March 6, 1941 – March 21, 2025
KITTY HAWK — Betty Lou Tillett Henley, 84 years of age, of Kitty Hawk, NC, beloved wife, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend passed from her earthly home to her eternal home with the Lord, surrounded by family, on Friday, March 21, 2025. Betty was born on March 6, 1941, to the late Melvin Caswell Tillett and Zola Beacham Tillett in Elizabeth City, NC.
Betty lived a life of warmth and dedication to her family. She was a wonderful homemaker creating a welcoming and loving home. She strived to always be the peacemaker. Her kindness and compassion were hallmarks of her beautiful character leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to have crossed her path. She was a caregiver to all. She graced this world for 84 years with her gentle spirit and unwavering love.
Betty had a love for beauty and working with her hands. She enjoyed making quilts, knitting and crocheting. She made something for all of her family and pretty much for anyone she met. She gave of her time, straight from her heart. Her grandchildren will always remember Christmas’s at “the grandparents” house because there was always something homemade for each of them to open; quilts, Barbie clothes, blankets, afghans. She loved making things.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Zola Tillett, the love of her life, husband Leslie Rex Henley, Sr., her youngest son Leslie Rex Henley, Jr., brother David Tillett, grandson James Ray Scarborough, daughter-in-law Sheri Henley, and son-in-law Nick Ward. She is survived by three of her four children, Leslie Henley, Debbie Scarborough/Jimmy Ray, and David Henley; and her daughter-in-law, Diane Midgett. Her grandchildren Jamie/Matt, David Jr./Kelly, Sarah Lou/Evans, Joshua, Dawn, Shawnta and Nick. Her great-grandchildren Nevaeh/Ariana, Noah, Nadia, David III, Hunter, Holden, Hudson, Zephyr, Willow and Marley, and great-great-grandchild Ruger. Betty will be deeply missed by her family and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 am at Austin Cemetery with Pastor Roger Barnett and Pastor Eric Barnett officiating. We will also be celebrating the life of Leslie Rex Henley, the love of Betty’s life, at the same time. He passed during Betty’s illness. They were together for 64 years, did everything together and the family would like for their homecoming to be celebrated together.
Our family would like to thank Albemarle Hospice for their exceptional care and love for our momma and our family. Your CNA Chelsea and RN Heather are precious and will forever be appreciated in our hearts for loving momma. We would also like to take this time to thank our many friends and family for being there for our momma for her extended illness. Thank you, Pastor Roger and Barbara, for your love and support. And Jane Moseley, Joan Corbell and Angela Trueblood for your beautiful care and support. We are blessed beyond measure! Thank you, Sarah Scarborough and Jamie Henley, for loving and taking care of little Grandma.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AFA (alzfdn.org).
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Rex and Betty after the burial at the home of Debbie and Jimmy Scarborough following the service.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
