Betty Waddell Shumate

Kitty Hawk – Betty Waddell Shumate, a long-time resident of Kitty Hawk, passed away at Spring Arbor on January 2, 2014. Betty was born on February 12, 1924 in Harlan, Kentucky, daughter of Nell and William Waddell. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Donald Theodore Shumate. She is survived by two daughters, Donna Buxton and husband Ralph Buxton of Nags Head, NC and Cynthia Nelle Knirsch and husband Al Knirsch of San Antonio, TX, and son Ronald Wayne Shumate of Prescott, AZ.; and five grandchildren Charles Buxton, Elizabeth Buxton, Samuel Buxton, Terra Knirsch, and Jessie Knirsch. She is predeceased by three sisters, Eleanor Williams, June Waddell, and Geraldine Waddell. She is also survived by her sister, Rosemary Thomas of Ashburn, VA.

Betty attended Radford College, but left in 1944 to work at the US Naval Air Base in Norfolk, VA where she met her husband Don. She worked for the Fairfax County Police Department as a crossing guard, and then began her career with Giant Food, Inc. She began as a part time cashier in 1961 and through hard work and dedication worked her way up the ladder to become the first female general manager of a Giant Food grocery store. She and Don retired to Kitty Hawk in 1984 and enjoyed a full life shared with family and friends. Betty had many talents she shared with others, as an accomplished seamstress, first rate cook, gardener, fisherwoman, and wonderful grandmother.

Don and Betty shared a long life, overcoming many challenges in their journey together. They lived the vow “til death do us part.” In Betty’s later years she fought a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Betty’s valiant fight and Don’s compassionate care were a testament to their love of each other.

Betty was a faithful member of Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral services will be held at the Gallop Funeral Home Chapel in Nags Head on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11 AM. A reception will be held at the funeral home following the service. Interment will be private.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via gallopfuneralservices.com in Nags Head. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.