Betty Gail Church

Betty Gail Sanderford Church, died Monday, March 28, 2022 in Trinity Grove in Wilmington, NC. She was born August 31, 1946, the only child of Herbert R. (Andy) and Mazzalee Thurston Sanderford of Whiteville, NC who preceded her in death. She was formerly married to  John T. Church, Jr.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Whiteville, NC and most recently Shallotte Presbyterian Church.  She was a 1964 graduate of Whiteville High School and a 1968 graduate of High Point University in High Point, NC, where she received her Bachelor degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, she worked at Sampson County Department of Social Services in Clinton, NC. Later, she moved to Henderson, NC where she was active in First United Methodist church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Chairwoman of the Altar Guild. She was a member of Sara Souci Book Club and the Colonial Garden Club while in Henderson.

After moving to Ocean Isle Beach, NC, she was active in animal rescue groups while always owning a rescue dog herself.

Betty was diagnosed with Insulin Dependent Diabetes at the age of four and fought a 71 year battle with the disease. She was the May 2001 recipient of the Joslin Diabetes 50-year Medal of Honor and also the Eli Lily 50-year Medal.

Survivors include cousins, Kay T. Pope (Paul) of Lake Waccamaw, NC, Diane Thurston of Lebanon, TN, Jim Sanderford Jr. (Luli) of Boone, NC, Susan Sanderford of Chapel Hill, NC, Jack Sanderford (Martha) of Wake Forest, NC, Elsie Sanderford and Edward B. Sanderford, Jr. (Tina) of Selma, NC.

Memorials may be made to any local or State Animal Welfare Group.

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