Elizabeth Betsy Sherrill

Elizabeth Betsy O'Brien Sherrill died peacefully Friday, January 2, 2009, at the Forest at Duke Retirement Community. She was 87 years old. Betsy was born on July 10, 1921 in Winston-Salem to the late Leet Alexander and Nancy Simmons O'Brien. Betsy graduated from Salem College where she won neerous art awards and recognitions. She worked as a medical artist at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. In 1945, Betsy married Dr. John Sherrill, Jr. and they moved to Durham in 1953 after being stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. Betsy was an expert genealogist and a long time member of the Daughters of the Americaneevolution. She is a former member of the Hope Valley Garden Club and Book Club. Betsy was a well known portrait artist aneespecially enjoyed painting portraits of her family members. A wonderful hostess who entertained frequently, Betsy and Johneere avid travelers and traveled around the world. She was one of the founding members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Betsy was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Simmons Sherrill of Durham: a son, John Jack Franklin Sherrill, III also of Durham, and his wife, Katherine Sotir Sherrill: and two grandchildren, Meghan Elizabeth Sherrill and Johneeet Sherrill. She was preceded ineeath by her husband, Dr. John Sherrill, Jr. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2009, from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, followed by internment in the Memorial Garden. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Ste. 10, Raleigh, NC 27615. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries. Arrangements are under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham.