Betty J. West (Mills)

Betty Jane (Mills) West, age 84, went to the open arms of our Lord & Saviour on October 2, 2022 surrounded in love by family.  She was born September 19, 1938 in Murray, NY to the late Maurice and Amanda (Jennie) Dusett Mills.

A 1955 high school graduate of Kendall Central School, Betty went on to receive both her Bachelor’s  and Master’s degrees in Education at Brockport State University and began her teaching career in Holley, NY. After 35 years excelling as an educator, she retired from Albion Central School district in 1993 but never stopped displaying her masterful skill set in other capacities throughout her life.

Betty was a longtime member of Albion First Baptist Church and loved singing & playing hymns on piano. Since moving to Lancaster, SC in 1996 she joined Westside Baptist Church where she was a choir member, substitute pianist, and member of Golden Friends for several years. She also loved traveling, sunny beaches, playing golf, and knitting/crafting (especially Buffalo Bills items that were a rare yet hot commodity in NC/SC).

Betty always had a tremendous sense of humor and a bit of flair for the dramatic. She could tell stories like no other and lit up every room she entered with her million-dollar smile. She had a special gift of befriending everyone to the point that even strangers felt like family. She loved being “in the know,” loved others unconditionally, and always found a grandiose way to celebrate even the littlest things.

Betty, a loving and devoted wife for 64 years, is survived by her husband, Dean, and their three daughters who are her pride and joy: Pam (Chip) Walton, Denine Hill, and Cindy (Dionis) Smith. Also surviving are her four grandchildren: Adam (Kelly) Walton, Hillary (Brian) Meachum, Austin Hill and Carter Hill who all hold fond memories of her hugs that could cure all, as well as three beautiful great-granddaughters: Charlotte & Audrey Walton and Myers Meachum.

Betty’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave in Albion, NY on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm, and a graveside funeral will immediately follow at Sandy Creek Cemetery, 16338 Ridge Rd in Murray, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Betty West Scholarship Fund organized by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation by clicking the link below.

Fundraiser by Chip Walton : The Betty West Scholarship fund (gofundme.com)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23 ESV

To share a special memory of Betty, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com