Betty Lawhon Deviney

Betty Lawhon Deviney, age 80, of Trilogy Lake Norman in Denver, NC, formerly of Mecklenburg County, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2023. 

Betty is survived by her daughters Lauren Elizabeth Ephland and Kristen Ephland Cox (Randall), their father Charles Ray Ephland III (Joellen), grandchildren Reagan Grace Cox and Dorian McKay Cox, stepsons Jeremy Deviney and Christopher Deviney, step granddaughter Caitlyn Camille Deviney, and many dear cousins and in-laws.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of almost 35 years, James Raymond “Jim” Deviney, her parents Hazel Deck Lawhon and Ernest Eugene Lawhon, paternal grandparents Joseph C. Lawhon and Mary E. Lawhon, and maternal grandparents Andrew W. Deck and Susan Baber Deck.  Among her aunts and uncles who have passed, Mary Kate Deck Ledbetter, affectionately known as “Kitten”, was a particularly special part of Betty’s life.

In 1961, Betty graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School.  She attended Meredith College, and then went on to earn her B.A. Degree in Education with a Major in English at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1966.

During her sophomore year at Meredith in 1963, Betty was crowned the first full-time North Carolina Rhododendron Queen. This also earned her the title of “Miss Variety Vacationland”, where she represented North Carolina touring the U.S. for an entire year as a goodwill ambassador.  She visited hospitals and civic clubs, and appeared in television and radio programs, parades, festivals, and rallies.  She had the honor of presenting a gift in person to Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco from North Carolina governor Terry Sanford.   One of her fondest memories was meeting the famed Mr. Bob Hope, and she recalled him joyously singing a verse of “Carolina in the Morning” to her.  Betty also was blessed to meet her lifelong best friend, Donna Summers Foard Knorr, during the pageant.

Betty was an English and Journalism teacher for many years in Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida.  She loved sharing her knowledge and was a true grammarian, never letting a comma or preposition be out of place.  She had a beautiful command of the English language and could recite Shakespearian sonnets by heart up until her last moments.  After proudly taking 11 years off from teaching to raise her children as a stay-at-home mom, she taught English again until she retired in 1998.   

Betty loved being “Mimi” to her grandchildren who were the lights of her life, and she spent as much time with them as possible.  She also adored her “honorary granddaughter” Elizabeth, and Elizabeth’s parents Amy and Andy Nguyen, who she loved like family.   Betty also had furry grandchildren and loved being “Grandma” to many dogs, cats, and horses over the years.

Always full of classic southern charm and tradition, Betty enjoyed reading, writing, decorating, and volunteering with the Chapel Hill Service League and the Ella Foard Foundation.  She and Jim shared many memorable travel experiences in Europe, South America, and across the United States.  She loved to recall her adventures and never hesitated to invite family and friends along on her trips.  

Friends and relatives who would like to honor Betty’s life may donate to the Lymphoma Research Foundation or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Betty and her husband Jim will be held jointly at 1 o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, October 14, 2023 in the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Donald G. Scofield, Jr. officiating.  The Visitation will follow in the Family Life Center of the church.  Interment will be private for the immediate family in the Rutherfordton City Cemetery.  

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. 

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