Betty Jo Turner Schell

After a lengthy illness, Mrs. Betty Jo Turner Schell, 80 of Lenoir passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Caldwell Hospice. Born March 23, 1931 in Lenoir, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Grover C. and Mary Jo Turner. Mrs. Schell graduated from Lenoir High School where she played in Captain Harper?s Lenoir High School band until choral director George Kirsten recognized her beautiful singing voice and moved her to the chorus. In addition to school instruction, Betty studied voice with Mrs. Gertrude Blackwell and became an accomplished choir, chorus singer and soloist with church and community groups. She and her husband were members of First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir for over fifty years. In addition to choir, Betty was active in many other church programs including teacher, youth leader, and church officer. She was honored to be selected as Ruling Elder of the congregation. She was an active bridge player participating in clubs and special bridge groups for many years. A member at Cedar Rock Country Club, she particularly enjoyed playing golf with her husband and in organized groups. She was a regular in the women?s and couples golf programs at Cedar Rock, and she and her husband frequently had their golf clubs with them when traveling. One of her fondest memories was of the ?four traveling couples? on their golf trips. She was a frequent volunteer for charitable causes and was one of the earliest volunteers at the Caldwell Hospice. She volunteered for many years at Yokefellow, her favorite charity, where she served as an officer and director and was recognized for distinguished service. Along with being a dedicated homemaker, Betty was interested in classical and stage musical performances. With her husband and daughters, she regularly supported and attended Charlotte Opera performances. Survivors include her loving husband Edwin C. (Ed) Schell with whom she shared nearly 58 years of married life; two daughters, Karen Whitworth and husband Dane of Newton; Janet Kuck and fiance? Carson Copeland of Granite Falls; one grandson, Eric Whitworth of Charlotte: step granddaughter, Amanda Jane Moose, and husband Brandon, and children Zachary and Hannah Grace of Newton. A celebration service of Betty?s life will be held 4:00 Thursday, March 1, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Rob Hinman and Reverend Parker Williamson officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. Private family graveside rites will precede the service. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina 28945 or Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW Lenoir, North Carolina 28645. Online condolences may be sent to the Schell Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Schell family. PDF Printable Version