Betty Dean (Williams) Daniels

Betty Dean Williams Daniels, age 82, of Sanford, passed away peacefully, on Monday, July 29, 2024 at UNC Health Johnston, with family by her side.

She was born in Erwin, North Carolina on May 31, 1942 to the late Carthan Williams and Clara Bell Boyette Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Ray Daniels; son, Ronnie Coker,  and siblings, James Huffine, James "Skeat" Gilmore, Jerry Gilmore, Leroy Gilmore, Ruth "Marie" Paul, Peggy Medlin and Jamie Scofield.

She is survived by a daughter Tonia Daniels Wall and husband Tommy of Willow Spring, NC; sons, Ricky Daniels of Wasilla, AK, and Rocky Daniels of Gentry, AR; grandchildren, Brendan Daniels and wife, Allison, Ricky Daniels Jr, Collen Cantrell, Casey Coker, Paige Daniels, Avery Thomas, Anniston Thomas, Joyceanna Daniels, Richard Daniels; and six great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, & in-laws.

Although she resided in Alaska for years, helping her husband run his businesses, Betty’s heart was in North Carolina. She returned to Sanford, NC in 1996 with Danny, Tonia, and Brendan. North Carolina was where she was born and raised and wanted to be closer to her NC family.  She enjoyed her Sunday visits with family, and always had a meal and or dessert prepared. She was a wonderful cook! She mostly worked in banking, or accounting in her adulthood.  Accounting was her specialty, and she ran a tight ship handling the books for her late husband Danny.

As a parent and grandparent, Betty was always eager to lend a hand up.  She was not a believer in handouts but would never miss an opportunity to help, in some way. She was loving but stern. She taught respect, independence and strong work ethics.  She was the first to correct her children and the first to defend them.

You could always count on Betty for a good laugh, whether intentional or not, you never left a visit with her without a belly laugh.  Her southern charm and straight forward sarcasm always kept you on your toes.  She was predictably unpredictable; you’d never know what she might say but you better believe it would be a memorable comical story for days & years to come. She loved to laugh. She will be missed by all that knew & loved her, someone you could never forget.

A graveside service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Sunday August 4th, 2024 at 3 p.m.

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