Elizabeth “Betsy” Tweedy Houck

Elizabeth “Betsy” Tweedy Houck, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, surrounded by her family.

Betsy lived most of her life in Lynchburg, Virginia, before moving in 2018 to Cedarfield Retirement Community in Henrico to be closer to her loved ones.

Born in 1940 in Christiansburg, Virginia, Betsy was the daughter of Robert Price Tweedy and Anna Elizabeth Tweedy. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara “Gail” Foskey of Carrollton, Virginia, and Kathy Tweedy Mawyer of Chesterfield, Virginia. She was predeceased by her sister, Virginia “Jenny” Epperson, in 2021.

Betsy graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg in 1958. She began her studies at Madison College in Harrisonburg, completing a two-year pre-nursing program, and went on to graduate from the University of Virginia School of Nursing in Charlottesville in 1962.

That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Peter William Houck. Together, they raised five children: Katherine Houck of Austin, Texas; and David Houck, Heather Harris, Allison Kahl, and Sarah Takacs, all of Richmond, Virginia. Betsy is also survived by ten beloved grandchildren: Noé Mina, AJ Houck, Andrea Houck, Liam Harris, Jude Harris, Isa Harris, Carson Kahl, Evan Kahl, Aiden Takacs, and Christian Takacs.

Betsy was devoted to her family and her community. She gave her time generously, participating in organizations like the PTA and the Women’s Auxiliary of Virginia Baptist Hospital. Her deepest joy, however, came from being a mother and grandmother. Her family and friends will always remember her for her boundless kindness, loving heart, and warm smile — always punctuated by her signature red lipstick. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen, cherished, and deeply loved.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A private burial for extended family will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery on Thursday May 22,2025.

A memorial service to celebrate Betsy’s life will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church. A reception with refreshments and fellowship will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Virginia School of Nursing.

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