Elizabeth Avery "Betsy" Moize of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away on October 28, 2017. Her beloved partner of 30 years, Janice L. Moody, was at her side. She was 82.
Betsy was born on November 2, 1934 in Farmville, Virginia. She grew up and attended schools in Virginia and Dallas, Texas, before graduating in 1954 from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. In 1959, Betsy arrived in the Washington D.C. area where she took a job answering letters and phones at the National Geographic Society. Within months her writing and editing smarts won her a position crafting legends (captions in NG parlance) for National Geographic Magazine. In time she would head the Legends staff of more than a dozen writers whose words filled much of the magazine's monthly content. In 1990 she capped a storied 38-year career by being named Associate Editor; becoming the first woman in the magazine's history to hold this high position. By example and leadership, Betsy cleared a path for many to follow; mentoring successive generations of writers and editors.
She retired in 1997. Her feature articles for the magazine ranged in topics from Daniel Boone and Austin, Texas, to tulips, immigrants in Australia, the Canadian Rockies, and the wonders of West Virginia. Betsy spent retirement doing her favorite things. She loved traveling anywhere in the world with Janice. Their fondest trips took them for many winters to Sanibel Island, Florida, and in summer to the crisp shores of Maine in Janice's native New England. Betsy craved cooking, dining out, playing golf, fishing fast streams, joining book clubs, and, most of all, spending treasured time with family and friends. In recent years, Betsy began painting, watercolors and oils. She joined a water aerobics class, held spirited election night parties, and never stopped playing her ukulele. Betsy also found time to write and edit for the famous watch company, Rolex.
She will be missed by all who knew her, for her wit, strength, generosity, and guidance.
Predeceasing Betsy are her parents, Norman Shiflett Moize, founder of a family title company, and Elizabeth Gould Moize, banker, trophy-winning golfer, and avid fisher woman.
She is survived by her spouse Janice Moody, whom she married on January 15, 2015; and by sister Ann Parkinson (Bill), and brothers William Gould Moize (Jean), of Lake Fork, Texas, and Norman Scott Moize, of Dallas, Texas.
Betsy cherished her six nieces: Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Parkinson Manning, Christine Elizabeth Moize, Virginia (Jenny) Elaine Moize, Samantha Sullivan Baird, Molly Sullivan, and Jillian Sullivan, and her seven nephews: William Stone Parkinson III, Benjamin Gould Parkinson, Daniel Moize Parkinson, William Gould Moize Jr., Norman Scott Moize Jr., Kenneth Avery Moize, and Adam Lee Moize. To the numerous grand-nieces and nephews, she was simply Gabby (Great Aunt Betsy).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org) or Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org).
A celebration of Betsy's amazing life will be held Saturday, November 11 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad St. in Falls Church VA. For tributes and donations, visit: www.murphyfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Murphy Funeral Homes.
November 19, 2017
Ledlie Bell
Betsy won me as my first boss with light guidance when I started answering letters of inquiry to NG in June 1963. She introduced me to a "real" pig roast, which had taken lots of work, but she appeared only as the festive, relaxed hostess.
November 10, 2017
Theresa Furnari
Betsy embodied brains, wit and laughter and it was always a pleasure to be in her company. She will be missed by family and friends, but she gave us so many wonderful memories. My heartfelt condolences to Janice and your extended family and all the friends who had the honor to have known Betsy.
November 8, 2017
Ken Florence
It was always a joyful and uplifting experience to run into Betsy when I worked at National Geographic. Janice, my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Betsy was a wonderful person.
November 8, 2017
Barbara Van Gorder
Sending my sincerest condolences. I will always remember her wonderful laugh!
November 8, 2017
Susan Borke
I knew Betsy at National Geographic. While we didn't work together directly, I valued her success, her professionalism and the support she gave women in the organization. My sympathy to Janice; losing a spouse is so difficult. I hope the memories you have will be some comfort to you.
November 7, 2017
Elie and I send condolences to Janice and to the rest of Betsy's family. Betsy was a larger than life figure, and we feel privileged to have known her. We will always have fond memories of events like pig roasts and other gatherings. Lesley Rogers
November 7, 2017
Diane Malaney
To Janice, and all your family, I sincerely wish you peace and warmth. Betsy has a long history of laughter and a life well lived for generations. She changed my life in many ways, most importantly the way to use vocabulary to expore and explain.
I am so very sorry for your loss and have so much respect for your strength together over so many years. May you find peace in the love of those around you, and the pleasure of memories that will never end.
November 7, 2017
Marie Martinucci
Betsy was a wonderful person who brought much joy to all who knew her. She always had time to discuss the most book she read and she brought sunshine into my life. Thanks Betsy for all that you did.
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