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In memory of

Betty Lou Ericson

Southport, NC

November 30, 1940 - December 4, 2020

Nov 30, 1940 - Dec 4, 2020

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Betty Ericson quietly passed away on December 4, 2020 near her home in Southport, NC.

Betty moved to North Carolina with the love of her life twenty years ago. She immediately felt at home in Southport, North Carolina and spent much time near the water enjoying the beauty that Southport offers.

Betty and Rodger Ericson were married for 49 years before his passing in 2007. Betty met Rodger at the age of 16 while working at the Salvation Army in St. Louis MO. She was so smitten by this funny and warm young man that she got fired after filing everything under miscellaneous just so she could spend more time with the handsome and kind Rodger.

Her mis-filing paid off and she married him, the man of her dreams, on September 20, 1958. And at the age of 17 she set out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shortly after they were married, Rodger was drafted into the US Army. And Betty became the cooker of pancakes for many soldiers who stopped in frequently at their home in El Paso Texas. Proudly serving her husband and her country in a way that only Betty could.

After the birth of her two girls, Beverly and Cindy, the family moved to St. Louis and then on to Indianapolis where she gave birth to her third child – Rodger James Ericson, or as those who know him – Jay.

During this lifetime adventure Betty pursued a variety of activities – ballet, pottery, writing and teaching. She eventually landed her dream job working side by side with Rodger for many years as a manufacturer’s rep selling stuffed animals and other gift items. Her house was always filled with fun trinkets and samples that she generously gave to her three grandchildren – Lora, Michael and Eric.

She would tell you that her greatest joy in life was her marriage to Rodger and her greatest pride was her three children and the families they built. But her little dog Coco, was by far her favorite child.

Throughout her life, Betty found strength in God and her continued reliance on Him helped to carry and guide her throughout her life.

And it was this faith that gave her a spirit of determination that allowed her to live life on her own terms.

It was this determination that led to creative ways to get what she wanted. When she wanted Rodger to paint the bedroom she turned permanent markers over to the kids and gave them the go ahead to graffiti the walls any way they wanted. And they did just that. Needless to say, the room got painted.

For a woman who was known for her inability to carry a tune, she used her strength and determination to overcome and, as a result, spent many wonderful hours in the church choir including singing solos.

That determination also got her involved in community theater where she pushed aside her stage fright and played some wonderfully outrageous characters while making some dear friends along the way.

And ultimately it was her faith and determination that kept her going after Rodger passed and kept her going through her many health struggles over several years.

Over the past few months, she reflected on her life and would readily admitted that she had a good life, a full life filled with love, laughter and some hardship sprinkled along the way. But her faith in God and her connection to her church gave her the strength to overcome those hardships.

She was a woman not afraid to give her opinion without flinching or apology. And she passes on her faith and spirit of determination to those mourning her loss.

She will be remembered for the many ways she touched the lives of those around her. And for her unwavering strength and determination.

Thank you to all of those who loved and cared for her – especially over these past few years. Your kindness and love was something she cherished.

Rest in Peace Betty – your fight is over and you most definitely deserve a peaceful rest.

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