Betty Jones Calton

Betty Jones Calton of Forest City died April 9, 2023 after a lengthy illness.  Betty was born in Lattimore NC, October 24, 1930, and was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ivey Jones. She was preceded in death by a brother Bobby Ray Jones. She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years Aubrey L. Calton, three children: Debra C. Roberts and husband Charles (“Chip”) of Coxsackie, NY, Gregory Calton of Lake Lure, NC and Steven L. Calton and wife Leigh of Atlanta, Ga. Three grandchildren: Dustin Roberts , Andrew Calton (Katie) , Kayse Calton. Aubrey and Betty enjoyed family reunion times with children and grandchildren. These were always joyous and loving occasions.  

Betty graduated from Gardner-Webb Junior College in 1950. She was a co-editor of the Gardner-Webb Yearbook. She completed her college years at Appalachian State University graduating in 1952 with a degree in Elementary Education. Over the years she taught in Gastonia, NC, Springfield, OH, Niceville, FL, Valparaiso. FL, and Beale Air Force Base, CA schools. At each of the seven assignments during her husband’s Air Force career, she adapted to new cultures quickly, established a home for her family and filled to perfection the obligations of a field grade officer’s wife. She was active in Air Force chapels serving at two bases as president of Protestant Women of the Chapel. At Patrick Air Force Base FL, she received a citation from the Air Force Chief of Chaplains for her contributions to the spiritual environment at the base. After her husband’s Air Force retirement, she was active in her church, First Methodist Forest City. She directed several choirs from cherub to youth age groups.  Also, formed and directed a Senior hand chimes choir. She was a faithful member of the Asbury Sunday School class and served on several church committees.  She was a volunteer teacher for several years in an adult reading program sponsored by Isothermal Community College.

The family is deeply grateful to Hospice nurses, social workers and chaplains for the loving care they gave to Betty and the wise loving counseling for Aubrey. We are equally grateful to the staff and associates of Brookdale Senior Living for the genuine loving concern and help.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church ,341 East Main Street, Forest City at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, April 19, 2023 with Rev. Curtis Goforth officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorials (specific or general) may be made to First United Methodist Church, 341 E Main St, Forest City NC 28043 or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P O Box 336, Forest City NC 28043.

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