Betty Jean (Hatcher) Lipford

Mrs. Betty Jean Lipford, age 67 of High Point, North Carolina transitioned into eternal rest on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, NC. 

Betty Jean attended J.S. Waters School until desegregation forced her to transfer to Chatham Central High School in Bear Creek, NC. Upon graduation, she matriculated at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Lenoir, NC where she received an Associate Degree in Library Science. Betty Jean, or “BJ”, was hired immediately after graduation as a Library Technician at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, NC. She remained at GTCC for 35 years until her retirement, in part to selflessly take care of her mother.

Betty Jean attended J.S. Waters School until desegregation forced her to transfer to Chatham Central High School in Bear Creek, NC. Upon graduation, she matriculated at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Lenoir, NC where she received an Associate Degree in Library Science. Betty Jean, or “BJ”, was hired immediately after graduation as a Library Technician at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, NC. She remained at GTCC for 35 years until her retirement, in part to selflessly take care of her mother.

Betty Jean met Earl Bryant Lipford while studying in Lenoir. They fell in love and married on July 3, 1977 and to this union their son Hugh Bryant Lipford and daughter, Izona Ja’Net Lipford were born. Betty Jean joined Mt. Herman AME Zion Church in Goldston at an early age and remained a member until her health declined. She looked forward to being a part of the annual Mt. Herman Gospel Choir Anniversary. Betty Jean loved to read and play games; especially Scrabble and Spades. She had a quiet spirit and disposition. She readily opened her doors to family and friends, particularly young people in school. Betty Jean enjoyed the company of others and was a trusted ear to many, as well as a provider of comic relief to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Wysorria Guthrie and Onnie Gene Hatcher.

Betty Jean leaves to cherish her beloved memories: husband, Earl Bryant Lipford of High Point; son, Hugh Bryant Lipford, Wadesboro, NC; daughter, Izona Ja’Net Lipford, Decatur, GA; six grandchildren: Kayla Janell Lily, Dallas TX; Ka'Saun Bryant Lipford, Danville, VA; Tyanna Aja’Net Spruiell, Charlotte, NC; Maya Renee Little, High Point, NC; Omni Bryonna Lipford, Greensboro, NC; and Tamia Lanae Lipford, Greensboro, NC and one great grandchild: Myla Brielle Lipford, Danville, VA. She also leaves her siblings, Oddie Marie Bartlett, Charlotte, NC; Robert Gerald Hatcher (Barbara), Siler City, NC; Walter Wallace Hatcher (Elsie), Pittsboro, NC; Zenobia Hatcher-Wilson (George), Durham, NC; and Wanda Faye Hatcher, Greensboro, NC and in-laws: Nancy Dillingham, Gertrude Gaines (Steve), Louise Fox, Lucille Isbell, Jean Hood, Billy Joe Lipford (Betty) and Virginia Lipford, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends with whom she shared treasured memories.

Professional Services Entrusted To: Knotts Funeral Service, Sanford