Betty Joyce Ball, 88, of Raleigh, NC, formerly of East Tennessee died on July 25, 2021.
A memorial service will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh on a date to be provided soon.
She was preceded in death by a son, Philip; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fox; her sister, Jo Anna Grier; her beloved husband, Rev. Jimmy Ball of 67 years; and son, James M. Ball, III (Trey).
She is survived by her daughter, Julia, and husband, Dr. Bill Berry, of Wake Forest, son, Christopher and wife Christine of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; grandchildren, Michael and Emily Pratt, Nicholas and Preston Ball; step grandchildren, Erin Spalinski (David), Rachel Berry (Ben Young), and James Berry. Also surviving are her sister Beatrice Hicks of Chattanooga, TN, several nieces, nephews, and two great-grandchildren.
Betty Joyce was a life-long United Methodist. She met her husband, Jimmy in her home church in Rossville. She stayed home to raise her children until they were a bit older. After her time as a stay-at-home mom, she worked at a bank, Westmorland Mining, and Tennessee Valley Authority. She also earned an associate degree in accounting. She was a dedicated pastor’s wife, girl scout leader, and Sunday School teacher. Throughout her life, she was active at the local, district, and conference level in the United Methodist Church.
She was noted for her sweet disposition and was often referred to by members of congregations as “Sweet Betty Joyce.” She was loving and caring to all the residents at Whitaker Glen. She maintained friendships lasting over 60 years, keeping in touch by letters, e-mail, and telephone. She sent cards to hundreds of people on their birthdays, at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.
She was a devoted pastor’s wife and companion to Jimmy for 67 years and cared for their children during the many absences required of a minister. Ultimately, she lovingly cared for both Jimmy and Trey during their times of illness. Betty Joyce had a passion for playing Rook, Scrabble, Dominoes, exercising, spending time with her family, and reading.