Lola "Betty" Elizabeth Boatwright

Lola “Betty” Davis Boatwright, 88, of Garner, NC, went to see Jesus in Heaven on November 12, 2023, and she wants you to know that you can spend eternity there, too. (I John 5:13)

“Betty” was born in Oxford, NC in 1935 to John H. Davis, Sr. and Mary Alvaretta Rittenhouse Davis. She was a 1953 graduate of Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh, NC, and was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alfred Leslie Boatwright, Sr. She previously worked with her husband, “Al,” in the family business, Boatwright Insulation Company, in Raleigh. She also spent ten years operating the “Scooby Doo Day Care” in Garner, where many of the children she cared for became “family.”

She attended North Ridge Bible Chapel in Raleigh, taught various Bible studies, and was a Sunday School teacher for 55 years. She was active with the Pines of Carolina/NC Coastal Pines Girl Scout Council for at least 50 years and was a lifetime member. She was a member of the NC Federation of Women's Clubs for eight years and was a board member for Christian Women’s Club for sixteen years.

In 1975 “Betty” was recognized by the NC State Department of Human Resources for volunteer work at the N.C. School for the Deaf. She was nominated for the Governor’s Award in 1983, and was honored by the Wake County Board of Commissioners for her work with youth in 1983.

She leaves behind four loved and loving children: Linda (and John) Hicks of Garner, NC, Alfred “Leslie” Boatwright, Jr. (and Deborah) of Benson, NC, Kip (and Carol) Boatwright of Surf City, NC, and Jennifer (and Rodney) Wood of Garner, NC. She also leaves behind her loving niece, Dorothy Bailey (Carlton) who was raised in the home.

She leaves behind her beloved siblings: MaryAnn Perry, of Brandon, Florida, Jean Tittle, of Colleyville, Texas, and Samuel Davis, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Napier, and her brothers, John Henry Davis, Sr. and Ernest Cleveland Davis.

“Granny” treasured any time spent with her eight grandchildren: Brandon (and Charley) Boatwright, Heidi (and Brian) Hicks, Brandi (and Chris) Smith, Justin Boatwright, Jonathan (and MaryBeth) Hicks, Joshua Boatwright, Christian Wood, and Tristan (and Oliva) Wood. She was especially proud of her great-grandchildren: Gracie Hicks, Allie Hicks, Nicole Smith, Riley Grace Boatwright, and Zachary Smith.

She will also be greatly missed by “Star,” her beloved great-granddog.

“Betty” will always be remembered for her love of God, her family, church, friends, and HOT coffee. She was a second “mother” to many of those in her life. Her favorite verses were Proverbs 3:5-6, which she often shared to encourage and direct others.

She has requested that memorial contributions be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, 611 Saint Mary’s St., Garner, NC 27529.