Betty Heard

Dr. Betty Boyd Heard died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, following a lengthy illness. Betty retired from Averett University in 2011 after a distinguished 30 year career as a professor of English. Her life was dedicated to educating and mentoring future teachers and sharing with her students the absolute wonder of 19th century British literature and poetry. Betty's was a life well-lived, and her influence will be cherished by daughter, Susan Elizabeth Heard of Joplin, Missouri; son David Boyd Heard of Danville; Dr. Gail Allen; and the loyal group of extraordinary people known as "Team Betty." She is also survived by grandchildren, Elizabeth and Matthew Trexler, Aunt Betty Jo Venable, and cousins, Begie Grabow and Vicki Morgan. She was predeceased by parents Cecil and Nita Boyd of Dallas, Texas. Memorial gifts may be made to the English Department of Averett University, 420 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541 or the Danville Speech and Hearing Center, 742 Wilson Street, Danville, VA 24541. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. from West Main Baptist Church with the Reverend Bruce Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service and at other times will be at the residence, 215 College Avenue. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street is serving the Heard family.