Betty Gray Strader Lawrence

Betty Gray Strader Lawrence, 91, passed away on November 2, 2026 which was her wedding anniversary. She walked into paradise surrounded by her loving family.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver and friend, Betty was affectionately known throughout her community as "Mama Betty” –– a name she lived up to. Steadfast in her faith, Betty was generous with her love and humble in the way she cared for those around her.

Born in Rockingham County to the late Womble and Frances Strader, Betty shared 63 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Glynn Dillard Lawrence. Together, they raised three children and built a family rooted in love, kindness and faith.

Of all the blessings in Betty's life, her greatest treasure was her family. Her home was a place of warmth and laughter. The biscuits were made by hand, forts were made out of blankets and barstools, and you wouldn’t dare find chicken and dumplings from a can. At Mama Betty’s, you knew you belonged, and you knew you were cared for.

A devoted member of Mt. Carmel Global Methodist Church, Betty lived her faith through quiet acts of service. She was known for "praying people up," as she called it, and anyone fortunate enough to be on Mama Betty's prayer list knew they had someone special looking out for them.

Betty spent much of her life caring for children in her community, extending the same warmth and love she gave her own family to generations of others. She never sought recognition for the lives she touched. In fact, had someone told Betty just how full and beautiful a life she had lived, she likely would have rolled her eyes and insisted she was simply “doing what she was supposed to do.” To those who knew and loved her, though, Mama Betty's life was anything but ordinary.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Glynn Dillard Lawrence, and her brother, Ray Warren Strader.

She is survived by her children, Barry Lawrence (Diane Scearce), Glynda Sackfield (Mark) and Angela Martin (Tim); grandchildren, Cindy Barr, Bryan Lawrence, Mark Sackfield II, Christy Hill, Jess Sorrentino and Savannah Martin; and great-grandchildren, Alex Barr, Abby Barr, Zoe Sackfield, Nathan Sackfield, Joe Sackfield, Jacob Hill, Dayne Hill, Wren Sorrentino. She also leaves behind a large and loving extended family and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Mt. Carmel Global Methodist Church, with Rev. Tim James officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Carmel Global Methodist Church After School Program, 361 Mt. Carmel Church Road, Reidsville, NC 27320