Betsy Wright Hinton went home to Jesus on September 28, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and friends. Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on October 16, 1948, to Jerry S. Wright, Sr. and Marjorie Vernon Wright, Betsy was the second of six children in a large and loving family.

Betsy grew up in Elizabeth City, where she attended First Baptist Church and graduated from Elizabeth City High School in 1966. She made many lifelong friendships during those years, friendships that remained a treasured part of her life for more than six decades. One of the highlights of her senior year was being selected as Mistress of Ceremonies for the Senior Follies, a beloved Elizabeth City tradition. Betsy delighted the community with her singing and dancing in two performances each night, giving an early glimpse of the joy and enthusiasm that would become such a hallmark of her life.

After high school, Betsy attended Greensboro College for two years before transferring to East Carolina University, where she earned her degree in Speech and Hearing in 1970. Following graduation, she began her career serving children through the Raleigh City Schools. A few years later, a chance encounter brought Betsy and Charlie, who had known one another in Elizabeth City, back into each other’s lives. What began as an unexpected reconnection blossomed into a beautiful love story. They were married on September 28, 1974, in Elizabeth City—exactly 52 years before Betsy went home to Jesus. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and a deep and enduring love for one another.

In 1975, Betsy and Charlie joined White Memorial Presbyterian Church, where they remained faithful and devoted members for more than 50 years. Betsy lived out her faith not simply through words, but through a life of service and genuine love for others. She was an active member of Women of the Church, serving as its President, and served White Memorial as both a Deacon and Elder. She was also a Stephen Minister and served on the Leadership Team of the Stephen Ministry program.

Betsy was among the original small group leaders when Bible Study Fellowship began in Raleigh and continued in that role for many years. Her faith deepened throughout her life, and her love for God’s Word became one of the greatest gifts she shared with others. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, loved, and welcomed. Through her gentle spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine friendship, Betsy became a catalyst for helping countless people discover and grow in their relationship with Jesus. She treasured the women with whom she studied and prayed, especially her beloved Morning Glory small group and her “saintly sisters” prayer group. For so many people, there was a moment when Betsy’s words, prayers, encouragement, or simply her presence helped them find their way closer to Jesus. Her faith was never something she kept to herself—it overflowed into the lives of everyone around her.

Betsy loved music. She loved listening to it, singing it, and, perhaps most of all, dancing to it. She especially enjoyed singing with the Junior League Chorus at retirement communities throughout the Raleigh area. She found tremendous joy in bringing music to others and in using her beautiful voice and joyful spirit to encourage and uplift those around her. And wherever there was music, there was almost certainly Betsy. She could always be found on the dance floor or on a stage, filling the room with her unmistakable energy and smile. There is no doubt that Betsy is singing and dancing in heaven right now!

Betsy also had a great love of travel and of experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. Her travels took her to many wonderful places and gave her the opportunity to make even more lasting friendships, which she treasured deeply. Yet she was just as content sitting on the gazebo at the family’s home in the Outer Banks, taking in the beauty of the water and quietly appreciating God’s masterpiece.

Faith, family, and friends were the true heart of Betsy’s life. She was a constant source of encouragement, a devoted wife and mother, a cherished grandmother, and a best friend to so many. She had an extraordinary capacity to love, and she loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Her children and grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Marjorie Wright of Elizabeth City; her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sue Wright of Kitty Hawk; and her mother-in-law, Rebecca Davis Walker of Midland, Texas. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Charles Lewis Hinton III of Raleigh; her children, Morgan Hinton Lyon (Robert) of Raleigh, Blair Hinton Fulford (Edward) of Wilson, and Charles Lewis Hinton IV of Raleigh; and her beloved grandchildren, Davis Robert Lyon, Charles Grant Lyon, Katherine Blair Lyon, Edward Arpe Fulford Jr., and Julia Frances Horton Fulford. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Riddick (William), Kathy Donahue (Phil), and Ginger Menk (Andrew); her brother, David Wright (Holly); and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Janeth, Millie, and Christine for the extraordinary care, compassion, and kindness they showed Betsy during her final weeks. Their love and devotion brought great comfort to Betsy and her family. The family is also deeply grateful to the many doctors, nurses, and staff at UNC Chapel Hill, the Rex Cancer Center, and Transitions of Raleigh for the care and compassion they provided throughout Betsy’s journey.

Sweet Betsy’s beautiful smile, her love of music and dance, her joy in God’s Word, and her extraordinary love for her family and friends will be remembered with great fondness for generations to come. She had a gift for making people feel loved, included, and valued. Her life touched more people than she could ever have known, and the legacy of her faith, friendship, joy, and love will live on through all who were blessed to know her. Betsy lived her life with a joyful heart, an open hand, and an unwavering faith. She loved deeply, served faithfully, and brought light wherever she went. While her family and friends will miss her more than words can express, they can find comfort in knowing that she is now home with the Savior she loved so dearly.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A Celebration of Betsy’s Life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. A reception will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betsy’s honor to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608.