Betty Faye (Chadwick) Rivenbark

    Betty Faye Chadwick Rivenbark, age 76 of Burgaw, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 12, 2022.

     The youngest of six children, Betty was born April 17, 1946 in Pender County to the late Raymond Elbert and Mary Catherine Harris Chadwick in the Shelter Creek community. Betty was also preceded in death by her brother, Gene Chadwick.

     Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Jerry Winford Rivenbark Sr., who fell in love with her at first sight. Betty also knew very quickly that he was the one she would spend the rest of her life with raising a family. They exchanged vows in an intimate wedding ceremony at her parent’s home prior to his tour of duty in Vietnam. She anxiously crossed off the dates on her calendar awaiting his safe arrival home to start their family.   

    Betty is also survived by her two sons, Jerry “Jay” Winford Rivenbark Jr. (Elizabeth) of Salisbury, Jeffrey “Jeff” Brian Rivenbark of Wilmington; grandchildren, Christina Crayton (Jordan), Charitee Yates (Matt), Zachary Rivenbark and Josiah Rivenbark; great granddaughter Everlee Yates; and one great grandchild on the way.
     She is also survived by her brother, Ray Chadwick (Pat) of Burgaw; sisters, Mamie Rivenbark (Jimmy) of Benson, Gracie Atkinson of Wilmington, and Barbara Wells of Burgaw. Betty also has several nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
     Betty’s parents began taking the family to Burgaw Holiness Church (now Gateway Community Church) in 1953. On October 6, 1974, Betty accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and continued to serve the church until her death. She was the longest-serving member of the church since joining in 1953.
    Throughout the years, Betty volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, Vacation Bible School teacher, and nine years as secretary/treasurer for the church’s youth ministry, “Crusaders for Christ.” She was also a member of the choir and more recently served with the church’s food pantry.

     From multi-layered chocolate cakes to other delicious desserts, she always donated home-baked goods for the annual church bazaar, and assisted with numerous fundraising campaigns at the church. In 1985, she was voted “Lady of the Year” for her commitment to the church.

     An expert homemaker, Betty was passionate about gardening—often stocking her freezer with fresh summer vegetables and her pantry with a myriad of canned goods.
     The place that gave her a great sense of peace and happiness was working in her yard where she carefully tended plants, perfectly pruned hedges and meticulously spread fresh pine straw throughout her gardens.     

     Betty’s funeral will be at Gateway Community Church in the Burgaw Holiness Sanctuary on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 2 pm. Dr. Howard Harrell, Jerry Rivenbark Jr., and Rev. Randall Pearce will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

     In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Betty’s memory to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

 https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/carolinas or New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation’s “Currents of Care” https://www.nhrmc.org/nhrmc-foundation/get-involved/fundraising/currents-of-care.

      Condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall.

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