Betty Elizabeth Sampsell

With broken hearts and overwhelming sadness, the family of Betty Elizabeth Strickland Sampsell, 91, of Hopewell, share with you her passing peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 8, 2022.
Born on July 1, 1931 in Kanawha County, West Virginia, Betty was the daughter of the late John B. and Clara E. Hayes. She and her late husband, Giles U. Strickland, moved their family to Hopewell in 1966, and she has called Hopewell her home ever since. Also preceding her in death are her son, Jerry W. Strickland; son-in-law, David L. Meyer; and husband, Elbert R. Sampsell. She is survived by her daughters, Tamara Strickland Snell (Reginald) and Sandrea Strickland McCarthy (Kevin); grandchildren, Tyler Meyer (Alex), Claire-Elizabeth Meyer Simon (Alex), Raychel McCarthy Madden (Christopher), and Bryan McCarthy; and great-grandchildren, Margo Tyler Simon, Grier Elizabeth Madden, Naomi Grace Simon, and she was looking forward to meeting #4, great-grandbaby Madden, in April of 2023.
Having graduated from Clendenin High School in Clendenin, West Virginia, Betty worked as a Pharmacy Tech for 20 years for Stump's Drug Store in Clendenin and then as a Secretary at her beloved Hopewell High School until her retirement.
In her 91 years, Betty never let grass grow under her feet. She was an accomplished artist - pink roses were her specialty - and taught for many years. She sang in the band "Nostalgia" which she absolutely loved; she was in the choir and also sang with the Singing Saints at the First Baptist Church, where she was a member for many years. A member of the Red Hat Society, she won several awards for hats she designed herself. She sang in musicals at First Baptist Church and acted in plays at the Fort Lee Playhouse, such as "Anything Goes" and "Showboat." Betty also loved to play cards (Rummy was her favorite). But, her biggest love in life was rocking, talking, and singing to her beautiful great-grandchildren. Betty was deep in her faith, and she loved her God and her family fiercely. She also loved chocolate, lipstick, and jewelry!
While the family mourns her passing, they also celebrate a wonderful life who touched the hearts of so many. There will be a celebration of Betty's life at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for their beautiful mother and grandma.