Betsy Gretchen Baggett Perry, age 89, passed away on June 12th, 2026.

Betsy was born on September 10th, 1936, in Sampson County to the late Ernie and Oleta Baggett. After graduating from Clement High School in Sampson County, she married Calvin Coolidge Perry. They resided in Selma, Micro and later moved to the Thanksgiving Community where they raised their family. She worked for the Johnston County Treasurer’s office. She became an assistant teacher at Cooper Elementary and later owned and worked as a hairdresser at B&B Salon for many years in Wendell. She was also one of the first volunteers at Hospice House in Smithfield.

Those who knew Betsy, knew of her love for her family, friends and her church community at Thanksgiving Baptist Church. Betsy was a very active member of the church. She was active with WMU, Vacation Bible School, and later became the first female deacon at Thanksgiving Baptist Church. She was active in community outreach. Betsy loved gardening, quilting, and was a gifted seamstress. She loved cooking and hosting parties for her friends and family.

Betsy is preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Coolidge Perry; her son, Terry Lynn Perry; and grandson, Matthew Perry Matney. She is survived by her sister, Ernestine Powell; daughter, Susan Perry Matney and husband Roger; daughter-in-law, Katie Lee Perry; granddaughter, Amber Perry Smith and husband Wesley; granddaughter, Ashley Perry Blevins and husband Corey; and great-grandchildren, Harper Lee Smith, Calvin Scot Smith, Piper Lynn Blevins, Drew Perry Blevins, and Andy Dennis Blevins.

A graveside service for family and friends will take place at 10 am on Tuesday, June 16th, at Thanksgiving Baptist Church, 6701 NC Highway 42E, Selma, 27576.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in Betsy’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois, 60601 or through the website Alzheimer's Association /research.