Betty Blackwelder

Betty Jean Smith Blackwelder, 93, of Concord, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022 at Morningside Assisted Living, surrounded by her family.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Central United Methodist Church, officiated by Ben Sloan. The family will greet friends following the service in front of the church.

Betty was born on July 21, 1928 in Concord to the late Martha Stamey Smith and Marvin Luther Smith. She is also preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” A. Blackwelder; son-in-law, Barry Bridges; sisters, Sue Robbins, Maxine Smith; brothers, Harold Smith, Marvin Smith, Jr.

As a young 16-year-old girl Betty was a member of the “Melody 3 Trio” a gospel singing group that would travel to local churches to sing and record records. After graduating from North State Business College, she went to work as Clerk of Domestic Relations. She then was deputized as Records Supervisor for the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s office. She was the oldest living Sheriff Deputy in Cabarrus County at the time of her passing and her life was dedicated to her job and her family. Betty’s family fondly called her “Barney Betty” because her gun had no bullets. She would always walk down Union St. on her lunch break to get exercise. Cooking always held a special place in Betty’s heart--she collected cookbooks and would always write side notes for each recipe. Her three grandsons were her life and she always referred to them as “Her Boys”. She was also fortunate enough to know all 6 of her great-grandchildren. Betty was a kind, sweet soul who never met a stranger. She was affectionately known as “Mamaw” to not only her family but everyone.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela A. Bridges of Concord; grandsons, Brian King and fiancée Brennan of Concord, Chandler King and wife, Jessica of Wilmington, Zack King and wife Virginia of Charleston, SC; great-grandchildren, Betsy, Amanda, Parker, John, Andrew, and Leah King; special family friend, Teresa Honeycutt, who was by Betty’s side for over 20 years; and her lifelong friend, Allen Hall of Kannapolis.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Morningside for their outpouring of love over the last 2 years, which gave the family such peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.