Betty Whitener Land

Elizabeth (Betty) Ruth Whitener Land passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at the Shaire Center in Lenoir, NC. Betty was born February 8, 1936 in Lenoir, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruth Chester Opauski and Robert Zennie Chester; first husband Paul Henry Whitener; two siblings, Gary Chester and Robert Chester and daughter-in-law Jessica Whitener.

Betty is survived by her husband Douglas Land; children Paula Gentry (Jim) and Ethan Whitener and step-sons Jeff Land (Wendy) and Michael Land; grandchildren, Robbie Crowell, Conor Crowell, Meredith Critelli (Nick), Isabella Nossiter (Corin), Sophia Whitener, Carson Land, Celeste Land, and Carly Land; and great-granddaughter Paisley Nossiter; her sister Patty Bolick (Tom); sisters-in-law Nancy Chester and Sharon Chester; cousins Holly Gilbert, Robin Healey, Shawn Smith and Tim Smith; and several nieces and nephews. Betty was a long-time educator and loved spending time with her family. She was also active in church, attending Hudson United Methodist Church in Hudson, NC and later Fletcher United Methodist Church in Fletcher, NC. After earning her undergraduate degree from Mars Hill College, she began her career as a high school English teacher in the Caldwell County school system. While teaching full time, she also received her Master degree from Appalachian State University and Doctorate of Education from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During her career as a teacher she was well respected among her peers and made many lifelong friends. Her family remembers many encounters with prior students who commented that she was not only the hardest teacher they’d ever had, but also the best. Betty, or Mimi as her grandchildren called her, always made time for family. Mimi enjoyed family meals, family outings and supporting her grandchildren and their various activities. She was their number one cheerleader. Despite a full schedule Betty was a faithful church attendee and volunteered her time when she could. She would even fill in from time to time leading the worship music. Betty lived a full life and impacted the lives of many people.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 at Evans Funeral Service in Lenoir, NC with Reverend Jenny Thompson officiating.

Family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00. Family and friends are invited to the graveside immediately following the service at Union Baptist Church.

A special thank you to the caring staff at Shaire Center and Amorem (formerly Caldwell Hospice). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Memory Care, https://memorycare.org/