Carol "Bett" Long

April 24, 1954 - June 08, 2016

Bett Long, after a long battle of her life and for life went peacefully to the angels on Wednesday June 8th 2016 in Floyd, VA. Bett was born on April 25, 1954 to Ray and Maxine Lawrence in Roanoke Virginia. Bett was a wonderful wife, mother, mema and friend. An excellent cook she would find and prepare new recipes, and then she knew how to improve upon them. Bett was also blessed with two “green thumbs” for flower and vegetables. Our home was always green and alive with plants and the pantry always full with her canned vegetables. Bett was a Christian, always doing right, not wrong and knowing good from bad. Bett also took great pride in her appearance and how she looked, not vain, simply pride her class and dignity. Bett also had a love for animals, if she found a stray they soon found a home as one of her own and Bett would have been fine if she had an animal named for all the characters from Lonsome Dove which was her favorite movie. Bett was preceded in death by her father Ray Lawrence, brother Bruce Lawrence and father in law 'Doc' Long. Those left to grieve are husband Geary, daughter Mary and Richard Shaver of Christiansburg, son Jonathan 'Bear' and Jennifer of Floyd, mother in law Essie Long of Salem, special aunt Tressie and James Thornton of Floyd, two beautiful grandkids Skylar and Landon Shaver whom she truly adored and could talk endlessly about and often did, sisters Tonya and Darrel Hodges of Wirtz, Lorna and Doug Martin of Salem, brother in law Tim Long of Salem, sister in law Nancy Lawrence of Roanoke and many other family members. A very heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, both the NRV and Roanoke offices. An extra thanks to Brenda Hawkes and Todd Tripplett. But a most special thanks to Betts “angels”, Katie Gaylor and Ashley McPherson. The care they showed Bett, the respect and dignity and compassion that Bett received was a pleasure to witness. The family will receive friends Friday June 10, 2016 at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd from 5 PM to 7 PM with a memorial service following at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, regardless of how much Bett loved them a donation to Good Samaritan Hospice, Alzheimer's Association or any animal shelter would have meant more to her. Bett, Momma, Mom, Me-Ma, you will be missed but never forgotten. You are loved. Online condolences may be made at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.

Bett, my sister, my friend...I feel so blessed to be able to call you sister. Thank you for fond memories, lessons learned, and being a good example throughout life, even to the end of the chapter we refer to as "life". Someday we will be together again. With love, Tonya

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Bett suffers no more. I pray that you all can find peace in knowing that she has been wrapped in the arms of our savior and is truly in a better place.

Dear Geary, Essie, Bear, Mary & family I am so sorry for your loss. Bett was such a beautiful person inside & out. Thank you for allowing me to walk beside you all during a most difficult time. It was an honor & a humbling experience for me. I am blessed to have met Bett & her wonderful, loving family. You all provided Bett with gentle loving care. Please know you are all in my thoughts.

Our deepest sympathy at the passing of Carol. The Hollifield family

Oh no! I just found out. Bett was my second mom growing up. I remember her reading her novels and her fun & witty personality. She was so beautiful, sweet, smart and loving. Geary, Mary (my lil sis) and Jonathan, I'm so so so sorry.

Dear Geary and family, I am so sorry for your loss that started years ago. Bett will always be remembered as the sweet soul who loved her family. Aunt Essie...I am always thinking about you...the love and help you give anyone that needs you. I know how much your oldest son, Geary will always carry all of this time in his heart. And the rest of our family too. Hang in there Geary! Next time you are in Salem.....please come see me, cuz. Tim has my number! Love to you all and God bless!

We are so sorry for your loss, she was Avery special person. Love & Prayers Woody & Sandrs

We are so sorry for the loss of Bett Long. She was a very nice and loving person. She will be missed by so many people.