Betty Marie Best's Obituary
St. Michaels. Betty Marie Best loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and long-time resident of St. Michaels, Maryland died peacefully of natural causes at her home on April 15, 2024 surrounded by her close family and one of many special caregiver's. She was born in Annapolis, MD on May 15th, 1932, the daughter of the late William C. and Blanche S. Schenck of Annapolis.
Betty Marie is survived by her daughter Debra Lee Sisson and her husband L. Boyd Sisson, of Cosby, TN, her son R. Craig Russell and his wife, a special daughter-in-law, Teresa M. Russell of Neavitt, MD, a devoted and loving grandson Bryan Leonard, grand-daughters Talia Jade Sisson and Brittany Rose Gowe and her husband Brandon Gowe, great-grandsons Lyric Sisson- Ashe and Bailor Gowe, great-granddaughters Willow Sisson-Robinson and Marlyn Gowe, a special sister-in-law Margie Schenck and several nieces and nephews and their families whom she loved dearly. Betty Marie was predeceased by her parents, mother Blanche and father Bill, her loving and supportive husband Bill Best in 2014 and brother, William Schenck.
Betty Marie began her 25+year career as the educational secretary of the Department of Transportation for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education in Annapolis. She and her husband Bill, and children, then relocated to the Eastern Shore to build their home and settle in St. Michaels in 1966. She was a devoted and caring mother and took a brief time out to raise her children. Using her previous background, she then assumed a similar role with the Talbot County Board of Education as the administrative secretary for the St. Michaels Elementary School. As secretary, she had a great respect for the school's principal and a special gift working with children, as well as excelling at the administrative tasks associated with her position. As she grew older, many children simple knew her as Mrs. Best, the school secretary.
As in her career, she also left a impression on the volunteer services she would provide for her community. She was a member of the Educational Secretaries Association in Anne Arundel and Talbot Counties, she served as president of the Hospital Auxiliary, Memorial Hospital, Easton MD, where she helped establish the first hospital Escort Service, served as recording secretary for the auxiliary and was a member of the MD Association of Hospital Auxiliaries, where she served as Vice President. She also volunteered for the community of Rio Vista, as a member of the Board of Governors, chairman and tireless member of the Garden Committee and active player in the Rio Vista bridge group.
Mrs. Best professed her faith daily, loved her church, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, St. Michaels, MD, and her church family. In addition to traditional Sunday services, she was an active member in all church enterprises including Secretary of the Administrative Board, working with the Friends of St. Luke's (FOSL's), member of St. Luke's Women's fellowship and Women's Circle, Bible Studies, Women's Fellowship, St. Luke's Garden Committee and bridge club. Betty Marie, as Chairman was especially proud and instrumental in the church women's needlepoint design, creation, and extensive labor in creating the kneelers used for communion at St. Luke's, truly a work of labor and love. She was also proud to serve as Co. Chairman of the Home Communion Committee that was developed for members of St. Luke's who could no longer attend regular services, a service she truly enjoyed.
Betty and Bill also shared an active social life with memberships at the Miles River Yacht Club and Talbot County Country Club, while participating in swimming, golfing and tennis with many friends and family. Betty Marie was also a gifted skater and in the winter, when "reflection lake" was frozen, all were treated to a memorable ice skating performance.
Despite all her extra curricular activities, Betty Marie's greatest joy was her family and friends. She was truly a wonderful friend to all that knew her. Always remembering others in special ways and giving of her time as sharing, caring and thoughtfulness were traits that were very important to her. Family above all, she was most happy making a holiday meal, setting the table and surrounding herself with ones she loved. Working in her flower garden, tending to her azaleas, watching the herons and swans she truly enjoyed nature and loved her home. Betty Marie especially loved trips to the beach, this was her happy place, where she would be the first one on the sand and the last to leave, enjoying every minute.
Miss Betty and the family would like to personally thank all the wonderful caregivers that supported and cared for her as her health began to decline. Your dedication, compassion and friendship was profound, and meant the world to her. Also to the dedicated team of Talbot Hospice, your support, effort and professionalism was also greatly appreciated this past year. All of you collectively, allowed her to remain in her home, which was so very meaningful to her. Many thanks.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, St. Michaels, on Monday May 20th at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to St. Lukes United Methodist Church P.O. Box 207, St. Michaels, MD 21663 or Talbot Hospice Foundation, Inc., 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601-3805.
Arrangement are in the care of Framptom Funeral Home-Ostrowski Chapel, St. Michaels, MD. (Please visit www.framptom.com)
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