Betty Jeannine Groah Norvell – Promoted to be with God in eternal life on Friday, August 18, 2017. She is survived by William J. Groah Jr. (brother) and wife, Virginia Groah, William M. Groah (nephew) and wife, Tanessa Groah, and Suzanne Groah Fox (niece) and husband, Steve Fox.
She will always be remembered by her loving family, her extended loving Alexander, Brady and Bowman families, and her many friends. Betty was born in Harrisonburg, VA in 1934, the daughter of Rev. William J. Groah and Jennie Nicholas Groah.
She was married to Richard H. Norvell in 1959 until his death in 2005. After graduating from high school she received her B.A. degree from Greensboro College in North Carolina, her M.F.A. degree from Ohio University, and later her Ph.D. degree from West Virginia University. She began her career at radio station WSVA in Harrisonburg, VA. In 1957 she joined the staff at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV and became Director of Drama and instructor in Speech, Dramatic Arts and English and retired from teaching in 1995. She served in various capacities in her Churches and will be remembered by her friends of the First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church, both of Buckhannon, WV.
Betty had a deep connection with and devotion to nature and animals, especially her kitties Purr and Peaches. Her devoted friend, Steve Saufley, conducted her graveside service.
A memorial service will be held at Noon on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Buckhannon, WV.
Those that remember Betty may want to make a contribution to the Hurst Hospitality House at the Winchester Medical Center in Virginia or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.
Arrangements were handled by Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lindsey Funeral Homes.
August 28, 2017
Sharon and Bob Ours
So sorry for your loss. Betty was a special lady. She loved her fur babies
She will be missed. I pet sit for her babies when she went away for a few days.
August 28, 2017
Connie & Gary Kerlin
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Betty we bought the cabin in Port Republic from her and her husband and enjoyed so much meeting them at that time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family!
August 27, 2017
Betty was a brilliant teacher and scholar. She was also a wonderful charming person and friend. Ruth and I enjoyed her articles. So sorry for your loss.
Rich and Ruth Calef (Buckhannon, WV)
August 24, 2017
Devonne Brown
Betty was a magical teacher. I loved every second I spent in her presence. I am so sorry for your loss.
August 24, 2017
Larry Wagner
I have so many memories of her as a professor at WVWC. She was special to me then, and I hope all have such great memories of her. Sorry for your loss.
August 23, 2017
We had a special friendship with Betty, even corresponding with her since retiring from WVWC. So very sorry. She will be missed by many!!!
Pam and Patrick Balch
August 23, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Betty was very special to many people here in Buckhannon. She worked for many years in the Methodist Church and then joined the Baptist Church, but was still in touch and in the hearts of all in the Methodist family. We know her heart was in the right place. May you have many memories of Betty and what she means to you.
Jo Criss, UM Church, Wesleyan District Office
August 21, 2017
Don and Joy Shingleton
Betty was a very special person and we will miss her very much. She spoke of you often. May the memories you hold in your heart bring healing and peace. We will miss her in our Sunday School Class.
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Lindsey Funeral Homes473 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3608
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