Eleanor Grace "Betsy" Mears
February 25, 1940 ~ September 17, 2025
Born in:
Marlinton, WV
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailEleanor Grace Friel Mears, known affectionately as “Betsy,” of Jones Road in Leicester, NC, and most recently at the Center on Aging and Health in Erwin, TN, went to be with Jesus on September 17, 2025.
Betsy was born on February 25, 1940, in Marlinton, WV, and was raised there. Working in Washington, D.C., with the FBI, she met her future husband, George Mears. Following marriage and two children, they relocated to Western North Carolina, where they began a long life. She raised her children as a homemaker, and then pursued a banking career, retiring in 2005. In 2009, she became a caretaker for her husband, George, who was diagnosed with cancer. After he passed away in 2013, she became an independent, productive member of her community, being a member of Bell Methodist Church in Leicester and pursuing a life of volunteer work. At home, she loved caring for her home and tending to her yard, plants, flowers, and was a lover of blue birds.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Hulda Friel; her brothers, Eugene, Elmer, Everett and Ernest Friel; and a granddaughter, Ashley Snodgrass.
Betsy is survived by her sister, Evilene and her husband Roy Beverage; son, Mark Mears and his wife Nicole; daughter, Joni Lynn Dorman and Joshua Bryant; five grandchildren, Aaron, Averie, Samuel, Isaiah, and Abigail; and a great grandchild, Mahagony.
The graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, at Bell Methodist Church Cemetery in Leicester with Pastors Rick Powell and Robert James officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bell United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 36, Leicester, NC 28748 or to Amedisys Hospice in Elizabethton, TN.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Services
Graveside Service: September 23, 2025 1:00 pm
Bell United Methodist Church Cemetery
Old Newfound Road
Leicester, NC 28748
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
We will miss Betsy and sorry to learn she has passed. George and Betsy were good friends and we
enjoyed church services together with them and meals at the welcome table. Betsy will be missed
in this community
We will miss Betsy and sorry to learn she has passed. George and Betsy were good friends and we
enjoyed church services together with them and meals at the welcome table. Betsy will be missed
in this community
Lisa Estes
Thank you, Lisa! So many memories of our childhood❤️🙏
Aunt Betsy, as I came to know her, as my wife’s aunt. Being the sister of my father in law. She accepted me as family at our first meeting. I always felt comfortable being around her. I am grateful to experience such love and support. RIP Aunt Betsey !
George and Betsy were both very involved in making Leicester a better community. They will missed. Some of my best memories are visiting Leicester cemeteries with George. Praying for you all during this time.
Sorry about your mom . I graduated high school with your dad.
So sorry for your loss, I miss Betsy, but so thankful she knew Jesus. George and Betsy were very good neighbors.
May God bless your family.
I am so saddened by Betsy’s passing. I Loved her dearly! My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark, Joni, and the rest of the family. I’m heartbroken that I couldn’t be there for her graveside service and sending my love.
I will miss you everyday until we meet again ❤️
Betsy was a shining light to all who knew her. A loving, kind and compassionate heart light. I worked with Betsy at BB&T bank until she retired. She always was a calm, steady presence in our West Asheville office and everyone, clients and staff loved her!!
My heart goes out to her husband, children, and grandchildren. May God keep you all in His care and comfort you at this difficult time.
May your loving and cherished memories bring peace.
Much love,
Diane
Betsy was a shining light to all who knew her. A loving, kind and compassionate heart light. I worked with Betsy at BB&T bank until she retired. She always was a calm, steady presence in our West Asheville office and everyone, clients and staff loved her!!
My heart goes out to her husband, children, and grandchildren. May God keep you all in His care and comfort you at this difficult time.
May your loving and cherished memories bring peace.
Much love,
Diane
She was a force at Bell UMC and we’ll miss her dearly. Her favorite hymn was Have Thine Own Way. I’ll think of her every time it’s sang. ❤️