Betty Ray Gillis Black, 85, a resident of Trinity Village in Hickory, formerly of Graham, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Born March 22, 1941 in Rockingham to the late Ernest Lacy Gillis and Irene Crumbley, Betty’s career was defined by her service to others, including roles such as site coordinator for a local senior program and teacher’s assistant in Richmond County Schools and Hickory City Schools. She retired in Connelly Springs, with her beloved husband, the late Carlton Otis Black, of 67 years. Betty loved jewelry, shopping at dollar stores, her cat PT, and spending time with her family at home and at the beach.
She is survived by her daughters, Carla (Lane) Chandler of Connelly Springs, and Cara (Kris) Ham of Conover; grandchildren Brandy (Justin) Brittain, Justin (Lauren) Chandler, Dustin (Taylor) Chandler, Alex (Felicity) Ham, Brandon (Stephanie) Ham, Cody (Shelby) Ham; and great-grandchildren Rylan, Bryson, Skylar, Malachi and Elaina.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 1–2 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. James Mims officiating. Interment will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.
Pallbearers for the service will be: Cody Ham, Brandon Ham, Alex Ham, Dustin Chandler, Justin Chandler and Craig Knight.
