Betty Joyce Meredith Hefner

Betty Joyce Meredith Hefner, 80, of Newport News, VA, passed away, Monday, October 22, 2024, surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.
Born July 29, 1944 in Norfolk, VA, she was the youngest daughter of the late Lionel Edward Meredith and Eunice East Meredith. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Lionel, Jr. and Reginald Meredith and her beloved daughter in law, Lisa Brooks Hefner.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jerry N Hefner, Sr. of Newport News; daughter, Terri Hefner West and her husband, Craig and their children Garner West and Tallie West of Apex NC; son, Jerry Hefner, Jr. and his children, Meredith Hefner and Matthew Hefner of Goochland, VA; sisters, Barbara Jenkins and Dottie Thomas of Jacksonville, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Despite her growing decline from dementia, Betty remained an active member of King of Glory Lutheran Church through the devotion of her husband, Jerry, by attending services, bible studies, and luncheons. When she could remember nothing else, through the grace of God, she was able to finish scriptures, prayers and sing songs of praise. She lived her life in testament to Jesus and his hope and promise.
In addition to her life-long service to Christ, Betty was a devoted daughter, niece, wife, mother, and friend. She was everyone’s cheerleader whose optimism was contagious. She shared many adventures with her husband, children and friends – traveling to and exploring Israel, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Paris, Belgium, Canada – and many places in the US – including Hawaii; hiking, skiing, white water rafting, and exploring wineries in the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains; enjoying the beaches of Viginia and the Outer Banks; water skiing, crabbing and fishing; and trying new restaurants. She adored her Boston Terrier fur babies and even helped care for the many reptilian critters that made their way into our home. She was an amazingly beautiful Drum Majorette at Norview High School; a solid bowling league partner with her mother-in-law; and a smooth award-winning dance partner with the love of her life. Her energy, enthusiasm and creativity were boundless – organizing the activities of the household; driving kids to practices; never missing a swim meet or event; and coming up with unique ways to make ends meet and make even the most insignificant moment special. She retired as a loan officer from the Langley Federal Credit Union where she continued to help others and developed many friendships.
A celebration of eternal life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at King of Glory Lutheran Church located at 4897 Longhill Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188 with Reverand Shawn Linnell officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the church in Founders Hall.
Because of Betty’s love of children, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Betty’s name to the King of Glory School so that the next generation may know the love of Jesus. (Via Dawn Maynard, King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4897 Longhill Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188)
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to her amazing caregiver, Charlotte, who was an angel to us and who became Betty’s best friend and a member of our family. No words can adequately convey our appreciation for the love and companionship that Charlotte gave to Betty to improve her quality of life over the last 18+ months.
We are also extremely grateful for the staff, chaplain, CNAs, nurses and doctors at Mary Immaculate Hospital who provided tireless, compassionate, Christ-centered care to our wife and mother during her last days of life.