Mrs. Elizabeth E. "Betty" (Sherman) Way

Mrs. Elizabeth E. “Betty” Way, 100 years young and just weeks shy from turning 101, formerly of Abingdon, passed away peacefully at 7:20 am Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Knox County Nursing Home with her loving family by her side.

Betty was born April 4, 1923, in Elba Township near Yates City, Illinois the daughter of Lewis and Lorraine (Housman) Sherman. She married George H. Way on April 13, 1941, in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on August 9, 1976.

Betty is survived by her three daughters, Joyce (the late Gerald) Pica of Abingdon, Joann (Andy Ortery) McElrea of Lake Bracken, and Jean Ann (Mark) McCurry of Abingdon. Also surviving are her ten grandchildren, Kimera (Richard) Padilla, Tolan (Kym Tiffany) Pica, Kristan (David Nelson) Pica, Kindra (Shawn Mazander) Derry, Sean (Jackie) McElrea, Shane McElrea, Joshua (Carrie) McElrea, Megan (Jared) Brown, Tyler (Katie) McCurry and Laurel (Evan) Hall; twenty-six great grandchildren and twenty-three great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four brothers, William, Bernard, Howard, and Richard Sherman; one sister, Ruth Ann Harlan; two sons-in-laws, Jim McElrea and Gerald Pica and her special friend, Duane Wasson.

Betty lived in Yates City for the first eighteen years of her life where she graduated from Yates City High School and was a cheerleader for all four years. During World War II when her husband was serving in the U.S. Army, she followed him wherever he was stationed until he left for overseas duty.

Betty had lived in Abingdon for over sixty-five years and was very active within the community. She was a former member of the Abingdon Fireman Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron, and a member of the Abingdon Rotary. Betty was a charter member of the Abingdon Women’s Club and a member of the Abingdon World War II War Wives.

Betty was the oldest and longest member of the United Methodist Church of Abingdon, where she was a leader of the Intermediate Youth Fellowship for over eight years. She also taught Sunday School class in the late 1960s.

Betty had a strong work ethic, working for the former Blue Bell in Abingdon and later she was the social editor for the Abingdon Argus newspaper for over fifty-two years. She would call around and ask, “Who’s been married, born or buried and who’s in love with who?” Betty even wrote her own obituary. She loved to travel and took many cruises with members of her family following the death of her husband. She loved being with family, her children and her grandchildren have fond memories of her Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Pastor Conner Morrison and her son-in-law, Mark officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am Friday at the church. The burial will be in Abingdon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Abingdon United Methodist Church or to the Cupboard and the Closet c/o the Abingdon United Methodist Church in Betty’s name. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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