of traveling across Europe, Hawaii and to Puerto Rico, fulfilling her enthusiasm for adventure and always making time to find a charming café and local gift shop. She especially cherished her special times spent with loved ones at her favorite beaches of North and South Carolina and Florida. Her Smith Mountain Lake years cultivated the couple’s unique passion for sailing, even training her to become the “Admiral” of their 40-foot boat, endearingly named the “MaddieO”, after her two granddaughters whom she adored. Boating epitomized her adventurous spirit and love for the open waters off the Carolina coast. Her zest for life extended to music and dancing, especially when it came to Carolina Beach Music and the Carolina Shag, as well as to her husband’s classic country, which she embraced wholeheartedly and shared joyfully. Betty shared her joy and love with her family and could often be heard proudly passing along stories of her children, granddaughters and her many nieces and nephews. 

Betty is survived by her devoted husband, George Richard Reid; her sons, George Gregory Reid and his husband Miguel, and Robert Scott Reid and his wife Michelle; her cherished grandchildren, Maddie and Olivia Reid; her beloved sister, Gloria Budge, and her husband Tom, and her sister-in-law, Valerie Staton. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Faye Staton, and her brother, H.B. Staton. The warmth and love she cultivated will continue to resonate through her family and friends, as they carry forward her legacy of kindness and dedication that she imparted throughout her life.

Betty’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched and within the memories shared by those she loved. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments and adventures but for the love and joy that she selflessly gave to her family and community.

There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Life in Betty’s honor on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, Virginia, at 2:00 PM. An Open-House Reception will follow at the Waverly Clubhouse at Smith Mountain Lake. 

The Reid Family invites anyone unable to attend the memorial in person to join Betty’s service LIVE via the church YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrinityEcumenicalParish

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made in Betty’s honor to the Trinity Ecumenical Parish Memorial Fund. https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YXVH/campaign/C-ZW4M

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.