Betsy Person Terrell

Betsy Person Terrell, age 96, passed away on February 22, 2023 at the DuBose Health Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Born on January 8, 1927 in Louisburg, NC, she was the daughter of William Tolliver Person and Noye Aycock Person, and sister of the late Bill Person and the late Glenn Person.

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Simon Fleming Terrell, former coach at Warrenton, Cary and Durham high schools, Director of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, and member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. She is survived by her two daughters, Betsi Terrell Devine (husband Mike) of Raleigh, NC and Ann Terrell Carlson (husband Joe) of Tampa, FL, as well as three granddaughters, Michelle Devine, Lauren Kelly Devine Greenbacker (husband Robertson), and Kelli Carlson, and two great-grandsons, Everett and Simon Greenbacker.

After attending Louisburg College, Betsy worked at the UNC-Chapel Hill Football and Ticket Offices before beginning her 24-year career as Dean Smith’s Administrative Assistant in the UNC Basketball Office.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betsy was an avid golfer and loved dancing, exercising, sewing and cheering on the UNC Tar Heels. Her motto in her later years was “go with the flow,” and that is exactly how she lived her life. She was always kind and grateful, and kept her keen sense of humor until the very end. She left this earth peacefully, full of grace and love. Heaven is welcoming another angel.

“Death leaves heartache only God can heal; love leaves memories no one can steal.” - Irish Blessing

There will be a visitation for family and friends at Walker’s Funeral Home in downtown Chapel Hill from 11:00am to 12:30pm on Thursday, March 2nd. A private graveside service for the family will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to University Baptist Church (100 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514) or to a charity of your choice.

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Terrell family.