Dr. Betty Nelon Gaddy

Dr. Betty Louise Masters Nelon Gaddy, 87, went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Stanley Masters and Martha Terrell Masters. She was preceded in death by her first husband, George A. Nelon, Jr., her second husband, Lee Roy Gaddy, and her brother, Allen Masters. Betty was born on April 6, 1937, and lived the majority of her life on the same street in the Beaverdam section of North Asheville. It was this community and her family that nurtured her kind, sweet nature. She always saw the good in others and is remembered by many for her warm smile. She met her future husband, George, when she was a feisty little blond-haired girl that refused to get out of the path of his bicycle. He would later drive hours (before I-40) between Asheville and Women’s College (UNC-Greensboro) to visit the blond beauty during 4 years of college. After her graduation, they married on July 25, 1959. They set up a home near both sets of their parents and raised 3 children. Betty was a 6th grade teacher at Valley Springs Middle School and was recognized as a county Teacher of the Year nominee in 1991. She loved learning as much as teaching. This love drove her towards numerous advanced degrees, including a Masters, Ed.S. (Education Specialist), and Doctorate. After she retired, Betty and George learned the art of silversmithing. This hobby grew into a silver jewelry business called Nelon Designs. Many nights were spent creating silver bangles, bracelets, and necklaces. Many fall weekends were spent traveling to craft shows around western NC, selling their designs. She would happily wonder on Christmas mornings how many people were opening up gifts of the jewelry that they had created. Creativity was in her blood, and she developed another hobby of watercolor painting. She would enjoy showing off the art gallery that was displayed in her home. Landscapes were her favorite, and this may have been inspired by one of her favorite quotes from Psalms: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” Even though her life was centered in North Asheville, she loved to travel. While her kids were young, the family would pack into a station wagon as soon as school was out and drive from North Carolina to California and back. They would visit all the national parks, go fishing in Colorado, and spend a few days with the slot machines in Las Vegas (always in hope of hitting that big jackpot!). Traveling with George expanded to more distant lands when they discovered cruises. The islands of the tropics, the Panama Canal, and the midnight buffets were some of their favorites. After George died in 2007, she was surrounded by family (especially her brother, Allen, who was one of her best friends) and long-time neighbors. Life was good, but she got a second chance for love and a life companion when she married Lee Roy Gaddy in 2011. Betty and Lee Roy enjoyed their years by traveling the world, including Hawaii, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and New England. They also grew amazing flowers, stayed active at church, and loved keeping up with their kids and grandkids. Betty lived with her son, Terry, and his wife during the years since she suffered a stroke. She maintained her smile and positive outlook on life even during her recent challenges. She continued to light up any room with her kindness, wit, perfect red fingernails, and stylish clothes. Betty will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed enough to have been in her circle. Those that survive her include three children: Terry (Kim), Vickie (Jon), and Michael (Ashley); her grandchildren are Christopher (Bailey), Julia (Jeffrey), Taylor, and Katelyn. She also loved her “adopted” family with Lee Roy: Dan (Susan), David (Marie), Debra, Jeremiah (Alice), Jessica (Steven), Alison, and 6 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 8. The family will receive guests at 11:00, and the service will follow at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to Asbury Memorial Church, 171 Beaverdam Road, Asheville, NC 28804, or Manna Food Bank, 99 Broadpointe Drive, Mills River, NC 28759.

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Dr. Betty Nelon Gaddy

April 6, 1937 - February 28, 2025