On July 10, 2023 Betty Frances Conner Curling passed away peacefully at the age of 92 in Roswell, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Calvin Thomas Curling; parents, George Vest Conner and Irene Powell Conner; and brother George V. Conner, Jr. She was surrounded by loved ones in the days leading up to her death.
Betty was born August 27, 1930 in Ridgeway, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education at Radford College, the Women's Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (where Cal attended), in 1951. After graduation Betty and Cal made their family home in Northern Virginia – spending most of their years in Vienna. Cal & Betty moved to Quinton, VA in 1979 where Betty continued to live following Cal's death in 2006 until she moved to Roswell, GA in 2019 to live with her eldest son's family. In addition to being a devoted wife, homemaker, and mother, Betty also worked as a home economist for Virginia Electric Power Company and as a receptionist for a local doctor's office (where her boys got free stitches).
Betty and Cal had two sons, Douglas (Doug) Clifton and Calvin Thomas (Tom) Curling, Jr. Following the birth of a stillborn daughter she dedicated herself to the efforts of helping others prevent RH incompatibility during pregnancy. She donated her plasma weekly to researchers who were in the process of creating what would become known as the Rhogam shot. She was proud to have been one of the pioneers of such a tremendous advancement in obstetric medicine.
After moving to New Kent, Betty became a devoted member of St. Peter's Parish. Betty loved to sing and was a member of the church choir for many years. She was an avid reader and she loved romance novels and word puzzles. Even after her eyes began to fail her she remained committed to word puzzles and was known as the puzzle lady at her assisted living facility. She enjoyed volunteering and served as a poll worker for countless elections. She loved Summertime, and her favorite pastime was visiting with friends on the porch over a glass (or two) of red wine.
Betty is survived by her sister Margaret Conner Schools; son Doug and his wife Donna – their children Ashley, Michael (Randi) and Matt (Lauren) and their grandchildren Avery, Emerson, Collins and Liam; and son Tom – and his children Kristy (Charles) Elston and Rachel (Timothy) Bovill and his grandchildren Clay, Jake, Conner, Camden, and Calynn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Her legacy will live on in those who loved her.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Peter's Parish Church, 8400 St. Peter's Lane, New Kent, Va. 23124, at a later date this Fall. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Parish.