BRENHAM, TX—Betty Ann Pauley of Monaskon passed away September 20, 2023, at her recent assisted living facility near family in Brenham and Tomball, Texas. She relocated to Texas in 2020 to live with family after her health declined sharply.
Betty was born May 23, 1940, and was one of four children born to Fred and Mable Gillispie of Alum Creek, West Virginia. She made her way to the Northern Neck with husband Fray in 1960. “The River” became her beloved permanent residence in 1995, and was the source of many wonderful memories for multiple generations of her family.
“Nanny,” as she was known by family and many others, worked 25 years for the National Wildlife Federation and remained a faithful partner in life (and debatably excessive gardening) to Fray Pauley for 56 years. She was an avid reader, bird enthusiast, committed fan of the team formerly known as the Washington Redskins, a dedicated member of Bethel United Methodist Church and the Bethel United Methodist Women, a lifelong animal welfare supporter who wasn’t one to turn away a lost hunting dog, and a spitfire of a grandmother known for her loud advocacy of her grandchildren.
Nanny was preceded in death by her husband, Fray; and her brothers, Jerry and Gene Gillispie.
Surviving her are her children, Dexter Pauley and wife, Patti, of Tomball; Deborah Kohlhepp of Candler, N.C.; grandchildren, Ashley Hoppen and husband, Jacob, of Brenham, TX; Emily Kohl and husband, Hunter, of Lexington; Natalie Kohlhepp of Richmond; Cassandra Kohlhepp; Quinn Baker and husband, Ricky; great-grandchildren Grayson and Kaylie Hoppen and Ryleigh Baker; and sister, Reba Huffman as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Special mention must be made of her faithful friend, Shirley Brown of Monaskon.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. November 11 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lively, followed by interment in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Bethel-Emmanuel Scholarship Fund, c/o Bethel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 118, Lively, VA 22507.
