Betty Beardsley

Betty Beardsley of Williamstown, WV, passed away after a brief illness on October 9, 2026, at Cleveland University Hospital. Betty was born on September 11, 1953, to Albert and Virginia Beardsley.
Betty is survived by her sister, Mary Sue Anderson of Williamstown and cousins Everett Watson (Bonnie) of Ohio and Patty Wright of Florida.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; Franklin Anderson (brother-in-law), Dessie Athey Wingrove (maternal grandmother); Jake Athey (maternal great grandfather), and others.
Betty worked at the Wunder Shoe Store, Kmart, and Central Trust. She always made her customers feel valued and special.
Betty was a lifelong resident of Williamstown, WV, and she truly loved and supported her community. In 1971, she graduated from Williamstown High School where she was Head Librarian Assistant and helped keep the scorebook for the high school basketball team. She was always among the first to cheer on the kids in the Williamston community, offering her support and enthusiasm every step of the way. She also posted updates about the football and basketball scores and even was friends from some of the opposing teams’ fans.
She was the President of the Williamstown High School Alumni Association and was active in the all-school reunions that were held the weekend of the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department’s ice cream social. For many years, she helped at the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department.
Betty was a member of Williamston Eagle Aerie 4487 and American Legion Post 159 and was active in both organizations.
Her dedication to Save a Kitty and to the cats throughout our area was unmatched. Betty cared deeply about the causes close to her heart, and she was never afraid to stand up, speak out, and fight for what she believed in.
Betty was very unselfish in all ways and sacrificed her time and resources to help others. Betty’s presence, passion, and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed. Her passing leaves a hole in the Williamstown community that will not easily be filled, and her impact will be remembered by the many lives she touched.
McClure Schafer Lankford Funeral Home is assisting the family and messages of sympathy may be sent at www.Lankfordfh.com.
Please join us in a service for Betty on October 29, 2026, at 1:15 pm, at the First United Methodist Church. The Williamstown Middle and High School choirs will perform in Betty’s honor. A dinner to celebrate Betty’s life dinner will be held on November 7, 2026, at 5:00 pm at the Williamstown American Legion. The family is asking that attendees wear Williamstown Yellow Jackets or West Viriginia University apparel if you wish.