On May 6th 2022, heaven gained an angel when Betty McNeilly Ledford made her long journey home to Jesus.
Betty was born on January 17, 1935 in the Delight community of upper Cleveland County. She was one of nine children born to Ethel and Grayson McNeilly.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, James Clifton Ledford; her son, Avery Max Gardner, Jr.; her mother and father, three brothers, Harold, Ray, and James McNeilly; and three sisters, Mary Allen, Annie Carol Beaver, and Christine Henderson.
Betty is survived by her brothers Jack McNeilly and wife Jo of Belwood and Charles McNeilly and wife Sandra of Belwood. And by her children, Tami Wheelous-Gardner of Smithfield, Ava Phillips and husband Bill of Shelby, and Patricia Gardner and husband Kevin Powell of Ennice. Surviving grandchildren are Tamara Doupe and husband Jon of Kings Mtn; Madison Gardner and wife Hannah of Durham, Avery Gardner of Raleigh, and Remy Gardner of Raleigh. Surviving great grandchildren are Kody Phillips, Kory Phillips, and Murphy Jane Gardner. Betty is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Betty was a demure and proper lady. If you were fortunate enough to call her friend, then you know there was never a more loyal and faithful one. If she knew you, she was keenly interested in everything about you. Betty's quiet and unassuming nature made her easy to talk to and be with. She never tired of enjoying her friendships and of making new ones.
Betty is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. We her loved ones are forever blessed by her gifts of love and grace.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 11, 2022 in the chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with Dr. Ervin Price officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.