Betty Lea

Betty Newman Lea, 74, passed away at her home on Thursday, September 5, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on March 5, 1945 in Boydton, Virginia to the late Alfred and Virginia Newman.  She received her Bachelors degree from Westhampton College in 1967.  Betty also received her Masters Degree in English from Averett University.  She was a middle school Language Arts teacher for over 25 years.  Betty also taught adult education courses at Danville Community College and Danville Adult Learning Center for several years.  Her passion was teaching; and, she had great impact on many of her students, young and old. Betty will be remembered as a loving wife, caring mother and loyal friend to all she knew.  She so enjoyed all the good times with family and friends.  She was a member of the Gabriella Garden Club and The Wednesday Club.  Betty was an avid reader and passed her love of books onto her daughters.  She loved travel and enjoyed the theater.   She will be deeply missed. Betty is survived by her husband of 52 years, Harry; daughter Ginny and her husband Lea Riddle of Roanoke, Virginia; Sally and her husband Lee Burton of Danville, Virginia. She has 4 beautiful grandchildren, Sarah Haskins Riddle, Charles Webster Riddle, Samuel Lea Burton, and Virginia Catherine Burton.  Betty is also survived by her brothers Alfred Newman and William Newman and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  A very special thank you to her caregivers, Lynette Marshall, Sharon Monson, and Ardena Bigelow. The family will celebrate Betty’s life at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 2pm. Interment will follow at Mt View Cemetery.  The family will receive visitors at the residence, 1 Creekside Drive, on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 7pm.    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mt Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street, Danville, Virginia 24541 The Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, Virginia 24541 or the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center, 312 Whitwell Drive, Roanoke, Virginia 24019.