Doris Reid Betts, devout Christian, volunteer

Doris Reid Betts, 92, of Georgetown, went home to be with her Lord Friday, March 8, 2024. She passed away in her home of 72 years.

Doris was born in Easton, Md., April 14, 1931, to Willard W. Reid and Ada Longfellow Reid, and later moved to Felton. Doris graduated from Caesar Rodney High School Class of 1949.  She married William C. Betts of Georgetown Sept. 6, 1952. He predeceased her in 2020 after 68 years of marriage.

Doris’ first employment was at the Harmon Oil Company in Dover, where she was a secretary for three years. After raising her children, she was employed by John L. Briggs and Company of Georgetown for 25 years.  She spent many years doing volunteer work at Stockley Center for 25 years, the Blood Bank of Delaware, and 17 years as a volunteer ombudsman for the State of Delaware at a local nursing home.  Doris had a heart for older people and served them faithfully, not only in person but through an amazing ministry of phone calls and cards of encouragement. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Georgetown.

Doris is survived by her four children, David (Carol) Betts, Dorleen (Bob) Messick, Dennis (Amy) Betts and Dan Betts; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; her sister, Gladys Johnson; special friend and former daughter-in-law, Debbie Betts; two nieces; one nephew; brother-in-law, Ken Betts; and two sisters-in-law, Linda Betts and Nancy Betts. In addition to her husband Bill, she was predeceased by her parents; sister, Reita Saxton; brother, Kenneth Reid; and daughter-in-law, Elaine W. Betts.

Many thanks to Dr. Eileen Davis and Vitas Healthcare for all their care, and to her daughter, Dorleen, for being her special caregiver.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Thursday, March 14, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where a time of visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private.