Betty Jo Gill

In Loving Memory of Betty Jo Gill February 13, 1937 – October 15, 2025

Betty Jo Gill peacefully transitioned from her earthly life on October 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith. Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of several churches in Concord and Kannapolis, North Carolina, always guided by her deep commitment to God.

Born in Headland, Alabama, on February 13, 1937, to William H. Neese and Docia Lee Smith Neese, Betty Jo spent most of her childhood and school years in Swansea, South Carolina. After graduating high school, she attended Pfeiffer College, where she earned a degree in Christian Education. Her first role in ministry was at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Concord.

After raising her three sons and seeing them off to school, Betty Jo began working as a teacher assistant in Cabarrus County Schools. Encouraged by Mr. H. L. Heart, principal of Winecoff School, she returned to college at UNC Charlotte to earn her teaching certification and later completed a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Her teaching career spanned 24 years, with service at Royal Oaks and Winecoff Elementary Schools, and concluding with four years at Northwest Middle School as a technology specialist. In 1988, she was honored as North Carolina's "Computer Technology Teacher of the Year," a testament to her dedication and innovation in education.

In retirement, Betty Jo continued to live out her faith through acts of kindness-teaching, visiting shut-ins, and preparing meals for those in need. She believed deeply in serving others as a reflection of God's love and purpose.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lester Gill, her parents, four brothers-John E. Neese, Alton E. Neese, Harold Neese, and Larry Neese a sister, Vivian Wingard, a niece, Betty Louise Neese, and sister-in-law Dorothy Neese.

Betty Jo leaves behind a loving family: her sister-in-law Regina Neese; her three sons —Michael B. Sethna (Candace) of Jefferson City, TN, Cyrus Sethna (Terri) of Supply, NC, and Timothy Sethna of Kannapolis, NC; her grandchildren-Kendall Sethna (Michael) of Maryland, Kaith Tyson (Adam) of Atlanta, and Tanner Sethna of Kannapolis, NC; and her great-grandchildren— Isaac Murray, Colt Tyson, Axel Tyson, Eleanor Murray, and Allyssa Jane tyson.

Her heartfelt prayer was that her family and all who knew her would come to know Christ and experience the comforting peace that only He can provide. God bless all.

The Glory of Life

The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; To give, not to get; To serve, not to be served. To be a strong hand in the dark to another in need, A cup of strength to any soul in a crisis of weakness- This is to know the glory of life.

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep

By Mary Elizabeth Frye

I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, The diamond glints on snow, The sunlight on ripened grain, The gentle autumn rain... Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.

A Final Reflection

Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before — Only better, infinitely happier, And forever we will be one together with Christ.

This Is Me, Just Thinking...

I am the gentle breeze on a summer night, The butterfly resting on a flower, The red cardinal in a bright green tree, A bluebird to remind you of me.