Betsy Bland Michaels' Obituary
Betsy Bland Benthall Michaels passed peacefully from this earthly life into the arms of Jesus on Monday, August 14, 2024.
Betsy's story begins on July 23, 1941. The oldest child of Raymond and Sonora Benthall, she was born in Rocky Mount, NC. She lived in Woodland, NC, where she spent her childhood and graduated with the class of 1959 from Woodland-Olney High School.
After college graduation, she taught in Virginia Beach, where she met her husband, Bob. After their marriage in 1965, they moved to Dallas. After all, Betsy always wanted to pull up stakes in a big city!
During the next ten years, life changed drastically as Betsy was beginning her teaching career at Pershing Elementary while Bob was holding down a job in the insurance business, working on his SMU degree along with welcoming two boys into their family—Bob, Jr. and John.
For those of us who knew her personally, it was clear that her priorities in life were her love and devotion to her Lord, her family, her friends, and her job as a teacher. She was a strong, determined, and fiercely independent woman.
She worked hard at supporting her husband for 55 years and being a good mother who always took care of her boys. She did her best to teach and guide them in the ways of the Lord. To this day, they are outstanding men and her pride and joy. Savannah and Saxon, her twin grandchildren, gave her much joy and happiness, and she will always be known to them as their "Fifi." What a blessing they were to her!
Betsy began her teaching career at John Reagan Elementary, moving to Pershing Elementary, where she taught for 45 years. She loved teaching her students and was known for her alter ego, "Vanna Whitehead." If you were one of her students, you'll remember her bubble letters and the fun way she taught. Who could forget role-playing "The Battle of the Alamo"?
During her teaching career, she received numerous recognitions, some of which were: Teacher of the Year, six-time recipient of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers," and Favorite Teacher Award.
And so the story goes until Bob and John see their mom again. She is now at peace, rejoicing with her Lord and her husband, Bob.
What’s your fondest memory of Betsy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betsy?
Share a story where Betsy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betsy you’ll never forget.
How did Betsy make you smile?
