Betty Salley

Betty Jean Clonce Salley, 92, of Church Hill gained her Heavenly reward on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 peacefully at her home. 

She was born to her loving parents Grant Kelsey Clonce and Ruth Adams Clonce in Kingsport, Tennessee on July 11, 1932. She was a graduate of Dobyns Bennett High School and cherished her upbringing in the Borden Mill Village community, a place she often liked to reminisce about and visit. She treasured the time she got to spend in the “country” near Clinch Mountain visiting her paternal grandparents in the summer. She was a traveler too, having her bags packed and ready for a train ride to Washington, D.C. to visit her maternal grandparents and family there. After high school, she took the opportunity to move to Washington, D.C., working for the FBI in various clerical roles. After her time in D.C., she moved back to Church Hill and married the love of her life whom she loved unconditionally for 56 years, James W. “Coach” Salley. She later worked for the Kingsport Press for several years prior to her wonderful retirement together with Jay. During her 56 amazing years of marriage, she and Jay lovingly raised 3 children: Sherry, Patty, and Tim. 

She was devoted to her family and loved traveling over the years. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She supported, encouraged, loved, and prayed over her family every day. She was a woman of faith and instilled this in her family. She had a remarkable sense of style and never left the house without looking her best. Betty was a beautiful lady and her soul and love for her family shined brighter. She was so very proud of each and every one of them. She was a true giver and always took time to make everyone in her family feel special and loved. She was an expert gift giver on holidays and birthdays. She loved watching the smile on everyone’s face as they opened what she had meticulously searched for on the special occasion. Bringing joy and excitement filled her heart. Above all she loved and served the Lord, keeping this in the forefront of everything she did. She brought great pride and joy to everyone she knew. 

Betty is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, James W. Salley, her parents, Grant Kelsey Clonce and Ruth Adams Clonce, and brother Grant Kelsey Clonce, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Sherry Hooks (Mike) and Patty Salley; son, Tim Salley (Kim). Her grandchildren, Laura Cook (Logan), Lindsay Richards (Michael), Michael Jay Hooks (Raina), Leslie Salley (Robyn), Jacey DeVaughn (Conor). She was an adored “Mamawsh” to her great-grandchildren, Audrey Richards, Leah Cook, and Lucy Richards. 

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to her care team at Caris Healthcare. We are grateful to all who contributed to her care. Thank you to the dedicated staff of Amedisys Home Health. A special thank you to caregivers Janie and Wanda for their support, compassion, and kindness. 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 17, 2025 where she will be laid to rest beside Jay at East Lawn Memorial Park in Kingsport with Pastor Jeff Strong officiating. Pallbearers will be children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Betty’s name to the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Association.