Grace "Betty" Elizabeth Caviness

Grace Elizabeth “Betty” Caviness, 74, passed on October 16, 2021 at Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh, NC.  She passed with dignity and grace after a long battle with dementia. Betty’s life was filled with wonderful memories with family and friends. She was married for 52 years to Jake, the love of her life, who passed earlier this year. They were completely devoted and in love through their many years together. She enjoyed music, loved to dance, and could be found with Jake at the Burlington Shag Club most weekends dancing late into the evening. Some of Betty’s favorite memories were at their SOS beach trip in Myrtle Beach every summer. Betty also loved to travel, going on a long European vacation with Jake and cruises with their friends. And she was a card shark. Known to many as Betty “DECK” Caviness, she carried several decks of cards everywhere she went and was ready to beat any challenger.  Progressive Rummy was her game of choice.  She took no prisoners. As a mother, she was fiercely protective and loving.  She spent her time as a room mom, substitute teacher, school office aid, and school volunteer.  As a grandmother, she was indulgent and doting.  Her favorite hobby was spoiling Zach and Ashley.  As a constant presence in their lives,  Betty could be found at games, school functions, and dance competitions. 

She is survived by her children, Walter Lee Caviness III of Raleigh and Elizabeth Ann Caviness Williams and husband Rick of Cary; grandchildren, Zachary Steven Williams & Ashley Elizabeth Williams; sister, Christine Amos Crabtree; brother, John Ronald Hales.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lee “Jake” Caviness, Jr.; parents, Grace McDonald Hales and John Hanes Hales; sister, Doris McCann Leonard.

Services will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park on Sunday October 24, 2021. The family will receive visitors at 2:00 prior to the 3:00 service. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund - curealz.org .

Online Condolences may be sent to www.mcclurefuneralservice.net

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