Betty Elam

Mrs. Betty Deuel Cock Elam died early Sunday morning, August 31, 2014 at her home. She was born September 20, 1924 in Hampton, VA, the daughter of Roland Deuel and Annie Berry Cock.

Betty graduated from Farmville State Teacher's College (Longwood University) in 1946 with a degree in Home Economics. She substitute taught for many years in Kingsport City Schools, mostly at John Sevier Jr. High and Dobyns Bennett High School.

Betty was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday School and was the first woman to serve on the vestry. She was instrumental in the early restoration of the Netherland Inn and continued to volunteer at the Inn as long as she was able. She was a life member of the Girl Scouts, serving as Leader to countless girls over many years and was a dedicated volunteer at the Shepherd Center. In addition to her volunteer work, she was active in the Virginia Club, the AAUW, Kingsport Retired Teachers and the Historic Zoning Commission.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Edward "Ned" Elam in 2007; daughter Barbara Brooks Elam West; grandson Richard West and granddaughter-in-law Tobee Douglas West.

Surviving are three daughters: Anne Deuel De'Ath and husband, Malcolm, Betsy Lookofsky and husband, Al, Judy Skelly and husband, Jim; seven grandchildren: Walter Lookofsky, Alice Lookofsky, Brooks West and wife, Lauren, Stuart West and wife, Hilary, Sarah De'Ath and husband, David Reece, Jacqui Kalliopuska and husband, Esa, and Jeannie Skelly; a step granddaughter, Jessica Douglas; and four great-grandchildren: Samuel and Caleb West, Chloe West and Ruben Kalliopuska.

Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with The Rev. Chris Harpster officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Friday at Olive Branch United Methodist Church Cemetery, Prospect, VA with The Rev. Carolyn Craft officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 161 E. Ravine Road, Kingsport, TN 37650, the Netherland Inn Association, PO Box 293, Kingsport, TN 37662 or to the Shepherd Center, 132 W. Sevier Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37660.

Mrs. Elam was cared for in her home by a very special group of ladies whom she loved and who loved her.